Southeastern Family and Consumer Science program receives re-accreditation
Thursday, January 8, 2015
by: Rene Abadie
HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University's Family and Consumer Sciences has received full-member re-accreditation status by the Council for Accreditation of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS).
The 10-year re-accreditation means the Southeastern program meets specific national criteria following a system of academic review that includes an evaluation and independent judgment by peers, explained Holly Kihm, assistant professor and program coordinator.
"Accreditation is looked upon as our national seal of approval," she said, "meaning our program has successfully completed a process of self-assessment in all areas and a site visit by a team of peers who independently review the program."
In its report, the Council noted the excellent degree of collaboration and engagement in scholarly activities and outreach among faculty members, their strong focus on students and advising, and the program's required internship where students are able to put theory into practice.
Kihm said the program offers concentrations in the areas of human development and family studies, fashion merchandising, nutrition education and promotion, and a new concentration in child life. Nearly 170 students major in Family and Consumer Sciences, with many more students taking FCS classes as electives.
Southeastern is among 18 programs in the nation to be accredited by the AAFCS Council for Accreditation. The Southeastern program is part of the university's Department of Health and Human Services in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
