Statement from UH West Oahu Chancellor Gene Awakuni on UHWO’s WASC Accreditation Status:
Contrary to the report on Hawaii News Now Monday evening, UH West Oahu’s accreditation is NOT in jeopardy and continues through 2014 when the Educational Effectiveness Review (EER) occurs. Our response to the WASC report has been completed and will be transmitted shortly. In addition, and reiterating Linda Johnsrud’s message, included below, we will be meeting via video with the WASC leadership in October to discuss the concerns raised by the visiting team. With the new campus now open and having more space to accommodate growth, unlike our old campus in Pearl City, we are now in a better position to hire the personnel needed for our campus. It is regrettable that Hawaii News Now chose to portray our WASC accreditation as being “in jeopardy” when it is not. Please be assured that we will be addressing the concerns in the WASC report as efficiently and effectively as possible to ensure the wellbeing and integrity of this institution for all of our students.
Statement on UH West Oahu WASC Accreditation status:
“We want to make clear to the public, especially the students, faculty and staff at UH West Oahu, that the campus is fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Senior Colleges and Universities of WASC. Campus and system representatives are scheduled to meet via video with WASC leadership in October to discuss the concerns raised by the visiting team. Issues of academic leadership and staffing will be addressed. The new UHWO campus is an integral part of the UH system and addressing the concerns of our accreditors is a top priority.”
Linda Johnsrud
Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
University of Hawaii System