The global pandemic we are currently in was an unforseen crisis that no student thought they would have to contend with. Universities have implemented a "blended learning" approach to give us the best learning experience they can offer right now, given the circumstances. However, with the oncoming month-long lockdown, students should have the choice to choose to work from home/online completely, without having to provide medical evidence or be penalised for not attending in person. Especially when some of us are only attending in person lectures for one or two hours a week.

Students are adults and paying full fees for our education, we should have the choice to choose how our money is spent, and therefore work in a way that is best for us. Especially since we have the alternative of attending online. We should be able to take control and responsibility of our learning without having a medical diagnosis. 

We respect and appreciate that the university is doing its best to help us, but we ask to be respected in our choices in this global pandemic, to keep ourselves safe and work how we feel most comfortable. 

"As a values driven institution, our values underpin all that we do. We promote a community where all individuals matter, where well-being is paramount and pastoral care is of the highest quality." - The University of Winchester, their modern slavery statement.