My new term started today with my lecturer handing me my dissertation proposal and being told to hand it in to the postgraduate office. I have sent emails to this office but up till today it drifted in the ether for me. After a complicated trip in the rabbit warren that is the university I found the smiling person that I had been emailing over the last few weeks.
I handed her my proposal.
“Thanks, I’ll pop it in your file.”
I have a file – something I didn’t know I had. And it is a physical file and not a ghost in the computer.
“Okay,” I say and then turn to leave but I pause before I go. “Out of interest when do I must have my dissertation in?”
She turns to the computer and taps at the keys.
“September 2015.”
One word goes through my mind – NO. That is too late. I’ve just filled out a form for a grant which is (if I get it) comes into effect in August 2014. It has to happen after my course ends.
“Can I finish before that?” I ask, trying not to show panic.
“Yes, of course.”
Then another lady looks over a bank of computers. “The summer cut off is the 1st of April.”
I give a blank look.
“Get your dissertation in before then and you will graduate in the summer.”
Relief, that is what I felt as I thanked them and left. I can take longer to graduate but I don’t have to. It is good to remember though, if there is a problem.
But the plan is to graduate this summer in 2014… Kinda excited but I have to finish writing the book and the dreaded critical essay. The essay is a bit of a mess at the moment but I am hoping to beat it into shape by March.
At least I will with help from my support worker – Philip. I have got the organisation wrong and I’m only 1000 words in! Quick pass me the scissors and I’ll use the sellotape. 🙂
Kate Murray 
How about a glue-stick? 😉
That would work as long as I don’t glue myself to the page… 😀