Strike Action FAQs

Strike Action FAQs

Industrial Action - Frequently Asked Questions

Will the industrial action affect all students?

No. Most students will be taught as planned.

Can I approach academic staff for help during the industrial action?

You should continue to seek advice and guidance from academic staff as normal. Should a member of staff indicate that they are not able to help due to the industrial action then you should contact the Head of School to seek the advice/guidance you require.

How will I know if my classes have been cancelled?

Where classes or planned revision sessions are scheduled, Schools will inform you, where possible, in advance of any such cancellation. If you have not been informed of any cancellations, you should assume that your classes will go ahead as planned, although you should be aware that some classes may need to be cancelled at very short notice.

Am I expected to attend classes on industrial action days?

Yes. You are expected to attend scheduled classes where there has been no prior notification that the class has been cancelled. Please note any material covered could form part of future assessments. 

Will all staff be involved in the industrial action?

No. Some academic and some administrative staff may choose to take industrial action, but the University will remain open and many staff will be at work as usual.

What will happen if my lecture is cancelled as a result of the industrial action?

You will not be disadvantaged as a result of any teaching missed due to the industrial action. Any aspect of teaching missed as a consequence of the industrial action will not form part of any assessment associated with the course. Where teaching is essential on programmes that have external accreditation, your School will ensure that mitigations are put in place to ensure all essential learning is covered.

What will happen if my tutorial or laboratory class is cancelled as a result of the industrial action?

You will not be disadvantaged as a result of any cancelled tutorial or laboratory class due to the industrial action. Unless covered in other areas of the course, the material covered at these sessions will not form part of any assessment for this course.

Will submission deadlines for in-course assessments be changed due to the industrial action?

No. You should ensure that you meet the stated deadlines for submission of your in-course assessments. The penalties for late submission will remain in place.

What impact will missed teaching have on the assessments for my course?

You will not be disadvantaged as a result of any teaching that is cancelled. Any material missed as a consequence of the industrial action will not form part of any assessment for the course. If there is any impact on the marking of your assessments, your School will keep you informed.

Will strike action impact my Student Visa if I cannot attend a class or planned teaching event?

No. If you are unable to attend a class due to the strike action, this will not impact your visa. You can contact our Student Visa team for any other questions you may have.

I am an online learner. What will the industrial action mean for me?

If the industrial action has any impact on your course (e.g. availability of course materials, access to tutor support or return of assessed work) your School will notify you. You will not be disadvantaged as a result of any teaching content which is not delivered as a result of the Industrial action. Any material missed will not form part of any assessment for the course. If there is any impact on the marking of your assessments, your School will keep you informed.

I am a student studying at the Qatar campus. What will the industrial action mean for me?

The industrial action will not involve any teaching staff based at the Qatar campus. If the industrial action impacts any visiting teaching staff or the delivery of course materials or assessment provided by Aberdeen-based staff, staff at AFG College will inform you. You will not be disadvantaged as a result of any teaching content which is not delivered as a result of the industrial action. Any materials missed will not form part of any assessment for the course. If there is any impact on the marking of your assessments, AFG College will keep you informed.

Who do I contact if I have any further queries?

If you have queries about a specific course, you should contact the relevant School Office in the first instance. General queries should be directed to academicservices@abdn.ac.uk.