Are my advisor's actions NORMAL??

[procrustean_bed]

I'm interested in hearing more from Sigaba. Please, elaborate: what are some of the new rules, in your experience? I know something about the "unwritten rules" of academia, from personal experience in tertiary education, but this experience has been as an employee of a university rather than a grad student. Any advice would be appreciated.

To the OP: bear in mind, this kind of thing can happen anywhere. In fact, outside academia, you're very likely to experience inconsistent bosses who give something a cursory once over, give you a thumbs up, and then proceed to get very picky and even freak out about the details just as a deadline approaches. I wouldn't take it personally -- being in managerial or overseer positions comes with its own unique stressors. What you might do is meet and tell her that you're happy to work harder to make your drafts better, but that you'd be able to deliver a more polished product earlier if she gave more careful attention to the first draft. Typically, in these situations, the sooner you address the issue, the better -- otherwise, they tend to turn into "personality clashes" and power struggles that can spiral downward quickly. She may not even be conscious of the fact that she's making it harder for you to present your work.

My advice is to give your colleagues (remember: you're training to be a professional and a future colleague of your advisor) the benefit of the doubt. Approach them as rational adults who are probably just stressed and oblivious to the effects of their behavior, rather than aggressors who are trying to make your life difficult, even when they're obviously being a little irrational. People appreciate being given some leeway, and you're more likely to make allies that way.

Edited July 30, 2012 by procrustean_bed

[emily3333]

Hi I am only starting my Phd in two weeks, so take my advice for what you will.

as alot of people have said do not go to the dean or her superiors without discussing it with her.

also consider the fact as someone else pointed out that she might not be out to get you, perhaps she thinks she is right to be positive and encouraging and only criticise after shes given the opportunity and confidence to do it on your own.

Clearly panicking to edit something at the last minute isnt going to work for anyone, but it is possible she doesn't think about that.

in either case I think you should assume its a benovelent mistake on her part, it will show in your attitude when dealing her and she is more likely to take on board what your saying. i think if you keep assuming she's out to get you or just being totally inconsiderate you could create a self-fulfilling prophecy, where she actually does start to hate you or decide your too much hassle and stop trying to help you.

i would bring it up at your next meeting, and say I really appreciate the way your are so positive and encouraging of my work, but i find that when you make criticisms they come too close to the deadline. It would help me greatly if you could offer criticisms and suggestions for revisions earlier on.

good luck