On the 20th April, Stefan Osgood was awarded Full University Colours for his contribution to Sport at Aberystwyth University. This contribution included representing the university at Fencing as Captain of the Men’s team, fencing three Varsity tournaments as well as numerous BUCS matches and three University of Wales Fencing Tournaments. This number would have been four had it not been for his untimely death. Sports Colours were also awarded for his contribution to sport, especially Snowsports, at Aberystwyth, his involvement as Vice President of the university club, and yet again his representation of the university in Varsity and national competitions with the snowboarding team.
In addition to his Colours Award, by an overwhelming number of nominations from the student body, Stefan was awarded Sports Personality of the Year, and also Honorary Life Membership of the Students' Union. This is the first time in the Students’ Union’s history that these awards have been given posthumously.
Since his death, conversations have occurred between the University and Stefan’s family, and the Students’ Union, asking for a posthumous degree to be awarded to the family in Stefan’s name. This request has been declined in favour of a Certificate of Higher Education. It is unbelievably sad that the argument being used to deny him the degree is that he had failed some modules. Failed. And the punishment for that failure is that his contribution to the university goes unacknowledged. Due to the personal circumstances and troubles that he faced privately and alone, he was unable to complete his degree to the best of his ability. The refusal to award his degree also means that a Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) cannot be issued. This means that Stefan’s outstanding contribution to the university will go formally unrecognised. Stefan spent almost four years at Aberystwyth, away from his family, a family that are currently left with nothing to mark the time he spent here and nothing to provide any shred of consolation to them.
The university, by the authority granted by Royal Charter has the power to bestow upon ANY individual an honorary degree from the University. The criteria for an individual to receive such a degree are that they have made a significant contribution to the University or to the Aberystwyth area. Therefore it is entirely appropriate that Stefan James Osgood be awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree, honoris causa and also that the university issue his HEAR certificate.
Updates
Reached 1,000 supporters
May 15, 2016
May 14, 2016
The volume of support for this petition has prompted a formal request for a meeting with the university registrar. We are currently drafting a letter that addresses their specific objections regarding his academic record. I will update you once a response is received.
Reached 100 supporters
May 14, 2016
239 Comments
I felt honoured to be asked to sign this. Stefan was a fine, intelligent young man who had personal struggles that overcame him. It is clear to see that he made a difference whilst studying at Aberystwyth and I hope that the powers to be recognise his hard work and contributions.
Every year Universities bestow Honorary Degrees to people who are less deserving and with no formal link to the Institution or University themselves. Aberystwyth University do the right thing and award this Degree to one of your own who represented the University with distinction and honor.
Having met Stefan as a student from another University through sport, his contribution to its representation outside Aberystwyth was nothing short of exemplary. To deprive him of this recognition would be a travesty.
Stef was hugely influential in making my first year of University one that I will never forget. Aside from the fact that his efforts to fencing and snowboarding were outstanding, he had an amazing personality, was always there for me and in my opinion genuinely deserves his degree.
The amount of contributions he has made make to the student community, the university and in putting mental health issues at the forefront of everyone's minds should be worth at least this if not more.
I'm very sorry for your loss and I hope this petition goes somewhere to offer some condolence and honour his memory
When you look at all the comedians / comediennes that have been awarded honorary degrees and have never even been NEAR a uni. , then shame on you for not honouring this fine young man's contributions.
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On the 20th April, Stefan Osgood was awarded Full University Colours for his contribution to Sport at Aberystwyth University. This contribution included representing the university at Fencing as Captain of the Men’s team, fencing three Varsity tournaments as well as numerous BUCS matches and three University of Wales Fencing Tournaments. This number would have been four had it not been for his untimely death. Sports Colours were also awarded for his contribution to sport, especially Snowsports, at Aberystwyth, his involvement as Vice President of the university club, and yet again his representation of the university in Varsity and national competitions with the snowboarding team.
In addition to his Colours Award, by an overwhelming number of nominations from the student body, Stefan was awarded Sports Personality of the Year, and also Honorary Life Membership of the Students' Union. This is the first time in the Students’ Union’s history that these awards have been given posthumously.
Since his death, conversations have occurred between the University and Stefan’s family, and the Students’ Union, asking for a posthumous degree to be awarded to the family in Stefan’s name. This request has been declined in favour of a Certificate of Higher Education. It is unbelievably sad that the argument being used to deny him the degree is that he had failed some modules. Failed. And the punishment for that failure is that his contribution to the university goes unacknowledged. Due to the personal circumstances and troubles that he faced privately and alone, he was unable to complete his degree to the best of his ability. The refusal to award his degree also means that a Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) cannot be issued. This means that Stefan’s outstanding contribution to the university will go formally unrecognised. Stefan spent almost four years at Aberystwyth, away from his family, a family that are currently left with nothing to mark the time he spent here and nothing to provide any shred of consolation to them.
The university, by the authority granted by Royal Charter has the power to bestow upon ANY individual an honorary degree from the University. The criteria for an individual to receive such a degree are that they have made a significant contribution to the University or to the Aberystwyth area. Therefore it is entirely appropriate that Stefan James Osgood be awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree, honoris causa and also that the university issue his HEAR certificate.
Updates
Reached 1,000 supporters
May 15, 2016
May 14, 2016
The volume of support for this petition has prompted a formal request for a meeting with the university registrar. We are currently drafting a letter that addresses their specific objections regarding his academic record. I will update you once a response is received.
Reached 100 supporters
May 14, 2016
239 Comments
I don't know this lad, but if his friends believe he deserves credit I'm inclined to believe them. We went through much the same with our dear friend Steve Critcher 43 years ago:maybe not quite the same, but it helped us all that Steve was posthumously awarded his degree.
I felt honoured to be asked to sign this. Stefan was a fine, intelligent young man who had personal struggles that overcame him. It is clear to see that he made a difference whilst studying at Aberystwyth and I hope that the powers to be recognise his hard work and contributions.
Every year Universities bestow Honorary Degrees to people who are less deserving and with no formal link to the Institution or University themselves. Aberystwyth University do the right thing and award this Degree to one of your own who represented the University with distinction and honor.
Having met Stefan as a student from another University through sport, his contribution to its representation outside Aberystwyth was nothing short of exemplary. To deprive him of this recognition would be a travesty.
Stef was hugely influential in making my first year of University one that I will never forget. Aside from the fact that his efforts to fencing and snowboarding were outstanding, he had an amazing personality, was always there for me and in my opinion genuinely deserves his degree.
The amount of contributions he has made make to the student community, the university and in putting mental health issues at the forefront of everyone's minds should be worth at least this if not more.
I'm very sorry for your loss and I hope this petition goes somewhere to offer some condolence and honour his memory
When you look at all the comedians / comediennes that have been awarded honorary degrees and have never even been NEAR a uni. , then shame on you for not honouring this fine young man's contributions.
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I don't know this lad, but if his friends believe he deserves credit I'm inclined to believe them. We went through much the same with our dear friend Steve Critcher 43 years ago:maybe not quite the same, but it helped us all that Steve was posthumously awarded his degree.