For immediate release
August 8, 2013
Re-accreditation means KPU program remains one-of-a-kind in BC
Metro Vancouver, BC - The Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) - an independent agency that has developed standards to recognize quality in Canadian and American higher education - has re-accredited KPU's Interior Design program for another six-year term. The program is the only one of its kind in British Columbia to have successfully passed the detailed CIDA evaluation process, which includes a comprehensive self-study, as well as agency, peer and Accreditation Commission reviews. Six other institutions in the country have attained certification.
Gaining CIDA accreditation - at the first professional degree level - is not an easy process, but it's one that's worth it: According to the council's decision summary, the re-accreditation of KPU's program "attests to the quality of the Interior Design program and benefits the public and program in many ways. Parents, students, and employers of graduates can be assured that the program meets the rigor of peer review and develops the skills and knowledge required to practice interior design."
“The CIDA re-accreditation confirms that the rumour is true: KPU offers one of the best Interior Design programs in Canada,” says fourth-year Interior Design student Taryn Chisholm. “It takes a bold, committed and confident department to voluntarily put their curriculum up for review by an independent panel. Given the quantity of previous student work analyzed by CIDA, this re-accreditation shows that KPU effectively translates academic theory into applied design skills. Past performance is perhaps the best indicator of future achievements.”
With achievement in 16 accreditation standards, the Bachelor of Interior Design program proved that it continues to successfully prepare students for industry work in the areas of critical thinking, core design and technical knowledge, professional values and the historical, theoretical and technical contents of interior design practice, among other areas.
Re-accreditation also means that the degree program - which has the mission of "educating leaders for the profession of interior design" - exemplifies CIDA's goal to "lead the interior design profession to excellence by setting standards and accrediting academic programs."
Currently, KPU Interior Design Degree graduates qualify for provisional membership with both the Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia, and Interior Designers of Canada. As of January 1, 2017, the minimum educational requirement to becoming a registered interior designer will be a bachelor degree from a CIDA-accredited program. “KPU’s re-accreditation is even more relevant today,” says Paola Gavilanez, Interior Design instructor.
For more information on CIDA, visit: www.accredit-id.org. For information on KPU's Interior Design program, check out:www.kpu.ca/design/interior_design.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 18,000 students annually have a choice from over 200 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations. Learn more at www.kpu.ca.
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For more information about KPU, contact:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist
Tel: 604.599.2883
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca