"The move sets a precedent for other universities to potentially follow suit and paves the way for students at other universities to seek redress for lockdown learning' where teaching moved online, often with limited access to tutors and facilities. Lawyers from the Student Group Claim campaign group, which represents more than 200,000 students and graduates from 36 UK universities, said they were delighted by the result."
"Claims against other universities have not been filed with courts, but institutions around the country have been sent pre-action correspondence. These include Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter, Imperial College London, Leeds, Liverpool and Warwick. Fees for online degree courses are around 25 to 50% lower than in-person classes and lawyers for the students maintain that their clients are owed fair financial compensation."
"Despite this, the university said it admitted no liability, saying the settlement was reached to resolve the dispute amicably and without further expense. Michael Spence, UCL president and provost, said that during the pandemic staff worked diligently to deliver teaching and student support in unprecedented circumstances. Students were locked down in their accommodation during the 2020 pandemic Every decision was made to safeguard health while preserving the highest possible academic standards."
UCL reached a settlement with claimants represented by Student Group Claim over 'lockdown learning' after teaching moved online in 2020, though the university admitted no liability. The campaign group represents more than 200,000 students and graduates from 36 UK universities. Students argued online teaching involved limited access to tutors and facilities and sought compensation reflecting lower fees for remote courses. UCL said staff worked diligently to deliver teaching and student support and argued that remote learning was required by government legislation and was of high quality. Pre-action correspondence has been sent to other universities and potential claims could total hundreds of millions of pounds.
Read at www.standard.co.uk
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