26th February 2014, 10:43 AM
Sikelgaita Wrote:Academic excellence does not and should not equate to being a good field archaeologist. This will just reinforce the elitist 'us and them' perception of the IfA. Will my employer provide me time to write my dissertation or revise for the exams, I doubt it. More likely it will be in my own time, I love archaeology but I also value my free time more.I'd be happy to consider any alternative method that verified Chartered status, but I think one of the big mistakes of the nascent IfA was to allow self-certification for the first 200 members or so. It seems to me that for the new CIfA to have any creditbility it cannot allow either self certification or direct transfer of current members. I personally think there has to be some kind of test, but I'd be open to considering a way of making that 'non-academic' for those that don't thrive in that kind of situation. Perhaps a questionnaire and an interview as the Irish licence system used to employ...not that everyone was ever pleased with that system!! As for your employer...I am sure that one of the requirements of RAO status if Chartered membership comes in, would be to allow staff to study towards Chartered status. I am not sure that it could be compelled for non-RAOs....
With peace and consolation hath dismist, And calm of mind all passion spent...