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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Keiran Fleming

Glasgow uni students 'left in dark' as marking boycott leaves many without degrees

The ongoing marking boycott has resulted in many university students graduating this year worried about their future.

Fourth year International Business Student, Karima Ameur, is one of thousands across the UK who have been 'left in the dark' regarding the ongoing dispute between lecturers and universities.

However, she believes that the University of Strathclyde, where the 24-year-old studies, has failed those who are due to graduate in the coming weeks.

She told Glasgow Live: "Due to these strikes we weren't even able to complete our final year which doesn't just impact our education but it effects everything as a whole.

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"I wasn't able to meet my dissertation supervisor, which meant I had to do it all without support.

"The marking boycott in particular has had the biggest impact. We've submitted all our work as normal, on time.

"None of it has been marked which means we haven't been given our degree classification."

Karima and her classmates have emailed the university on a number of occasions, however, their questions have remained unanswered.

With the number of complaints being lodged, Strathclyde Uni have created a separate mailbox for any complaints regarding the marking boycott.

The international business student is set to attend a graduation ceremony, which she has spent £200 on, next week with some family travelling from New York for the big day.

But, when Karima walks across the stage she will be handed a blank piece of paper and won't know what the important grades for her final year are.

The 24-year-old said: "I've paid for my robes, graduation, photos and everything.

"Since we never heard back from the uni we thought it was all sorted internally and we'd be graduating as normal.

"However, a week ago we were told that some of us would get there results and others wouldn't. Half the year have their degree classification and the other half don't have it.

"I'm one of the people without a classification. Those with a classification can start applying for jobs.

"On the other hand I was sent an email telling me that I will be graduating with my bachelors degree and a provisional award, not my honours degree.

"There has been no indication when or if our results will be released. There is no guarantee that our work is even getting marked.

"Next week I will be graduating, with friends and family coming from all over the world to see me be given a blank piece of paper. There not even giving us the bachelor degree to take home.

"The wellbeing of students is so low.

"Those who have their degrees aren't even excited to graduate. Everybody is just appalled."

Karima, along with many other students across the UK, is worried that the uncertainty could have a significant impact on her future.

She said: "I am in limbo right now.

"I technically don't have a degree so I can't apply for jobs. It leaves me at an unfair disadvantage. I'm stressed, my family are stressed, we just feel like we aren't being listened to.

"I just want to close this chapter, get my results and move on with my life."

Although the marking boycott is a result of lecturer strikes, the 24-year-old holds no ill will towards the educators.

She firmly believes that Strathclyde University shoulder the blame for the disorganisation and lack of communication

Karima said: "They work so hard to give us a good education, they're fighting for their own rights.

"They bend over backwards to help. Some lecturers are having to work at the uni to pay for their PHDs.

"I truly believe this is a mismanagement by those at a senior level."

A spokesperson for the University of Strathclyde said: “Due to industrial action by members of the University and College Union, it has not been possible to finalise the degree classifications for a small number of our students due to some staff withholding marks.

“The University has awarded unclassified degrees to these students to enable them to graduate and celebrate their achievements with their peers. Affected students will receive their official degree classifications as soon as possible.

"The University regrets the uncertainty that the marking boycott is causing."

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