Update: September 28, 2009
Mr. Hassan reports facts stating that Walden policy states he was supposed to receive a chance to achieve a higher grade, but Walden refused to follow its own policies. Is this fair?
Peace,
Dear Soc Doctoral Advising Team,
I'm certain that it is known somewhere in your office that, I have exhausted all my attempts to appeal, getting one grade of "C" for the orientation course, eight quarters Ago. I'm a KAM student, and have been for eight quarters. That's all KAM work, and not Mixed KAM and Course work. All of my KAM quarters have been graded as satisfactory, except the one orientation quarter, my first at Walden University. I appealed what I still feel was an injustice done to me, by not allowing me to correct the one "C" grade, eight quarters ago.
I have now been denied Federal Financial Aid, plus any other funding awards from the financial aid office. If you allow me to correct the one"C" grade, will it also restore my financial aid? How will that work, since, I'M an all KAM student?
I have notified the the assistant dean of my school, and the president's office of Walden University,that I will seek redress at the US Federal District Court. They never allowed me the opportunity or chance to up-date one "grade to a "B" or better. How many grades are record that need to be elevated to "B" or better in my file? After eight quarters of KAM work at Walden, I'm only aware of one. Is there more that require a "B" or better? What are the actual options for obtaining a 3.00 GPA, when I'm only aware of the one "C" grade."
I begged the assistant dean for another chance to put this whole thing behind me, but she hasn't responded to my e-mail, sent last week. Again, will the correction and up--dating of "one "C" to "B' or better, put me back in financial aid and academic compliance, so that I can move on with my doctoral studies, that still remain in the most fragile stages of cultivation.
Yours In Peace,
Mr. Hasson J. Rashid
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Original E-mail
From: SOC Doctoral Advising
Date: 09/28/2009 03:38 PM
To: Hasson Rashid
Subject: Academic Progress
Dear Hasson:
Walden University strives to provide students with support and flexibility as they pursue graduate studies. However, as much as we try to support students with service and flexibility, we must adhere to the University's academic policies that require standards of academic progress. For more information about Walden University 's enrollment and academic progress policy please visit the Walden website at: http://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=2&navoid=209
The University has reviewed your academic progress for the summer 2009 term. You have not met these minimum academic progress standards and based on your failure to comply with Walden University 's standards for academic progress; you are hereby notified that you have been placed on academic warning for the following reasons:
Cumulative GPA below 3.00
You will have up 2 quarters to bring your GPA up to a 3.0 or above in order to be in compliance with the University's minimum academic progress standards. This means that your GPA must be at 3.0 or above by the end of winter 2009 (2/28/10). At this time, your progress will again be reviewed. Failure to comply with Walden University 's standards for academic progress and the meet the requirements during this period will result in dismissal from the University.
Please carefully review the following information:
1. If your GPA is below a 3.0, you can use a grade calculator (http://www.back2college.com/gpa.htm) to determine your best choice to improve your GPA within two terms, including retaking courses in which you earned a C or seeking strong grades in future courses. If you have earned multiple grades of "C" you may want to consider retaking one or more of those courses to regain academic compliance.
2. You may register for no more than two courses each term in which you are on academic warning. Your progress will be reviewed at the end of the next term. When your GPA reaches 3.0 and you pass any failed courses, you will be removed from Academic Warning.
3. If you receive federal financial aid, you are required to adhere to the minimum progress requirements set by the financial aid office. These guidelines are distinctly different from minimum academic progress standards as described in this letter. Financial aid requirements are found in your Student Catalog. If you have further questions, please contact the financial aid office directly at 1-800-925-3366.
Our goal is to assist you in any way that we can so that you will continue to meet the academic progress standards as set forth in the student catalog and successfully complete your graduate degree. Please contact your academic advisors with your plan on how you intend to regain academic compliance at 1-800-925-3368 or by email http://inside.waldenu.edu/c/Student_Faculty/StudentFaculty_12439.htm. If we do not hear from you, we may be following up with a phone call in the coming weeks. We are always here to support you.
Here are some steps you can take to assist you with your plan to regain academic compliance:
1. You can register for an elective writing course or potentially replace KAM requirements with graded courses. Please contact your Academic Advising team if you are interested in registering or exploring these options.
2. Also, consider submitting your course papers to the Writing Center . Each time, inform the tutor of what aspect of the paper you would like help with, such as grammar or organization. You can take a writing class at a local university or community college or hire a writing tutor to help you to become a stronger writer.
3. Time is often a factor in low grades. You'll find an essay on time management on the Writing Center 's website to help you find ways to devote more time to your studies.
http://inside.waldenu.edu/c/Student_Faculty/StudentFaculty_562.htm
4. Other suggestions for improving your study skills can be found at: http://inside.waldenu.edu/c/Student_Faculty/StudentFaculty_8271.htm
5. If you have a work, family, or health-related crisis or changes during a future course, consider working with the Academic Advisors to take a leave of absence or withdraw from the class to receive a "W" instead of an "F." These strategies can help you maintain an acceptable GPA and/or prevent you from being dismissed from the University.
