The Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Date: Dec 31 1969
Major: English (This Major's Salary over time)
I entered the summer-only program because I am unable to take a leave of absence from work to pursue a terminal degree. I thought that this would be a good fit for me, a non-traditional graduate student. However, upon completion of coursework and comps, I readily found out how undervalued I was as a graduate student. I immediately became "out-of-sight & out-of-mind." I found it almost impossible to be productive during the summers as often times my dissertation director was not on contract. Because I do not work in a state with labor unions, I clearly did not understand how this would adversely impact my matriculation. Since then, I have been dismissed from the program, although my dissertation director had already been paid on the front-end, for a dissertation that was not directed, leaving no incentive to ensure my completion of the program, as there are no penalties for the faculty. The School of Graduate Studies and Research has no one there to advocate for graduate students. And the new revised handbook is very punitive for the students. In addition, they get away with not being held accountable for arbitrary decision-making. I have experienced unethical and unprofessional behavior by administrators in the School of Graduate Studies and Research and inhumane treatment. And, please do not find yourself in a situation of needing any of the faculty to support you as their word has literally no power. This program ended up being more of a detriment than a boon to me, my family and my job.