Exam Results in Limbo

Students at Cambridge University face potential delays in receiving their exam results due to an ongoing marking boycott by staff members. The boycott, initiated by the University and College Union (UCU), began on April 20, as lecturers protest against pay and working conditions.

Delay in Exam Results

In emails sent to second and third year students, the university informs them that exam results will not be released until October unless there is a resolution to the industrial disputes. If the issues remain unresolved, results will be released "shortly after" September 30. Meanwhile, final year students will receive a letter to provide prospective employers with an explanation of the delay, with the correspondence expected to be sent out in early July.

Student Concerns

The potential delay in exam results has sparked concerns among students regarding their scholarships, graduate placements, and conditional offers for higher studies. One student, Alex, who holds offers for two Masters programs, expressed their frustration with the lack of communication or assurances from their placements and the university regarding the industrial action.

University Response

Dr. Anthony Freeling, the acting vice chancellor of the University of Cambridge, called for a resolution to the dispute, emphasizing the urgency of finding a way forward. He pleaded with staff members to work together to ensure a normal graduation for the students and assured them of the university's efforts to secure a positive outcome for both students and staff.

Broader Impact

The boycott's impact has not been limited to Cambridge University, as other Russell Group universities have also been affected. Students at Durham University voiced their concerns, stating that they feel like they are "sleepwalking into a situation" where they will leave their universities without tangible evidence of their hard work. They have experienced strike disruptions throughout their academic years and fear the consequences of potential delays in receiving their final or interim classifications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the marking boycott at Cambridge University has resulted in exam result delays, raising concerns among students. Efforts are underway to resolve the issue, but the impact extends to other universities.