The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s College of Journalism and Mass Communications has been reaccredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications.

The college has been accredited by the independent, nonprofit organization since 1954.

Reaccreditation validates a program as having met standards set by the accrediting council. It addresses mission, governance and administration; curriculum and instruction; faculty; scholarship – research and creative activity; diversity and inclusiveness; student services, resources, facilities and equipment; professional and public service; and assessment of learning outcomes.

“It’s a stamp of approval, a hallmark of good housekeeping, by the accrediting agency,” said Maria Marron, dean of the journalism college.

Since Marron became dean in 2014, the college prepared for reaccreditation by streamlining its assessment process, adding a writing class for advertising and public relations students and instituting diversity-related initiatives such as the Hearst Speaker Series on Diversity in the Media and the Explore! Summer Media Academy.

Faculty and staff compiled the data for a self-study report for the accrediting council, with Associate Dean Mary Kay Quinlan taking the lead on the initial draft. Associate Dean Frauke Hachtmann led assessment. A four-person evaluation team visited the college in February.

The College of Journalism and Mass Communications is one of 117 programs accredited by the agency and the only one in the state of Nebraska. It will be up for review again during the 2022-23 academic year.