Important CCNE Show Cause Notice

Posted September 16, 2026. Applies to the Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Post-Graduate APRN Certificate programs.

On September 4, 2026, Hawai'i Pacific University was notified that on July 8, 2026, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) Board of Commissioners directed HPU's Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Post-Graduate APRN Certificate programs to show cause why accreditation should not be withdrawn.

A Show Cause Directive is not an adverse accreditation action. These programs remain accredited by CCNE.

CCNE identified concerns related to the availability and sufficiency of clinical placements and the progression and sequencing of clinical and didactic coursework within the graduate nursing programs. HPU is actively addressing these areas. The Master of Science in Nursing and Post-Graduate APRN Certificate programs are hosting a regularly scheduled CCNE on-site evaluation on November 9 to 11, 2026. In addition, the Master of Science in Nursing program, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and Post-Graduate APRN Certificate programs will be submitting a report to CCNE addressing the areas related to the show cause directive by March 1, 2027.

The University is working to strengthen the graduate nursing programs, including clinical placement processes, student progression, and curriculum sequencing.

Current students, prospective students, and applicants with questions may contact Jessica Nishikawa, Chief Nurse Administrator and Nursing Department Accreditation Liaison Officer, at jnishika@hpu.edu or (808) 236-5808.

This notice will remain posted until CCNE acts on the directive. Last updated September 16, 2026.