UH social work
school accredited
The University of Hawaii School of Social Work has achieved full accreditation, which professional groups feared was jeopardized by internal strife in late 2001.
The Council on Social Work Education accredited the school's degree programs for a maximum eight-year term, praising "clearly articulated objectives."
It also noted a "strong and committed Board of Advisors" developed by interim Dean Jon Matsuoka.
Faculty differences with the interim dean and the UH administration's suspension of a search for a permanent dean caused turmoil two years ago. Facilitator Linda Colburn was enlisted to try to resolve the difficulties.
But the lack of a permanent dean remains an issue.
The search was canceled two years ago after a committee with community and faculty members strongly endorsed a candidate from McGill University in Montreal for the position.
Debbie Shimizu, executive director of the Hawaii Chapter, National Association of Social Workers, said she was told that the university will seek proposals for a "search firm" to recruit candidates for the dean's position.
"Until we get a permanent dean, we'll be cautious," she said. "I think the stability of the school depends on having a permanent dean."
Matsuoka, commenting on the council's review of the school, said, "Faculty, staff, students and advisory board members deserve all of the praise they received, and we look forward to building on their recommendations for improvements in the years ahead."
UH Manoa Chancellor Peter Englert said, "Manoa has a special obligation to assure that the state's need for social workers is met, and we have made sure that the school's degree programs are available statewide through distance learning."
The UH-Manoa master's degree program in social work has consistently rated among the top 30 programs in the nation in US News and World Report graduate school rankings, according to the university.
Matsuoka, who was the subject of a no-confidence faculty vote in September 2001, was praised by the commission as "visionary in his outlook for the school" and commitment to building high quality academic programs.
The commission noted strong student-faculty relationships, with students commenting the faculty are accessible, responsive and helpful.
The report said "energized" faculty have taken leadership in curriculum development and administrative responsibilities.
"This has been a good year for us," Matsuoka said. "The Board of Regents in May granted permanent status to our Ph.D. in Social Welfare (on temporary status for more than 10 years), so that at this time all of our degree programs are in good standing.
"These achievements are the result of a strong team effort and point to a spirit of cooperation and positive energy within the school."