Marst

How little I knew about the process when applying for a masters, and still got in.

I don't know if this translates across fields, but I was told by professors and other graduate students that it's best to mention GPA shortcomings obliquely and in a positive light. So, for example, I mention in my SOP that I worked throughout my undergraduate and MA careers, which allowed me to appreciate my academic career by way of comparison to my non-academic employment. These are intelligent people reading application packets--I think they can read between the lines, if they are even concerned about the GPA in the first place.

I have got this one 'friend' who keeps posting pictures of herself and other people's kids. I suppose she is a nanny, but I think it's plain weird. Had she been a guy, she would have been reported a billion times already, but because she is a girl it must be cute or something?

http://chronicle.com/forums/index.php/topic,178461.15.html I also agree with the follow up.
 
My question is: How badly do you want your PhD?
 
We all have had to learn to deal with various BS to get where we are.  Your adviser knows this.  Your committee members know this. You can't keep running away when your boss tells you to get moving.  You can either quit on the spot or just do it.  You have to learn to deal with authority.  Until you become your own boss, you will continue to be pressured with deadlines.

Thank you every one for your suggestion. I went to the Dean's office (also ombudsman), I had gone before also, about 2 months ago. They suspected, may be, the prof may be preparing evidence to remove from the program, hence so many emails. They asked me to forward emails from my prof to see if there is any harassment or to know the tone, whether it is more leaning toward a plan for termination. So, I am a bit afraid. Is it okay to send email to the Graduate School/Dean's office/Ombudsman? Is it normal for them to ask for such evidence? They asked me orally, later on, I came back to my lab and sent email asking some questions related to emails (around 4pm), still have not got a response. Is it okay to send them copies of email communication between me and my prof? They are authorized to solve student/prof related issues in the univ? Please suggest what I should do. And once again, thanks a lot of very thoughtful suggestions.

How little I knew about the process when applying for a masters, and still got in.