National board continues full accreditation for College of Pharmacy

After a focused, on-site evaluation and separate review by the board of directors of the national agency that regulates pharmacy schools, the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo has been granted continuation of full accreditation. 

The status extends to June 30, 2017, but is contingent on continuous progress that is monitored by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). DKICP had been accredited on a provisional basis until June 2015 but was in danger of being placed on probation before the legislature approved funding for a permanent building last year.

“The College did an outstanding job of explaining their value to the state of Hawai’i in order to secure legislative funding, which was necessary to meet accreditation standards,” said Matthew Platz, vice chancellor for academic affairs. “I am quite certain that the support of the legislature had a strong influence on the positive decision rendered by the evaluation team.”

ACPE is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the national agency for the accreditation of all professional degree programs in pharmacy. Institutions must meet 30 standards having to do with issues such as curriculum and facilities or face sanctions that include probation and ultimately closure. 

“This College of Pharmacy is a treasure for the entire State of Hawaiʻi,” Dean John M. Pezzuto said. “Continuation of full accreditation acknowledges the hard work and dedication of our tremendous team of faculty, staff, and students as well as the overwhelming community support we receive. With a new building on the horizon, we are confident the College will continue to grow and expand, and continue to make our citizens proud.”

ACPE granted DKICP pre-candidate status in June 2007 and attained full accreditation upon graduation of its inaugural class in 2011. During one site visit, the ACPE noted the lack of permanent facilities as an area of deficiency, and in October, then-Gov. Neil Abercrombie released the funds for the building. 

“We are indebted to all those in the University, the community and the legislature who stood by us,” Pezzuto said.

DKICP must submit an interim report by October 15, 2015. A comprehensive self-study will be due next year, followed by a site visit in 2017.