Durham University Does It Again

 There is a joke within the dilapidated corridors of Durham University. This is known as "Durham Does". On a daily basis there will be some way of operating that for anyone with half a brain cell can see makes no sense. The problem stems from the top down. For example, putting money into new builds is good. However, with zero idea how to finance running cost and equipment replacement etc would seem to be an eventual recipe for disaster. The arrogance of those higher up beggars belief and it is time to put an end to the unethical practices that are on going.


If we delve into the latest events


Durham University staff have voted for more strike action in response to concerns over job cuts.

  • Strike Dates: The University and College Union (UCU) has announced three additional walkouts on June 13, 14, and 19.

  • Reason for Action: The union claims that 200 jobs are at risk due to budget cuts, particularly affecting professional services and support staff.

  • University's Response: Durham University insists that there are "no current plans for redundancies" and calls the strike action "unnecessary".

  • Union's Stance: UCU argues that staff have already made sacrifices to achieve savings and accuses the university of "needless hostility" for refusing to rule out compulsory redundancies.

  • Impact on Students: The university has assured that examinations will not be affected, and students will be kept informed of any developments.


ref: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5ykjyny5vlo

Now dig into that a bit further and you note that this is non academics. This been the academics that vote their own pay rises, get an annual increment no matter what, that are given "fake" professorships for a 75k minimum wage and there are academics on 400k. On the othe rside the PSS are told - never will they get any form of promotion, that working at higher grades means nothing and a nonsensical table of words means they can say you are working at any level they want as the words are interchangeable.

then we see despite promises that

multiple errors have disrupted exams at Durham University, including incorrect papers, missing data booklets, and typos. (https://www.palatinate.org.uk/exams-interrupted-by-incorrect-papers-missing-data-booklets-and-typos-across-the-university/)

  • Engineering Exam Issue: Students taking the ‘Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics 2’ exam did not receive a crucial data booklet until three-quarters of the way through the exam, leaving them with only 30 minutes to use materials meant for 60 minutes.

  • History Exam Mix-Up: Level 2 History students received the wrong question paper for their 24-hour exam. Instead of the ‘Early Medieval Barbarian Kingdoms’ paper, they were given a ‘1960s conservation in Africa’ module paper. The correct paper was provided after 30 minutes, and students were given an extra hour to compensate.

  • Student Concerns: Some students reported that invigilators initially did not believe them when they pointed out the errors. The university has acknowledged the disruptions and committed to reviewing the incidents.


It would appear firstly these are down to academic incompetence and not PSS influenced. The fact will be a majority of academics are not fit for purpose. They have limited knowledge in field, can not manage projects and are thugs/bullies towards students and staff.

If these findings are true, then it is surely essential that such a failing university should be brought under a controlling system where these things are stopped for the good of all.

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