The University is currently in dispute with its campus trade unions, which is resulting in strike action by some staff running up to 16 October.
While we fully respect the right of our staff to take part in industrial action, the University’s priority is to minimise disruption to your studies and progression as far as possible.
We continue to engage with the trade unions and remain open to constructive discussions aimed at resolving the dispute.
Guidance for students
We’ve provided guidance and answers to questions you may have, which we will update in response to any developments.
If you have a question which is not covered below, please contact the Vice-Principal for People and Student Wellbeing via email vppsw@gcu.ac.uk .
About the industrial action
Background on the industrial dispute
arrow_forward
Like many universities across the UK, GCU is facing significant financial challenges due to a reduction in recurring income. To help secure the University's long-term future, we need to reduce our costs.
Since March, we have been taking steps to manage our budget while seeking to minimise the impact on staff wherever possible. Significant progress has been made through vacancy reduction, voluntary redundancy and careful resource management, reducing the number of roles currently at risk from an original estimate of around 100 to approximately 40.
GCU has a strong track record of avoiding compulsory redundancies and we remain committed to exploring all reasonable options to protect employment. While compulsory redundancy remains a last-resort measure and would only be considered after all other options have been exhausted, it cannot be ruled out at this stage.
The trade unions have commenced industrial action in relation to the University's position that compulsory redundancies cannot currently be removed as a potential option.
We understand that you may be concerned about what this means for your studies. Please be assured that our focus is on supporting you throughout this period, maintaining your learning and teaching experience wherever possible, and helping you stay on track to achieve your academic and professional goals.
While we respect the right of colleagues to take industrial action, our priority is to minimise disruption wherever possible and provide you with the information and support you need during this time.
Crossing picket lines?
arrow_forward
We respect the right of our staff to join a picket line and these usually form on Cowcaddens Road. Staff on the picket line may share their view of the industrial dispute with you but will respect your legal right to pass the picket line and access campus, attend classes and make use of University services as normal.
Impact on your studies Please continue on the basis that your studies will proceed as normal. Unless advised otherwise, you should attend scheduled classes, submit assessments by the published deadlines, and complete all course requirements as planned. You will not be assessed on material that has not been taught.
Attending classes
arrow_forward
On strike days, some classes and assessment activities may be affected. Unless advised otherwise, you should continue to attend classes, engage with your studies and submit assessments as planned.
As staff are not required to notify the University in advance if they intend to take industrial action, we may not always be able to confirm disruption ahead of time. Please check your University email and GCU Learn regularly for updates.
If a class does not take place, you should continue your learning using the resources available on GCU Learn and your course reading lists. You will not be marked absent for any cancelled classes.
Attending classes that involve assessment
arrow_forward
For some courses, attendance and participation in classes contributes to the overall assessment for the course, and some students will have other assessment activities such as presentations scheduled during the period of industrial action. If your classes are running, you are expected to attend these as normal, and no alternative teaching or assessments will be offered in these circumstances.
Coursework deadlines, extensions and feedback
arrow_forward
Where you have been set coursework, you should continue to work towards submitting this on time and on the assumption that normal deadlines and procedures remain in place, including deadlines that fall on planned strike days.
The University is taking steps to ensure students are not disadvantaged by industrial action. Students will not be assessed on material that has not been taught, and Schools are working to minimise disruption to learning, teaching and assessment wherever possible.
In the normal course of events, the University operates a Fit to Sit/Submit approach to assessment. This means that when a student sits or submits an assessment, they are declaring themselves fit to do so. If exceptional circumstances or serious issues arise that mean you do not believe you are fit to sit or submit an assessment, you should follow the University's Fit to Sit/Submit process and make a declaration within the timescales set out in the policy .
Schools will continue to meet published deadlines for the return of feedback wherever possible. However, industrial action may mean that some feedback is returned later than expected. Schools have been asked to prioritise teaching and assessment activities wherever possible to minimise delays.
Attendance recording
arrow_forward
You should continue to attend classes, engage with your studies and complete assessments unless advised otherwise. If a scheduled class does not go ahead, you will not be marked absent. Your SEAtS record will be updated within the same week to reflect this, and your overall attendance percentage will reflect only the classes that took place.
If a class or assessment activity is taking place as scheduled, you should continue to attend and engage with your studies. If attendance is recorded and you choose not to attend, you may be marked as absent.
Student support and wellbeing
Contacts
arrow_forward
We understand that industrial action may be an unsettling time for some students. If you have any non-academic enquiries , require support, or are concerned about your wellbeing, please contact the Campus Life Desk on Level 1 of the George Moore Building, Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. The team can provide information, answer questions and help connect you with the most appropriate University support service.
Using University buildings and services
Access continues
arrow_forward
The University will remain open during industrial action and students can continue to access University buildings, including the library. While some services may be affected on certain days, we will make every effort to minimise disruption and keep students informed of any significant changes.
