University of Sheffield students could receive empty certificates at graduation

Final marks for some students may not be available until after graduations have taken place

1 year ago

Max Booth | News

A number of Sheffield students at University of Sheffield could graduate without knowing their final marks.

Impacted students could attend their graduation ceremonies and receive an empty certification, an email sent to final years by Sheffield Students’ Union has confirmed.

The university confirmed there is a “delay” in marking and finals grades for some students may not be available until after graduations have taken place.

The “delay” could also mean that students who are due to embark on a year abroad or placement year will also be affected.

Sheffield Student’s Union said: “The university has confirmed that in some cases, the release of grades may be delayed. This may mean some students graduate without a classification, until their work is marked.

“It may also impact students who need grades to progress onto a year abroad or start a placement year.”

The UCU represents over 120,000 staff at universities throughout the UK and members at over 150 institutions have been involved in a marking and assessments boycott since April in a dispute with employers over pay.

A spokesperson for UCU said: “‘It is an outrage that graduations at Sheffield University are being impacted because employer body UCEA refuses to restart negotiations.

“The national degree scandal will worsen every day UCEA refuses to get back round the table. The sector can well afford to deal with the low pay that blights higher education, UCEA needs to show it cares about staff and students, improve its pay offer and end the dispute.”

This comes as it has been announced that up to 2,000 students in Edinburgh will graduate without marks.

The Tab Sheffield has contacted University of Sheffield for comment.