Doctoral students work especially hard to make it to the dissertation stage. Once they make it to the dissertation, a new set of challenges emerge. Most doctoral students have the typical challenges of data revisions, research tweaks, and other minor changes. However, some doctoral students face the nightmare of missing the dissertation due date. What happens if you don’t finish your dissertation in time? Read on for the answer from a lawyer for doctoral students.
I ran out of time to submit my dissertation, but it wasn’t my fault.
This is the number one reason doctoral students contact me. The dissertation process can be held up by several reasons – all out of the student’s hands. I often see these deadline issues with online schools.
Cannot find enough people to form a dissertation committee
Doctoral students are tasked with forming their own dissertation committee. There is no requirement for staff to be a part of a student’s dissertation and this can pose a huge issue with the student completing their dissertation.
Dissertation committee members dismissed themselves from a dissertation panel and then a student can’t find anyone to replace them.
Most staff that commit to a dissertation committee understand that they are on it until the dissertation is completed. However, life happens, and issues arise. They are not forced to remain on your dissertation panel. If a member does leave, the student is now forced to find a replacement in the middle of the dissertation process. This can be almost impossible for some students which will push back the dissertation completion process.
The dissertation committee members are not responding to my requests.
This lack of communication from committee members is an unfortunate common theme, mostly seen in online universities. Since university staff does not work at a physical office, it can be hard to get a hold of them. Additionally, some of these staff members could live out of the country. Communication issues, language barriers, and unprofessional behavior can stall a doctoral student’s dream of completing their dissertation.
What can I do if I am running out of time to complete my dissertation?
If you are having any of the issues above or other ones not mentioned – you must document these problems in writing to the dean of your university. Documentation is all you can do to press for a resolution. If documenting, emailing, and calling is getting you nowhere – a letter from a lawyer may push them to respond.
What can I do if I ran out of time to complete my dissertation and was dismissed from the doctoral program?
If you were dismissed from your doctoral program, you must appealthe decision. In addition to an appeal, a letter from a lawyer to the attorney for the school may also help gain you readmission to the program.
Can you help all doctoral students dismissed from school?
Whether or not I can help you depends on your situation and the university you attend. Give me a call, I will be happy to speak with you to figure out if I can help get you back on track with your dissertation.Richard Asselta is an award-winning lawyer for doctoral students who handles all college issues and offers student defense adviser services throughout the United States. He is experienced in defending all types of college issues including dismissals from doctorate programs. Call Asselta Law today for a free consultation and get your education back on track. 855-338-5299 Click hereto read what clients are saying about Richard Asselta on AVVO, a lawyer review website.