smonster, I don't have facts&figures for you, but if you are meant to act as a mentor to these people, then 1:5 is really the limit for getting to know them, and for them to get to know you, to develop the trust and respect.

Much, much ~ma, amyth.

Claire Raynor was tops.

Your comments policy sounds awesome, Shir!

After a tough weekend thinking it through (and also enjoying the company of my dad, not-stepmother and their hearing dog), I've just asked to go part-time at uni. (I say asked. I sent a clearly-worded e-mail saying that's what is going to happen, with the subtext I WILL SUE THE ARSES OFF YOU IF YOU ARGUE running through it very pointedly.) Mostly I feel relieved and a lot freer. There's residual seriously-pissed-off-ness that disability continues to prevent me from working full-time, but it is what it is. (And there's also the uni's epic support fail making it worse, so it's not like it's just about my crappiness.)

Toast. Nasty-tasting toast. My supervisor, of all people, has decided to go off in a huff about this and tell me - in an e-mail he made public to other people - that he wants me to reconsider. While doing a lot of back-covering to ensure I'm not complaining about *him*.

I am going to get fish and chips.

It sounds like he's taking it personally.

{{{{{Seska}}}}} I'm sorry people are making things so difficult for you.

My supervisor, of all people, has decided to go off in a huff about this and tell me - in an e-mail he made public to other people - that he wants me to reconsider. While doing a lot of back-covering to ensure I'm not complaining about *him*.

"While you have been an excellent supervisor in many ways, the lack of required accommodation has forced me to take this step. I would very much like to reconsider, but only if I can receive written assurances that the established procedures and requirements will be followed. Perhaps we can meet with [insert names of people that he cced] to discuss the situation and come to a resolution that works for all involved. I am available [list several dates and times]. Thank you for your concern and I hope that we can all come to a workable solution."

cced to everyone, of course.

Spending many hours at the DMV. Brought the netbook this time and delighted to find they have free wifi. How sweet is that? Silly me told the office though.

Also, nice response Vortex.

I swear, Vortex could make a good living just as a consumer/patient/worker advocate.

"Feeling hammered by bureaucracy? You need a bigger hammer. Call Vortex 555-5555."

That's good, Vortex, although I'm writing my own strongly-worded complaint to the university, and it's a long one.