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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I am a professor and had a professor like this in grad school. I went to my chair when I was the student,  and he said he could do nothing.  If the professor is tenured (likely so for your D), it would be a long process, and it would be hard to prove retaliation because it wouldn't take much to fail your D at this point.

In my case, my professor actively targeted me. I think I reminded him of his wife who had recently divorced him. Once I realized the criticism wasn't entirely rational,  I was in a better frame of mind to cope and do whatever it took to survive. I started playing the part of convert and devotee to this professor asking to rewrite previous work and going far beyond the scope of assignments.  I would also ask for guidance,  not just on assignments,  but on the application of theories or other topics that might appeal to the ego. There is a difference in a student who only asks about assignments and one who asks about ideas. I'll bet this professor has lots of sycophants but few devotees. Sell her on your commitment to the work, even if it is a snowjob. Commit. Survive.
Also,  live long and prosper. Good luck![/quote]

Thank you, PP. That is disappointing to hear regarding the tenure. That is what the department head had told my daughter, but I didn't think that could be true. I appreciate your advice.[/quote]

You're welcome.  It may feel disappointing,  but it is good to figure out asap in order to develop an effective approach. Once I knew this guy had done this to other students and any recourse was unlikely,  it enabled me to shift my focus/energy. I made it all about tappung his expertise and he took the bait (his initials were "ME" so maybe that was a sign)! In the end, he complimented me on my work, and I went from a C (failing for grads) to an A. He thought he had done a phenomenal job teaching me, and, I guess, in a way he had. It was an acting class!!! Acting! Thank you!

Support your kid and help her reconcile that expecting any justice or course correction is likely wasted energy. Help her wow this person and sincerely kowtow. Have her take assignments that earned poor grades to the prof to ask how she can improve,  not question any grading.  Ask about prof's research as another PP suggested. She can get through this. It's its own kind of education. [/quote]

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