Wishing you much success!
Sincerely,
Academic Advising Team
Update: September 23, 2009 (additional draft)
Dear Ms. Kruse,
Inshallah, if it is Allahs/God’s Will, my intentions will be not to retain the legal services of a train attorney, but to proceed in the Pro Se( self representation) fashion. I had obtained the services of the Baltimore, MD branch of the Better Business Bureau to initiate an investigation on my behalf of the issues and concerns, I had been confronting members of the Walden University staff and academic official with since the orientation quarter, eight quarters ago. The Baltimore, MD BBB informed me that, Walden University’s Baltimore, MD office steered them toward the Minneapolis office of Walden University, as being appropriate to commence the BBB’s investigation, on my behalf at. The investigation was then forwarded on to the Minneapolis, MN office of Walden University.
If the Minneapolis office of Walden University is more significant in these type of business matters, then why would you insist that, I have legal representation, consult with Walden’s University legal counsels down ,in Baltimore, MD?
As Pro Se, I will have every e-mail correspondences, I had with Walden University staff and academic officials in support of my, educationally mandated rights, as they pertain to my, receiving justice as a PhD candidate, eight quarters into the Knowledge Area Module(KAM) doctoral degree program. No U.S. Federal District Court Judge will allow the flimsiness of a one time questionable “C” grade, compared with eight successful and satisfactory quarters of KAM planning to stand. I will send the complete documentation of my experiential learning odyssey at Walden University, as they relate to the rendering of the contested “C” grade on to the my struggles with a two quarter bout with federal financial aid probation, even though I at this moment remain in academic compliance for satisfactory academic performance.
Yours In Peace,
Mr. Hasson J. Rashid
Update: September 23, 2009
Dear Mr. Wallace,
I don't know if you remember from my previous communications with you, that I was on Federal Financial Aid Probation until 8/23/09. After that date, my Federal Student Aid was to end, until I come back into academic compliance. I did all I could do to change an impossible set of circumstances, erroneous erected to prevent me from removing a one course of Grade "C." Again and again, I attempted to corrected the so-called problem, so that I could come back into compliance, and move on with my doctoral studies. I exhausted every opportunity for appeal, yet remain unsuccessful in getting one grade change or up-dated.
I was informed by the Financial Aid office that I could contact Student Advising for assistance in securing other educational funding options. There won't be any, I have unpaid private loans from my undergraduate and graduate years of education. The federal financial aid options were the best hope for me as a Low Income Student.
I need you to know that I still disagree with being denied "Due Process of Law," and having certain Walden University entities commit breeches of Walden University's Policy, to deprive me of justice and my doctoral academic ambitions. I'm seriously considering filing a Civil Action Law Suit against those Walden University Parties, and let a Federal Judge decide if my Federal Financial Aid is to be continued or not, and for mental, physical, and spiritual damages.
I think its to late to get a just redress through the avenues of Walden University, certain parties have set of a road block for that, I'm almost certain of it now. The Federal Court may be the only way now. A good and decent Federal Judge will destroy this flimsy cobweb, set up to destroy my academic freedoms at Walden University.
I leave you now with the following words of hope and wisdom from my Holy Book The Quran:
"Allah. There is no god but He,-the Living, the Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who is there can intercede in His presence except as He permitteth? He knoweth what (appeareth to His creatures as) before or after or behind them. Nor shall they compass aught of His knowledge except as He willeth. His Throne doth extend over the heavens and the earth, and He feeleth no fatigue in guarding and preserving them for He is the Most High, the Supreme (in glory)."
Yours In Peace,
Mr. Hasson J. Rashid
Update: August 20, 2009
Peace Be Unto You,
Dear Dr. Saxon,
May this e-mail find you in the best of health and spirit. In regards to our phone conversation this morning, I regret having to request that our communication be shorten, a five dollar phone card doesn't last for ever. If all is equal, I will contact you around the same hour (9:00AM) tomorrow. I'm in hopes of being able to come to some kind of conclusion,that will bring us both to a mutual understanding of my issues and concerns, and good directions on what must be done, or a solution to this matter, so that I can resume pursuit of my academic ambitions, next quarter(Fall/2009), along with the rest of the members of our online learning community.
Also, I would like to bring it to your attention that what is known as the "Holy Month of Ramadan," perhaps you are familiar with it, begins at the end of this week. My Summer/2009 quarter ends at the end of this week too. For 30 days the Muslim American Community along with Muslims the world over, participate in fasting, feasting, and glorification of the all mighty God/ ALLAH. I have committed my self to volunteering to help with activities related to this event, with local Muslims groups, such as the Harvard University Islamic Society, the Islamic Society of Boston/ Cambridge. I will be very busy for the next 30 days contributing as a volunteer for the success of Muslims the world over during this Holy Month of Ramadan.
