ARCHIVES: 2003 Special Visit

Accreditation Overview

The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), one of six regional accrediting associations in the United States. Formed in 1962, WASC evaluates and accredits schools, colleges, and universities in California, Hawai‘i, and the Pacific Islands.  As a doctoral/research extensive university, Mānoa is evaluated by the WASC Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities every decade.

Following their previous comprehensive visit the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa WASC accreditation was reaffirmed in full on July 9, 1999.   While indicating that Mānoa met WASC standards, the Commission required that a special visit be conducted on March 19-21, 2003.  In addition to a declining University budget, the Commission cited leadership, communications, strategic planning, enrollment management, and assessment as areas of concern.  Reports from the previous WASC comprehensive visit are available online (WASC Archives 1999).  Much has changed at Mānoa since the last WASC visit. We have new leadership, a new organizational structure, and a new campus strategic plan.  We face new challenges and opportunities.  Our commitment to effectively manage change in an exciting time of transition is central to our fulfilling our institutional mission of leadership, excellence, and innovation.

This website presents our culture of evidence -- data elements, reflective essays, reports, timelines, and processes involved in our accreditation effort.  We encourage you to learn more about our campus and the accreditation process.  We welcome your input!