Is your PI a dick or a loser?_Guest post

The original post and comments to it you can find on: 

Reza Ghadiri, The Scripps Research Institute, Science — and all that jazz

Is your PI a dick or a loser?

May 4, 2010 19,085 views

Imagine yourself as a PI (principal investigator), head of a laboratory, professor in an academic institution somewhere. (That is, if you aren't already.) As a PI, you have to worry about many things. Let's take a closer look at one of them. Namely, how do you make those PhD students and postdocs work their asses off for you?

If you care about climbing the ladder of academic success, it is what you want. If you don't yet have tenure, it is what you desperately need. Most professors have no time (or desire) to do any lab work themselves. It all comes down to students and postdocs. And how hard they work depends on how well their PIs motivate them.

Bonuses, pay raises, promotions and stock options are commonly used for motivational purposes in the business world. But we are not in the world of business here. This is Sparta! Academia. Fortunately, a PI can employ other methods of workforce motivation. Unfortunately, most of them aren't pretty.

Sweatshops aside, only in their wildest dreams can corporate bosses have such power over their employees as research professors have over their PhD students and postdocs. There are no labor unions to worry about, no strikes, no contracts, no concept of overtime. It's up to the PI to make the rules. And with their diplomas and careers on the line, it's up to the students and postdocs to suck it up and cooperate.

PIs who are not aggressive at riding the backs of their group members are at a serious disadvantage against the PIs who are. Speaking crudely but bluntly, it's a choice of being either a dick or a loser. For those professors who choose to be ambitious, two basic options, or archetypes, are available for adoption:

1. The Slave Driver

The Slave Driver approach is to demand, control and get. It's a relatively straightforward, reliable strategy of "my way or the highway". A slave driver PI might:

• enforce a strict schedule of (long) working hours in the lab;
• phone in or drop by the lab on Saturday nights to make note of who is slacking off;
• personally check everybody's laboratory notebooks on a regular basis;
• praise group members who manage to work 36 hours straight, without sleep, all the while handling toxic or explosive chemicals;
• threaten, yell, and generally have a "bad side" people are terrified of getting on, etc.

2. The Manipulator

Relies on a more subtle and artful approach. Manipulators excel at inspiring other people to do what they want them to. A manipulator PI can:

• convince (in effect, brainwash) a person to believe that literally nothing in the world is more important than to "work hard and get good results";
• gain trust by acting like a pal, or a father/mother figure, rather than like a boss;
• have you believe he/she both a) has got your best interests at heart, and b) knows what's best for you;
• look for a person's individual "buttons" and push them to achieve desired effects on behavior;
• masquerade genuine concern for research progress as caring about the people involved;
• play on human egos, hopes, fears, etc.

And, of course, there are varying degrees and lengths different professors will go to in acting out either or both of the above general strategies at different stages of their careers. The moral of the story is: PIs who act like dicks (or, pardonnez-moi, like bitches) should not be judged too harshly. After all, they are simply trying to be good at their jobs.

Simulacrum: the Swedish Higher Education Authority

Ministry of Education and Research Swedish university of agricultural sciences

Stockholm Swedish university of agricultural sciences

Sweden Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural sciences

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural sciences

May 20, 2013 Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural sciences

 Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural sciences

The reflection on the eleven months-long communication

with the Swedish Higher Education Authority (SHEA).

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural sciences

In July 2012 I sent to SHEA a complaint about the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). I have been forced to do it because my home university for six months refused to investigate the problem which I faced during my education. I emphasize again: I didn't complained about the decision that SLU made; the problem was that SLU ignored all my request to investigate the problem. My appeals to SHEA were: Swedish university of agricultural sciences

1. to establish the correct data of my admission to the third-cycle study program at SLU
2. to investigate whether SLU provided the necessary conditions for the education to be completed
3. to investigate whether the resources from my study have been withdrawn in accordance with the legal procedure

On May 13^th, 2013 I have got the final decision from SHEA and now I feel that it is a time to summarize my experience of long-term communication with this authority. Among the main activities that SHEA claimed on its homepage are: student's rights, the quality assurance, and monitoring of the efficiency. However the facts, on example of my case, showed that none of these claims was fulfilled.

