The Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication has been fully reaccredited after review by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications.
The council is responsible for the evaluation of professional journalism and mass communications programs in colleges and universities. Its voluntary self-assessment process provides an assurance of quality to students, parents and the public.
A six-person review team visited Grady College from Jan. 29-Feb. 1 to evaluate the college’s undergraduate program. The team reviewed evidence, interviewed faculty, staff and students and wrote a report of its assessment, including recommendation to the ACEJMC.
“The review team was impressed with the college on many levels,” said Grady College Dean Cully Clark. “Their report is overwhelmingly complimentary with the overall conclusion that Grady is a national leader in journalism and mass communication education and a jewel in the university’s crown.”
In the accrediting process, Grady College’s performance was measured against nine national standards developed by educators and working professionals.
“We were in compliance on all nine standards, which is a rarity,” Clark said.
The standards are mission, governance and administration; curriculum and instruction; diversity and inclusiveness; full-time and part-time faculty; scholarship, including research, creative and professional activity; student services; resources, facilities and equipment; professional and public service; and assessment of learning outcomes.
The review team was comprised of Paul Parsons, dean, School of Communications, Elon University; Anne Hoag, associate professor of communications, Pennsylvania State University; Kathryn Christensen, professor of practice, University of Nebraska; Nicholas Lemann, dean, Graduate School of Journalism, Columbia University; Dulcie M. Straughan, interim dean, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and Carol Hillsman Sagers, marketing director, strategy and category management, McDonald’s USA, Oak Brook, Ill.
In its report, the team noted Grady’s impressive reputation on campus and in the state and nation. They also documented the “. . . sharp and motivated students who make Grady akin to an honors college.” Additionally, the college’s atmosphere of good teaching and engaged learning in small class environments was highlighted.
Clark noted that the report of the site team is not final—it must now receive an affirmative vote of the council, which will meet in mid-March. ACEJMC accredits 109 programs in journalism and mass communications at colleges and universities in the U.S., including one at a university outside the country. UGA’s Grady College is one of only two accredited programs in Georgia.