Gaylord recommended for reaccreditation

The five members of a national accrediting foundation that evaluates journalism programs left OU's Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication on Wednesday having told Gaylord Dean Joe Foote that the college will be recommended for reaccreditation, meaning it complies with the nine national standards that "legitimize" a journalism program.

Foote said the evaluation, which occurs every six years, gives the college a chance to examine its strengths and weaknesses so it can improve. After spending three days talking with students, faculty, staff, alumni and external members involved with the college, the five-member team left a draft of its findings with Foote, OU Provost Dr. Nancy L. Mergler, and OU President David L. Boren.

"We were very pleased," Foote said of the report. "No surprises. Every weakness were things we knew about and were already addressing." Foote added that the team, which is from ACEJMC, the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications, was "exceptionally impressed with the facilities and what has happened to the college in the last six years," noting the addition of several faculty members and the construction of an additional wing to the building.

While it is highly expected that Gaylord College will be reaccredited,a title it has held since 1949, Foote said an official announcement will not be made until ACEJMC, which has accredited 112 programs worldwide, announces its final decision in late April/early May in Portland, Ore.