mandree81

I entered a Ph.D. program in organizational learning and leadership in fall 2013 at a regionally prestigious institution. I expected a high level of rigor given the fact that this is a doctoral program, and my master's program was relatively research and reading focused. What I have encountered in the several months since, however, has left me astonished, angry, and altogether fed up. In the first semester, a few cohort members came to class and just sat there the entire time, arms crossed, no notes, nothing....just looking befuddled and kind of pissy. I, and another cohort member, found ourselves basically carrying class conversations. Over time, these people would come to class and actually say out loud that they didn't read the material, which would make me mad considering that I also work full time at another university and am working so hard to come to class prepared. Needless to say, I began to separate myself from them, and when they started inviting me to gatherings outside of class to study, etc., I always declined. Two reasons I declined: 1. I have nothing to gain from working with people who have not read any content, and 2. I am annoyed by them because I think they are lazy. I ended last term with a 4.0 gpa, and came in to this term hoping that things would turn around. Instead, I found out that the most rigorous professor in our program is being denied tenure (no idea why) and will not be returning. To add insult to injury, I am in a small group analysis class that requires my cohort to sit in a circle every week, while being video taped, and function as a group. We have no task, mind you, we are just supposed to function and analyze what happens. A couple of the cohort members (who also happen to be the ones who said they didnt read and came to class visibly underprepared, with nothing to contribute to class discussion) have been ganging up on me every week - accusing me of being judgmental, of not supporting the cohort atmosphere, of not accepting them for who they are, etc. Mind you, I have never actually said aloud how I feel, so I am not sure why they thought all of this. My conclusion is that by always being prepared and speaking up in class I am making them feel inadequate, which would make sense. I am so mystified by this - why do I have to "accept you as you are" if you bring NOTHING to the cohort but silence and laziness? How am I supposed to work with people who don't even look like they are trying? Furthermore, if they ARE trying, GREAT - but it's not my responsibility to teach them. One of them actually said that she relies on me for her learning because she doesn't understand the text. My question is - should I just put up with this ignorance for now and remind myself that these people will most likely not complete the program? I mean, if you are unwilling or unable to read and comprehend theory, how can you expect to write a dissertation, right? Or should I try harder to be a "cohort member" and pull the slackers along? Am I being unreasonably judgmental, or this behavior really bizarre in a doctoral program? I am so bummed about this situation and could really use some advice from others who have, or are currently, in a doctoral program. Has anyone experienced this? It's getting so bad that I am actually contemplating trying to find an online program. Thanks for reading!