After completing an extensive self-study and hosting a site visit by a three-member team of industry and education experts, the Graphic Information Technology program at Arizona State University was awarded national accreditation beginning September 1, 2016.  

The Arizona State University program is among 13, associate and baccalaureate level, graphic communications related programs nationwide currently holding this distinction. The 12 other programs are California Polytechnic State University, California University of Pennsylvania, Ferris State University, Harper College, Illinois State University, New York City College of Technology, Rock Valley College, University of Houston, University of Northern Iowa, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Western Illinois University, and Western Michigan University.

The Graphics & Imaging Technologies baccalaureate level program at Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas is currently under accreditation review by ACCGC.

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. The ACCGC Council Board of Directors is comprised of eleven educators and eight industry personnel in the graphic communications field and is dedicated to the improvement and recognition of collegiate level curricula in graphic communications. ACCGC is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt body and is supported through industry contributions and educational accreditation fees.

A formal presentation was made and a recognition plaque were given to long-time ASU professor, Dr. Thomas E. Schildgen, a faculty representative of the program, during the September 25, 2016 annual ACCGC Board of Directors meeting that was held during Graph Expo 2016 in Orlando, Florida. Ms. Susan W. Squire is chair of the Graphic Information Technology program at ASU.

Professor Squire stated: “While the University maintains regional accreditation of all degree programs, the professional ACCGC Accreditation promotes academic quality through formal recognition of the curriculum and degree outcomes that students, faculty, and industry employers rely on.”

A plaque recognizing the six-year ACCGC accreditation was presented to Dr. Schildgen during the ACCGC September 25, 2016 Board of Directors meeting. The re-accreditation period is retroactive to September 1, 2016 and continues through August 31, 2022.

In their Visitation Report, the team stated that “Short and long range goals and objectives for the program are evident within a strategic plan developed specifically for the GIT program.”

The mission of the ACCGC is to provide viable, credible, and defensible accreditation standards that can be used to promote and encourage sound associate and baccalaureate level education programs in graphic communications. In the accreditation process, the ACCGC strives to stimulate the exchange of ideas between administrative and instructional personnel in academia and within the graphic communications industry. The ACCGC board members meet annually during the Graph Expo and Print shows which are the largest graphic communications expositions held in the United States.

ACCGC personnel review qualitative and quantitative evidence obtained through an institution’s self-study and facts substantiated by a three-member campus visitation team in determining the accreditation status of an institution’s graphic communications program. The academic program is evaluated in 14 areas: Mission Statements and Learning Outcomes, Competency Alignment and Outcomes Assessment, Governance/Administration, Financial Support, Equipment and Facilities, Staff Support Services, Curriculum, Instruction and Evaluation, Internships/Practicums/Cooperative Study, Industry Advisory Committee(s), Faculty, Faculty Evaluation, Student Records and Advising, and Graduate Placement and Follow-up.