University cancels 8am lectures after student complaints

Ah, I remember not going to these. Or the 9am lectures. Or the 10am lectures. Or the 11am lectures. Or the-

Durham University has been forced to cancel their 8am lectures this week after complaints from students, as well as members of the university's staff. As reported by the student paper in Durham, Palatinate, there was an outcry after the Autumn term's timetable was announced and the early starts were met with formal complaints by the Durham Students with Disabilities Association and the Students’ Union. There were also legitimate concerns about the impact of the 8am classes on those who live outside Durham. As well as that, there are mature students with children who would struggle to attend the early lectures and those who suffer from disabilities and other illnesses that would have difficulty attending. It now means that several classes, including four entire modules in the business and law departments, have had to be rescheduled with a later start time. The early starts are rumoured to be due to timetabling conflicts as a result of the university's plans to increase enrolment by 4,000 students within the next ten years. Professor Alan Houston, the university’s pro-vice-chancellor for education, said of the rescheduling: ‘We have listened and responded. Working closely with students and departments, the Student Registry explored all alternatives. Thanks to their hard work, I am pleased to report that there will be no 8am lectures scheduled next academic year.’