I am currently a 2nd year PhD student, at the end of last year my adviser had a meeting and told me I was not progressing as he had hoped and suggested I leave the program, but that I could stay, as it is there hope that a student would improve. He ominously said though that if I did stay I would have a difficulty finding other professors to work with me on a dissertation or as an adviser. I asked him at the time if I need to find a new adviser and he said no, but as I would find out in the Fall that was not true. I have passed all my classes and am not in danger as far as grades go, I believe this had to do with me not being a TA or GA, and he had been harsh on some papers I turned in during his classes. I had a really hard personal year in which I had to drive home (3.5 hrs away) every week to help out my family so my work could have been hindered but it wasn't enough so for professors to give me anything but A's and B+s. He was not sympathetic to my families tragedy and when I showed up in the fall he told me I needed to find an adviser, which I have asked the only five professors in my field in the program all have declined, either stating they have too many graduate students or don't have the same research interest (which is dubious because after the 2nd decline I was making my research to fit their specialties). I am on pace to finish all of my course work this spring but without an adviser I will not be able to work on my dissertation. My question is, is it heard of for an entire department to block a student out and prevent him from completing their degree?
Can a University accept $26,000 from a student who is paying for the service of being trained in their chosen profession and then refuse to provide that service? Do I have any rights here, anywhere I can go to fight for my right to have an adviser, someone who is already accepting paychecks based of my tuition and other students like me? I politely brought this dilemma up to the dean of the History department, stating oh I am having some difficulty finding an adviser, so far professors are telling me they have too many graduate students, do you have any advise for me, he stated it is a long standing practice that professors get to choose who they do or don't work with and it is on me to find an adviser, and that leaving the program is always an option. I feel that after this much time and money I should not be forced to do that, and I am passionate about getting my PhD. I don't think I should be penalized because one professor decided he did not like me and I was hit with an unexpected tragedy in my life that may have taken some time away from my school work. Could I go to the President of the University? or anyone above the dean of my program? Do I have a legal case, or do you think someone eventually will work with me if I am persistent and continue to come up with new research ideas to fit their interests?