Hawai'i Pacific University was awarded full accreditation for 10 years by the Western Association for Schools and Colleges, the longest period of accreditation that the commission can grant.

HPU was one of the first schools to be evaluated under a new set of criteria and was praised for progress in areas of planning and governance, according to Nancy Hedlund, associate vice president.

The commission, which oversees schools in California, Hawai'i and the Pacific region, recommended HPU continue to improve in areas such as faculty and staff workload.

During the 10-year period, the university will be required to submit one progress report to the commission.

ROOF REPAIRS CLOSE KAPAHULU LIBRARY

The Waikiki-Kapahulu Public Library at 400 Kapahulu Ave. will be closed for the rest of the week while maintenance work is completed on the library's roof.

The library's bookdrop will remain open and customers are encouraged to visit other libraries during the closure.

An announcement will be made when the library reopens.

EAST-WEST CENTER GRANTED $1 MILLION

The East-West Center has received a $1 million grant for scholarships to benefit students from East Timor and the South Pacific.

The grant, from the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, will be divided between the U.S.-East Timor Scholarship and U.S. South Pacific Scholarship programs.

The money will enable the placement of 10 students in undergraduate and graduate degree programs at the University of Hawai'i and other U.S. institutions.

The merit-based scholarships provide educational and leadership development opportunities to young people who are expected to contribute to political, economic and social development in their home countries and strengthen relations with the United States.