The OfS has set out its expectations of universities as three days of strike action by some members of the University and College Union begins.
Nicola Dandridge, chief executive of the Office for Students (OfS), said:
'We are extremely concerned about the potential impact of these strikes on students. Students have endured an exceptionally difficult time. It cannot be right that they face further disruption, and we would urge the employers and trade unions to work quickly so that any industrial dispute does not materially affect students.
'Last month the OfS published a briefing note setting out that universities must do all they can to mitigate the impact of the strikes and ensure that students continue to receive a high quality higher education experience. We have also written to universities affected, reminding them that our registration conditions continue to apply throughout any industrial action.
'Universities are subject to consumer protection law, and they should consider how they will make up for any disruption caused by industrial action. This might include rescheduling any teaching which is missed, delivering course topics in a different way or considering whether partial refunds of tuition fees are appropriate. Students should not be disadvantaged academically because of any disruption.'