I am in the midst of a human rights complaint against my comprehensive exam chair, based on her discriminatory and abusive behavior. She thought she felt entitled to her actions based on my performance on the first comprehensive exam, which I passed, but barely. A faculty member internal to the department failed me, and an external faculty member, an expert in my field, passed me with honors. My comprehensive exam chair gave me time off to "think" about whether I should move forward to the next exam.
My department is so uncivilized and wretched, it is beyond words and I do not have any support from my academic advisor. I have until the end of the weekend to decide whether I am going to continue on in this program (due to my rental situation). On one hand, I think I should move forward, being I have 2 years and plenty of money invested, and on the other hand, a part of me is telling me to run for the hills, as they will most likely fail me, regardless. At least I could move on to another institution, if I so desired, with an unblemished record. The problem is that I would probably have to start over (as in most cases in my area), and I do not want to incur more loan debt as I already have a substantial one.
I am angry, at a loss, and any feedback would be useful.
I suggest that you first speak with the Associate Dean in your College who deals with student issues. If that does not satisfy you, contact the university ombudsman for graduate students. Following that would be to contact the Graduate School. Hopefully, your situation can be rectified.
I am in the second year of my 2 year Master of Philosophy course. I will spend this entire year conducting research in a particular lab in a particular department. Unlike my colleagues, my research supervisor / mentor/ thesis guide / major professor himself approached me and asked me to work with him. In this school, there was an entrance exam for which there were only two seats, I had topped the merit list.
I will be working with this professor until the end of March next year. So far, I have one paper that has been accepted for publication, the second paper has been drafted that needs to be edited and sent for publication. My professor treats me very well, he considers me as a friend and colleague, and goes out of his way to support me.
Yesterday, I approached him in his office to inquire about the procedure to obtain a letter of recommendation. He seemed to have been quite take aback at my query. So he asked, "What do you need a letter of recommendation for?". To which I replied, "I have obtained a letter of recommendation from every lab I have worked as a research assistant, it's for my reference". Then, he said, "Your stint is till the 31st of March, why are you asking for a letter of recommendation this early?" Then I said that I wasn't asking for a LOR right away, but just a procedure to obtain one. I planned on asking him this early, just in case he was busy during that time of the year".
Before approaching my major professor, I had asked his senior students for advice on this issue. Two of his senior most students told me that he was very good in writing supportive letters of recommendation for all of the students who had worked with him. My major professor is internationally renowned with numerous research publications in very high impact factor journals. My seniors told me that this was the first time in his entire career that he had asked a student to work with him. Usually, practically every student wants to work with him, and he takes only outstanding students, but in my case, since he had asked me, I couldn't refuse.
After my conversation with him yesterday, I still feel like I am in a dilemma. I still do not understand if he is willing or unwilling to write me a letter of recommendation, and if does not want to write one, what might be his reason for his reluctance? Is it because he doesn't want to let go of me? In fact, he had asked me to stay with him for my PhD as well by telling me that he had many ideas for a long-term PhD project for me.
I would be very grateful for insights and advices. Thanks in advance!
Your advisor is most likely confused by your asking for a recommendation without a concrete reason (e.g., applying for a doctoral program or a job). It is early, so you should be positive, work hard, and request a recommendation when you need one. I am only asked for recommendations when students are applying for something.
Is it advisable/acceptable to include political engagement on your CV (under the category Service)? Thanks!
I would keep political activities out of your cv or resume.
I remember that Graduate studies (or some other grad organization at FSU) used to give a subsidy to students who need to print a poster about their research for a conference. Did anyone hear about something like that?
Due to budget cuts, the University Library can no longer provide posters free-of-charge (Florida State University).
Hi, I'm in my 2nd year of my Masters Program and haven't started writing for my thesis yet. The reason is that my adviser wants to decide my research topic and he's still undecided yet. What would you do in that regard? I have an assistantship with him but I don't wanna spend 3 years for a Masters
I agree that you should speak with your major professor, but I also suggest your offering suggestions. It should take a year to conduct the research, write the thesis and defend it. Dr. Devine
What is criteria for getting assistance ship from Department? Does it varies from Department to Department? Because I have working experience of 3 yrs as Software Engineer before coming to FSU and still unsupported? (International student)
Whereas 97% students in my department are supported?
At FSU, departments appoint their graduate assistants. There is a university-wide policy, however for international students whose first language is not English. In order to teach, the student must have passed the SPEAK test with a score of 50. Lower scores allow less interaction with students, such as serving as a grader. Talk with your graduate program advisor to see if you can be appointed in the future.
I am a grad student who urgently needs financial support(grant/fellowship) to stay in school so please help me out for fall 2009
If you are a FSU graduate student, contact the FSU Financial Aid Office and ask for Ms. Joanne Clark. There are sometimes emergency funds for loans. If you are an international student, contact Ms. Kristen Hagen in the International Center to get her advice. The Graduate School, FSU
Is taking too long on ph.d. dissertation writing, will it hinder the future job hunting?
There are several ways to look at time to degree. First, the earlier you complete, the sooner you will increase your earning power. Second, maximize your job opportunities, by completing in a timely fashion. Your research may become valuable new knowledge sooner and you will illustrates your organizational skills and drive by completing faster.
Iam in my third year of my PhD in pharmaceutical sciences Iam interested in internships in industry so as to upgrade my knowledge and know what industry needs? can anyone provide me with sources from which i can get a complete information about internships?
FSU is a member of MentorNet (mentornet.com), which provides FSU graduate students and postdocs online mentoring by members of academia and industry. I suggest registering with MentorNet as a FSU student and request one or more mentors from industry.
How do you handle laptop/internet use in your classes? Do you notice any difference in laptop users? Do you have a policy about it?
Typically, it is up to the faculty member who is teaching the course to decide whether laptops can be used in class. There are some academic areas that do require laptops.
Send personal mail
