ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. — St. Bonaventure University’s Jandoli School of Communication is the newest journalism and mass communication program to receive prestigious accreditation by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC).

The Jandoli School is now among just 110 accredited journalism and mass communication programs out of nearly 500 in the United States. ACEJMC accredits less than 20 domestic private school programs. The organization also accredits eight programs outside the U.S.

The council voted 16-0 Friday to grant initial accreditation to both the Jandoli School’s undergraduate programs and its professional master’s programs in integrated marketing communications and strategic leadership.

“This is a huge validation of the great work that has been done in our program for nearly 70 years,” said Aaron Chimbel, dean of the Jandoli School.

ACEJMC evaluates programs on nine standards: Mission, Governance and Administration; Curriculum and Instruction; Diversity and Inclusiveness; Full-Time and Part-Time Faculty; Scholarship: Research, Creative and Professional Activity; Student Services; Resources, Facilities and Equipment; Professional and Public Service; and Assessment of Learning Outcomes.

The Jandoli School sought initial accreditation during the 2016-2017 academic year and received provisional status. Two distinguished educators, Jerry Ceppos, professor and former dean at Louisiana State University’s Manship School of Mass Communication, and Dr. Sheri Broyles, professor of advertising at the University of North Texas, visited campus in February for a re-visit and recommended full initial accreditation.