University of Glasgow clarifies rules after student's work dismissed for being submitted in 'wrong binder'

IT IS the last thing a panicked student would consider.

Having diligently researched and written their dissertation, they submit their all-important final thesis on the day of deadline only to be told it is in the wrong kind of binder.

A student backlash has forced one of Scotland's leading universities to introduce standard guidelines for the way crucial work is submitted.

Undergraduates at the University of Glasgow have criticised the way each faculty has its own different demands regarding academic material.

With differing stipulations over the type of binding for reports, along with what colour the folder should be, and whether it should have a soft or hard back, many students are forced to resort to private book binding firms in order to satisfy their department's requirements.

Laura Laws, president of the university's Students' Representative Council (SRC), said such companies charge premiums on an "already expensive" service, causing "additional and unnecessary distress at an already stressful time".