CPRS recognizes three Canadian post-secondary programs for excellence in public relations education

VICTORIA, June 12, 2012 /CNW/ - The pathway to success in the public relations profession starts with education. And now three Canadian post-secondary institutions have the CPRS "Seal of Recognition" to prove it. Yesterday, at the CPRS Annual Conference, the organization's National Council on Education announced that Mount Saint Vincent University (Halifax), Conestoga College (Kitchener) and the University of Victoria are the first three institutes to receive recognition from the Canadian Public Relations Society for programs in public relations.

The process is outlined in Pathways to the Profession™, a comprehensive document outlining how colleges and universities can demonstrate alignment of their courses and experiential learning to the values, knowledge and skills necessary for PR practitioners, from entry to management and leadership positions.

Speaking to over 300 delegates from across Canada yesterday, CPRS President Richard Truscott, APR said, "We have always been strong in our belief that education is the key to success in PR and take pride in supporting our colleagues engaged in the education and preparation of public relations professionals in Canada. This ground breaking initiative allows us to make our support public and will assist students as they consider their choices for an education in public relations and communications management."

Dr. Amy Thurlow, Chair of the Public Relations Program at Mount Saint Vincent University acknowledged that the application process was rigorous, but valuable. "We were pleased to be at the forefront of this important initiative. As leaders in public relations education for 35 years, we take very seriously our commitment to professional education."

Fran Gregory, Coordinator of Conestoga College's public relations programs agrees. "We're very pleased that CPRS has chosen to officially recognize Conestoga's PR diploma and Bachelor of Public Relations programs. This recognition gives us an opportunity to contribute to a professional standard for public relations education in Canada. This is great news for our students!"

Laura Vizina, Senior Program Coordinator in the Diploma Program in Public Relations (Division of Continuing Education) at the University of Victoria is also excited about this positive development. "We appreciate our relationship with CPRS and are very excited to extend this recognition to students in our Diploma Program in Public Relations."

About CPRS
Founded in 1948, the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) is a not-for-profit organization whose members are engaged in the practice, management or teaching of public relations. Members work to maintain the highest standards and to share a uniquely Canadian experience in public relations. CPRS is a federation of more than 2,000 members across 14 Member Societies based in major cities or organized province-wide.  For more information, visit our website: cprs.ca.

Contact:  Colleen Killingsworth, APR, MCM, FCPRS
Presiding Officer, National Council on Education
Canadian Public Relations Society
Mobile: [phone]
Business: [phone]
http://www.cprs.ca/education/pathways.aspx