Hi Guys, just an appeal for advice. Lately I've become anxious about how my relationship with my tutor has declined. When I first started here he seemed excited about my work, kept in regular contact and was full of advice an enthusiasm, he was pushing for me to suceeed. However after the first year of my PhD its changed, he no longer seems bothered. I sent him a structure for this chapter and its taken him two weks to get back to me!!! What makes it worse is that he's started to tutor another student, whose project is more in his area, and it seems like all his enthusiasm and interest is directed towards their work. I feel like I've been orphaned, I want to approach him about it but its not easy as I dont want to offend him... any ideas guys? Dx

Is he your only supervisor? If not, perhaps you can suggest to get another one. You can point out something specific in your proposal and suggest to get another supervisor on board with expertise in that area; and ask what your supervisor thinks about that idea, does he agree etc. That way he can feel the fact that you are not getting rid of him but you are bringing another expert to the project as a second supervisor. Is that supervisor also your director of studies, or do you have a different person as your director of studies?

Thanks 404. I have two supervisors, but the split between them is 70-30, and the other one doesn't have much knowledge of my subject area unfortunately, but he's very helpful on proof reading. I'm going to try and have a chat with my primary supervisor tomorrow, little worried about how it will go!

I'm sure talking will solve the problems. He needs to know your feelings about the situation, so he can change his ways. Looking back at last year's work, he probably have a confidence in you to do your best without his constant supervision. That might be one of the reasons why he isn't showing much interest this year. Good luck tomorrow.

Ditto 404. A good chat will make you feel a whole lot better. Don't suffer in silence.