SHEA cannot monitor the efficiency of other educational institutions, because it is not efficient itself. It took SHEA eleven months to go through my complaint. This time-scale can be called efficient only if the purpose was to wait until my financial resources would be exhausted and I would be forced to leave Sweden, withdrawing my complaints.

SHEA cannot evaluate the quality of education. I presented written evidences that my former supervisor for 2 years (two years!) have been refusing to provide me with any feedback. His non-professional attitude made impossible to publish the results of my research and nullify the possibility to complete my studies. Later, when I applied to SLU with a request to change the inefficient supervisor, this request was ignored again. Today, after 16 months (more then one year!) since I requested for a change of the supervisor, SLU still cannot provide my studies with an adequate supervision. SHEA commented on this point of my complaint that this problem is an internal matter of SLU. Thus, students in Sweden are left under the yoke of the educational institution with no opportunity to complain.

SHEA does not aim to guarantee the right of students. The only document that I requested from SLU and later on from SHEA was a copy of my admission to the third-cycle of education dated by the June 2007. I requested this document because SLU insisted that my studies have started in June 2007 and I only had a copy of admission to the third-cycle education dated by June 2010. Since I feel myself totally entitled to request documents that are relevant to my own education, I didn't understand the grounds why SLU and later SHEA were so persistent in ignoring my request at the beginning and even directly refusing it later. The only reason would be that this document does not exist and my education started only in 2010. SLU practices the exploitation of foreign students during several years before the students can “earn” the permission to start their own research project and SHEA shielded this practice of modern slavery.

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural sciences 

Summarizing all above mentioned facts I state that the Swedish HigherEducation Authority is a simulacrum. It aimed to create a false image that the rights of the students who intended to obtain their degree in Sweden are guaranteed and protected. The only mission of SHEA is to guarantee that the Swedish educational institutions, which violate student rights would be fully shielded from any problems. However, I believe, that in the era of Internet the ancient policy of hushing up problems will be no longer efficient; quit opposite it became laughable. So, if there are sensible politicians in the Government of Sweden they ought to recognize that the policy pursued by SHEA sooner or later will lead to the complete discredit of the image of Swedish education and their own reputations.

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural sciences
 Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural sciences

Elena K

Swedish university of agricultural sciences

Dept Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Uppsala, Sweden

http://nii-chavo.blogspot.se/

Swedish university of agricultural sciences

Swedish university of agricultural sciences

"Independent" Swedish media

The major problem during my conflict with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences was to make them following the legal procedures. Several colleagues insistently recommended me to contact Swedish newspapers and TV. They were sure that the main goal of Swedish mass media is to honestly inform public about what is going on in Sweden and abroad. I already had an experience with Swedish media and was not that optimistic. Few years ago my Russian friend was accused of being a spy (he must be Russian, otherwise who would believe to the story?). The information about his “spying activities” were changed several times: from being suspected in an intention to kill all Swedish potato with dangerous virus; to the accusation of biking around Uppsala on his old bicycle and gathering information about the “secret objects”. Nevertheless, some newspapers contacted me asking for an interview, but when they found out that my point of view differ from the “correct” one, they immediately lost their interest.

Well, since my colleagues were very sure that that was very-very atypical for Sweden they insisted on contacting Swedish media. The more media we sent the information about what is going on in SLU the longer became faces of my optimistic colleagues. None even replied us! When at last the local TV station sent a crew to make the interview my colleagues became very happy, and clapping me on the shoulder, they ensured me that now we attract public attention to the problem and SLU will be forced to follow the rules. However, the short story about the conflict between SLU and a student has never been shown.

Probably, my case is a very small problem to make Swedish public be aware of. However, how one can explain that Swedish media refuse to publish even comments of Ambassadors on the articles, which accused other countries in “bad deeds”. The answer is: the only one point of view should be translated to the Swedish public. The “correct” one!

