UB’s professional Master of Urban Planning program has been reaccredited for the longest term possible by the discipline’s national accrediting board.

The designation by the Planning Accreditation Board, which accredits planning programs at universities across North America, was recently announced after a nearly yearlong reaccreditation process. Awarding UB a seven-year term, the review committee cited the program for its distinguished performance in research, engagement with the community and profession, faculty and student diversity, and administrative leadership.

Daniel B. Hess, professor and chair of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, says the review is an indicator of the program’s continued growth in size and stature in the academic and professional realms.

“Our faculty’s pioneering research and the program’s community-as-classroom approach in Buffalo and around the world places UB in the top echelon of programs and positions our students for success,” says Hess, himself a graduate of the program. “This affirmation from the PAB is proof we are strategically positioned to impact communities, address global challenges, and innovate planning practice.”