In need of advice

[shanaqui]

So my dissertation is due on 15th March. I can't get an extension at this point, because I already had a huge one after I had an operation and a bereavement. I sent my supervisor a draft of just my first chapter on 9th January. A week later, I sent an email asking if he'd received it safely and he said yes. Two weeks after that, I sent another email asking if he'd have time to read through it soon. He said he'd try and get me feedback on Friday.

Yep, the Friday that's been and gone.

I'm not sure what to do. I know he's busy -- start of term, marking stuff, etc -- but he's always known the timescale we were working with, and he's only got to look at 5,000 words at this point. I don't think anyone else in the department has the relevant interests to follow my argument, and I don't want to get him into trouble -- he's awesome as a lecturer and he's been very supportive. But. I feel like I can't move on with this until he gets back to me 'cause maybe it's all a massive waste of time and none of it is any good. In terms of the time available, though, I need this to move forward now.

Any suggestions on what I can do?

Comments

[shanaqui]

I've done that, sadly. I've tried suggesting an appointment with him in office hours now, though. Fingers crossed!

[jae]

Unless you live in a country where this is severely frowned upon or something, I'd say just show up at the office hour. Don't wait for an appointment. He'll be sitting there anyway (he has to!). Office hours are student time.

-J

[shanaqui]

In our university, you do have to sign up first -- each person that signs up gets a ten minute slot. He only has office hours once a week and I'm not even sure when offhand...

[jae]

Oh, dear.

Well, all right, then, good luck with the appointment! Let us know what happens. But this Canadian professor says that being proactive about this is the right thing to do, in case you're doubting that.

-J

[shanaqui]

Thank you! I'm feeling really worried that I'm being overly pushy or something, but everyone is urging me to push a little more, so...