WMU-the balanced view
As with most discussion forums there are elements of truth in almost every entry, but, because of individual personal agendas we rarely get the full picture. So, let's get all of this in perspective.
Yes, the JAA program at WMU has been substantially curtailed, and not always in a manner consistent with the world class organization it aspires to become. The latest layoffs came in October in an attempt to integrate the FAA and JAA programs so that there would be less internal divisiveness and greater cost efficiency in the course delivery. Who can quibble with such well intentioned motives, expecially in uncertain times? Don't forget the shock of September 11th, is still reverberating very strongly in the US and it is creating some visa problems.
Presby is quite right to point out that the college is part of a US publicly funded university ans everyone should recognize that inevitably and, quite rightly, the main focus of the college will be on its domestice students. So, what's the future for the JAA training program . Well, the leadership claim that they are committed to future JAA courses and a great deal of work is being done to try and create a unified course taking the best of FAA and JAA training to deliver a world beating quality where FAA and JAA students can for the most part participate in the same course. Presby is quite right in saying there are a great many people working their butts off trying to make good things happen. However, just as in other organizations, there are those who continue to resist such changes, some who quite frankly aren't qualified to understand all the implications of such changes and the majority who as Presby says know Jack sh$t about what's going on. And that's the rub isn't it! For, as long as the mushroom management persists (you know, the kept in the dark and fed on sh$t kind), and they fail to recognize that world class organizations treat customers and employees with respect, communicate openly and honestly and honor their commitments they will continue to sell short the efforts of all those working their butts off. If all this sounds negative and derisory, let's keep it in perspective. There are very few organizations mentioned in this forum that don't come in for criticism. WMU has delivered outstanding JAA results in the past, and those instructors who remain are as committed as ever to delivering a quality product for their students. It's a matter of personal, professional pride and they work hard to overcome the inadequacies of the administration. So, is JAA training at WMU still a good bet? Unequivocably, the answer is yes, providing you are prepared to ignore the internal politics and work with your instructors to get through your training. As to when another JAA course will start - March has now become May. So, if you are interested, my advice to you would be to wrtie to the Dean and copy your letter to the college advisory board, c/o its chairman. Tell them of your interest, tell them of your current concerns and frustration and most importanly, tell them what you need, want and expect of a world class training facility. If those of you currently going through the program do similarly, as well as any former students who are willing, then maybe, just maybe, they'll start listening, start responding and take their self interested fingers off their political self destruct buttons.