The College of Family and Consumer Sciences has been recognized by its national accrediting agency for its innovative faculty, the community service-learning opportunities offered to undergraduates and the support of its alumni.
“Faculty members with a wide range of expertise are unified as a ‘community’ of scholars who have opportunities and optimism,” according to a letter announcing reaccreditation by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.
To be reaccredited, the college underwent a year-long self-study which was followed by a week-long site visit by faculty from other AAFCS accredited colleges. The new accreditation lasts for 10 years.
In announcing the reaccreditation, Hazel Forsythe, chair of the AAFCS accreditation council, and Gay Nell McGinnis, AAFCS director for credentialing, professional development and public policy, noted a number of strengths of the College of Family and Consumer Sciences.
“Faculty members are knowledgeable, innovative, committed and caring,” the accreditors said. “They have earned the admiration and respect of campus colleagues and students.” The letter announcing accreditation goes on to say: “They are committed to the integrative, synergistic philosophy of family and consumer sciences.”
Regarding students, the accreditors noted that in addition to community service-learning, undergraduates have the opportunity to participate in research projects with faculty and diverse opportunities both nationally and internationally.
In addition to providing philanthropic gifts, the accreditors said alumni also show their support by providing internships and hiring FACS graduates.
“The College of Family and Consumer Sciences has been accredited for more than 40 years, however each decade the process provides the opportunity for us to re-examine who we are and what we’re about,” said Laura Jolly, interim vice president for instruction and dean of the college. “We’re pleased to have our efforts again recognized as representing the ideals of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.”