Below is the comment of the Russian Embassy on refuse of the Swedish newspaper to publish the reply of the Ambassador Mr. Neverov to their article (Google-translation from Swedish):

“In connection with the recent tragic events in Boston wrote on Apr. 21, 2013 "Dagens Nyheter" editor Peter Wolodarski an article, the Russian Federation's Ambassador to Sweden Igor Neverov preparing a response notice, the "Daily News" chose not to publish the reference to "... the Russia has a different perspective on the last decades of conflict in Chechnya than that found expression in the Daily News last ... not for us to make room for a rebuttal "(signed John Aman, director of the master editor). Given that Russia's perspective is not so well known in Swedish media took the ambassador's decision to publish the above answer, the article on the Embassy website.”

Now which country should be accused in totalitarianism?

What for SLU keeps Student Ombudsman?

Or Who pays the piper calls the tune

After my studentship was withdrawn, I tried all possible ways to start communication with the SLU authorities. I even appealed to so called Student Ombudsman. The first Ombudsman I contacted advised me to withdraw my complaint against the SLU from the Higher Education Authority and to start begging the top bureaucrats to pity me. The reason provided was very interesting: SLU is too powerful to fight against (like I didn't know it before!). I didn't follow the advice because I already spent six months trying to “get in touch” with the university.

Well, when another ombudsman contacted me after a while, I tried to dispel some suspicions that started to bother me: for whom ombudsman really works? Where lays his loyalty?

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural sciences

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

From: Monika A

Sent: 30 January 2013 09:05

To: Elena K

Subject:

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Dear Elena,

My name is Monika A, and I very recently came back from my parental leave as PhD-student commissioner. I heard that you’ve been in contact with Nina and Anna who fill in for me during my leave of absence. If you want to see me, do get in touch.

Kind regards, Monika

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Monika A

Doktorandombudsman/PhD-student commissioner

Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Doktorandombudsmannen

Box 7010, 750 07 UPPSALA

Besöksadress: Hampus von Posts väg 8

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Från: Elena K

Skickat: den 1 februari 2013 00:55

Till: Monika A

Ämne: RE:

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Dear Dr. A,

Thank you for contacting me. I would highly appreciate any help and advice. I have got a serious problems while doing my PhD projects at SLU. So, I got in touch with Dr. A when she was appointed as a PhD-student commissioner.

I would like to know your point of view on my case and, of course, would appreciate any advice about how to involve my University into a reasonable discussion. But before I provide more details on my case, I would be thankful if you can clarify for me one sensible question: are you an SLU's employee or the the state's one?

Thank you in advance for your answer!

Regards,

Elena

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

From: Monika A

Sent: 04 February 2013 15:41

To: Elena K

Subject: SV:

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Dear Elena,

I am stationed at the Division of Student Affairs and Learning Development, but my position is independent in many aspects. I do, for example, have professional secrecy. In a few cases I have collaborated with the union (of course only with permission from the individual PhD-student). I have also worked together with the PhD-student councils in driving through improvements on a more general basis. When it comes to certain legal aspects I also have some contacts outside SLU.

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Kind regards, Monika

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Meaning: the Student Ombudsman is paid by SLU

Question: whose interests will Student Ombudsman defend? If you can't guess now, scroll down.

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Every time when I contacted SLU authorities regarding newly invented problems, I added our Student Ombudsman on a mailing list to keep her informed. However, no reaction ever came from her. Recently, my “supervisor group” decided to withdraw the rest of my study resources and for the thousandth time I sent my protest against the violation of the rules. I was expecting at least any reaction from our Ombudsman and when it didn't come, I wondered:

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

From: Elena K

Sent: 12 April 2013 12:30

To: Monika A

Subject: your opinion

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Dear Dr. A,

On April 12, 2013 I sent you a copy of my letter addressed to SLU administration. There I again express my protest against illegal procedure of appointment of new supervisor group. Since October 2012 I have been asking SLU administration to change their decision, but my requests were ignored. Neither I was given any explanations about the reasons of such decision. Since you are the student ombudsmen at SLU, I would like to know your opinion about this situation.

