BRFR Cake Stop 'breaking news' miscellany

[briantrumpet]

Not going to argue. Captain Wilm Hosenfeld. Seems to apply to pretty much every shitty thing that's going on now, or whose consequences we are having to endure. Once you've untethered yourself from provable facts, everything bad becomes possible.

 

[briantrumpet]

What are your thoughts on UCL 'caving' into the demands for compensation for lost uni experience during covid? The academics seem to as one saying they worked their socks off to suddenly readjust and do everything online (and additionally, given the parlous state of uni finances, it could well close several unis if they have to follow suit in this class lawsuit).

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cq6qge7rmm1o
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp81j7n2271o

 

[Pblakeney]

What are your thoughts on UCL 'caving' into the demands for compensation for lost uni experience during covid? The academics seem to as one saying they worked their socks off to suddenly readjust and do everything online (and additionally, given the parlous state of uni finances, it could well close several unis if they have to follow suit in this class lawsuit).

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cq6qge7rmm1o
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp81j7n2271o

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It's the "me, me, me" generation(s).
Not one care is given to consequences.

 

[Dorset Boy]

I wonder when the under 35s will start to give something back to society rather than wanting to be given eveything on a plate?

 

[Psamathe]

What are your thoughts on UCL 'caving' into the demands for compensation for lost uni experience during covid? The academics seem to as one saying they worked their socks off to suddenly readjust and do everything online (and additionally, given the parlous state of uni finances, it could well close several unis if they have to follow suit in this class lawsuit).

It's the "me, me, me" generation(s).
Not one care is given to consequences.

I agree. I've done several degree courses as "Distance Learning" at UK Universities (LJMU and UCLAN all B.Sc courses and all awarded points just as those attending). I got course materials on CD to work at my own pace but on a week by week schedule. Tutorials through online message boards, e-mail and occasional online voice meetings and if really necessary could request a personal voice telephone appointment (I did twice in Cosmology course). Coursework submitted by e-mail and exams done online through formal system ie on set day between 09:00 and 14:00 and once you log in to exam system you have timed 2 hrs until your answers are closed.

Identical courses, course work, exams and marking as those attending in person going to sit in lecture theatres, etc. I paid full standard rate fees.

Before Covid and worked very well. I probably learnt more and better than people sitting in a lecture theatre as something I was unsure of I stop, research, re-read, etc. where with person delivering lecture it's all at the pace of the speaker.

 

[briantrumpet]

I suspect that Exeter, as one of the universities named in the class action, is currently pleased that they didn't stint on belated graduation ceremonies - a very large proportion, especially of the 2021 graduates, turned up to their ceremonies. Though if those then-happy graduates turn round and now sue, then SMT might be wondering why they went to the considerable expense of doing every ceremony properly and doing the best they could in very difficult circumstances during the pandemic itself.

 

[Psamathe]

I suspect that Exeter, as one of the universities named in the class action, is currently pleased that they didn't stint on belated graduation ceremonies - a very large proportion, especially of the 2021 graduates, turned up to their ceremonies.

Do students actually want to go to those ceremonies? I did two full time attended degrees (bachelor and higher degree) and didn't want to go to either but was made to by my Mum who was desperate to attend and I hated every minute of the day(s)

 

[briantrumpet]

Do students actually want to go to those ceremonies? I did two full time attended degrees (bachelor and higher degree) and didn't want to go to either but was made to by my Mum who was desperate to attend and I hated every minute of the day(s)

Yes. It was a very high proportion: the vast majority of the 2021 graduates turned up. Not my cup of tea, but Exeter puts on a good show (the music is outstanding, obvs!), and it's a final excuse to party en masse with their cohort.

FTR, I didn't do my BA ceremony (not least as they were insanely long then, with no air conditioning, and I wasn't overly proud of getting the BA with a minimal amount of work), but I did do the MA one 21 years later, as I'd not given the proud, aging parents the opportunity on the BA, and I'd actually done a decent job on this one (and the gown/hood is better).