I to was invited to the class . After reading the previous posts i thought it might be helpful to the members to post this e mail i got .
May I clear up any misunderstanding about the class information that was posted.
The class is not "secret". After the initial feelers went out, the overwhelming respond was so great we had to make it by "first respond, first in". The first two days, it filled up before we could get down the complete list of emails of certified wood inspectors.
Plans will be made, I am sure, for future classes for those that qualify. Wood knowledge is a necessary requirement before the course can be taken. Wood anatomy and Wood Technology must be known and understood or the course would be a waste of the student's money.
In addition, more advance classes are under discussion.
The class size is limited by the university. It is being taught through the university's educational extension cooperative department.
There will be a certificate but not a diploma. That takes four years, of course.
The University will be named this week as the final touches on the program are finished. The program has already been approved to be taught. The program will be released to the public at large when completely finished. I sure everyone here can understand that.
It has already been recognized and approved by the World Floor Covering Association and pending approval for Continuing Education Credits by the National Wood Flooring Association education committee next week. I was told that will not be a problem considering the number of PhD field extension professional, hands on professional, teaching the course. I don't think that sounds secretive or that we are hiding anything from anyone. No one is "hiding in darkness" any facet of this course. Questioning the field experience of PhDs wood scientist is questionable but I understand someone did not have all the facts.
Mr. Ray was an invaluable asset in helping this happen, as was William Coble and Tom Hammond. Mr. Ray is still a huge part of this. His past experience with conferences and organizational skills was leaned upon heavily by me and the others.
We also have a former North American Technical Advisor from an Internal Flooring Corporation as our Inspector Liaison Advisor to the University's personal. His world wide experience with flooring, especially wood and wood products, has been helpful to the professors and to all of us connected with this project.
The idea came about a few years ago during one of my visits to the certified laboratory to learn from the learned. I have, for years, sought out those with the knowledge to teach me true facts and knowledge, not myths or self conceived notions. I am not being critical of anyone with that statement. There are many "industry myths" and misconceptions by many people in the world.
I hope this has helped clear up any misunderstandings and has removed the "veil of darkness" that never existed.
Thank you, and I hope all of you have been doing well and are making it through these tough times.
Thanks for Nick conveying this message to you good people, and continued success with all of your endeavors.
How did I qualify??