I tell you this in hopes of you understanding that you and I, must arrange our future talks, so that they don't come in conflict with my obligations to my belief system, during the month of Ramadan. I'm obligated to set aside all of my anxieties, conflicts, frustration, etc., so that I can incur the the Blessing of Allah during this period for a month. In the days leading up to Ramadan, I must prepare myself for this spiritually uplifting journey. Because of this, I hope that we can settle what ever it is that needs to be settled. I will talk with you tomorrow, if it is "God's? Allah's Will." Thank you again for taking time out of you precious schedule to engage me in this telephone dialogue.
Yours In Peace
Mr. Hasson J. Rashid
Update: August 4, 2009
Mr. Rashid updates his status with Walden University:
Peace Be Unto You,
Dear Mr. Nance,
I'm back from the residency, and enjoyed the company of all the people congregated there for the event. It went better than I though it would.
In answer to you questions, I have received nothing from Dr. Savitri yet. My funding is still schedule to end on 8/23/09, according to Walden's Financial Aid Office. I'm still considered a full time student.
I called the focus group number you gave me, but no one answered, so I left a message. Hopefully they will respond to my message.
Yours In Peace,
Mr. Hasson J. Rashid
July 7, 2009
Mr. Hasson J. Rashid reports on Walden University:
Date: July 3, 2009
Dear Mr. Nance
Indeed Allah/ God has blessed you greatly, and because of this, life with all of it's ups and downs, has not broken your spirits. I to am a doctoral candidate at Walden University, majoring in the field of Human Service, my specialization is the same as yours "Social Policy Analysis and Planning." I'm still endeavoring to circumvent KAM 1. I have also been beseeched with so-called academic problems at Walden. I was unjustly and unfairly graded with "C" in my initial orientation course, and because of this, I was placed on Federal Financial Aid Probation. I appealed for a continuance of my Federal Financial Aid, and received a continuance until 8/23/09. After that date all Federal Financial Aid for me is discontinued, and that means the end of my efforts to earn the Ph.D at Walden.
I'm working on an upgrade for the "C" to "B" or better, which would allow me to continue receiving the Federal Financial Aid for doctoral studies at Walden University.
I cast my faith totally in the hands of Allah, as you have done similar by turning to God. I e-mailed you because I needed you to know that your not the only Black American experiencing a strangeness with academic matters at Walden University. I have decided that I will leave no stone unturned in my efforts to earn and secure the Ph.D. That's everything except breaking the law. I'm certain that Allah will answer my prayers, and activate his graces in the securing of my legitimate concerns, involving salvaging my academic ambitions. Please, put my e-mail address on your mailing list. Thank you in advance.
July 4, 2009
Dear Mr. Nance,
Thank you for responding to my inquiry. From the bottom of my heart, I do feel that there is definitely, something nebulous about Dr. Forshee awarding me a "C" grade, as final for the orientation course. I e-mailed him, confronting him about his unfairly assigning me points for my initial quarter's work, he responded by saying "what's wrong with a "C." I knew it was wrong, and I pointed out each area of his point system, of my work I felt was wrong. I even begged him for an opportunity and chance, to earn an upgrade to a "B" or better. I have taken these concerns to the Financial Aid office, Advising Office, Dean's Office, Ombudsman Office, and to my Mentor. I have been notified that my Federal Financial Aid will end on 8/23/2009. I'm a low income student, and will not be able to continue at Walden University, if they don't restore my financial aid for the Fall/ 2009 quarter.
How can a one semester unjust grading of "C" cause the end of my academic ambitions at Walden? Each quarter that followed, I averaged a grade of Satisfactory ("S") which is equivalent to B or better, for the exact same work, given in the orientation course. What is with these people, why are they set on trashing me this way?
I will follow your suggestions and try and contact the president, a Mr. Kaplan. The Ombudsman at Walden University, told me that he had direct access to the university's president office, but yet and still, he could do nothing effective on my behalf, towards salvaging my doctoral studies. Isn't that something?
I think, I read that you are graduating this summer. I understand that the commencement ceremonies will be held in Minneapolis this summer. I will be attending the Six Day Residency at the University of Minnesota from July 19 to July 25; perhaps I could arrange to attend your graduation, if it is to be held in Minneapolis. Anyway, I do congratulate you on a job well done and graduating from PhD studies at Walden University, congratulations again.
Yours In Peace
Mr. Hasson J. Rashid
July 6, 2009
Dear Mr. Nance,
Forgive me, I was in such a hurry, that I forgot to read every word of your posting, Yes, you have my permission and my blessings to use all the words you need from what I wrote. I'm also a sort of advocate for the socially disadvantage myself, and I understand the correctness of your thinking. I will definitely mention it to Dr. Nance, because you insisted that it will help to salvage my doctoral studies. Thank you again.
Yours In Peace,
Mr. Hasson J. Rashid
