Suspend your studies if you don’t have a laptop, Uni of York tells its students

Students without access to a computer or an internet connection should suspend their studies, the Uni of York has advised.

Suggesting that it may not be able to help students unable to access IT equipment, the university says students who find themselves in that situation should “suspend their studies and take a leave of absence.”

Despite the university offering financial support to help students obtain equipment, the advice has been branded as “discrimination against disabled, working class and poorer students.”

Information on the university’s website reads: “We understand that some students may not have adequate access to either IT equipment or internet connections that would enable them to engage with their studies remotely. We also know that access to additional IT equipment is extremely difficult to organise given the interruption to production and supply as a result of Covid-19.

“Students can apply to the Student Emergency Support Fund if financial support may help with access to equipment they would otherwise not have access to.

“In the case that we are unable to support students with access to equipment or that students are unable to source it themselves we will recommend that students suspend their studies and take a leave of absence.”

The university has established the “Student Emergency Support Fund,” where students can apply for up to £500 each if they are experiencing unforeseen financial hardships due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Most Read

Gone but not forgotten: Honouring the 13 Glee cast members who have passed away

40 years later, one of the Unsolved Mysteries cold cases has just been solved

Monster’s lead star explains why Aileen Wuornos was clumsily shoved into Lizzie Borden show

The university’s teaching has moved entirely online as a result of the pandemic, with lectures being pre-recorded and accessible via the VLE. Exams may also be replaced by online open exam alternatives.

Despite the offer of financial help, the advice has not gone down well. Katharine Macy, an MA student in Early Prehistory and Human Origins told The Tab: “It disgusts me and makes me ashamed of my university – if people don’t have a laptop there’s probably a load of reasons for it and right now is probably not a time they can afford to buy one.”

As a disabled student, Katharine says was fortunate to be able to afford the laptop she needed for her studies – as she’s also a carer, she receives an extra grant. “I have three part time jobs and don’t have any pay guaranteed. It’s discrimination against disabled, working class and poorer students in my eyes.”

Related articles recommended by this writer:

• York University cancels exams and classes due to COVID-19

• York St John to finish for Easter tomorrow because of COVID-19

• University of York allowing students to cancel accommodation contracts