Newcastle University students have expressed their concerns on student wellbeing following the announcement of the upcoming lecturer strike action.
Simone Geddes, an English literature master’s student has said that whilst she “fully supports the lecturers, there should be infrastructure in place to help those students in need.”
University lecturers will walk out for 14 days starting on Thursday 20th February. This is following disputes over pension and pay and after an eight-day walkout in November 2019.
Felicity Mitchell, the Independent Adjudicator, has said “…some disabled students, some students with mental health issues, and some international students may be more severely affected [by striking]. Providers need to think carefully about additional measures they might need to take to support those students.”
Geddes, however, has voiced her doubt because whilst the university has offered her assistance in the past, it had taken around a month for her to receive the help she needed. As a result, she relies on lecturers for immediate help, however this is not possible during strikes.
Whilst strikes go on students who need help still need help regardless of industrial action.
Simone Geddes
Another student, who wishes to remain anonymous, has said that whilst they sympathise with the lecturers, they do not feel it is fair that the strikes impact their welfare and grades.
A PhD student, Anastasia, has said “we don’t want to take action, we’re forced to take it and we’re not only doing this for the staff but also for the students.”
Striking lecturers are wanting to minimise the impact of strikes on students by hosting teach-outs and putting on activities everyday which students can also get involved with. For Newcastle University students, these will take place on strike days at the Hotspur pub.
The University has also promised to add additional learning opportunities designed to support students and activities that can help their education.
A Newcastle University spokesperson has said that these will include “additional counselling appointments and drop in sessions for students who want advice on what to do if their learning is disrupted. In addition a counsellor will be free every day of the action to support students affected by the industrial action.”
You can follow the University strike action by clicking this link.
If you are experiencing any issues with student wellbeing and would like to share your experience, please contact me by either commenting on this page or via the contact page. We would love to hear your story no matter how big or small.
If you are a student at Newcastle University and are experiencing wellbeing problems, you can get help by going to these websites:
Healthy Eating, Healthy Thinking 