The petition
This petition was created to support much needed reform within the higher postgraduate educational system within the US and to encourage debate on the quality of a higher graduate degree.
Currently, there is no guarantee that a graduate student entering into a graduate program will be able to obtain a usable degree. There is little or no protection given to the graduate student from the graduate institute and no standardized way to investigate claims of abuse, neglect, or unethical practices. There is no way for a student to review instructor qualifications or course justification. Each institute sets up its own policies on graduate student practices as well as its own standards for addressing student concerns. Many institutes dismiss legitimate student concerns and complaints and instead refer these issues to individual departments. A student’s thesis is often dangled in front of them as a bargaining tool. With no set rights or standards, a student is often forced to succumb to abhorrent practices in order to graduate. Failure to do otherwise can lead to the termination of the student from the institute.
Because of the lack of standards and rights, there is a growing gap in the quality of higher education. Many Americans are seeking higher degrees from traditional and non-traditional schools. However, many people are not aware of the lack of uniformity between institutes when it comes to the quality of the degree and education.
Some Facts about Graduate Institutions with Low Standards:
A graduate advisor may terminate a student at any time for any reason, even if a student’s thesis project and report are both done.
A graduate student is not guaranteed a peer review or an investigation of any kind from the graduate institute in the face of being terminated.
A graduate advisor can refuse to sign off on a thesis report without just cause. A graduate student may not be entitled to any peer or committee review in this case.
A graduate student can lose program funding without notification.
If a graduate student chooses to leave an advisor because of abuse, negligent behavior or unprofessional ethics, a student loses his or her project and funding, regardless if the project is complete.
A graduate student may be forced to be party to academic fraud in return for receiving a degree.
A foreign graduate student may be subjected to unlawful threats of having his or her student visa revoked at termination.
A graduate student may be forced to enroll in unapproved or justified courses in order for faculty members to qualify for summer paychecks.
We believe that graduate students within a US graduate institute should be guaranteed certain workplace rights. Though some institutes and departments already insure these basic rights, far too many do not.
Every person seeking a higher post graduate degree in the US should be afforded five basic freedoms:
1- Freedom to protect one's professional integrity
2- Freedom to voice concerns without fear of retaliation
3-Freedom to ensure fulfillment of contract by all parties
4-Freedom of guaranteed safe working conditions and labor practices
5- Freedom to work in a professional environment.
All Graduate institutes should follow uniformed standards for providing these freedoms. Accepted guidelines need to be established to ensure that all graduate institutes have high standards for education.
Furthermore, the establishment of a Students Bill of Rights is the key to the preservation of the quality of a higher post graduate education.
Please support Graduate Education and support the future and visit us on the web at www.graduatestudentrights.com
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