Spring Break
Aviation students take concerns to CSU
Kevin Rand
Issue date: 1/30/07 Section: News
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On Jan. 24 a San Jose State University student representative spoke at the CSU board of trustees meeting in Long Beach to convey concerns about alleged mismanagement within the University's aviation department.
The representative, Ken Pierce, a 22-year-old senior majoring in aviation, addressed the board of trustees when he was given an opportunity to speak during public comments.
In his speech, Pierce said, "For the past three years we have raised concerns about the poor management of our San Jose State University Department."
"Two formal complaints have been filed against Department Chair Patricia Backer; and numerous requests for an investigation into why she falsified records, verbally abused students, and shredded student files have been ignored," Pierce said.
Pierce claimed the department is not up to some students' standards and that some have been treated so badly by their department chair that they have changed majors and have even left California to pursue aviation degrees elsewhere.
Pierce and other students have alleged that the quality of education is a primary concern for those studying aviation.
Ryan Kaher, a senior majoring in aviation said, "There are many classes that have been taught by individuals who do not have an aviation background."
Andre Wigley, captain of the university's flight team, echoed Kaher's concerns. He said he hopes the department will begin hiring more qualified professors.
"There are two teachers that I know have taught classes that have no aviation background," Wigley said.
Pierce, the speaker at the meeting, said the students are not trying to be troublemakers. "I don't think the University knows how huge a part of this economy aviation is," Pierce said.
He said the purpose of the visit to the CSU board of trustees was to address a lack of response from all levels of administration.
Students met with SJSU president Don Kassing in December 2005 to raise questions regarding the state and direction of the aviation program.
The representative, Ken Pierce, a 22-year-old senior majoring in aviation, addressed the board of trustees when he was given an opportunity to speak during public comments.
In his speech, Pierce said, "For the past three years we have raised concerns about the poor management of our San Jose State University Department."
"Two formal complaints have been filed against Department Chair Patricia Backer; and numerous requests for an investigation into why she falsified records, verbally abused students, and shredded student files have been ignored," Pierce said.
Pierce claimed the department is not up to some students' standards and that some have been treated so badly by their department chair that they have changed majors and have even left California to pursue aviation degrees elsewhere.
Pierce and other students have alleged that the quality of education is a primary concern for those studying aviation.
Ryan Kaher, a senior majoring in aviation said, "There are many classes that have been taught by individuals who do not have an aviation background."
Andre Wigley, captain of the university's flight team, echoed Kaher's concerns. He said he hopes the department will begin hiring more qualified professors.
"There are two teachers that I know have taught classes that have no aviation background," Wigley said.
Pierce, the speaker at the meeting, said the students are not trying to be troublemakers. "I don't think the University knows how huge a part of this economy aviation is," Pierce said.
He said the purpose of the visit to the CSU board of trustees was to address a lack of response from all levels of administration.
Students met with SJSU president Don Kassing in December 2005 to raise questions regarding the state and direction of the aviation program.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Mike Natale
posted 1/31/07 @ 8:32 AM PST
Kudos to all of you, who have had a part in this very worthy cause. I cannot tell you how much I admire all of you for standing up and refusing to accept the situation that SJSU is trying to dish to you. (Continued…)
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