Weird situation

[parab0l]

I started a PhD in Research Methods and Statistics about a year ago. I did fine my first quarter (3.3), but got put on probation for the cum gpa of 2.98 i got my second quarter (which is just my luck, could have been a 3.02). The handbook states that a student gets 3 quarters to raise their gpa, but since I dropped to a 2.74 my third quarter, (my second quarter under 3.0), I've been having to appeal my dismissal. I was put on probation for a traffic violation about a month before i started the program, and had all kinds of personal issues in my life. I had a mental disability too that wasn't fully addressed (I could have gotten extended deadlines). All I'm asking for in my appeal is for another quarter and collaboration with the disabilities office. I believe I can do the work - I just had a rough last year. Is it unheard of to retake a class in a PhD program? If I replaced that one C i got with an A, i'd be back at 3.0. Are there legal avenues I can take in my appeal? I felt extremely uncomfortable in the lab and sometimes in class and felt like i was discriminated against even though I can't prove how I was being treated but certainly felt it. 

[biisis]

I can't speak to the legalities or the procedures for anything (those are likely highly specific to your university) but in terms of repeating classes, I'd say that it's highly unusual, but not damning. Save for the odd grant application (and maybe that's not even relevant in your case?) no one is going to scrutinize your transcripts at this point. Still, I'd follow up with your graduate program coordinator/director to ensure that you can reenroll in a class. You might doublecheck your doctoral program handbook or the equivalent before hand so that you can approach that conversation all the more informed.

 

As for your disability and feelings of discrimination, I would strongly advise you to contact the disabilities support office at your school and get registered in their system. It's always a bit of an investment of time, jumping through the hoops, but it will pay off in extended deadlines, councilors you can talk to, and advocacy. Once your in the system, see if there's someone you can talk to about your comfort levels in the lab/classroom. They may help you target what external and internal barriers you're facing. If there is something system and oppressive going on, the next person to reach out to would be your school's office of graduate research. Usually, students can meet with these folks off the record, even without proof, to discuss the climate of the university or behavioral problems with colleagues or professors. They can suggest strategies to ameliorate the situation, or advise you on the steps you'd need to take to bring forward more direct proceedings. These things take time, but then again, you'll probably still be interacting with the same folks as you pass your coursework.