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[quote=Anonymous][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]

Other advice already given here is solid.  Another form of damage control is to figure out what happens if she fails.  Can she retake a different version of the class from afar, writing a new thesis?  Can she just not go for honors and make up with another 3 credit class?  Can she continue to refine the unsatisfactory work until it passes (if a thesis is required)? Have her discuss with the kids from previous years first.

I agree with those who say this is a situation like a bad job/bad boss.  It's horrible but somehow she will get through it.  You should coach her but let her make contact with all the university employees herself.

[/quote]

+1. Work really hard but also figure out a plan B. If nothing else, it will give peace of mind to know what the plan is after failing. Or if failing is truly unacceptable, what else can be dropped/failed now to give more time to this class?

I also wonder if this professor really fails students often. Lots of profs are jerks who lord it over students but don't follow through with the F. If many students are not able to graduate, you'd think the  administration would step in, tenure or no.[/quote]

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