Regards,Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Elena KSwedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

and I wondered again:Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural 

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

From: Elena K

Sent: 15 April 2013 06:53

To: Monika ASwedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Subject: FW: your opinion

Dear Dr. A,Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

On April 12, 2013 I sent you a copy of my letter addressed to SLU administration (the file enclosed). There I again express my protest against illegal procedure of appointment of new supervisor group. Since October 2012 I have been asking SLU administration to change their decision, but my requests were ignored. Neither I was given any explanations about the reasons of such decision. Since you are the student ombudsmen at SLU, I would like to know your opinion about this situation.

Regards,Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Elena KalleSwedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

and again :Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Från: Elena KSwedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Skickat: den 18 april 2013 05:44

Till: Monika ASwedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Ämne: FW: your opinion

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Dear Dr. A,Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

On April 12, 2013 I sent you a copy of my letter addressed to SLU administration (the file enclosed). There I again express my protest against illegal procedure of appointment of new supervisor group. Since October 2012 I have been asking SLU administration to change their decision, but my requests were ignored. Neither I was given any explanations about the reasons of such decision. Since you are the student ombudsmen at SLU, I would like to know your opinion about this situation.

Regards,Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Elena KalleSwedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

And the answer came at last:

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

From: Monika ASwedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Sent: 18 April 2013 09:05

To: Elena KSwedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Subject: SV: your opinion

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Dear Elena,Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

I've been away on official business, and the rest of this week is fully-booked. I'll get back to you as soon as I can.Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Take care!Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Kind regards, MonikaSwedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural scienceSwedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural scienceSwedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

I am going to send our Student Ombudsman a link to this post and asked her to comment on it. As soon as she replies her comments will be posted without any censorship.Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

And now I would like to share with you some quotes from the replay that SLU sent to the Uppsala District Court answering my complaint (the complete versions of all documents will be posted later):

Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

“Employment as a doctoral student is a temporal form of employment regulated by Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (HF). In the case of employment that are temporary pursuant to the HF, unlike employments that have been limited in time according to the Employment Protection Act (LAS), no separate notice need to be made in connection with the termination of such an employment.”

“As its first ground, the plaintiff (probably they meant defendant) asserts that all of the plaintiff's requests for relief are time-barred. Elena K has thereby lost her right to her claim pursuant to the Security of Employment Act (LAS), Section 42. In the event that the District Court should find that one or more of Elena's request for relief is not time-barred, SLU assert that this part of the Complaint should be denied, as Elena K had a temporary employment, which expired legally, so that no voiding of the notice of termination, request for relief by a declaration that the employment agreement will continue in force until further notice, or any damages pursuant to the Employment Protection Act (LAS) will apply”Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

“ A party who intends to request a declaration to void a notice of termination, pursuant to LAS §40, must notify the employer about this no later then two weeks after the termination took place. .. A person who wishes to demand damages pursuant to LAS §41 is required to notify the opposite party of this within four months of the date of commencement of the action that caused the injury or loss. “

Swedish universitSwedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural scienceSwedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Summarizing: PhD is a position with a temporal employment. The employment is renewed every year. If your supervisor decides not to renew it, he is in his full rights. No explanations to you must be provided. No notifications should be expected. You have only two weeks to complain!

And here comes again our Student Ombudsman. If you would follow “good advices” to contact the Student Ombudsman and go into discussions and meetings you would spend precious time and lose the tiny chance to get your case investigated! That is the main reason why SLU keeps Ombudsman. If Ombudsman would be installed to watch the students' rights he would be employed by the State in order to be unbiased. However, if Ombudsman is paid by SLU, would he do anything against his employer, knowing that “SLU is too powerful to fight against”?Swedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural scienceSwedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural scienceSwedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural scienceSwedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural scienceSwedish university of agricultural sciences Swedish university of agricultural science

Why SLU got such a high rank?_question to URank

Swedish University of agricultural sciences Swedish University of agricultural sciences

From: Elena K

Sent: 12 April 2013 13:58

To: ingemar@urank.se; stig@urank.se; thorsten@urank.se

Cc: Margareta.S@gov.se; conny.u@inpress.com

Swedish University of agricultural sciences Swedish University of agricultural sciences

Subject: why SLU got such a high rank?

