UH-Hilo accredited
for another 10 yearsStar-Bulletin staff
The accrediting body for four-year universities in Hawaii has extended accreditation for the University of Hawaii at Hilo for 10 years, until 2014.
Ten years is the longest accreditation period granted by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Accreditation was granted last month at the recommendation of teams that visited UH Hilo in March 2003 and March 2004.
"The commission was extremely pleased with the progress we have made in growth and expansion, especially our transformation from a liberal arts college to a comprehensive university, which they regard as a model for others," said UH-Hilo Chancellor Rose Tseng.
"Chancellor Tseng and the entire ohana at UH-Hilo are to be congratulated for this successful visit," said UH Acting President David McClain.
The campus was praised for its Hawaiian language program and "the number of steps it has taken to respond to its very diverse student population"
Areas for improvement were highlighted by the report and action letter. The commission encouraged the campus and the UH system to expand its funding base, and also encouraged the Board of Regents to support that expansion.
A WASC team will reassess the areas for improvement in spring 2008.
UH Office of Academic Affairs
www.hawaii.edu/vpaa