Industrial action latest updates for students

Email sent to all undergraduate and postgraduate taught students on Thursday 24 April.

Dear all, 

The University and College Union (UCU), a trade union representing some University staff, is taking strike action (also sometimes referred to as industrial action) at the University of Sheffield. Some other universities across the country are also experiencing strike action.

During strike action, some staff refuse to work and take part in protests against their employer. This can sometimes lead to some teaching being cancelled on strike days.

Strike action will take place at the University of Sheffield on the following dates: 

•  Wednesday 30 April

•  Tuesday 6 May to Friday 9 May

•  Monday 12 May to Friday 16 May

During strike action 

• The University will remain open, including our libraries, study spaces, and facilities.

• Lectures and seminars will continue. 

• Arrive on time for scheduled teaching: you are expected to attend as normal unless your class is is affected by strike action.

• Exams and assessments will continue to take place.

• Your assessment deadlines will remain the same, unless your school informs you of changes.

• In some cases, teaching may not take place during these dates, or take place in a different way. Wherever possible, your school will let you know in advance.

For many of you, the strike action will not significantly impact your education. This is because not all members of staff are members of UCU, and not all members will choose to strike. 

Every effort will be made to avoid disruption. If you are affected, the University will do everything possible to support your learning and wellbeing. 

Read further information on what industrial action is and how it may affect you 

Taking part in protests

It is vital that everyone is able to express their opinions in a legal, safe, and respectful way.

During the strike action you may see groups of staff known as a 'picket line' outside of buildings. Pickets are a legitimate form of protest undertaken by employees. You can find out more about industrial action, strikes and pickets on the Government web pages.

The University has published dos and don'ts for students organising or taking part in their own protests. In following this guidance, you will help ensure any protest activity is undertaken safely, and in a manner that does not breach the University's student code of conduct.

Questions

For specific advice about how the strike action may impact your course, please contact your academic school first. 

I will continue to keep you updated with the latest information. 

With best wishes, 

Mary Vincent 

Vice-President for Education

Email sent to all postgraduate research students on Thursday 24 April.

Dear all, 

The University and College Union (UCU), a trade union representing some University staff, is taking strike action (also sometimes referred to as industrial action). The action is taking place at Sheffield, and at other universities across the country.

During strike action, some staff refuse to work and take part in protests against their employer.

This will take place on the following dates: 

• Wednesday 30 April

• Tuesday 6 May to Friday 9 May

• Monday 12 May to Friday 16 May

What to expect during strike action

• The University will remain open, including our libraries, study spaces, and facilities.

• The majority of supervision, examination and other research activities will go ahead as usual.

• Assume all activities are going ahead as normal, unless informed otherwise by your supervisor or department. 

Some postgraduate research students also have roles as staff, such as Graduate Teaching Assistants. You may be taking strike action and should follow the guidance issued by your Head of School if this is the case.

While we are working to reduce disruption, if you are affected, the University will do everything possible to support your research and wellbeing.

Read further information on what industrial action is and how it may affect you

Taking part in protests

It is vital that everyone is able to express their opinions in a legal, safe, and respectful way.

As part of this, the University has published dos and don'ts for organising or taking part in protests. In following this guidance, you will help ensure any protest activity is undertaken safely, and in a manner that does not breach the University's student code of conduct. 

Questions

If you have a question, please contact your supervisor in the first instance, or your academic school. 

We will continue to keep you updated with the latest developments. 

Best wishes, 

John Flint

Deputy Vice-President for Research