Accreditation involves several key steps, including the submission of evidence, collaboration with the peer review team, and a focused site visit. Below is an overview of significant milestones to keep in mind as we move forward:
Dec 5, 2024 | Submission of the Institutional Self-Evaluation Report
In preparation for this peer review process, many of you have directly and indirectly contributed to the preparation of the Kapi‘olani CC Institutional Self-Evaluation Report (ISER), which was submitted to ACCJC on December 5, 2024. This report documents our college’s quality and effectiveness, details how well our programs, services, and practices align with our mission and goals, and provides evidence to demonstrate that the college meets ACCJC standards.
February 13, 2025, 1:00pm-1:30pm | Meet and Greet
The ISER Review Team meets with campus administrators and the ISER campus team for brief introductions and appreciation of participation in the process.
February 13, 2025, 1:30pm-2:30pm | Campus Open Forum
The Open Forum is a space for faculty, staff, and community members to provide the team with feedback on the college’s efforts to meet the Accreditation Standards. Per ACCJC recommended practice, members of executive leadership will not be in attendance, to ensure an accurate assessment of institutional quality and meaningful feedback by team members.
https://hawaii.zoom.us/j/87579126791
Meeting ID: 875 7912 6791
Passcode: KapCC2025
February 2025 | Distance Education Review
In preparation for the upcoming re-accreditation process, the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) requires a review of randomly selected distance education (DE) classes to ensure that the college meets federal standards, particularly those concerning Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI). See communication about this step here.
Mar 3-10, 2025 | Additional Evidence Requested/Provided
After reviewing the ISER, the peer review team will request and be provided by the college any additional evidence they feel is necessary to finalize core inquiries in preparation for the focused site visit.
Mar 30, 2025 | Core Inquiries Received
After conferring and finalizing their initial review, the peer review team will share core inquiries with college leadership. Core inquiries communicate areas where more information is needed to validate the institution’s alignment with standards or develop commendations for areas of excellence. Exploring these core inquiries will be the focus of the team’s focused site visit
Week of Sep 22, 2025 | Peer Review Team Focused Site Visit
Select team members will visit the campus, tour the grounds, interview key individuals, and review additional evidence in alignment with the core inquiries. At the end of the site visit, the team will share a high-level exit report with the college in a town hall to summarize observations and major findings.
TBD | Peer Review Team Report
The finalized peer review team report will be sent to college leadership for fact-checking and then on to the ACCJC Commission.
TBD | Commission Decision
The Commission will deliberate and determine an outcome and notify the college of its actions and decisions within 30 days via a formal, written action letter.
Completing the accreditation process is more than meeting predefined standards — it is an opportunity to reflect on our achievements and identify areas for growth. Through this process, we continue to strengthen Kapi‘olani CC as a teaching and learning institution and reaffirm our commitment to student success. Mahalo nui loa for your contributions and ongoing support!
Kapiʻolani Community College ISER Support Team
The ISER support team aided in the final submission of the ISER in December 2024 and has been called upon to support the submission of requested additional evidence. The ISER support team is convened by the ALO and is comprised of the following members:
Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO) – Michaelyn Nākoa Hall
Institutional Assessment Coordinator – Amy Patz Yamashiro
Distance Education Coordinator – ʻIwalani Koide
Instructional Designer – Jamie Sickel
Online Learner Counselor – Kristie Malterre
Dean of Arts and Sciences – Veronica Ogata
Electronic Resources Librarian – Allyson Ota