NTUT Suspends Professor from Teaching After Graduate Student's Suicide

Central News Agency (CNA reporter Hsu Chih-wei, Taipei, 20th) A graduate student at National Taipei University of Technology (NTUT) has reportedly committed suicide, suspected to be related to thesis problems and long-term difficulties imposed by a supervising professor. The university stated today that it has launched an investigation, and the involved teacher's teaching and non-urgent advisory work will be suspended. Subsequent disciplinary actions will be handled according to the investigation's results. A netizen posted on social media, pointing out that a graduate student friend at NTUT chose to commit suicide, allegedly due to long-term difficulties caused by a professor. The post included relevant screenshots showing that the supervising professor frequently made arbitrary changes to the thesis topic and research plan, with the thesis title being revised four times since January alone. National Taipei University of Technology issued a statement today, expressing deep sorrow and grief from all faculty and students upon receiving news of the unfortunate incident yesterday. The university extended its sincerest condolences to the family at the earliest opportunity. The school has activated its campus emergency response mechanism, and the Office of Student Affairs and related units have also proactively contacted the family, setting up a dedicated contact window to maintain close communication, assist with follow-up matters, and provide all necessary substantive support and care. Regarding this incident, NTUT mentioned that the school is treating it with the utmost seriousness, adhering to the highest principles of prudence, objectivity, and responsibility. It has now fully initiated investigation and reporting procedures in accordance with relevant processes. To ensure the fairness of the investigation and protect student rights, the school has immediately taken decisive administrative and teaching adjustment measures concerning the involved teacher. NTUT explained that before the investigation results are available, the teaching and student supervision authority of the relevant teacher has been restricted, and all teaching and non-urgent advisory work are suspended. For matters concerning student graduation, oral defense, or other urgent and necessary academic issues, the department head will co-participate and handle them collaboratively according to procedures to ensure student rights and the fairness of the investigation. NTUT pointed out that any determination of individual facts, attribution of responsibility, and subsequent disciplinary actions will be handled based on the formal investigation results and legal procedures. In terms of student support, the school has fully activated a high-intensity psychological support and care mechanism. The counseling center has also proactively intervened, providing necessary psychological counseling, companionship, and long-term follow-up assistance to students, faculty, and peers related to the incident. (Editor: Wu Su-jou) 1150520 Cherish life. Suicide is not the solution to problems; a way out can always be found. If you need counseling or related assistance, you can call the Ministry of Health and Welfare's hotline at "1925", the Life Line hotline at "1995", or the Teacher Chang service hotline at "1980".