Why Universities Fail to Award PhD Degrees Just Before Graduation: A Lyme's Disease Survivor's Perspective

Introduction

PhD candidates often dedicate years of their lives to academic pursuits. Unfortunately, some candidates face various challenges and obstacles that prevent them from completing their degrees. This article delves into one such case, where an individual with visible and invisible disabilities completed a significant portion of their PhD but was ultimately unable to receive their degree. This narrative sheds light on the issue of academic abuse, the role of universities, and the systemic challenges faced by students dealing with medical conditions.

The Case of a Lyme's Disease Survivor

My name is [Pseudonym], and I completed a significant portion of my PhD, dedicating over three years to research. However, my journey was marred by overwhelming challenges, particularly due to the stress of an abusive supervisory environment. My struggles were compounded by my medical conditions, Lupus and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), which necessitated careful management. Despite my best efforts, I was unable to complete my degree, and this story aims to highlight the systemic issues within academia that cause such failures.

Challenges Faced: Academic and Personal Struggles

Academic Misconduct and Abuse: My journey began with high hopes of contributing to my field of microbiology in the blue carbon ecosystem. However, my supervisor's behavior quickly turned toxic. He subjected me to verbal abuse, discrimination, and academic exploitation. For example, he verbally abused me and used my medical condition as an excuse to exclude me from important projects. When I contributed to a research paper, my name was omitted, and my research proposal for funding was utilized without my involvement.

Research Neglect and Exploitation: My supervisor's actions were not merely limited to excluding me from projects. He also employed other students to conduct research that would have otherwise been mine. He exploited the situation by claiming that if I helped the other student, I would receive compensation through a grant. This not only added to my workload but also left me feeling marginalized and exploited.

Stress and Health Impact: The emotional and psychological stress of dealing with such abuse, along with the physical stress of managing medical conditions like Lupus and CKD, had a significant impact on my well-being. Within just three years, my CKD progresses from stage 3 to stage 5, the final stage. The stress was so intense that it triggered a severe exacerbation of my disease, leading to a debilitating condition.

The Role of Universities and Institutions

Universities and institutions must accept responsibility for these situations. The failure to support and protect students who face academic and personal challenges is unacceptable. The university in question failed to provide me with timely assistance and insufficient support. Despite my complaints to the management and relevant units, no action was taken, and lack of support only added to my frustration and despair.

Systemic Issues: This experience is not an isolated incident. Many other graduate students face similar challenges. The blame is often placed on the students themselves, rather than on the institutions and people who should be adhering to ethical and supportive practices. Universities must take a proactive stance in identifying and addressing these issues to ensure a safe and conducive environment for all students.

Addressing the Problem: Government and Funding Agencies

It is imperative that governments and funding agencies play a crucial role in addressing these systemic issues. Institutions that fail to provide adequate support and accountability mechanisms should face consequences. Governments should impose stricter regulations and oversight, ensuring that universities allocate more resources towards student welfare and support.

Financial and Reputational Consequences: Universities that are found to be non-compliant with these standards should be penalized financially and lose their reputational advantages. This would create a more accountable and supportive environment for students facing academic and personal challenges.

Call to Action: We need a systemic change, where universities prioritize the well-being and support of their students over administrative convenience. This can only be achieved if there is a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including students, universities, governments, and funding agencies.

Conclusion

PhD candidates like myself face numerous challenges, from academic misconduct to medical conditions. The failure of universities to provide the necessary support and accountability mechanisms exacerbates these challenges, leading to students being unable to complete their degrees. It is time for universities, governments, and funding agencies to take responsibility and address these systemic issues to ensure a safe and conducive environment for all students.