The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications has voted unanimously to reaccredit the undergraduate programs at the WVU P.I. Reed School of Journalism.
ACEJMC is the agency responsible for the evaluation of professional journalism and mass communications programs in colleges and universities. It accredits 113 programs in the United States, including one at a university outside the country.
“It’s a validation of the good work that our faculty and students are doing,” said Maryanne Reed, dean of the School of Journalism. “I’m proud of our continued success in teaching, scholarship and public services.”
The listing of a college or university as accredited indicates that it has been judged by ACEJMC to meet its standards, which include academic rigor of curriculum, quality of faculty and facilities, scholarship and service outreach and commitment to diversity.
The judgment to reaccredit is rendered after a self-study is prepared by the faculty and administration of the unit and evaluated by an external site team made up of educators and practitioners.
“In this day when journalism is changing so rapidly, having an accredited journalism school is an important asset for this University, and helps set us apart,” said WVU Provost Michele Wheatly. “Students can come here and know they are getting a journalism education that meets high standards and competes on a national level.”
ACEJMC Council members made the decision to reaccredit the School of Journalism at a meeting in Arlington, Va., earlier this month. The decision was based on the Accrediting Committee’s recommendations and the site team report. A site team visit is scheduled every six years to repeat the process. The School of Journalism is accredited through the 2015-2016 academic year.
Read this official press release and more on WVU Today.