Public input on accreditation sought for UH Community Colleges

University of Hawaiʻi
Contact:
Lesli Yogi, (808) 956-5852
Director of Marketing, University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges
Posted: Mar 11, 2025

Leeward CC students in Welcome Center
Leeward CC students in Welcome Center
Hawai‘i CC Spring 2024 graduates
Hawai‘i CC Spring 2024 graduates
Kaua‘i CC students in front of One Stop Center
Kaua‘i CC students in front of One Stop Center

Six University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges are undergoing reaffirmation of accreditation this year by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). 

The colleges under review are: 

  • Hawaiʻi Community College
  • Honolulu Community College
  • Kapiʻolani Community College
  • Kauaʻi Community College
  • Leeward Community College
  • Windward Community College

UH Maui College, accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, is not part of this review cycle.

Public Encouraged to Participate

As part of the accreditation process, each college has published its Institutional Self-Evaluation Report (ISER) on its website. A peer review team is currently conducting an initial assessment, with an in-person evaluation visit scheduled for mid-September 2025.

The campus community and the public are invited to review each campus’ ISER and submit comments. This feedback provides valuable insights to the commission as it evaluates each institution’s reaffirmation of accreditation, a process that occurs every seven to eight years.

Anyone—including students, faculty, staff and community members—can submit comments through the commission’s online form, available on each college’s accreditation website or the ACCJC website. To ensure consideration, comments must be submitted at least five weeks before the scheduled peer review visit in September 2025. Institutions will have the opportunity to review applicable third-party comments.

“Accreditation is a critical process that ensures our community colleges continue to meet high standards of educational quality and student support,” said Della Teraoka, interim vice president for UH Community Colleges. “Community feedback plays an essential role in this process, providing valuable perspectives that help us assess our strengths and identify areas for improvement. We encourage students, faculty, staff, and the broader community to review our self-evaluation reports and share their input. Your voice helps shape the future of our institutions and enhances the success of our students.”

For more information and to access the accreditation reports, visit the respective college accreditation pages: