I've been working on my university's PhD program for many years now, I'm in my mid-thirties, and struggling with the reality that I'm about to be kicked out of my program. In addition to my adviser and my PhD committee, I also have a mandatory "PhD academic committee", an secret group of rotating faculty and staff that decide whether or not I'm making satisfactory progress and results towards my degree (which undermines the purpose of an adviser). This is where my problem is, and they expect completely unrealistic deadlines to be met.

I have two user studies left and my dissertation. Everything else is done. I work 100 hour work weeks, have been for years, forgo social activities, etc. My stress levels are making me physically ill on a regular basis.

I've been struggling with this committee ever since their inception and every semester is a whirlwind of fear and relief as they "mercifully" grand me an extension of another semester. I am frightened to death that their cup of mercy has run dry and there are no more extensions left in their hearts to give. There is no policy on extensions, it is merely whatever they decide.

I need more time. A lot more time. What can I do?

Additionally, is it possible to get rid of this committee altogether? It takes however long it takes and their pressure only makes me more depressed, more exhausted, more stressed, and all that leads to more sickness which means less progress. It's kind of hard to do much of anything when you've got your head in the toilet.

If they decide to kick me out, is there anywhere I can appeal to for more time?