Videos recently emerged of disruption to graduation ceremonies at the University of Edinburgh. Disappointed at receiving only an apology note in lieu of a degree certificate and angry at the failure to resolve the dispute, students chanted and carried protest signs on stage. On encouragement by a student speaker, many ripped up their note.
Universities and unions are in a standoff, and the scenes demonstrate how emotionally charged and bitter the dispute has become. The most protracted quarrel is between the University and College Union (UCU), which represents university staff, and the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA), which negotiates on behalf of universities and other HE providers.
Graduands at Edinburgh did not receive their results because of a refusal to mark “summative” work by lecturers and teachers, under a UCU strike mandate dating from 20 April. The mandate expires on 30 September, but could be renewed, so talks appear the only route out of the crisis. In this area, there is a glimmer of hope – there have been “constructive” discussions in recent weeks – but real progress appears some way away.
A report by UCEA that relatively few institutions are seriously affected by the boycott will offer little comfort to those left in limbo. Particularly concerning are reports of the boycott’s harmful impact on international students. One reason Edinburgh drew the ire of its graduating cohort was its treatment of its international cohort, who have been told they must go home, await their results, and apply for another student visa before they can continue their study in the UK. The impact of the boycott is complex.
