Brigham Young University–Hawaii has been granted accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). This accreditation comes after more than a year of self-examination of BYU–Hawaii, followed by an external review, that was required to apply to this non-profit accrediting body.
BYU–Hawaii joins with many other prestigious universities, including all institutions in the Church Educational System (CES), as members of the NWCCU. BYU–Hawaii has been accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission since 1959. The change in accreditation comes to align and join with the other CES schools in the same accreditation organization.
While students shouldn’t notice any differences with this shift, the administration and faculty at BYU–Hawaii will have increased opportunities to connect with additional higher education professionals.
Isaiah Walker, academic vice president, said, "We are excited to be part of the Northwest Commission and to be able to collaborate with the other member institutions. Being in the same association with the other CES institutions will allow us to work more effectively as a system, bringing further professional development and mentoring opportunities."
NWCCU prioritizes the fulfillment of an institution's distinct mission. This aligns with BYU–Hawaii's increased focus on its mission "to prepare students of Oceania and the Asian Rim to be lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ and leaders in their families, communities, chosen fields, and in building the kingdom of God."
Accreditation is a process where non-governmental organizations, like NWCCU, review, recognize, and support the quality education of select institutions that meet prescribed criteria. This is part of a continued cycle of review, self-study, and improvement where policies, regulations, and effectiveness are continually evaluated every seven years.
NWCCU was founded in 1917 and has provided accreditation for both public and private, as well as faith-based and secular institutions of higher education. NWCCU is recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council on Higher Education (CHEA) and accredits institutions both in the United States and internationally.