Hi TreeofLife, thank you so much for your input!

Hi puccagrannie,

Thank you for sharing your experience. I am sorry to hear this horrible thing happened to you. My case is a bit different, it is not the university's problem, it is mostly the problem of the supervisor. The department and university did not know his plan, in fact they helped me to find a solution. I am also advising students to avoid this supervisor.

I know such experience is unpleasant and painful, but what does not kill us makes us stronger. Let us keep pursuing our dream, do not give up simply because this obstacle. I have been in pain for so long, and now I decided to face it head on, I tell myself this is temporary, I still have a future, this is not the end of the world. I guess we learned it the hard way, but do not let this haunt us forever, it is just not worth it. We could do something along the way, and become great supervisors when we find a job.

Best of luck with your future endeavors!

I'm starting my 3rd year in a PhD program, but my supervisor just resigned and left without telling me. There is no other professors doing similar research, so I must change my research direction. I have decided to apply for a new PhD program in a new major that I like. The department allows to to get a master's degree.
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Would it be a problem if I do not have the reference letter from my resigned supervisor? I do not think it would be supportive, he rarely reply my emails even when he was around. My supervisor has influenced my mental health so badly. I did everything he asked, but he was ignoring me even when I said I am confused and want to talk with him. I am left here struggling, he arranged nothing for me.

I could find other professors in my department or other department to write the letters instead. Is this okay?

Thanks so much!