PROFILES: CHELSEA FAGAN
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CULCHER
Cherwell Independent since 1920
0th Week Friday, 23rd April 2021 cherwell.org Vol.294 No.1
COVID-19 FINES VARY DRAMATICALLY BETWEEN COLLEGES Sasha Mills and Estelle Atkinson
FOI data has shown that colleges have opted for drastically varied approaches to COVID-19 disciplinary processes, with some colleges fining their students figures of over £4000, and others choosing not to fine students at all. Of the 26 colleges that Cherwell obtained data for, Somerville College has fined its students the most, administering 107 fines in Michaelmas alone totalling £5590. St Hugh’s College is also amongst the colleges with the highest amounts fined, administering £4300 in fines to date, with £2575 of that acted or levied. Trinity College, St Hilda’s College, and the Queen’s College are amongst the colleges that reported no fines for Michaelmas or Hilary up to the mid-February point.
The UK government’s fine policy suggests that those 18 and over will be fined £200 on their first COVID-19 rule breach if deemed necessary by the police, which is lowered to £100 if paid within the first 14 days. Under educational guidance, however, those attending illegal house parties of more than 15 people can be fined £800, doubling with any repeat offences. These policies have been specifically referenced in relation to students and included in information for higher education providers. For college policies, fine amounts vary, with Keble College fining between £50-£250, with the £250 fine reserved for those caught mixing households on multiple occasions. Other colleges provided less specific information on fining, instead providing ranges, with Mansfield College’s top-end figure being £500.
Some of these colleges have opted for different disciplinary methods for COVID-19 rule breaches, both alongside and in replacement of fines. At Merton, some students were required to write essays of a tutorial length on COVID-19 related topics. At Trinity College, where no students have been fined, disciplinary methods include formal warnings, community service, restrictions from shared spaces, and in some cases, banishment from the college premises. A spokesperson for Trinity College told Cherwell that the college opted against using fines as a result of the possible disproportionate impact of fines on lowerincome students, as well as JCR opposition to fining. A student that received a £30 acted fine and a £200 suspended fine for having a gathering in
their room during Freshers week told Cherwell: “The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone’s social life to some extent. It had an outstandingly high impact on first-year students who found themselves in a novel environment. Freshers’ week plays a central role in the establishment of a support system at University. [...] So, I consider that although I received a fine, it was worth having gatherings and getting to know people.” The same student went on to argue
that fines may not be a fair system. “An issue with the fining system is that it further enlarges the socio-economic discrepancies between students. Someone with financial difficulties may socialise less because the fine may affect them more.” Many fines are related to large social gatherings, with 47 of the fines that New College gave out during Michaelmas being ascribed to only 6 events. Another student was given a series of suspended fines. “I was fined around four times, and each time the fine doubled. The biggest fine was around £300 which seemed ridiculous. However, the college never followed through with them...” Continued on page 2.
COLLEGES ANNOUNCE RETURN POLICIES Jill Cushen
Following the government announcement that students on non-practical courses, not already exempt, will be unable to return to Oxford until the 17th of May, the University of Oxford has updated its guidance on students’ returns, stating: “providers should support the return of students where necessary to support the continuation of their studies.” In emails seen by Cherwell, colleges have outlined their policies for students who wish to return to Oxford before May 17th. In line with government and university guidance, students may return provided they fall under one of the exemptions: if they “do not
have access to appropriate alternative accommodation, facilities or study space at home” or “for health or safety (including mental health and wellbeing) reasons.” In light of these changes, students who previously applied and were not given permission, can contact their college to make a new request. In an email sent to students at St John’s College, the college said they shared in students’ “disappointment and frustration” at the government update, but informed them: “our objective remains to welcome back as many of you as possible, within the parameters of what is permitted by the government.”
For students who claim the exemption of health and safety, including mental health and wellbeing, the college said they would “initiate a discussion about what support [they] may need on [their] return” in order to ensure their safety and that of the wider college community. Students at St Edmund’s Hall, who were not already given permission to return, were told they could if “in [their] judgement, this is necessary for [them] to be able to use the facilities such as libraries to study effectively, to prepare for examinations, or for health reasons”. These students did not “need to secure the permission” of the college.
Hertford College also told their students they shared in their “frustrations” and “had hoped for earlier clarity and a stronger recognition of both the case for return and the sacrifices made by students”. Students wishing to return early were asked to submit a “brief return request” flagging the “general grounds on which the request is being made” and if given permission, can return in the earlier window from 21 to 24 April. The college also said that “all students who wish to return to residence for Trinity Term will be able to do so in preparation for 17th May” and instructed them to
book an arrival slot between May 12 and 15. Students at Regent’s Park were told that the college would be happy to consider requests and would “interpret government and University rules as generously as [they] can”. The email also stated that if students wished to submit a request under one of the exemptions, they did not need to go into “great detail” but that a “simple statement of the relevant exemption” would be sufficient. The Queen’s College wrote to students stating that those who do not have access to appropriate alternative accommodation... Continued on page 3.