Petition for Flexible Attendance – MSc Data Analytics & Engineering Cohort
Category: Academic Support
Official SU Responce:
There may be limited scope for short-term change, particularly where this aligns with broader, ongoing work. However, there is value in sharing the idea more widely to gather student feedback and lived experience. This insight can help inform and strengthen wider discussions, with any feedback collected fed into the relevant ongoing work.
To all my fellow Master’s students,
We all know the pressure we are under right now. Many of us have moved across the world to be here, transitioning from non-computing backgrounds into a very technical Data Analytics degree. We are currently facing the massive challenge of writing a 12,000-word to 15,000 word dissertation and developing complex code, often for the first time.
However, the current University policy requires us to commute to campus just to "clock in" for attendance, even on days with no lectures. For those of us living in Manchester, Leeds, Oldham, or further away, this is more than just an inconvenience it is a major source of stress.
The Reality of the Situation:
- Time Loss: We are losing 3 to 5 hours of valuable research and coding time just to travel for a 30-second "tap-in."
- Financial Strain: The cost of travel during a cost-of-living crisis is taking money away from our basic needs and education.
- Mental Health: The anxiety of missing a "clock-in" while trying to master a new subject is leading to burnout and making it harder to focus on our dissertations.
What we are asking for:
We are petitioning the Department of Computing & Engineering to modernise this policy. We suggest using QR codes, Teams check-ins, or reducing physical requirements to once a week (or every two weeks) to allow us the time and peace of mind to finish our degrees successfully.
STUDENT COMMENTS & SIGNATURES
Please comment below if you want any changes. Note: If you commute from another city or are struggling with the new policy or financially , please mention that in your comment to help the University understand our perspective.
Comments
Yes am totally agree,,, coming from Manchester just only for tap card for no lecture is really hard for me it take 2 to 5 hour Also traveling cost ... So it's a request make any easy policy for attendes ... Thnx
I completely support this petition. Travelling just for short attendance check-ins takes a lot of time and money, especially while managing dissertations and projects. Flexible or digital attendance options would really help students focus better on their studies.
I am writing to strongly support this petition from the perspective of a student registered with Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). The current requirement to physically "tap in" on days without scheduled lectures imposes a disproportionate burden on those managing chronic health conditions and significant financial hardship. Forcing a commute solely for administrative attendance verification rather than for pedagogical engagement exacerbates both physical fatigue and psychological stress. Transitioning to a digital attendance policy would align with inclusive university practices, allowing students to focus their limited resources and energy on their dissertations and final projects. Implementing flexible, remote check-ins would be a meaningful step in supporting student wellbeing and financial equity.
I fully support this proposal and believe it is a fair and reasonable request given the pressures Master’s students are currently facing. Many of us are balancing far more than just our studies. In my own case, alongside dissertation deadlines and coursework, I also run a sports and social club bar and have responsibilities as a parent of four children. Time is an extremely limited resource, and losing several hours travelling simply to complete a brief attendance check-in is difficult to justify when that time could be spent researching, coding, writing, or supporting our families. There is also the financial impact. Regular travel costs add up quickly, especially in the current cost-of-living situation. Reducing unnecessary commuting would ease financial pressure on students while also improving productivity and well-being. Most importantly, this proposal is not asking to remove engagement or accountability. It is simply suggesting a more modern and practical approach. The proposed solutions would save both time and money while allowing students to focus on successfully completing demanding dissertations and meeting important deadlines. I believe modernising the policy would benefit both students and the university by improving academic performance, reducing stress, and supporting students who are balancing significant personal and professional responsibilities alongside their degrees.
I totally agree with the petition, coming to the university is challenging due to my work commitments, dissertation, and family responsibilities. If attendance could be moved to a digital system, it would be much better
Agree with online attendance.
As someone commuting from Oldham, I agree this policy adds unnecessary stress and cuts into valuable dissertation time.