What’s Changing in Communication Education

Page CEO Dr. Rochelle Ford recently joined the Accrediting Council for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC) spring meeting, where they evaluated communications programs, and reviewed their own strategies and criteria for accreditation.

One key update: ACEJMC voted to revise its diversity, equity and inclusiveness standard to meet federal guidelines, while staying focused on producing culturally competent communicators. The new title, Advancing a Culturally Competent Workforce—reflects that shift.

“In response to requests from schools for guidance and the fast-shifting social and political landcase, ACEJMC approved new language that continues to reflect the values and spirit of our  previous standard, while ensuring schools follow all applicable state and federal laws and regulations,” said Del Galloway, APR, Fellow PRSA, President of ACEJMC. “The Council’s commitment continues as we strengthen and advance excellence in professional education in journalism and mass communications. We’re grateful to have Page’s voice at our table, and we’re thrilled to have Dr. Ford return to Council service.”

This isn’t just a semantic change. It has real implications for how programs produce culturally proficient communicators prepared for the workforce - locally, nationally and globally.

Key Highlights of the Updated Standard:

• Curriculum Integration: Programs are now expected to incorporate instruction that develops students' abilities to understand and engage with diverse perspectives, preparing them to work effectively in multicultural environments.
  
• Faculty Development: Institutions should demonstrate efforts to enhance faculty awareness and teaching strategies related to cultural proficiency, ensuring that educators can effectively guide students in this area.
  
• Inclusive Environment: The standard emphasizes creating a learning climate that is inclusive and respectful, accommodating the needs of all individuals and promoting fairness and dignity.
  
• Assessment and Accountability: Programs must have a written plan with measurable goals to assess progress toward achieving cultural proficiency among students, faculty, and staff.

This update reflects ACEJMC's commitment to preparing students not just to understand diversity but to actively engage with and contribute to a culturally diverse professional landscape. Institutions are encouraged to review and adapt their curricula and policies to align with these revised standards, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of today's media and communication industries. These changes will help ensure the future members of the profession are fully equipped to address the challenges of today and tomorrow’s landscape.

“While college students are mostly digital natives and growing up in some of the most diverse countries in the world, they still need to learn how to listen to stakeholders better and understand what others are communicating across different cultures and languages. Then, they must be able to produce and disseminate messages that will resonate with others.  That ability can be learned only if the faculty and staff who teach them are culturally competent too. We as an industry must demonstrate this competence as well as students learn from us too.  Then we all will be able to advance business and society faster,” Ford said. 

If you are a member of the Page Community, ACEJMC could use your support! If you are interested in being a part of an accreditation site team that evaluates academic programs, you can email Dr. Ford at rford@page.org. ACEJMC has accredited programs in North America, South America, New Zealand, and the Middle East.