Student Tips: University strikes FAQs

Disclaimer: This article is written in solidarity with lecturers and university staff who are going on strike in a bid to fight for their pensions, pay and working conditions. It will be a difficult time for everyone involved and I hope this article answers student questions. As someone who has found themselves in yet another strike whilst at university, I have picked up a number of tips that helped me stay on top of my studies despite limited resources. I hope you find this article useful.

What are the strike dates?

The strike is planned to run for 14 non-consecutive days spread across four weeks.

• Week one - Thursday 20 & Friday 21 February
• Week two - Monday 24, Tuesday 25 & Wednesday 26 February
• Week three - Monday 2, Tuesday 3, Wednesday 4 & Thursday 5 March
• Week four - Monday 9, Tuesday 10, Wednesday 11, Thursday 12 & Friday 13 March

Please note: The University and College Union (UCU) will be negotiating throughout the strike period. If the needs of the union are met, the strike will come to an end and it will be business as usual.

Why have our lecturers and university staff decided to go on strike?

I could write hundreds of words answering this question and that would bore you. Instead I have found a very good infographic (see below) which explains the reasons for this strike.

Who will be affected by this strike?

Up to 1.2 million students across 74 universities will be affected by this strike. To find out if your university is on strike click here!

How will students be affected?

Lecturers and some university staff will not be doing any work for all of the specified strike days. That means no lectures, seminars, emails, marking or conferences from lecturers who are taking part in the strike action. Hooray - no 9AMs for a couple of weeks however, lectures that are missed will not be rescheduled, there will be no lecture capture and PowerPoint slides/PDFs will not be uploaded onto e-learning platforms. If the readings/reading list has not already been uploaded you won't be receiving that either. Lecturers and university staff will only 'work to contract' on non-strike days. In other words, if they're contracted to work from 9am - 5pm that's the only time you'll be hearing from them. Lecturers do not have to tell their employer if they are taking part in the strike action prior to the start of the strike - that means you could make the journey to university and be met with a notice saying that class is cancelled.

Can I still use the facilities at my university?

Of course! You will still have access to the library, non-academic spaces (e.g. the student union), computer rooms and activity rooms. Outside some university buildings there may be a 'picket' line - this is to encourage university staff to show solidarity with strikers by refusing to cross that line as a point of principle. Students are not obliged to feel this way and are encouraged to join the picket line/not cross the picket line if they want to however, you can enter university buildings too. Do what is right for you! Remember that departments will be short staffed and things may take longer than usual.

Can I complain about the strikes?

Yes! Students are actively encouraged to submit letters of complaint to their university Vice Chancellor if they wish. It is important that your voice is heard so don't be shy about putting your complaints and concerns on paper. You can also write group letters where you all highlight the number of hours missed in teaching and the negative effects this will have on your studies and quite frankly your wallets too. Your student union should be able to help you with this. If you complain collectively your voice is louder so it's important that you work as a team with your course mates.

How can I stay on top of my studies?

Use as many of the limited resources as possible. The university libraries will still be open, you will have access to the computer rooms and JSTOR will become your new Google! Try and maintain a routine; avoid lie ins and 3pm brunches - this is not a holiday. Use this as an opportunity to start reading for assignments and exams. I like to use strike periods as an opportunity to refine my self-study skills. Meet up with people from your module and work together. Two brains is better than one - you may be able to teach each other content that will be missed. Make a list of things that you did not understand, whilst lecturers cannot reschedule missed lectures they can answer questions about things you don't understand...many of them will be happy to help and impressed to see you take responsibility for your learning.

Lastly, BE POSITIVE. Strikes are not fun for everyone involved. Lecturers and university staff that strike will not be paid on strike days. Many of the lecturers I have spoken to do not want to do this but feel that they have no choice. The best thing you can do as a student is use this as an opportunity to work independently and work with your peers. You can console yourself by substituting your travel time with extra sleep but try to keep a business as usual mentality.