Willie Rennie, Glasgow University and Jackie Baillie.
By Bill Heaney
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie has backed proposals supported by the Scottish Young Liberals, the NUS and others to introduce a no-detriment policy for students as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
This means that students’ marks will only count if they are an improvement on assessments/exams already taken this semester.
A number of Scottish universities have already announced that they will implement such a policy including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Strathclyde and Dundee.
Mr Rennie said: “Students need reassurance that the virus crisis will not leave a permanent mark on their future prospects. Students should not suffer due to a situation outwith their control.
“That’s why I support proposals to introduce no-detriment policies at all Scottish universities and colleges to ensure that the hit that this crisis imposes on learning is not a permanent one.
Scottish Young Liberals co-chair Chris Wilson said: “Students across Scotland have already felt the full force of the Coronavirus through class and exam disruptions.
“We must ensure that action is taken to prevent it having a detrimental impact on assessment performance.
“Students urgently need assurance that action will be taken, and that is why we are calling on Scottish colleges and universities to do the right thing for students and implement a No Detriment policy to prevent this from happening.”
The Scottish Young Liberals and Scottish Young Greens have issued a statement calling for “a fundamentally fair policy which will ensure that no students are left behind or disadvantaged by the coronavirus crisis”.
Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton, Helensburgh, Vale of Leven and Lomond, said: “It is right that students should not be left at a disadvantage due to the disruption that Covid-19 has caused to their learning.
“It is important that students feel reassured that they will not suffer due to circumstances outwith their control.
“I am glad that universities in Scotland have listened to the needs of their students and the views of the NUS.
“It is vital that students feel supported, protected and ready for the future during this uncertain time.”