For years, the Division of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology has been an integral part of the University of Hawai'i John A. Burns School of Medicine. The program not only provides a public service through its clinic, but also aids the state in meeting mandates of the Felix Consent Decree.

But now all of that is in jeopardy as the division finds itself in danger of losing its accreditation unless numerous citations by the Council of Academic Accreditation are addressed within a year.

Topping the list is the problem of mold in the Lower Campus Clinic at Manoa, where patients are evaluated and treated for numerous hearing and speech ailments. Granted, mold is a pervasive problem in Hawai'i. But that is even more reason for the university to be vigilant in the maintenance and upkeep of its facilities, especially given the health risks involved.

According to Gary Ostrander, interim dean for the School of Medicine, plans are in place to address this problem, including a new air-conditioning system.

The division was also cited for inadequate funding from the university, insufficient support staff, and faculty that is "barely sufficient" to meet teaching, research and faculty needs for the program.

Much of the funding for the program comes from outside the university, which rightly raised concerns for the accreditation agency. If that funding is lost or falls short there is no safety net to keep the program going. In addition, the division is not reimbursed for its clinic services; therefore, funds must be taken from the education budget.

Unfortunately, the medical school has had its share of financial woes. It has already failed to meet targets for raising money or creating jobs and has had to turn to the state Legislature for bailouts. For this reason, Ostrander insists that going to the Legislature in this case is not an option. "We're going to have to rebudget from within," he said. "The Legislature has provided us with support in the past and I gave my word that we would work within the means given to us."

Now may not be the best time to invoke honor. In fact, Sen. Jill Tokuda, vice chair for education, said informing the Legislature is exactly what Ostrander needs to do. "Accreditation is a big deal. We're talking about our state university. It provides a service to a needy population and contributes to our workforce. The Legislature needs to know the situation so we can make a decision."

The repercussions of the division losing its accreditation are dire. The clinic can only exist in support of education. Not only would it likely be closed, but the program would be stripped of its purpose.

"If we lose accreditation, any student who comes in after cannot get licensed because the requirement is to graduate from an accredited program," said James Yates, professor and chair of the division. "The program would have to close down."

That's no small matter, considering many of the graduates who obtain licenses then go on to work as special education teachers for the Department of Education.

It's a shame that it has come to this point. If the university is truly devoted to attracting and retaining quality faculty members, that means maintaining facilities as well as providing support through funding and staff resources.

Ostrander says he plans to address these issues. That's good to hear. But in these next few months, actions are going to have to speak far louder than words.