08.06.23
The Cal Poly Graphic Communication Department has been re-accredited for another six-year cycle after a unanimous vote by the Accrediting Council for Collegiate Graphic Communications (ACCGC). The department has been accredited since the ACCGC’s inception in 1998.
“Accreditation is extremely important. The process of going through a self-study and having academic and industry professionals vet your program ensures that what we are teaching to the future leaders of the industry is relevant,” Colleen Twomey, Graphic Communication Department chair, said. “Accreditation matters to employers who can be assured that the skills and problem-solving techniques our students are learning enable these graduates to contribute to the industry immediately. This process recognizes that Cal Poly is a top tier school to study graphic communication.”
The accrediting process included a self-study — a year-long examination of curriculum, assessment, laboratory work and faculty research — which was provided to a team of two universities and an industry representative. The team visited campus to observe classes and coursework, speak with students and advisory board members and converse with alumni. Interviews with the College of Liberal Arts Dean’s Office and the Cal Poly Office of the Provost were also conducted.
According to the ACCGC, the purpose of accrediting graphic communication programs is threefold: assuring curricular and instructional relevancy within a system of quality improvement; stimulating the exchange of ideas between academia and industry; and providing internal and external recognition to collegiate programs meeting accreditation standards.
Cal Poly is one of eight accredited programs in the United States that offer curricula in graphic communication.
“Accreditation is extremely important. The process of going through a self-study and having academic and industry professionals vet your program ensures that what we are teaching to the future leaders of the industry is relevant,” Colleen Twomey, Graphic Communication Department chair, said. “Accreditation matters to employers who can be assured that the skills and problem-solving techniques our students are learning enable these graduates to contribute to the industry immediately. This process recognizes that Cal Poly is a top tier school to study graphic communication.”
The accrediting process included a self-study — a year-long examination of curriculum, assessment, laboratory work and faculty research — which was provided to a team of two universities and an industry representative. The team visited campus to observe classes and coursework, speak with students and advisory board members and converse with alumni. Interviews with the College of Liberal Arts Dean’s Office and the Cal Poly Office of the Provost were also conducted.
According to the ACCGC, the purpose of accrediting graphic communication programs is threefold: assuring curricular and instructional relevancy within a system of quality improvement; stimulating the exchange of ideas between academia and industry; and providing internal and external recognition to collegiate programs meeting accreditation standards.
Cal Poly is one of eight accredited programs in the United States that offer curricula in graphic communication.