Third-level institutions should examine ‘no-detriment’ style policies
Labour Party Education spokesperson, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin TD, has called on third-level institutions and the further education sector to introduce a ‘no-detriment’ style policy for the remainder of the academic year.
Deputy Ó Ríordáin said:
“Students have been out of college since March 13th, nearly a month ago. Many students have still received very little clarity on whether their exams are going ahead and what format their end of year assessments will take.
“This is a very stressful situation for students many of whom who have been forced to move their entire education online, especially when you consider the dire broadband situation in many parts of the country or the fact that many students who would have relied on their university for IT facilities such as computers no longer have that option.
“It is time for colleges across the State to look at introducing some sort of a no-detriment policy whereby students who don’t have access to adequate IT facilities that they need to complete coursework won’t be penalised.
“Colleges in conjunction with local students’ unions should examine a no-detriment policy that examines students grades from this academic year.
“Students who do not have the financial means or are at a disadvantage because of adequate internet access should not be penalised.”