Swedish University of agricultural sciences Swedish University of agricultural sciences

Dear Prof. L, Prof. F and Prof. N,

Swedish University of agricultural sciences Swedish University of agricultural sciences

Recently URANK nominated Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) the third best university in Sweden. It was very surprising news, taking in account that there is an open case against SLU at the Uppsala District Court (case nr T1260-13).

Swedish University of agricultural sciences Swedish University of agricultural sciences

Already more then one year I have been trying to get any explanations why my study resources have been withdrawn in violation with all prescribed rules. SLU refuses to explain who made the decision, what reasons did they have, why there was no discussion about the issue.

Three times I sent complaints to the Swedish Higher Educational Authorities. This authority delayed judgment for seven months and finally limited their decision to the minor issues and absolutely ignored the major points. Thus, the case was submitted for the investigation to the State Court. More details about this struggle you can find in my blog.

Swedish University of agricultural sciences Swedish University of agricultural sciences

Even if I am not right in my claims, the fact is that SLU is unable to start any discussion and is trying either to ignore student's requests or to use all administrative resources to psychologically broke the person who dare to ask them awkward questions.

Swedish University of agricultural sciences Swedish University of agricultural sciences

My question to you is: can the university which has the open case against it in the State Court be ranked so high?

Swedish University of agricultural sciences Swedish University of agricultural sciences

I promise to post your answer on my blog without any reduction.

Swedish University of agricultural sciences Swedish University of agricultural sciences

Sincerely,

Elena K

Dept. Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology,

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Uppsala, Sweden

Swedish University of agricultural sciences Swedish University of agricultural sciences

Swedish University of agricultural sciences Swedish University of agricultural sciences

Swedish University of agricultural sciences Swedish University of agricultural sciences Swedish 

University of agricultural sciences Swedish University of agricultural sciences Swedish University of agricultural sciences Swedish University of agricultural sciences Swedish University of agricultural sciences Swedish University of agricultural sciences Swedish University of agricultural sciences 
From: i.lind@comhem.se [i.lind@comhem.se]

Sent: 15 April 2013 15:35

To: Elena K

Swedish University of agricultural sciences Swedish University of agricultural sciences

Subject: Ang: why SLU got such a high rank?

Swedish University of agricultural sciences Swedish University of agricultural sciences

Dear Elena K,

As far as we can understand from your letter you are primarily complaning about the administrative routines and forms of governance at SLU. These - by all means - very important dimensions of a university?s over-all quality are not part of our rankning.

Swedish University of agricultural sciences Swedish University of agricultural sciences

sincerely

Ingemar Ldish University of agricultural sciences Swedish University of agricultural sciences Swedish University of agricultural sciences Swedish University of agricultural sciences 

Remember the lies you told!

It does not matter how long one can lie, the truth will be revealed anyway. That is what happened with a team of SLU bureaucrats who got a task to justify by any means the illegal termination of my PhD project.

On March 25^th, the “supervisor” group informed me that all the resources were withdrawn from my PhD project, except the salaries that SLU is paying to three professors and one doctor for pretending to be my supervisors. Since by the law (Higher Educational Ordinance) the decision about withdrawing the resources from PhD studies can be done only by the rector, I wondered:

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

From: Elena K

Sent: 26 March 2013 01:05

To: Gabriella P H

Cc: Anna R

Subject: FW: Protocol from last meeting, call for supervisor meeting and new study plan

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Dear Dr. P H,

In the document that I got yesterday it is stated that resources for my studies has been withdrawn (please see the attachment). I was not informed about it. Please, can you send me a copy of the decision?

Thank you in advance.

Regards,

Elena K

Dept. Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

I got no answer, so I asked again, adding a higher bureaucrat to the mailing list:

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

From: Elena K

Sent: 27 March 2013 05:24

To: Gabriella P H

Cc: Anna R; Lena A-E

Subject: FW: Protocol from last meeting, call for supervisor meeting and new study plan

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Dear Dr. P H,

In the document that I got (please see the attachment) it is stated that resources for my studies has been withdrawn . I was not informed about it. Please, can you send me a copy of the decision?

