Since the dawn of the #MeToo campaign, we have noted an upwards trend in complaints being made against students.
Whilst the majority of our work on behalf of students relates to allegations of misconduct (sexual, harassment, violence), the upward trend also relates to academic misconduct (cheating, plagiarism, collusion).
Yesterday (20th of April 2023), the BBC has reported that university complaints from students hit a record high in England and Wales in 2022 for the fourth year running, thereby confirming what we have noted on the ground regarding the sector.
The majority of the 2,850 complaints received by the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) were in relation to complaints relating to academic appeals (38%) and complaints about service issues, such as teaching (also 38%). This is likely to be as a result of universities ending policies that protected students' grades from disruption during the pandemic, and strike action which has been taking place at some universities since 2021.
With only a quarter of the complaints made by students to the OIA in 2022 found to be "justified", "partly justified", or were settled in their favour, students are reporting increasing levels of distress, which is concerning.
It is thought that further strike dates are likely to be announced - with university staff walking out over issues relating to pay and conditions - which will only add to the growing pressures felt by universities and students over recent years. This is likely to have a direct knock on effect on the service provided and support offered to students, which, in turn, will see the number of student complaints continue to rise in coming years. It is also not uncommon that in periods of unrest such as this, people can behave in an uncharacteristic manner, thereby leading to additional concerns arising and incidentally more complaints.
If you have any questions or require advice concerning issues relating to students or universities, please email a member of our team in confidence.
We welcome views and opinions about the issues raised in this blog. Should you require specific advice in relation to personal circumstances, please use the form on the contact page.
Share insightLinkedIn X Facebook Email to a friend Print