Royal schools that operate under a Royal charter are not regulated by the federal or state government in public schools. Schools with a Royal charter, such as Canford School, Christ's Hospital, and King's College School, among others, are established through a formal document issued by the monarch or other royal figure, granting them certain rights and privileges.
A Royal charter and regulation serve distinct purposes in governance. A Royal charter is a formal document issued by the monarch, granting independent legal standing to an organization and defining its objectives. These charters have been used since the 12th century to incorporate companies, public bodies, cities, universities, and professional institutions. They confer legal personality on the organization and define its powers to govern its own affairs.
These regulation involve rules and standards set by the governmental bodies to oversee various aspects of an organization's operations. While a Royal charter grants autonomy and legal status to an entity, regulation involves monitoring compliance with specific laws, guidelines, or standards set by the governmental bodies. For example, in the context of press regulation, a Royal charter may establish a body to oversee press regulation without directly regulating the press itself.
The benefits of having a Royal Charter for Organizations include:
These benefits highlight how a Royal charter can elevate an organization's standing, provide credibility, and enhance its impact within its area of expertise.
Harvest Christian University holds distinguished “Royal Accreditation” through the Kingdom of Hawai‘i Royal Accreditation Commission (KOHRAC), an independent accreditation authority established in January 2018 by HRM King Edmund K. Paki-Silva Jr. KOHRAC was chartered by royal decree to provide formal recognition and quality assurance for educational institutions that center Indigenous knowledge, methodologies, and cultural values within their curricula.
KOHRAC’s accreditation framework is unique in that it bridges conventional Western educational standards with Indigenous “Ways of Knowing,” ensuring that programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels meet rigorous academic criteria while honoring the traditions and perspectives of Indigenous peoples worldwide.
In addition to KOHRAC, Harvest Christian University is recognized by other international accrediting bodies and is actively pursuing further regional accreditation to broaden its academic standing and reach. Royal accreditation affirms the university’s commitment to academic excellence, Indigenous empowerment, and global educational standards, positioning it as a leader in innovative, inclusive higher education.
Harvest Christian University
Accreditation, Certification, and Academic Affiliations
Accreditation Bodies
Kingdom of Hawaiʻi Royal Accreditation Commission (KOHRAC)
Harvest Christian University holds Royal Accreditation through the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi Royal Accreditation Commission (KOHRAC).
Certification Bodies
Board of Quality Standards (BQS)
Harvest Christian University is certified by the Board of Quality Standards (BQS), an organization dedicated to promoting quality standards in higher education.
Quality Assurance Affiliations
International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE)
INQAAHE is referenced through the quality assurance affiliations and international connections associated with BQS.
Academic Partnerships and Associations
Ballsbridge University
Ballsbridge University is recognized as a formal academic association and university partner of Harvest Christian University.
Higher Education Recognition References
Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
CHEA is referenced as a recognized authority supporting quality assurance and accreditation standards within higher education.
United States Department of Education
The United States Department of Education is referenced as a recognized educational authority within the American higher education system.
This summary reflects the accreditation, certification, quality assurance affiliations, academic partnerships, and recognition references identified here at Harvest Christian University.
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Harvest Christian University (HCU) is certified by the Board of Quality Standards (BQS),
Harvest Christian University (HCU) is certified by the Board of Quality Standards (BQS), a respected international quality assurance regulator and member of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE).
BQS operates as an independent third-party certification body, providing rigorous certification services for Quality Management Systems within higher education institutions. Through its evaluation processes, BQS assesses institutional policies, governance structures, administrative operations, student services, and quality assurance practices to promote accountability and educational excellence.
Ballsbridge University's Accreditation and Recognition
Board of Quality Standards (BQS)
Ballsbridge University's accreditation framework is regulated by the Board of Quality Standards (BQS), an international quality assurance body dedicated to promoting educational excellence and institutional accountability. BQS is also the certifying organization for Harvest Christian University, providing a common foundation of quality standards and continuous improvement across both institutions.
Through this academic association, HCU and BU support educational advancement, professional development, and global academic engagement while maintaining their respective institutional identities and missions.
HCU and INQAAHE
Harvest University (a related institution) is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, CHEA, and INQAAHE as a quality assurance body.
“Harvest Christian University benefits from international quality assurance recognition through its accrediting and certifying bodies. The Board of Quality Standards (BQS), which certifies Harvest Christian University, is a recognized member of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE), Through this relationship, HCU’s quality systems are aligned with internationally referenced standards in higher education.