Hi, All
I am a graduate student in NC state. I want to transfer to another university in the fall semester. However, my professor asked me to stay here for another semester and didn't let me go. How can I leave? Your suggestions are really appreciated.

4/17/2006 7:22:05 PM

1) don't post in multiple sections
2)...
3) profit

[Edited on April 17, 2006 at 7:32 PM. Reason : yup]

4/17/2006 7:32:30 PM

I didn't know once you got to grad school that the professors own you. Apply to another university and see if you get accepted, it can't be that hard.

4/17/2006 7:55:23 PM

^Agreed. You will need to apply quickly if you haven't already applied, because application deadlines might be missed otherwise. Also, if you need to move for a personal reason, such as a family situation or a spouse taking a job in another area, be sure to note that in your application. It will help the new school understand why you are applying so late in the year.

If your professor doesn't want you to go, then it is probably because you are productive. Don't let it keep you here; you have a right to go where you wish. If you want to leave with a degree, such as a Master's, then you might have to worry more about his/her opinion. But, check with your director of graduate studies to find out, because some programs grant a "non-thesis" Masters just based upon course work, and one individual professor does not have control over that.

[Edited on April 17, 2006 at 8:40 PM. Reason : .]

4/17/2006 8:38:11 PM

GET YO MOTHA FUCKIN ROLL ON

4/17/2006 8:44:37 PM

^what he said

4/17/2006 9:51:18 PM

youve already missed most deadlines, so just apply for the spring i suppose. thats what im doing. where are you trying to go to?

4/17/2006 10:59:26 PM

I applied and got the offer. I am an international student and get research assistantship. The contract ends in May, I think I am free after that. However my professor wants me to do more and doesn't let me go. Can I complain that to some people?

4/17/2006 11:20:05 PM

It's understandable that your professor wants you to do more. There is a benefit to the professor if you do more research here, and he or she also sees a benefit for you.

However, if your contract is over in May, then you have no obligation to stay beyond that. There is no need to complain, just give the professor notice that you are leaving. Try to let him or her know at least a couple of weeks ahead of your actual departure so that you can finish up a last report, etc. If there are other reasons you need to complain, then talking to your Department Head is probably your best bet. Above that, you can go to an administrator of the NCSU Graduate School.

If you change schools, you need to understand that you probably will be starting over toward your graduate degree. That is the main reason not to leave. If that doesn't bother you, then you can go to the new school and it doesn't really matter what your current research advisor thinks.

4/17/2006 11:37:14 PM

Thank you for your reply. Actually, I have talked with the department head. He indicated that I have the obligation to finish the project here even if my RA expires. And whether the project is finished is defined by my professor. As a student, I don't know how to reject it.

4/18/2006 12:40:45 AM

I know nothing of grad school ... but I'll assume its a bit like a lease on an apartment. Read whatever paperwork you signed, and whatever written policies are in place for your department, and find out whether they can or cannot keep you. Being on the assistantship isn't going to make things easy.

Anybody have any ideas who this person can talk to not in their own department?

4/18/2006 5:41:40 AM

Since you are an international student, I would recommend talking with OIS (office of international services) http://www.ncsu.edu/oisss/. Their website addresses withdrawing from or switching programs, but not transfering. I would think they could speak to you about the issues involved.

4/18/2006 12:25:27 PM

^Listen to her.

4/19/2006 8:47:24 AM

I have to complain my transfer to some people.
After I am going to talk with the dean of engineering, who should I talk next?
Administrative Board of the Graduate School, Chancellor?
Is it ok to talk with them?
Thanks a lot.

4/20/2006 8:05:07 PM

Quote :

"Anybody have any ideas who this person can talk to not in their own department?"

Is there no graduate student ombudsperson at State?

But seriously, I have a hard time seeing how they can stop you--this isn't China. Please, just be assertive, and let them know that you are not happy. I don't see why they are doing this--maybe it is a communication problem. I would never let them try to run my life like this. I don't give a shit what kind of contract you signed--BREAK IT. It's not like you joined the military and signed your life away.

Try this; send your question with full detail to the following email address in the link below.
http://www.ncsu.edu/for_students/ombuds/index.html

[Edited on April 20, 2006 at 8:43 PM. Reason : person--more PC]

[Edited on April 20, 2006 at 8:48 PM. Reason : more stuff]

4/20/2006 8:36:07 PM

^Generally, breaking a written contract is a bad idea. Even if you are not held accountable for it (i.e.

financial penalty), it reflects poorly on you. My advice would be that if you signed a contract, finish it

out. However, once that contract is up I believe you have the right to do whatever you want. I would

just make sure you knew exactly what kind of deal you will be getting before you decide to leave. (i.e.

having to start all over at a new university)

4/20/2006 9:51:48 PM

this situation sounds crazy... dooyee keep us updated, more info please

4/20/2006 11:34:30 PM

As to the RA contract, it usually ends in May. I just want to go to study in another univerisy in fall semester. I think that's ok for me to leave.

4/20/2006 11:49:58 PM

nm

[Edited on April 21, 2006 at 12:41 AM. Reason : .]

4/21/2006 12:34:04 AM

I didn't know RA/TA contracts had obligations beyond the period you were getting paid.

As for transferring, lots of people do it, even if you're an international student. Just set up an appointment.

4/21/2006 9:48:56 AM

Hi, all, thank you for your replies. Finally my professor lets me go.

5/5/2006 11:26:27 PM

WANG

5/5/2006 11:53:50 PM

goodbye dooyee-we will definetly miss you and your whacked out situation. better luck next time

5/6/2006 1:34:09 AM