After completing an extensive self-study and hosting a site visit by a three-member team of industry and education experts, the Graphic and Printing Science program at Western Michigan University was awarded national accreditation beginning September 1, 2014. 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 Professor Lois M. Lemon, Master Faculty Specialist and Dr. Said M. AbuBakr, Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemical and Paper Engineering, Western Michigan University during the ACCGC September 28, 2014 Board of Directors meeting. The accreditation period was retroactive to September 1, 2014 and will continue through August 31, 2020.

Professor Lois M. Lemon, Coordinator of the Graphic and Printing Science program stated:  

“Accreditation at this level helps Western Michigan University meet or exceed standards and best practices plus it reinforces the university pillars which are learner centered, discovery driven, and globally engaged.”

In their Visitation Report, the ACCGC team noted this statement from one of the students they interviewed: “I heard about the Graphic and Printing Science program at Western Michigan University and the 100% employment rate, thus I decided this would be the academic degree for me because I desired immediate employment following the completion of my B. S. degree.”

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.