Leeds

Leeds students ask why they can go to the pub, but not to lectures

As pubs reopen, Leeds students protest new remote learning decision

Georgina Pellant - 18th May 2021

This week sees the return of indoor mixing as bars, restaurants, cafes and pubs reopen their doors for the first time in a long time. Museums, art galleries and cafes can also now reopen to the public.

So it seems understandable that some Leeds students are wondering why they can't go to university for in-person learning, but they can go and sit in the pub.

A group of students at Leeds University have started a petition demanding "a complete return to in-person teaching for University of Leeds students."

Students also want to see the current "blended learning approach" - confirmed as policy by the University just this week - be dropped immediately.

The current blended learning approach sees small group learning situations, like seminars, tutorials and practicals, continue face-to-face whilst larger gatherings, such as lectures with over 50 students, will continue to be hosted remotely.

The University insists on its website: "your health, safety and wellbeing is our top priority and we will continue to review our plans and implement any changes, in line with government guidance, as quickly as possible."

However, students - such as Will Huddie, who set up the online petition - feel angry and ignored.

He told student paper The Tab that he "felt extremely angry and frustrated at their [the university's] decisions."

"I know LLU is separate from the university but the thing is that if clubs and other mass gatherings are allowed to go ahead, then why not a lecture theatre with 250 people."

So, Will set up an online petition and created an open letter template to help students make their voices heard.

After all, it doesn't make much sense that the Student Union club night Fruity's is back hosting five events in June, but the the University still claims to be unable to hold in-person lectures or exams next year.

Others have pointed out that the decision adversely affects those with learning disabilities and asked why their tuition fees are so high when remote learning is now the norm.

At the time of writing, the petition has gathered over 2,500 signatures.

The Change,org petition reads: "It has come to our attention as students that the University of Leeds plans to continue with a blended teaching approach for the coming academic year 2021/2022.

"It is our opinion that this approach is unacceptable, considering the quality of teaching and assessment that is expected at a university of such a high standard.

"The University should emphatically not be planning for a blended teaching approach, considering the freedoms that will be allowed in other parts of society come the start of the next academic year.

"Instead, the University should, considering the advice of the UK Government and UK Chief Medical Officers, be planning for a return to complete normality in terms of teaching. A blended teaching approach should be a last resort in the event that the UK’s return to normality is delayed.

"Online teaching is in no way a substitute for in-person learning and it is ridiculous that the University would expect us to agree with or even accept their decision on teaching for the next academic year.

"We welcome discussion with the University over this issue, but our aim is clear: Normality must return in all areas of society, and most importantly we demand a complete return to in-person teaching for all students at the University of Leeds."

Feature image - WikiCommons.