[dwt204]

I can relate to the "fatigue" issue. I am an ABD from a big world class university, and plan on never going back after suspending my studies. During the course of my studies I became ill and even though some people on my committee expressed support, my chair did not really know how to mentor and encourage me while I was going through chemotherapy, trying to work full time (to keep medical coverage) and do the work necessary to complete the dissertation. My experiences working in other universities are even worse. Faculty who exploit students or punish them for perceived slights or lack of dedication are one of the key reasons for the mess that we are in. It's dreadful overall and would not suggest doing any doctoral studies to anyone. Your viewpoint about your students as apprentices is very encouraging but this is an attitude that is not conducive to most university settings that I have been involved with. Its about the money plain and simple.