======= Date Modified 30 04 2010 20:04:59 =======
I join an MPhil/PhD programme where my two sups work in the same discipline but the methodology of my first and main sup is starkly opposed to the second. My sup 2 is so vehemently opposed to my thesis and methodology. I have received no support, feed-back or encouragement from him. In fact, on many occasions he has gone out of his way to be condescending to me, put hurdles in my way and undermine my abilities.
In the last 12 months - given sup 2’s other administrative and managerial roles in the department - he has taken liberty to exercise his power to discriminate positively against me. I attempted to make my main sup 1 aware of this in the politest and best way possible without mentioning names or pointing the figure at anyone in particular. He caught my drift & showed sympathy but his failure to suggest anything other than my opting to go part-time was evidence enough that he did not want to enter into any political game with other members of his department in order to protect me. I respected this and said no more.

Given that my degree is coming to an end soon and the exam are so near, time is not on my side. If I go down the road of complaining (e.g. asking for a new second supervisor) then this will only slow things down in terms of my ability to submit my thesis in the next few months, as I'd planned. Meanwhile, I simply get the impression that I'm being left to do a DIY job on my dissertation (I know it's an independent research etc. but since all these problems started, it has changed the nature of supervisory experience and reduced it to the bare minimum).

I feel so alone, I just wanted to hear from anyone here about their thoughts, and perhaps some encouraging words that may help boost my morale and keep me going through this lonely couple of months ahead of me where I will be – literally – shooting in the dark! I’d very much appreciate your thoughts.

I don't know whether you are in the Uk or elsewhere but if you are in the UK have you thought about contacting the students' union advice centre. Staff do close rank BUT universities need completions and don't want complaints. At the university where I am doign my PhD we ahve an annual review with an independent person so there is the opportunity to make commetns (but that said you have to have a relationship with supervisors so if you complain I'm not sure how that works out)

It is really difficult when supervisors don't give you the feedback you need - I 'm at the begining of the process and the feedback on my proposal was an e-mail with "get rid" "change this" "yuk" etc which was not very helpful. Maybe you could be quite specific so that when he says this is fine ask specifically if he is saying it is of a suitable standard to pass (and even put this in an e-mail or notes of meeting so that you have some evidence). IS there anyone else who coudl read your work - another student or soemone else - I work in a different university to the one where I am doing my PhD so I sometimes ask colleagues for feedback.

Hang in there - you have done well so far and securing funding for your PhD is somea great achievement - focus on that (and think that in a few months you will be out of there)

======= Date Modified 30 May 2010 20:13:52 =======
Thank you Jepsonclough. It's comforting to hear this. I'm in a UK department - very closely knit - and although there may be, in theory, a review panel 'independent' to my sups, they are not really that independent in practice. My exams are looming and it's too late to kick a fuss less it comes at the expense of delaying things for me. For this reason I'm not so sure the complaint route - at this stage - will be a productive one.

I'm just not sure the extent to which supervisors ought to be involved in the final stages of preparing the work for submission - is it normal that they'll only take one look at the final draft, comment on it, and then they won't look at again after you've made the corrections? In effect, it means my sups would have only seen two pieces of writing from me since I began the degree: the first draft ever produced, and the final draft before submission. I'm just wondering if this is standard practice?

Hi UnderVerse,

I have just read your post, and perhaps your situation ha improved in the meantime. It is a very difficult situation, one I am used too! I am at the end of my PhD, with the view of submitting within the next 4 months. In my experience, I can tell you that even if your sup is known as a stupid, his/her mates will stick around him/her like glue. No one wants problems and they will try their best to minimize the issue if you bring it to the attention of HoS, etc.
I have three publications and I have presented at a number of international and postgraduate conferences, nonetheless, my sup could not spend a single, positive word on what I have done so far at the last annual research interview, but actually pulling back from any responsibility on my supervision. This of course, was not the view he had previously expressed to me. He later apologized, blaming the pressure he is under, etc.
HoS promised that any problem would be solved, but... a few weeks down the line and everything is back as it was. I must be thankful to the AHRC for their funding, or I fear I would have been kicked out without too many compliments...The only thing that I can do is gathering my energy to complete the writing and ask someone external to read it. Luckily I know a few experts in my field who are not related to my sup, and would be happy to help, but it is very tough. I feel that I have been wasting my time and I want to complete only because I have a strong sense of duty. I hope that you will find someone else that can read your stuff and give you some useful feedback. I think that doing anything else at this stage could compromise what you have done so far. Let me know how you are getting on.

Dear Corinne,
This will probably sound odd or twisted, but you don't know how much it helps to know that there are others - like you - who are going through the same thing. It helps, because you sound like you've coped very well with your situation and have made the best of it.
I had contemplated asking someone else to read my thesis but unfortunately I couldn't think of anyone I knew who was not connected to my school or supervisor. I was naive in my networking skills - thought I need this only for future job applications, or a morale boost now and then. From what you say, networking with people not connected to one's sup and from an early stage in the PhD might prove vital should things go - excuse the expression! - pear-shape in terms of one's relationship with one's sup. I wish I'd known this earlier :(
Any how, after reading your reply last night, I went searching through my emails and found one expert whom I had a very brief email exchange with a year ago; and who had said they'd be happy to read my work. I'll give it a go and email this expert to ask if, in a month's time when the final draft is finished, they'd be willing to read it and perhaps comment on it.
Last, but not least, I'm sorry to hear that you've had all these problems with your sups. The fact that you've already published 3 articles is testament to the fact that you are already a well-valued and respected researcher, so have no fear as you march towards your submission date. Your coping-mechanisms are exemplary, and I thank you very much for your help.
Best wishes.
(up)

Thank you, UnderVerse. I am happy if my suggestion could be of any help. I would definitely get back in touch with that person when you feel ready.
Also, it is important that you focus on the project and not on the people (I mean your supervisor!). It is easier to say than to do, but it's vital. You may be lucky and find a supervisor or co-worker who is helpful and considerate, but you may find someone who is not, and this is why it is so important to establish links outside your circle. It is never too late, and you will be surprised to see that there are many people out there who are interested in what you do, and are available to help you if they can. Do take advantage of anything that come along: conferences, workshops, on-line courses. Is there anyone you admire who published something you agree with? Send them an e-mail with some positive comments on their papers/ article/ book and add something (not too much!) from your own research experience, and explain that you would appreciate their comments on what you are doing. Many scholars are delighted to do these things, and even if they don't come back to you, you haven't lost anything.
I am sure that you will be fine. Chin up!

Wow! Thank you sooooo much Corinne! These are valuable tips which I shall attempt to put into practice immediately. Once again, I'm grateful for your sharing this with me. It certainly makes a big difference. :-)