The West Texas A&M University Department of Communication has been accredited by the American Communication Association (ACA) since 2010 and has been recommended for another year.

ACA reevaluates the department every 5 years, which meant this year was time for another site visit. The site-visit team made of three members assigned to evaluate the department came to WT in February for three days, and the final report was received this past week with an overall recommendation of full re-accreditation.

“To make sure we are providing a quality product, I think it helps us knowing that someone is looking at our work, evaluating it, and reviewing it, to help us reach high standards,” said Dr. Trudy Hanson, the chair of the Department of Communication.

The ACA evaluation team met with communication faculty members, student leaders and graduate students. They also observed classes, meetings and Communication Week events. The team was comprised of Dr. Phil Auter (University of Louisiana-Lafayette), Dr. Vernon Humphrey (Columbus State University), and Dr. Jim Parker (Ethos Evolved).

According to the report, “WT Department of Communication faculty find unique ways to fit service into their busy schedule but not as an afterthought. Many find ways to create or include service as part of study abroad trips. This action not only helps the people where they are going, it provides a positive example for the student under their tutelage, furthering the reputation of WT around the world.”

The ACA has 15 different criteria regarding students, faculty, and course-delivery curriculum. The Department of Communication received a report rating how well each criterion was met. The department was found to be in compliance on all of the 15 ACA accreditation criteria.

-West Texas A&M University