hee hee - I used to be a hooker too - and a number two.
This IS to do with my sixth form rugby past, honest. I know that if coldandwet saw that, he'd say "but he's only weeny", but we both know that this can be an advantage in the middle of a scrum.
I'm a nippy blighter as well. All the big blokes used to run straight at me, thinking I'd be easy to squish. Then they'd be left standing or lying, looking at the empty palms of their hands. I miss rugby.
I agree with you fully about the detrimental effect some lecturers' action may have on the people who, when it comes to it, pay their wages. My only reason for supporting the day of action was with the proviso that the students we were working with on that Tuesday would not miss out on anything. As a result, me and my colleagues took great care to reorganise the week.
As I understand it, the Union has asked members not to submit grades for the work they have marked until the employers agree to reopen negotiations. However, they should be marking all assignments and exam scripts in the meantime. I think this is the wrong way to go about things. What most of us are doing at Wolvo is marking all the work (tell me about it. I'm up to my ears in marking at this time of year) and then asking students to come in to receive feedback, either in taught sessions or in person. If the grade also happens to be visible on the feedback, then all the better.
I feel that there has been a lack of communication between those taking action and students and the Students' Union. This has led to a number of misunderstandings and a fear that some people's final degree classification will be delayed. This should not be the case, but I do worry that some lecturers have also got the wrong end of the stick. If you are worried about this, I suggest that you speak to your personal tutor of course/year/pathway student rep for clarification about specific issues.
I personally feel that we have an obligation to ensure that any action we take affects the deans etc at the Uni and NOT the student. My suggestion that the only action we should take is that which affects senior management directly (for example, a refusal to attend training, away days or submission of research articles) has fallen on deaf ears.
Hope I don't sound too serious there, but you raise a valid point - and lecturers should be going someway towards communicating properly and allaying your fears.
Phew! That's a long one (as the Actress said to the Bishop) - I think I should put this in my journal for all to see - if you don't mind, 'cos it's an important issue for me.
p.s. I could never through the ball straight one-handed either - passing was OK, and kicking the ball, but the line-up always knew it would be a lottery
