nicholasali

University of Ottawa Doctoral Candidate Withdrawn from Program despite extraordinary academic achievements, evidence of bias, and administrative injustices (OTTAWA, May 27, 2013) – Mr. Nicholas Ali, former PhD candidate in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa, was informed on May 10, 2013 that his appeal with the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (FGPS) Executive Committee was denied. After over 5 years of research, tireless hard work, and publishing his doctoral thesis in several international peer-reviewed authoritative scientific journals, Mr. Ali’s appeal to defend his doctoral thesis orally was denied. Mr. Ali’s appeal clearly presented evidence of a thesis examiner admitted bias, conflict of interest between thesis examiner and student’s supervisor, and the Dean of FGPS review of the student’s thesis even though the Dean of FGPS has no knowledge in the student’s study domain. Evidence of lack of procedural fairness and transparency in the evaluation of the student’s thesis, as well as violation of university regulations are claimed against the University and its staff in Mr. Ali’s appeal. Furthermore, despite the facts and overwhelming evidence to support these facts presented in Mr. Ali’s appeal, despite the fact that the Dean of FGPS whose decision was under appeal refused to recuse himself during Mr. Ali’s appeal hearing with the Executive Committee, and despite the FGPS rather weak documentation submitted telling their side of the story regarding Mr. Ali’s appeal, Mr. Ali was denied the dignity to defend his thesis orally, forced to withdraw from his studies, and will not graduate with his degree. Among the FPGS’ Executive Committee members reviewing his appeal are Dr. Ross Hastings, Dr. Timothy Stanley, Dr. Martin Bouchard, Dr. Catherine Bielajew, Dr. Sylvie Perrier, Dr. Margaret Moriarty, and Dr. Anne Donovan. Among the individuals involved in the examination of his doctoral thesis are Dr. Ross Hastings – Dean of the Faculty of Graduate and Post Doctoral Studies, Dr. Gordon Robertson – Supervisor, Dr. Ghomalreza Rouhi – Co-supervisor, Dr. Edward Lemaire – Thesis examiner, Dr. Graham Caldwell – Thesis examiner, Dr. Michael Pierrynowski – Thesis examiner, and Dr. Michel Labrosse – Thesis examiner. The appeal reveals strong evidence of prejudice and malfeasance of some faculty members in the Faculty of Health Science at the University of Ottawa and exposes some of the procedural injustices faced by graduate students. The appeal, supported by extensive evidence, also illustrates the absence of transparency, no full disclosure, as well as many flagrant injustices by university staff. The appeal hearing on May 7th 2013 also met with flagrant procedural injustices, the absence of transparency, no full disclosure, as well as administrative malpractices by FGPS Executive committee members. Mr. Ali’s last chance of appeal is at the University’s Senate Appeals Committee where all he seeks is fairness. Your voice and presence can make a difference. All relevant information regarding this appeal can be found at http://www.nicholasali.wordpress.com Contact: Nicholas Ali n7ali@yahoo.ca Ph: 1-613-884-7559