Currently, there is no guarantee that a graduate student entering into a graduate program will be able to obtain a usable degree. There is little to no protection given to the graduate student from the graduate institute and no standardized way to investigate claims of abuse, neglect, or unethical practices. Each institute sets up its' own policies on graduate student practices as well as its' own standards for addressing student concerns. Many institutes dismiss legitimate student concerns and complaints and instead refer these issues to individual departments. A students thesis is often dangled in front of them as a bargaining tool. With no set rights, a student is often forced to succumb to abhorrent practices in order to graduate. Because of the lack of standard rights, there is a growing gap in the quality of graduate education.
Graduate students within a US graduate institute should be guaranteed certain workplace rights. Though some institutes and departments already insure these basic rights, far too many do not.
