No need for ‘no detriment’ assessment policy, says Russell Group More than 13,000 sign petition calling for blanket policy to protect students’ grades from impact of coronavirus pandemic By Chris Havergal 8 January
Student pressure for refunds in England becoming ‘unstoppable’ V-cs urge government to compensate universities over pandemic rent waivers, with fee refunds also expected to become ‘political football’ By John Morgan 8 January
The UK’s Erasmus exit is cause for regret on both sides of the channel The proposed Turing scheme will be hard to set up – especially given its lack of reciprocity, says Martin Paul By Martin Paul 8 January
UK relaxes post-study work visa rules for remote learners Overseas students will only need to be in country by April to be eligible for post-study work visa if their course is finishing this academic year By Ellie Bothwell 7 January
Excessive focus on cutting dropouts ‘may hamper widening access’ Policymakers urged to spread best practice rather than use heavy-handed regulation to force focus on retention By Chris Havergal 7 January
Support staff are more than signposts for students in distress University administrative staff are often the first point of contact for troubled students but training on how to manage these encounters is non-existent, says Sarah Bones By Sarah Bones 7 January
UK lockdown: Ucas application deadline pushed back to 29 January Research excellence framework submission deadline still set for 31 March By Chris Havergal 6 January
Forget lone lecturers – pandemic shows teaching must be a team sport Uneasy bonds between lecturers and education specialists must be strengthened to deliver post-pandemic learning, says Neil Mosley By Neil Mosley 6 January
UK universities ‘weighing options’ on EU student fee discounts Some opt to keep EU fees at same or similar levels to home fees post-Brexit to avoid ‘killing market’, as others consider legal questions By John Morgan 6 January
Bold action pays off for THE Awards 2020 winners Institutions rewarded for getting ahead of the curve on key issues facing UK sector By Simon Baker 6 January
Strathclyde gives staff Fridays off during latest lockdown Vice-chancellor says feedback from first lockdown shows four-day week ‘helps improve work-life balance’ By Anna McKie 6 January
LSE moves ‘compulsory’ teaching online for 2020-21 academic year London institution makes announcement as York cancels face-to-face teaching on classroom-based courses for rest of term By Chris Havergal 5 January