Projects

Active Projects

1. Global Curriculum Research Project:
   This research, being managed for the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management and sponsored by the Public Relations Society of America Foundation, is being conducted by international education experts at the University of Maryland. It will identify many different approaches to teaching public relations at colleges and universities around the world. Objective: shared information to examine the possibility of identifying or developing international educational standards. Scheduled for completion in early 2010.

2. Financial Support for Public Relations Programs:
   A second round of Commission research on how these programs are being supported - and can be supported - financially is planned for completion late 2009.

3. Impact of the Commission's "Professional Bond" report:
   The Commission is cooperating with a research study by Virginia Commonwealth University, "Evaluating PR Undergraduate and Graduate Curriculum Importance, Relevance, Proficiency and Priority". The VCU study is based largely on knowledge and skills identified in the Commission's 2006 study, "Professional Bond" report.

4. An "Entry-Level Credential":
   The Commission is providing liaison for the Canadian Public Relations Society, units of the Public Relations Society of America and the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management -- all of which are working on various "credentialing" projects. The research is challenging, seminal and long-range. Cooperation between educators and practitioners will be essential.

Proposed Projects

1. Diversity Study:
   The Commission is seeking support for a study of best practices to reduce the gender and ethnic disparities in public relations. This research would identify diversity programs with proven records of success at universities, in the practice and in related professional interest groups such as student organizations.

2. Credentialing Faculty:
   The quality of faculty teaching public relations varies significantly among colleges and universities. Carefully-wrought recommendations for minimum and recommended standards would benefit students, the educational programs and the profession generally.