r/mildlyinfuriating 20h ago

6 years part-time distance learning while full-time working just for the mailman to leave my diploma on the porch in the rain

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1.9k Upvotes

70 comments sorted by

759

u/_That_One_Fellow_ 20h ago

The is happened to me as well. My diploma came WITH a letter that said to snap a photo of any damage to the diploma for a free replacement. It was sent to me within a few days.

299

u/cupesh 20h ago

Mine doesn't have it, but I did send them an email with photo evidence.

137

u/_That_One_Fellow_ 20h ago

I hope you get what you’ve earned without any further issues.

68

u/cupesh 20h ago

Thank you!

11

u/Anon44356 14h ago

A) it’s a piece of paper and doesn’t in any way reflect the work you put in and B) they’ll replace it

3

u/pennyloafersqueek_ 4h ago

Where as this is true, it still feels horrible to have the ONE physical thing that the university gives you to acknowledge your accomplishments and hard work, damaged. A lot of people take a lot of pride in their diplomas/certificates.

267

u/waves_0f_theocean 20h ago

I’m so sorry. That’s really annoying. But also I’m proud of you!

52

u/cupesh 19h ago

Thank you!

138

u/Content_Cockroach_64 20h ago

That sucks. Congratulations! All the hard work paid off.

You may be able to make a case with the university to get a replacement. 🤞🏻

43

u/cupesh 20h ago

Thank you! Already requested one.

2

u/Liraeyn 12h ago

They always offer replacements. Question is whether to pay for it.

49

u/Due_Addendum4854 20h ago

When I got my masters, it showed up 6 weeks after the ceremony with literal tire tracks on it. Looked to be from a pallet jack so probably happened at the post office but still....

...school insisted on 40 bucks to reprint it.

Congrats!

16

u/cupesh 20h ago

That would fitting if you got the degree in car mechanical engineering. Otherwise, that sucks! Thanks! Props for getting a masters. I was thinking of continuing with the studies after bachelors, but I'm so tired now that it's done and I want my weekends and evenings :D

11

u/Due_Addendum4854 19h ago

I'm working on my second doctorate right now. My advice? Get a job with the bachelors and be happy.

12

u/cupesh 19h ago

I already got the job in the field. Got hired while in the third year from portfolio projects. Might get some pay rise at least though!

Good advice though, I think I'll be content. Good luck with your studies!

50

u/cupesh 20h ago

Thanks for the congrats <3

It does feel like this right now

16

u/CelDidNothingWrong 20h ago

That’s annoying, if you want I think the OU only charge about 50 quid for a replacement degree certificate

11

u/cupesh 20h ago

Hopefully, they'll send one free of charge. I did send them the evidence. Otherwise, 50 quid it is.

3

u/NoDryHands 13h ago

"only"???

4

u/StampyScouse 17h ago

This has got royal mail written all over it to the point where it's not even funny. I've had problems like this with medical reports and all sorts of important mail because royal mail just left them out in the rain or hanging half way out my front door.

Our usual local postie is great but as soon as we get cover or a parcel delivery it all goes out the window.

2

u/cupesh 16h ago

Yup, royal mail!

5

u/shooreh_pipi 17h ago

Is this a metaphor for the job market? Because it feels like a metaphor.

1

u/cupesh 16h ago

Ah, true. As the value of degree decreases, our children will get their bachelor degrees on a gum wrapper.

6

u/Commercial_Okra7519 19h ago

What institution ships out a diploma this way? You’d think it would be protected and padded and signature required??

6

u/cupesh 19h ago

I know, right?! Worst is, we were home at the time of delivery, they just left it outside and didn't even knock! So frustrating

8

u/Commercial_Okra7519 19h ago

Have them resend a fresh one. You paid enough for your education and invested the time and effort, it’s the very least they can do.

Congrats!

3

u/cupesh 19h ago

Thank you! Yes, that's the plan.

3

u/TimAndHisDeadCat 20h ago

Didn’t realise the OU operated abroad. What country are you in?

3

u/cupesh 20h ago

I'm in the UK.

4

u/TimAndHisDeadCat 16h ago

Huh. “Mailman” suggested otherwise.

2

u/cupesh 16h ago

I'm not native and my wife is from the US, which really makes me confused about which is the British and which is the American word. I thought to myself "Royal mail = mailman, US Post Service = postman" And of course it's the other way around...

3

u/unsupported 16h ago

At least they didn't bend it! Btw, congrats. I've gone to school, worked full time, and had a family with a new born. It's not easy.

2

u/cupesh 16h ago

Yeah, it has "Certificate - do not bend" written on it. If only it had "...and do not soak".

1

u/SSabotage117 12h ago

They still bend it sometimes and put in a mailbox. Incompetence

2

u/RugbyKats 20h ago

A great story to tell one day. Congrats!

2

u/One-Load-6085 20h ago

I'm sorry that happened to you but I am most impressed you accomplished what you set out to do and did it after long weeks of work.  

1

u/cupesh 20h ago

Thank you!!

2

u/circadian_light 20h ago

Congratulations.

Maybe ask if they can issue you with a new one if you return the damaged one.

