Mission, Values, and Competencies
Mission Statement
The School of Communication and Design (SCD) educates students in the Jesuit tradition to become intellectual, creative, ethical, and professional leaders in design (graphic and interactive), filmmaking, and mass communication (journalism, public relations, advertising, and digital communication).
Grounded in the Jesuit and Catholic mission of the University, the School provides a high-quality, experiential, and values-based education that:
● Supports students in discovering meaningful careers and lives of service
● Reflects and is enriched by the cultures and traditions of New Orleans
● Forms graduates who are contemplative in action and committed to ethical leadership
Strategic Vision
In alignment with Loyola University New Orleans’s Mission to Momentum 2030 Strategic Plan, the School of Communication and Design will position itself for excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth within a rapidly evolving higher education landscape—while ensuring Jesuit values remain central to all decisions, programs, and partnerships.
Vision Statement
Because journalism and strategic communication (advertising, public relations and visual communication) are essential to a well informed, engaged and socially just world, the School of Communication and Design at Loyola University New Orleans aspires to be recognized among the premier mass communication programs in the country.
Values and Competencies
In accordance with ACEJMC accreditation values and competencies, students will be able to demonstrate the following:
- apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press, in a global context, and for the country in which the institution that invites ACEJMC is located
- demonstrate an understanding of the multicultural history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications demonstrate culturally proficient communication that empowers those traditionally disenfranchised in society, especially as grounded in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and ability, domestically and globally, across communication and media contexts
- demonstrate culturally proficient communication that empowers those traditionally disenfranchised in society, especially as grounded in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and ability, domestically and globally, across communication and media contexts
- present images and information effectively and creatively, using appropriate tools and technologies
- write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve
- demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity
- apply critical thinking skills in conducting research and evaluating information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work
- effectively and correctly apply basic numerical and statistical concepts
- critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness
- apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work
Assessment Plan
The School of Communication and Design maintains a comprehensive assessment plan. The current plan was formally adopted on January 13, 2026, and is reviewed annually by the faculty to ensure it remains aligned with program goals, industry expectations, and ACEJMC accreditation standards. The assessment plan, available at the link below, outlines each of the ACEJMC student learning outcomes and identifies the direct and indirect assessment measures used to evaluate student achievement. It specifies where each outcome is introduced, reinforced, and assessed within the curriculum; the assessment instruments used; the timeline for data collection; and the faculty responsible for reviewing results. Assessment findings are discussed annually and used to inform curricular revisions, improve student learning, and support the School's commitment to continuous improvement.