Kapi‘olani Community College’s accreditation is drawing near, however, faculty, staff and students have begun to prepare to meet the criteria. According to a press release, KCC is currently following a six-year cycle. There are several reviews required in order for the campus to be an accredited college: annual report, annual fiscal report, midterm report in the third year, a comprehensive self-study, visit to the campus.
The self-study report is due in May, according to the press release. The visit by a team from the Accrediting Comission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC-WASC) will take place from Oct. 15 to Oct. 18, when they will evaluate the campus and ask students and faculty for their feedback.
Although accreditation solidifies KCC’s academic reputation, it also impacts students.
It is critical that students attend an accredited college, according to the press release. Through accreditation, the institution is able to recogonize and accept transfer credits and participate in Title IV student financial aid programs.
Accreditation is an important process for college campuses. It assures the public and other organizations that KCC will have defined objectives appropriate to higher education, established conditions under which achievement can reasonably be expected and has the resources to accomplish its purposes, organized and supported, and demonstrates it meets the standards of the accrediting commision’s standards.
Read the Kapi‘o’s next issue for more on accreditation.