PRSA-Cleveland/Akron Chapters Announces 2008 Fall Accreditation Plans

Key dates for PRSA members seeking Accreditation in Fall 2008

• Informational Meeting – For PRSA members considering Accreditation – Wednesday, Sept 3, 6 p.m. / Akhia Public Relations, 85 Executive Parkway, Hudson, Ohio 44236
• 3 to 4 Evening Classes – To be scheduled between Sept. 16 and October 23
• Readiness Reviews – Week of October 13

Computerized Exam (taken anytime at candidate’s preference after passing the Readiness Review. Exams are administered at all Sylvan Learning Centers.)

There is no cost for prep classes.

PRSA’s Cleveland and Akron Chapters will host prep classes for members seeking Universal Accreditation over five weeks (3 classes) starting at 6 p.m. at Akhia Public Relations, Hudson.  Classes are not mandatory but are highly recommended.  Alternatively, there is an online study course available through http://www.prsa.org/. The cost is $195 (local prep classes are free).

At the informational meeting on Sept. 3, Candidates will receive a complete overview of the Universal Accreditation testing process including the Readiness Review Portfolio Presentation, preparation resources and the multiple-choice computer exam. 

Following the September 3 information meeting, Candidates who want to proceed complete the following prior to our first class on September 16:

• Apply for the exam through PRSA – National.  Download the application at http://www.prsa.org/ by clicking on Professional Development and selecting Accreditation.  Members have one year from the date of application approval to complete the testing process. The cost is $395, with a $110 rebate to PRSA members who pass the exam.  (Please feel free to apply earlier if you are certain you will be proceeding with the process. The application is good for one year).
• Visit the Preparation Resources link and borrow/purchase the general textbook that we will be using in class:  Effective Public Relations by Cutlip, Center and Broom, Prentice-Hall, 1999.  (We will also be referencing the book: Public Relations: Strategies and Tactics by Dennis Wilcox, et. al., Longman, 2000.  If you can borrow/purchase this book as well, that would be helpful but is not necessary.)
• Via email, contact Jan Gusich, President of Akhia Public Relations, Accreditation Co-Chair for both the Cleveland and Akron chapters, to confirm participation and obtain a class schedule (jan@akhia.com). Please provide your complete contact information.  Candidates will receive a syllabus and reading assignments.

For questions about the Universal Accreditation process, contact one of the following Accreditation Co-Chairs:

Jan Gusich      
Akhia Public Relations     
330.463.5650 (office)     
216.509.6862 (cell)      
jan@akhia.com       

Barbara Hatala
Timken
330.471.3048 (office)
330.962.4222 (cell)
Barbara.hatala@timken.com