Ken,
Just so it is known, my name is Branden Wilburn, and I am also in the MSc. program with Brian. The following views expressed reflect my personal opinions, and do not represent the class as a whole.
Kudos to Brian for speaking up about his issues with the EIGCA and the MSc program. I might not agree with the forum in which it was brought up in, but Brian does have the right to discuss this anywhere, especially on this site where others like us may be reading and wanting to know more about the EIGCA and the MSc program.
As Chairman of the Education Committee for the EIGCA I was very disappointed to hear the views you expressed regarding the Institute.
It is a shame that you felt you needed to voice your concerns on this web site and did not address the issue directly through the Institute's offices. We are very keen to see graduates of the MSc joining the institute and taking part in its affairs since they are the future of the profession.
As Chairman, you should have been interested in hearing a potential future member express their honest views about the EIGCA. Brian is not bound by any ethical decision to “stay quite” and discuss matters in private, as he is not a member of the institute. His issues with the EIGCA and the MSc should be expresses and have been in more than just this forum. Once the EIGCA as a whole come to accept the students as future members and treat us so, then maybe there will be more direct communication with the institute. Many of the members have treated us accordingly, and have in return been treated with respect and been thanked for taking their time to come speak with us. However, others have visited (and lectured) and not shown us any amount of respect and therefore, cannot expect to receive any from the students.
The Institute has undergone many changes in recent years and I do not think it can fairly be classed as 'old fashioned'.
To say it is unfair to class the EIGCA as “old fashioned” is to say Brian is not entitled to his opinions, and is a direct correlation to an old fashioned attitude. Some students do not agree with Brian’s position, but they do not say he is unfair or inaccurate, they just understand that opinions vary and discuss the matter logically. I do on the other hand believe that there are many institute members that are old fashioned in their believes, but I acknowledge that many are forward thinkers. But, who am I to say this is wrong or right? I am just an architect (and currently a student) with an opinion that I am free to express in any manner that suits me.
Regarding the EIGCA AGM weekend at Royal Liverpool/Hoylake, the MSc students were invited en mas via Mike Wood, the Course Director, since we do not have contact details for all of the students.
Yes, this was done however, it was to little to late, and was only brought up once another institute member that was lecturing mentioned it to myself and two other students after the class had broken for the day. The other students and myself where having a discussion with the member, and where told of the event and that we were supposed to have been invited. Later, the member approach Mike Wood and asked why we did not know of the event yet. Mike then said that we would be invited. As to the exact date that we were invited by Mike, I cannot state, but I am sure I can get that information for you as many students save all email correspondence with Mike. I can state however that the information within the email was brief.
As for the future of the program and possibly the EIGCA, Brian is right in saying that “The Institute and the University and more importantly the existing students do need to work together to improve the course.” This is desperately needed to further develop the MSc into a well respected program.
And as for your question Brian;
I have one question regarding the course. If the Institute is so involved with the course why has the Institute not questioned the students how they feel the course could be improved? Would it be possible to send out a questionnaire asking for opinions?
I think that is a brilliant idea, but I hope we get to use both sides of the questionnaire for our responses…….