Petition · past parliament
Issue a "no-detriment policy" across all universities for assessments
Rejected
21 signatures
What the petition asks
A no detriment policy means a student's lowest possible grade is their average from before campus closed. This enables students to improve their grades overall if they can, but means they don't suffer from the disruption of losing their learning space and resources so abruptly.
Since the coronavirus outbreak, Universities have been forced to close and shift online. This disruption and closure of campuses means science students are without their labs, art students are without studios, and proper, interactive feedback cannot be obtained. While the pandemic is nobody's fault, students need concrete reassurance that the current situation will not hinder their assessments, degrees, and future careers. A blanket "no-detriment policy" is the best way to secure our futures.
Why it was rejected
There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.
Decisions about the assessment of university courses are a matter for individual universities, not the UK Government or Parliament.
The Office for Students has published guidance for providers about quality and standards during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which sets out its expectations regarding teaching and assessments: https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/publications/guidance-for-providers-about-quality-and-standards-during-coronavirus-pandemic/.
If you have concerns about your university's arrangements for teaching and assessment you should raise these with your university or the Office for Students, which regulates the higher education sector.
We understand that the current situation is stressful for many people, including students. Student Minds, a mental health charity for students, is collating guidance and developing resources to support students experiencing stress as a result of the current situation, which you may find useful: https://www.studentminds.org.uk/coronavirus.html
The Office for Students has published guidance for providers about quality and standards during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which sets out its expectations regarding teaching and assessments: https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/publications/guidance-for-providers-about-quality-and-standards-during-coronavirus-pandemic/.
If you have concerns about your university's arrangements for teaching and assessment you should raise these with your university or the Office for Students, which regulates the higher education sector.
We understand that the current situation is stressful for many people, including students. Student Minds, a mental health charity for students, is collating guidance and developing resources to support students experiencing stress as a result of the current situation, which you may find useful: https://www.studentminds.org.uk/coronavirus.html
Timeline
| 6 Apr 2020 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 27 May 2020 | Rejected by the Petitions Committee |
Key facts
Signatures
21
Status
Rejected
Rejected
27 May 2020
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.