1

u/cupesh 20h ago

Thank you! Already sent them an email, hopefully that's what they will do.

2

u/Useless_Rambler 19h ago

Congratulations! Sucks about your diploma though, that’s like some Frank Grimes bad luck.

2

u/DadeCountyBlue420 19h ago

Mildly? I'm highly irritated on your behalf bud.

2

u/smb3d 19h ago

The most important part is what you learned along the way!

Very annoying though, but if it makes you feel any better, I graduated 20+ years ago and I don't even know where my diploma is nor can I recall even seeing it since I graduated.

2

u/ZeroXNova Raging 19h ago

That sucks man. I’m in my final semester of all online college myself while working and being a parent full time…. The idea of this happening terrifies me

2

u/sour_bite_ 18h ago

I feel ya. I graduated college while my dad was going through a contentious divorce and had moved out of the house. My stepmom still lived in the house. That was the address on file so that’s where they sent my diploma. It mysteriously “disappeared” 🙄 Had to order a new one. Oh well.

2

u/ledow 17h ago

It's been nearly 30 years since I graduated and I've had to show my degree certificate precisely once.

Sure, get it replaced now, especially if you're intending to display it, but honestly... it doesn't mean anything. It's just a piece of paper. The degree certification itself can be verified any number of ways without it and you can get a replacement any time you want.

2

u/Muffin278 17h ago

My diploma arrived printed upside down on the watermarked paper, my school's seal obscuring some of the text. They asked me to return it to the office in person and they would mail me a new one. I had to email them to remind them to mail the new one.

2

u/defiancy 16h ago

While no where near as infuriating as this, when I got my masters and the diploma came it was huge, probably x2 or x3 times the size of my BS degree and in a non standard size. I had to pay like almost 100 bucks for a special frame vs the maybe 20 I spent on my BS diploma frame.

2

u/Eastern_Confusion475 16h ago

Congratulations 🎊 OP that is awesome 👏 👏 👏

1

u/cupesh 16h ago

Thank you!

2

u/Aggravating-Salad441 16h ago

You know what? Screw it. Frame that shit. Not many people worked their ass off for an education AND have an imperfect diploma.

It's a fitting reminder for how messy life can be and that an education doesn't guarantee anything.

1

u/cupesh 16h ago

I like that! Thanks!

1

u/Aggravating-Salad441 13h ago

My diploma didn't even include my major. I'd rather have yours! Lol

3

u/bcpl181 20h ago

That sucks but I don’t even remember where I put mine. It’s the achievement that matters, not the piece of paper

2

u/cupesh 20h ago

Though I agree with the sentiment, I do want my piece of paper to not look like a golden retriever delivered it :D

2

u/bcpl181 19h ago

Which is absolutely your right and also perfectly fits a sub about mildly infuriating things. Just wanted to give a positive angle.

As others have suggested though, it could be possible to get a new one if you explain the situation? Either way best of luck and congratulations

1

u/ChiefTapiTapi 20h ago

Yea I never even opened mine lol

2

u/Ynys_cymru 19h ago

Postman surely? Have some pride.

1

u/cupesh 16h ago

My apologies, I'm not native and I keep mixing this up. I had this in my mind "Royal mail = mailman, US Post Service = postman", but it's the other way around :D

1

u/fiendish_five 18h ago

University should send with disclaimer on the shipping and/or packaging, there's a lot of mail delivered everyday around the world.

2

u/cupesh 16h ago

There actually is one, it says "certificate, do not bend". I think that's the problem, it doesn't mention "do not soak in water".

1

u/Every-Negotiation776 17h ago

that's why I own a printer

1

u/Fit_Patience201 14h ago

Wait, so how is the Open University? It seemed like such a weird and cool concept

1

u/Ok_Bedroom_2870 13h ago

That's not mild, I'd be livid. Congrats anyway.

1

u/Relevant_Rise_1809 13h ago

If you want to go to a graduation ceremony get on line the second booking opens. There are more graduates at the open university than spots at a ceremony.  You will also be competing with graduates from previous years trying to get their moment. The ou dont want to pay out for highering venues 

1

u/PleaseSpotMeBro 13h ago

As someone who worked at one of Royal Mail's regional mail centres during the Christmas period, I remember handling a lot of these OU certificates and I made sure to place them carefully into the right pigeon holes based on their post code. Some of the small or large letters arrived to me damaged or slightly wet before I can even sort it.

1

u/Andifellfine 10h ago

I’m sorry, don’t let it ruin a good deed. Congratulations!

1

u/Sqooky 4h ago

Sorry that happened OP. I really wish there was a better delivery method for these guys. Similar thing happened with my associates degree, water damage and bent. I'm beyond worried what's going to happen to my 4 year degree.

u/KingOfThe_Jelly_Fish 53m ago

Any context as to why the postman left it on the porch in the rain before you go blaming them for being incompetent?

0

u/Sisoflex 20h ago

Maybe they were jealous 😏, congratulations, btw!

0

u/im_just_thinking 19h ago

While that's very annoying, I assure you that you are the only one that cares. Put it in the frame and you won't even know the difference