After completing an extensive self-study and hosting a site visit by a three-member team of industry and education experts, the Graphic Communication program at Western Illinois University was awarded continued national accreditation through August 31, 2018. This program is among thirteen, associate and baccalaureate level, graphic communications related programs nationwide to have received this distinction. 

A formal presentation was made during the September 28, 2014 annual ACCGC Board of Directors meeting that was held during the Graph Expo ‘14 industry show in Chicago. A plaque recognizing the six-year accreditation was presented to Dr. C. Ray Diez, Professor and Chair of the Department of Engineering Technology in which the graphic communication program is housed at Western Illinois University.

Dr. C. Ray Diez, Coordinator of the Graphic Communication program stated: 

“Our graphic communication program has been strengthened by the ACCGC accreditation process. Specific areas for further development have been identified so we can better meet the needs of industry.”

In the Visitation Report, the ACCGC team chair, Professor Patrick Klarecki, reported that the students believed their labs were well equipped but could use more and newer output equipment. The students expressed strong interest in being able to utilize the laboratory facilities more hours of each day simply because they enjoyed working, experimenting, and learning during open laboratory time. 

The accrediting agency, Accrediting Council for Collegiate Graphic Communications, Inc. (ACCGC), awarded the academic accreditation. ACCGC is an independent body professionally supported by leaders in the collegiate educational area and by management personnel in the graphic communications industry.  

For more information about ACCGC, contact Ervin A. Dennis, Managing Director, at [email protected] The Council’s web-site address is www.accgc.org.