Last year, in response to the pandemic, the University of York introduced self-certification provisions for all assessments and examinations following advice from YUSU’s Academic Officer.

Self-certification offers students a tool to claim exceptional circumstances and either obtain a short four-day extension on any assessment or to defer any examinations without the burden of obtaining evidence from a third party. In many cases, evidence is often tedious, expensive and sometimes outright impossible for some students to acquire.

Unlimited self-certification provided a way for students to keep up with their studies while prioritising their physical, mental and financial well-being. Uptake of self-certification exceeded 30,000 claims last year.

This year, the University of York has decided to roll back and restrict self-certification provisions to 3 self-certifications per year.

According to the University, this was done to address the “negative impacts on the marking of student work, the processes for determining their progression or graduation”, issues that have arisen not from self-certification itself, but from the University’s rigid course and assessment structures. Self-certification only made the cracks more apparent.

Rather than directly addressing issues of assessment/exam bunching, non-inclusive assessment models, and non-provision of support plans for undiagnosed medical conditions though, the University has decided to attack self-certification. We believe these to be in reverse order: surely, addressing a core reason for self-certification fully should come prior to the limiting of self-certification?

Whilst 3 self-certifications may still benefit many, it adds pressure back onto our most vulnerable students, who are likely to far exceed this number. We believe that by imposing the need for evidence, the University is forcing students to choose between their well-being and their studies.

For this reason, all YUSU and GSA Sabbatical Officers formally opposed rollback (bit.ly/uoy-self-cert). But the University went ahead and did it anyway.

As a student body, we are clear: we want the University to prioritise student health and well-being and reverse restrictions on self-certification.