Ohio Northern University public relations program re-qualifies for CEPR designation
Ohio Northern University public relations program re-qualifies for CEPR designation
The public relations program at Ohio Northern University has re-qualified for Certified for Education in Public Relations (CEPR) designation from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).
PRSA recognized Ohio Northern’s accomplishment at the PRSA 2009 International Conference in San Diego last November. Alisa Agozzino, visiting instructor in communication arts, and Dr. Steve Iseman, APR, Fellow PRSA, professor of communication arts and public relations, accepted on behalf of ONU.
A two-person review team from PRSA spent three days on ONU’s campus in October 2009. This team reviewed the Northern public relation program’s ability to effectively meet nine CEPR standards: public relations curriculum; public relations faculty; resources, equipment and facilities; public relations students; program self-assessment; relationships with alumni and professionals; relationships with total unit and university; Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter; and diversity. The team’s conclusion was a “strong recommendation to re-certify.”
“The public relations program maintains an industry-leading reputation,” the review team notes in its report. “This program places a premium on preparing students to enter the field.”
ONU’s public relations program first earned CEPR status in 2003, and this re-qualification extends for an additional six years. The program at ONU is one of only 22 in the world to hold the CEPR designation from PRSA.
“Because ONU has the CEPR designation, students know coming in that they will receive the highest quality education,” explained Iseman. “Employers will see that our students have graduated from a CEPR program and recognize it as a distinction that sets them apart from other applicants.”
PRSA established its CEPR program to offer colleges and universities the opportunity for review and endorsement of their public relations education programs. This seal of approval provides the faculty, curriculum and resources needed to prepare students for entry-level positions and career growth in public relations.
Published: Wed, 01/13/2010 - 10:29am