Thank you in advance.

Regards,

Elena Kalle

Dept. Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Again no answer, so I changed the addressee to the highest level (this usually helps):

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

From: Elena K

Sent: 28 March 2013 06:30

To: Lena A-E

Cc: Rektor

Subject: FW: Protocol from last meeting, call for supervisor meeting and new study plan

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Dear Dr. A-E,

Recently I have got a document (please, see the attachment), which states that the resources from my PhD studies have been withdrawn.

I would appreciate it if you can confirm or refute this information.

Regards,

Elena K

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

After this came the answer:

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

From: Christer B

Sent: 28 March 2013 14:14

To: Elena K

Cc: Jan S; Nils H; Johan M; Marianne C; Martin W; Lena A-E; Gabriella P H; Pär F

Subject: SV: Protocol from last meeting, call for supervisor meeting and new study plan

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Dear Elena K

The faculty agrees with the statements made by the supervisor group in the ISP concerning the direct financing of the project since the financial situation does not allow any additional direct costs. However, there has been no formal decision to withdraw resources and the supervisor group still provides guidance to you as a PhD student.

Sincerely

Christer B

/chairman of FUN at the NL-faculty/

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

I really like communicating with this particular bureaucrat: his style is the essence of bureaucracy – lies in verbal flourishes. So, I kept the ball rolling:

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

From: Elena K

Sent: 28 March 2013 16:13

To: Christer B

Cc: Jan S; Nils H; Johan M; Marianne C; Martin W; Lena A-E; Gabriella P H; Pär F; Rektor

Subject: resources for PhD study

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Dear Mr B,

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Thank you for the reply. However, it is difficult to understand what do you mean. Since it is an important question, I would appreciate it if you provide me with more details:

1. What does resources for PhD education usually include?

2. Which part of this resources has been withdrawn from my studies? Please, provide me with a copy of the decision.

3. Which part of the resources is left?

Thank you in advance. 

Regards, Elena KSwedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of cultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

And look what surprise come now!

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

From: Christer B

Sent: 28 March 2013 17:41

To: Elena K

Cc: Jan S; Nils H; Johan M; Marianne C; Martin W; Lena A-E; Gabriella P H; Pär F; Rektor

Subject: Ang.: resources for PhD study

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Dear Elena K

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

1. Salary or stipend plus some (highly variable) amount covering consumables.

2. None.

3. According to the new study plan there are no resources left beside the supervision provided by the supervisors.

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Sincerely

Christer B

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Wait a second! For more than a year this bureaucratic gang was talking that stipend or salary is not a study resource! That is why they could take my salary without any formal decision. It does not call “withdrawing” they said. And now Mr. B. just gave away the show! Well, these things became more interesting, so I asked:

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

From: Elena K

Sent: 28 March 2013 17:59

To: Christer B

Cc: Jan S; Nils H; Johan M; Marianne C; Martin W; Lena A-E; Gabriella P H; Pär F; Rektor

Subject: RE: Ang.: resources for PhD study

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Dear Mr B,

I apologize for bothering you, but you need to understand that this question is important for me. Please, can you write more clear, what do these points mean? In the first message you wrote "The faculty agrees with the statements made by the supervisor group in the ISP concerning the direct financing of the project since the financial situation does not allow any additional direct costs." where do these resource belong to? When they were withdrawn?

Regards,

Elena

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Probably, at that moment he already has got cuffs and kicks from the chief of the gang, for not remembering the lie they all agreed to say, so he became very discreet:

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

From: Christer B

Sent: 28 March 2013 18:10

To: Elena K

Cc: Jan S; Nils H; Johan M; Marianne C; Martin W; Lena A-E; Gabriella P H; Pär F; Rektor

Subject: Ang.: resources for PhD study

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Dear Elena K

No financial resources have been withdrawn. Resources in the form of supervision is offered.

Sincerely

Christer B

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

But I was not ready to stop the conversation when it came to such an interesting point! Not yet!

