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[anthrosexgradguy]

So, after getting halfway through an Applied Anthro MA and deciding it wasn't worth it, I'm just about to start my second year of my Human Sexuality Studies MA.  I'm really excited because now I get to narrow my focus (as if grad school wasn't focused enough) and pursue my interests.

Sadly, the day I got my IRB approval and was ready to start my thesis, I found out that I'm completely on my own -- my department has a policy to not work on student work during the summer.  I've managed to struggle through the summer trying to figure things out on my own (my advisor doesn't even return my emails), and now am getting ready to jump back into the fray for another round.

Is it typical for professors to not work with students over the summer?  I understand that the summer is a time for faculty to get some of their own work done, but it was really off putting to be told "Congratulations! We won't help you!" right when I am about to start my research.

[mathgoddess]

I'm a graduate student as well, and as far as I'm concerned, any professor interaction I am able to have during the summer is a bonus.

I do communicate with my Graduate Committee during the summer, but only about things that are not crucial and that can wait until Fall to be addressed. Like you, I have spent most of the summer trying to figure things out on my own and consequently feel that I have made a great deal of progress toward becoming a researcher. I believe that the ability to function independently as a scholar is one of the hallmarks of a successful graduate student.

So my advice would be to expect no interaction with your professors during the summer, but be grateful if you do receive any help or communication from them.

[gennimom]

One thing I've noticed around here, is it depends on what kind of contract someone has whether they'll help you in the summer or not. If someone is on a 9 or 10 month contract you can generally hang it up. They aren't going to work if they aren't getting paid for it. Some professors get paid for the summer by getting grants though, so they will continue to work and help students.

[schoolmarm]

Or some of us are physically out of the country, but email thesis corrections and keep in touch via email.  I hope my students appreciate it.

[grad_geek]

I also started the summer with big plans to get a lot done on my research, and ended up on my own and not being as productive as I'd hoped.  At first I was indignant, then I got depressed and decided it was because I sucked as a researcher.  Now that fall is approaching and the university is beginning to function at its normal pace, I'm realizing that, wow, it was never all about me!  :-)  People just had other priorities for the summer, and I had to wait my turn.

So, in my limited experience, I think what you experienced is normal.  I hope that our advisers will be pleased that we have indeed accomplished a little bit on our own while they were away or busy!