After completing an extensive self-study and hosting a site visit by a three-member team of industry and education experts, the Graphic Technologies program at the University of Northern Iowa 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 Dr. Sara B. Smith, Coordinator, Graphic Technologies program, University of Northern Iowa 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. 

Dr. Sara B. Smith, Coordinator of the Graphic Technologies program stated: 

“Working for and attaining accreditation with ACCGC was extremely favorable for our program. An unexpected benefit was the positive rapport between the visiting team and our own upper administration.”

In their Visitation Report, the ACCGC team noted this statement from the students they interviewed: “We are favorably challenged by the laboratory assignments and course work.” 

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.