Roger Robinson Scholarship for Student Runners
History and purpose
This scholarship was established by Roger Robinson to support talented student runners pursing undergraduate study at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Roger Robinson combined academic and sporting excellence throughout his 35-year career at the University as Professor of English and Assistant Vice-Chancellor. Alongside his academic achievements, he competed internationally as a middle- and long-distance runner and contributed to athletics as a stadium announcer, television commentator, and acclaimed writer. His extensive publications span both literature and sport.
Roger Robinson combined academic and athletic interests for 35 years as Professor of English and Assistant Vice-Chancellor at the University, competing as an international runner through most of those years, and also serving as athletics stadium announcer, TV commentator, and writer. His many publications similarly cover Literature and Sport.
The purpose of this scholarship is to support competitive runners competing in events of 800 metres or longer to succeed both academically and in their sport.
Who is eligible?
Applicants must be:
- enrolled, or intending to enrol, in full-time undergraduate study at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
- a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- a competitive runner, competing in a branch of running administered by Athletics New Zealand (not necessarily affiliated with any specific club or athletics organisation).
The award will not normally be made to the same athlete more than once.
Selection criteria
Selection is based primarily on competitive athletic achievement, with consideration also given to academic performance and personal circumstances, including financial or other hardship.
Application process
A completed online application must be submitted by 4.30 pm on the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Any required supporting documentation (including references) must also be received by 4.30 pm on the closing date in order for the application to be considered.
Applications will normally open one month prior to the closing date. If no application link is provided below, check back again closer to the closing date. Contact us if you have any queries.
Scholarship specific documentation
- Responses to the questions in the Personal Statement section including:
- a summary of significant personal athletics results and achievements, for example, championship placings, representative team selections, and rankings in Athletics New Zealand annual lists
- details of any sports-related scholarships, grants, or funding previously received.
- Academic record
- A letter of recommendation from a coach or similarly qualified person (to be requested via the online application).
- Evidence of financial hardship (if applicable) to be provided in the Financial Information section of the online application.
Selection process
The recipient will be selected by a panel comprising members of the athletics community, the School of Health (or nominee/s), University Recreation.
Additional information
The recipient is expected to write a letter of thanks to the donor upon acceptance of the scholarship.
If sufficient funds are available, more than one scholarship may be awarded in any year.
Previous recipients may reapply and be considered for up to three years.
In exceptional circumstances, approval may be granted for part-time study. Requests to undertake part-time study must be submitted in advance through the Head of School, School of Health.
Conditions
- A completed online application must be submitted by 4.30 pm on the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Any required supporting documentation (including references) must also be received by 4.30 pm on the closing date in order for the application to be considered.
- All offers of the Scholarship will be conditional upon the recipient being fully enrolled in a full-year programme (full time will be at the level of points considered by Studylink as full time) within the stipulated criteria and tenure of the scholarship. No payment of the Scholarship will be made until this condition is met.
- The Scholarship cannot be deferred to a later year.
- The Scholarship may be held in conjunction with other awards.
- Should the recipient withdraw from Victoria University of Wellington during the tenure of this scholarship or fail to achieve satisfactory progress, partial repayment of the Scholarship will normally be expected. Recipients must advise the Scholarships Office if they intend to withdraw.
- Recipients are expected to act as Ambassadors for Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington and participate in appropriate events or marketing if requested.
- At the discretion of the Deciding Authority, the application of the terms and conditions of the Scholarship may be modified in special circumstances or to avoid hardship to any candidate for the Scholarship.
Contact
Scholarships Office
scholarships-office@vuw.ac.nz
Phone 0800 04 04 04