We’ve heard the horror stories, and perhaps you’ve experienced it yourself: the trauma of working under an abusive advisor. Whether their tactics involve manipulation, verbal abuse, overly demanding requirements, or plain bullying, we want you to know that there are options and support. This survival story from an anonymous grad student offers guidance and hope, as do these lengthy responses from our mentors at The Well. No matter what your circumstance, we want those suffering under abusive advisors to have the resources and the networks to hold on to both your calling and your dignity. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need support.

“Not knowing what else to do, I followed the traditional recourse of beleaguered graduate students — I worked longer hours…. I ran experiments for 10-14 hours a day and worked Saturdays and some Sundays. I hoped that if I worked more hours I’d eventually get experiments that worked, or at least I’d prove I was committed. Neither happened.”

It’s not uncommon for power to become twisted into something dangerous when left unexamined and wielded carelessly. We’re reminded of Mary Kate Morse’s writings on human flourishing and the role of power in diffusing the experience of fear. Morse helps us to remember that even when faced with impossible problems, we are called not to fear, but instead to remember the power of the Spirit in our lives. Let’s help one another to remember the good news together.

“As women professionals and academics, we often live in the world of the mind and neglect to observe what really sabotages our ability to flourish: fear. When we are afraid, we are less able to love. When we are motivated by fear and not love, we use reason to protect our self-interests. Christ shows us a better way.”

You’re Invited!

Would you (or someone you know) enjoy working with Women Scholars and Professionals? We’re looking for people with skills in marketing & communications and editing & content. Check out our job listings!

Pray with us! You can join our online, 30-minute guided prayer meetings on Fridays at 8 am, 9 am, and 12 pm (Eastern). Can’t come? Send your prayer requests anyway by emailing us at wsap@intervarsity.org. Ready to pray? Join the Zoom meeting here for those Friday meetings.

A Lenten Prayer Experience. How do you plan to observe Lent this year? Join us for a gentle rhythm of prayer based on the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius. Click through for sign-up information and more details! Begins March 5.

MORE FROM OUR FRIENDS AT INTERVARSITY PRESS

• Faculty exam copies. Professors can request a free exam or desk copy. Register for a professional account to access this benefit!

• Are you an InterVarsity alum? Use promo code IVCFALUMNI to get a 25% discount at ivpress.com.

OTHER EVENTS

Believers in Business. As the largest Christian MBA gathering in the country, the 2025 Believers in Business Conference is a key intersection of the Christian MBA and Christian professional communities. For more information and to register, click here.

Emerging Scholars Network Conversations. Join our sister organization for their upcoming online conversations on important topics!

• On Leadership with Nicole Massie Martin, author of Nailing It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering and Surrender. March 12, 12 pm (eastern)

Four More Things We Loved This Week

1. We’re a little late to the party, but you can still sign up for the 28 Days of Black History newsletter (and if you’ve missed some editions, like us, you can always catch up with the catalogue).

2. Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes offers a reading guide that centers Black women theologians.

3. “In a cutthroat environment, is it naive to approach one’s critics, or even one’s students, with virtues such as gentleness, patience, and humility?”

4. Five strategies to be less awkward on Slack and Zoom. (NYTimes, unlocked)