As restrictions slowly begin to lift, there is a growing hope around the city, and around wider Europe, that things will get back to normal soon. For an Irishman who meets many of the typical stereotypes, the chance to go out all night, drink pints and have a laugh is definitely high on the list. But is it really all for the better?
Take in-person classes for example. The UG is the third university I’ve studied at, and I have always been struck by how unnecessary it is for students to commute often long distances to sit in a lecture hall. Sure, some classes like labs and certain tutorials don’t fit the online and/or hybrid learning model; but let’s be honest for a second and admit most don’t need that level of physical presence.
This touches on a deeper issue: with so many students unable to find local accommodation amidst a deepening housing crisis in Groningen, hybrid learning offers a ready-made solution. Hybrid lectures offer a chance to let students attend in person whenever we can and online when we need to. If classes can only take place in-person for good pedagogical reasons, we can plan ahead for those, too!
Some lecturers have led the way on this and acknowledged the benefits that continuing to offer some, or all ,of their classes online can have for their students and themselves. Many of those who teach online continue to benefit from higher attendances and it’s easy to see why, when students can fit more classes in around part-time jobs, long commutes, and the general ebb and flow of life.
Certain lecturers are happy to unnecessarily force a return to on-campus only teaching
Unfortunately, some are more concerned with flexing their ability to control us. Certain lecturers, like some of the worst managers I’ve had, are more than happy to surrender their own happiness along with that of their students to unnecessarily force a return to on-campus only teaching. For such people, it seems controlling others is more important than growth or a balanced life.
What we are seeing now is that those who treat their employees and employees with empathy and understanding by offering solutions like hybrid and remote working where they can, have no shortage of applications; while those who seem resolute in their desire to drag us into an office or lecture to sit at a computer instead of doing the same at home are struggling to keep good people.
The first universities to prioritise this type of empathy, understanding, and support can only stand to benefit, too. The only question is, is the UG brave enough to lead the way?
NIALL TORRIS