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

From: Elena K

Sent: 28 March 2013 18:18

To: Christer B

Cc: Jan S; Nils H; Johan M; Marianne C; Martin W; Lena A-E; Gabriella P H; Pär F; Rektor

Subject: RE: Ang.: resources for PhD study

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Dear Mr B,

I apologize for bothering you, but you need to understand that this question is important for me. Please, can you write more clear, what do the points, that you listed in your previous mail means (citation):

"1. Salary or stipend plus some (highly variable) amount covering consumables.

2. None.

3. According to the new study plan there are no resources left beside the supervision provided by the supervisors." (end of citation)

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

In the first message you wrote "The faculty agrees with the statements made by the supervisor group in the ISP concerning the direct financing of the project since the financial situation does not allow any additional direct costs." to which group do these resource belong to? How much were they? What was a mechanism of their ending?

Regards,

Elena

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

…..........

After this my mail box was shut down for few days (too late! I copied all mails already). So, when the access was restored we continued:

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

From: Elena K

Sent: 02 April 2013 13:39

To: Christer B

Cc: Jan S; Nils H; Johan M; Marianne C; Martin W; Lena A-E; Gabriella P H; Pär F; Rektor

Subject: RE: Ang.: resources for PhD study

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Dear Mr B,

I apologize for bothering you, but you need to understand that this question is important for me. Please, can you write more clear, what do the points, that you listed in your previous mail means (citation):

"1. Salary or stipend plus some (highly variable) amount covering consumables.

2. None.

3. According to the new study plan there are no resources left beside the supervision provided by the supervisors." (end of citation)

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

In the first message you wrote "The faculty agrees with the statements made by the supervisor group in the ISP concerning the direct financing of the project since the financial situation does not allow any additional direct costs." to which group do these resource belong to? How much were they? May I see the documents about the origin and the amount of the resources that were allocated for my PhD studies? What was a mechanism of their ending?

Regards,

Elena

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

From: Christer B

Sent: 02 April 2013 21:37

To: Elena K

Cc: Jan S; Nils H; Johan M; Marianne C; Martin W; Lena A-E; Gabriella P H; Pär F; Rektor

Subject: RE: Ang.: resources for PhD study

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Dear Elena Kalle

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

To get more detailed answers to your questions you need to meet with your supervisors.

I have tried to be as clear as I possibly can in my answers.

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Sincerely

Christer B

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Well, this was a moment for final comments:

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

From: Elena K

Sent: 03 April 2013 06:24

To: Christer B

Cc: Jan S; Nils H; Johan M; Marianne C; Martin W; Lena A-E; Gabriella P H; Pär F; Rektor

Subject: RE: Ang.: resources for PhD study

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Dear Mr. B,

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

1. You refuse to provide me with information regarding my own studies. You act against the Swedish law.

2. I still do not have a supervisor. The group of the people appointed as my supervisors is illegal, because the appointment was done in conflict with prescribed rules and, as a result, the biased persons were selected. Surely, people, who are participating in this performance understand that they are involved in the act of psychological violence against me.

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Sincerely,

Elena K

Dept Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Uppsala, Sweden

Summary. The salary is a study recourse. This study resource was withdrawn from my PhD against the law.

Higher Education Ordinance; Chapter 6, Section 30 : Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

If a doctoral student substantially neglects his or her undertakings in the individual study plan, the vice-chancellor shall decide that the doctoral student is no longer entitled to supervision and other study resources. Before such a decision is made, the doctoral student and the supervisors shall be given an opportunity to make representations. The case shall be considered on the basis of their reports and any other records available. The assessment shall take into account whether the higher education institution has fulfilled its own undertakings in the individual study plan. A written record of the decision shall be made, which is to include reasons for the decision.

Resources may not be withdrawn for any period in which the third-cycle student has been appointed to a doctoral studentship or is receiving a doctoral grant. Ordinance (2010:1064).

Swedish University of Agricultural Science University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural ScienSwedish University of Agricultural ScienceceSwedish University of Agricultural SciencesSwedish University of Agricultural ScienceSwedish University of Agricultural Science

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Swedish Universit