National Taipei University of Technology launched a mistreatment probe on Wednesday after a graduate student died by suicide. The university immediately suspended the professor from teaching and non-urgent advising duties pending the investigation’s results. Meanwhile, a friend of the deceased student publicly alleged that advisor mistreatment contributed to the tragedy. The friend posted screenshots showing the professor repeatedly changed the student’s thesis direction. Specifically, the thesis topic shifted four times since January, fueling academic distress.
The university expressed sincere condolences to the family and acknowledged deep grief across the campus community. Furthermore, the Office of Student Affairs quickly contacted the family and established a dedicated communication window for support. In response to the allegations, the institution announced the mistreatment probe would follow the highest principles of responsibility and objectivity. Consequently, decisive administrative action was taken to protect student rights during the inquiry. Additionally, the department chair and relevant administrators will now jointly handle graduation requirements and thesis defenses.
The counseling center began providing psychological support to affected students, faculty, and peers without delay. The mistreatment probe will examine whether the advisor’s repeated thesis revisions created an untenable academic environment. Any determination of responsibility, the university stressed, will follow legal procedures and fair disciplinary measures. Pending the investigation’s outcome, the professor remains barred from direct student interaction.
The incident has ignited broader conversations about graduate student welfare and the power imbalance inherent in advisor-student relationships. As a result, the university affirmed its commitment to safeguarding students from mistreatment. Moving forward, officials pledged to review internal policies and strengthen oversight of academic advising. Ultimately, the mistreatment probe stands as a critical test of institutional accountability within higher education.
