i have been informed, in confidence, that one of the third-years was asked to take a leave of absence, largely because he spent the last 6 months, more or less, completely slacking off. this is the fourth person on the program to be on the ropes since i've been here (2 have been kicked out), and it pains me personally, not just because i think he's a nice guy, but also because it does nothing for my it-could-happen-to-you anxiety.