SU reply 4

Dear XXX,

Thank you for your clarification.


NTUSU certainly notes your concern regarding the recording of online lectures and have in fact raised the concern up to the University Management for consideration. We raised concerns even including instances where connectivity issues might affect students or even Professors from having classes without disruption. On this note, much of this decision-making has also been delegated to the autonomy of the Professors and we also encourage students to raise this to their Professors to expedite such processes. We stand with you on this point.

With regards to safe distancing on campus and overcrowding, we have had student leaders patrolling at traditionally high volume footfall areas like South Spine cluster, Hive, Arc and North Spine cluster at 3 hourly intervals between 9am-6pm during the 2nd week of the semester. While our findings certainly might not agree with your suggestion, we have requested for the University to make available all campus resources including lecture theatres and study areas to provide more opportunities for the spreading of students – students may expect an announcement from the University soon regarding this. While we understand the desire to study on campus, we also implore students to minimise time on campus where possible as the entire intention behind online learning is precise to encourage less time physically on campus.

As for your suggestion to "Remove participation requirements/attendance for online classes". I cannot in principle agree to this due to differing needs and requirements for every course, coupled with differing teaching styles of Professors and Faculty and we believe this is best brought up to the respective Professor and school, should it genuinely be the case where student participation is not practically required for the module. There are Professors that genuinely take a flipped-classroom approach to teaching which students do find more enjoyable and engaging - it is not our interest to prohibit this. If you do have suggestions for specific modules, we can raise this up in support of your request to your respective Professor(s).

I don't think our statement regarding our stance with online learning is contradictory. As mentioned, we do hope that large scale lectures, where possible should be moved online to ensure it does not compromise the safety of students. To this end, where we have found or come to know of situations where these instances of trying to game the rules have arisen, NTUSU would flag up concern on the matter. The spirit of the guidelines must be taken seriously rather than to be seen as an opportunity to colour outside the lines.

I hope I have sufficiently addressed your concerns highlighted without misunderstanding.

Once again, I thank you for raising your concerns. Please feel free to provide detailed and specific information pertaining to your modules to allow NTUSU to further this conversation with your Faculty or Professor(s).

Warmest Regards,