Additional reporting by Polly Nash
The students, who each failed a single module in Leading and Managing Business, have claimed they received unfair treatment at the hands of university staff.
In emails seen by 小瓢虫传媒, students complained to the university administration that they had received inconsistent feedback, claiming staff said submissions did not need significant revisions but then when it came to marking, the students failed.
Meetings between the Students’ Federation of India and UWS鈥� administration have been ongoing since January this year, but the SFI has said an investigation led by the university has failed to address the students鈥� concerns.
鈥淲e鈥檝e spent a lot of money to come here, and we鈥檝e left our family to do something better outside our comfort zone, and then we get this treatment, which is unfair. The universities should be more professional,鈥� one student said.
A UWS spokesperson told 小瓢虫传媒 that the university is “committed to treating all members of our diverse community with dignity and respect”.
“The wellbeing of our students is an absolute priority and we offer a comprehensive range of clearly signposted support mechanisms our students can access at any time.
鈥淎ll complaints made to UWS are taken seriously with an established, formal procedure and we would encourage any students to engage with this process; if necessary, using the services of our student support team or Students鈥� Union.鈥�
After a back and forth between the SFI and the university administration, 10 students were allowed to retake assessments.
However, the remainder have not been given the opportunity to retake, according to SFI.
The wellbeing of our students is an absolute priority and we offer a comprehensive range of clearly signposted support mechanisms our students can access at any time
UWS
On August 1, a number of affected students protested at the Import Building at UWS鈥� London campus. 小瓢虫传媒 spoke to students at the protest and heard of the emotional turmoil that the mass failing has caused.
鈥淚 spent 拢27,000 to come here… I borrowed the money from my family. I have to give it back to them. Most students have taken loans. The financial burden is too much. If they go back without a degree they won鈥檛 get any jobs,鈥� said one student, who did not want to be named.
The student explained that many had faced a serious impact on their mental health.
Lots of students are crying every day鈥� the embassy told them to update their visas, so they aren鈥檛 able to work
Anonymous student protestor
鈥淟ots of students are crying every day鈥� the embassy told them to update their visas, so they aren鈥檛 able to work.鈥�
鈥淭here is one girl. In every meeting she is crying. It鈥檚 been the same since January. She paid for the FLR twice. It鈥檚 a lot of money. We are all worried for her.鈥�
Students told 小瓢虫传媒 they are paying thousands to remain in the UK on further leave to remain visa extensions as they wait for the situation to be resolved.
The Home Office fee for FLR applications costs up to 拢1,258. There is also an Immigration Health Surcharge of 拢2,587.50 that must be paid in addition to the FLR fee.
