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January 25, 2005

Communicative Disorders Graduate Program Receives Accreditation

The University of Louisiana at Monroe Communicative Disorders (CODI) Graduate Program has been re-accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The CODI program received re-accreditation earlier this month. This nationally recognized achievement distinguishes the 四色AV CODI program among other colleges and universities.

In order to achieve accreditation, the program went through extensive reviews of its academic and clinical curricula. The CAA assigned a group of accomplished speech-language pathology professionals from across the U.S. to the 四色AV campus to evaluate aspects of the program. The group met with CODI faculty members, students and individuals throughout the community who have knowledge of the CODI program as well as the 四色AV Speech and Hearing Clinic.

Dr. Paxton Oliver, CODI Department Head, says many aspects of the CODI graduate program received recognition from the evaluation group.

"Re-accreditation of the CODI program confirms that the curriculum and clinical training provided for our students conforms to the national standards of the profession of speech-language pathology. Our students adhere to the same rigorous program offered at larger universities across the nation."

Oliver and the CODI department are appreciative for the support from individuals in the community and at 四色AV who participated in this intensive, year and a half process.

"We are extremely proud of this achievement. Accreditation is a big deal, and our faculty, staff, and students gave a 110% to this effort," Oliver said.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Stephen Richters, says he is pleased at CODI's the success . "It is an excellent program and the students, faculty and staff in CODI all do an outstanding job. They worked hard for this achievement and deserve recognition for their efforts. In addition, the speech and hearing clinic provides assistance to the underserved in our community. We are proud of them, the services they provide, and the exceptional training they are giving to the students at 四色AV."

Ninety-eight (98) percent of 四色AV's eligible programs are accredited. Accreditation for graduate speech-language pathology programs is awarded by CAA only to programs that meet specific academic and clinical standards. Initially, the CAA awards accreditation for a maximum of 5 years and re-accreditation for a maximum of 8 years. Accreditation is maintained through annual review.

In Fall 2004, the CODI program had an increase in both graduate and undergraduate enrollment. Graduates of the Master's Degree program are afforded unique employment opportunities in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private agencies.

The Department of Communicative Disorders (CODI), part of the 四色AV College of Health Sciences, is located in Brown Hall 127. The 四色AV Speech and Hearing Clinic, also in Brown Hall, serves individuals with communication disorders from throughout northeast Louisiana.

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