When the Covid-19 pandemic began, it meant Scotland went into lockdown, and because of this the University of Stirling started operating a “no detriment” policy. This meant that, where assessments are completed, results from the assessment diet will not disadvantage the position for students (Student Bulletin 8th April 2020) 
However, this policy was only in effect for the remainder of the 2020 spring semester, despite the pandemic, lockdowns and online learning continuing.  
The student body would like the University of Stirling to continue using the “no detriment” policy in the Spring 2021 semester due to several reasons. 

1. With the announcement of the latest lockdown coming into effect after many students had travelled back to their homes, this has meant many students are not able to return to their term time addresses. As a result of this, students will not have access to laptops, notebooks, and other resources as they will have left them in Stirling.  
2. Childcare is also an issue for some Stirling students, as with schools being shut to all bar key workers children and vulnerable children, students are having to balance studying and helping their own children with their schoolwork. 
3. During the 2020 Autumn semester, the number of extension requests had gone up by 30% more than they usually do by the 12th November. This has not only resulted in extra stress for students, shown by the increase in extension requests, but it has also resulted in staff being overloaded with marking and not having the same amount of time to rest. 
4. Whilst the teaching material this semester has been accessible for most students, online learning is not an effective method of teaching and learning and does not benefit every type of learner.  
5. Mental Health has always been a concern for students and staff, and the covid-19 pandemic has been detrimental to everyone’s mental health and motivation. This has had a negative impact across the university and needs to be taken into consideration by the university. 

The student body recognises that this is a difficult and ever-changing time for everyone involved and there is no easy solution. We would ask that the University of Stirling re-introduce a no detriment policy in order to aid both staff and students during this difficult time as the Covid-19 pandemic continues.