Update on marking and assessment boycott

Dear colleagues,

I’m conscious that I wrote to you all earlier this week, along with the UCU York Executive Committee, to share our local position on the industrial action dispute and the national negotiations.

This is a further email to reflect on the herculean effort colleagues have made to minimise the impact of the marking and assessment boycott on our students. 

I’d like to express my huge appreciation to everyone who has helped us reach this point. It has involved such a collective effort across academic and support departments, and has helped ensure that all but a very small number of students can graduate or continue to their next year of study. Thank you.

This process has been difficult, and we still have plenty more to do, but we have approached it in a spirit that reflects a strong commitment to working together, and working for our students, even amid adversity. As graduation ceremonies approach in the next few weeks, I think York has been exceptional in the way we have navigated a difficult path through these challenges. 

Even though only a very small number of students will not yet be able to graduate or progress, we recognise how difficult and disappointing this situation is for them. We know academic and support departments continue to offer advice and guidance with their next steps. You can read more about our approach on our industrial action webpages for our students.

We have invited all finalists to their graduation ceremony. This will be a celebration of their achievements rather than a conferral of awards, with no distinction made on the day between those with and without a complete run of marks. 

Our graduation ceremonies in July mark such a special occasion, as supporters, friends and families join us in congratulating our students on their achievements. I hope you have the chance to be on campus to be part of this joyful moment.

With best wishes

Charlie
Vice-Chancellor and President