Students in India will soon be able to earn international accreditation in professional communications through a new partnership between the University of Jammu in India and the University of Calgary.

Representatives from the Indian community in Calgary had a rare opportunity to meet the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jammu on the University of Calgary campus May 28. They joined Dr. Amitabh Mattoo, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu and Dr. Harvey Weingarten, President, University of Calgary, as the two institutions finalized an agreement that marks the first University of Calgary program offering accreditation at the graduate level in India.

"The University of Jammu sees itself as becoming an institution of global excellence," says Dr. Amitabh Mattoo. "This means we want to have the highest academic standards and global outreach. This partnership supports the importance the University of Jammu places on becoming competitive not just locally or nationally, but internationally as well."

The University of Calgary is committed to providing opportunities for international students to access U of C expertise. Close to 20 per cent of applications made to graduate programs in the U of C's Faculty of Communication and Culture come from students in India.

"This indicates a clear desire among prospective graduate students in India to access the credentials offered in professional communication at the University of Calgary," says Dr. Harvey Weingarten. "We are honoured that our expertise is sought by universities outside of Canada."

The post-degree certificate in professional communication is intended for communication professionals in India who hold an undergraduate degree and who are pursuing a higher level of certification in their field of work. The one-year program will ladder into the U of C's Master of Communication Studies program for students who successfully complete the certificate year and choose to pursue a full graduate program.

Courses will be taught by professors from the U of C's Communications Studies program through the convenience of distance learning technology. It is an opportunity for students in India to achieve an international credential without the sacrifice and cost of leaving their jobs, their families, or even their homes.