Students want end to online learning at University of Chester

More than 200 people have so far signed the online petition which warns the university that it must act now or face losing the "goodwill" of its students.

They argue that a mix of in-person and online teaching is likely to see their learning experience "negatively impacted", particularly those in their final year who have faced the longest disruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The petition says it is "ridiculous" to restrict in-person teaching when, for example, there are indoor Fresher's Week activities planned.

It adds that national surveys have shown that university students experienced a decline in their mental health during the last academic year due to the relative isolation of learning online.

The University of Chester confirmed it is aware of the petition but said some of the detail in it "is based on information issued to staff some time ago and is out of context and now out of date".

It says it is looking forward to welcoming students next month "with a full range of both in-person teaching and social activities available".

The university added that the "established flexible learning approach" has been "regularly communicated to students as part of a planned, future-focused strategy for maximising digital innovation".

Riverside campus, Chester. (Google Street View)

The student petition states: "We have been made aware that the University of Chester has decided that ‘blended learning’ is the long-term strategy for the future of teaching, and that in-person content will only be delivered where absolutely necessary.

"Current students were not adequately consulted about strategic plans to continue restricting in-person teaching at Chester in this way.

"On July 30, the University released course outlines for 2021/22 that comprise just 25% in-person lectures, with 75% to be delivered online in the Autumn term.

"We need the University to return to full in-person teaching by 1st November at the latest (Reading Week)."

It adds: "It is ridiculous to restrict in-person teaching, considering the freedoms allowed in other parts of society, including pubs, clubs and the entertainment industry; pub quizzes, pool parties and other indoor activities planned for Chester Fresher’s Week; and plans for primary and secondary schools to return to full face-to-face teaching from September.

"The University’s approach also conflicts with research cited by Universities UK indicating that 'there is minimal evidence of Covid-19 transmission in face-to-face learning environments at universities, such as classrooms'.

"We expect a return to in-person teaching to include safeguarding arrangements for students and staff at heightened risk from Covid-19, just as the University has always supported people with a wide range of vulnerabilities.

"We recognise the exceptional work of staff last year in extraordinary circumstances, moving quickly to online teaching in response to national lockdowns.

"But students’ learning experience is likely to be negatively impacted by continuing to restrict in-person teaching from September 2021 onwards.

"In particular, students in their final year of undergraduate study have now experienced two years of disadvantage and disruption – most notably, lack of in-person academic engagement with their lecturers and peers.

"It is unreasonable for the University to expect this cohort of final year students to accept another year of restrictions to in-person teaching, while at the same time offering pool parties and in-person social events aimed at first year students in Fresher’s Week.

"The University is rightly proud to be voted the “highest performing HE institution in the North West for listening to the Student Voice” in 2020. We need the University to listen now.

"We welcome dialogue on this issue, but our aims are clear: there needs to be a complete return to in-person teaching for students at the University of Chester from the start of the 2021 academic year – by Reading Week on 1st November at the latest.

"There is not much time; the University must act immediately to retain the goodwill of its students."

What the University of Chester is saying.

A spokesman told The Standard: "The University is aware of a petition asking for a return to full in-person teaching from some students. Some of the information in the petition is based on information issued to staff some time ago and is out of context and now out of date.

"We are looking forward to welcoming both new and returning students to University of Chester in September with a full range of both in-person teaching and social activities available.

"We are also working to ensure that all of our students and staff feel safe and comfortable on campus, through the continuation of certain Covid-secure measures particularly in the Autumn term with flexibility built into our plans for the following terms.

"The University of Chester will continue to use technology, where it is most effective in its learning and teaching via its ‘Chester Blend’.

"This established flexible learning approach, combining different levels of in-person and virtual activities tailored to each course, has been regularly communicated to students as part of a planned, future-focused strategy for maximising digital innovation.

"The University has recently won a national award, which was voted for by students and prospective students, for its digital excellence and is confident in the design and delivery of its programmes."