SJMC Monday Memo – Feb. 5, 2024

Monday, February 5th, 2024

Drake SJMC accreditation info for students

The site visit as a part of the Drake SJMC accreditation process is next week. Accreditors will be here next Monday and Tuesday (Feb. 12-13).

What does accreditation matter?

Only 119 schools globally are accredited – almost all of them are in big state schools and only 18 are in private universities.

Studying at and graduating from an accredited school elevates our students’ value in the workplace. The site team – a mix of professionals and academics – essentially give their stamp of approval that we are teaching a relevant curriculum that prepares them for the jobs of tomorrow.

How students can get involved

There are three opportunities to meet with accreditors:

• Mon., Feb. 12 – 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. – Open to All SJMC Majors – MER 124 C
• Mon., Feb. 12 – 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. – Major-Specific Meetings
  • DMP, Mags, MMJ – TV Studio – MER 0005
  • ADV, PR, SPC – MER 124 C

These are not drop-in meetings. Students should select a meeting time that works best for them, and they should be there right at the start of the meeting.

Accreditors will want to know about the student experience. They’ll likely ask about classes (format, projects, etc.), extracurricular activities and faculty/student mentorship. They may ask about advising, internships/career services and our alumni/Bulldog network. They may also ask what students would like to see in their school – how can we improve?

The accrediting process can be a great opportunity to showcase our award-winning publications, class projects and other unique elements of our SJMC Family. Students should be proud to brag about their accomplishments during the visit!

Alumni news

Allison Smith, JO’00, news director of KCCI-TV in Des Moines, has been named president of the board of trustees of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council. The Council is a nonprofit coalition of journalists, lawyers, educators and other citizens dedicated to open and transparent government. 

Mac Brand, JO’76, recently published his second book, “Tending Your Garden:  Building and Sustaining Successful Business Relationships.”  Brand is a founding partner of Bellwether Food Group and has worked for or partnered with such businesses as Mars and PepsiCo (Quaker Oats, Tropicana), Nestle, Campbell Soup, Sara Lee and others. He also is host of the Brand Talk podcast in which he interviews entrepreneurs, authors, artists, influencers and experts about their lives and careers. Brand served as a member of the SJMC ‘s National Advisory Council for 10 years.