The University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� is inviting prospective graduate students to apply for six , highlighting a strategic multi-year initiative that pairs master’s and doctoral students directly with distinguished faculty on high-impact research projects.

The GA positions include a 100% tuition exemption, and an annual stipend of $31,524. The assistantships are open to new graduate students enrolling in fall 2027. Graduate degree program applications are due January 1, 2027.

For the upcoming academic year, the school is offering six GA positions spanning key academic tracks, research facilities and community-engaged initiatives:

• Historic Preservation
• ������Ƶ Community Design Center
• Environmental Research Design Lab
• School of Architecture (precast material systems)
• Landscape Architecture

“These graduate assistantships make a top-tier R1 educational experience more accessible while creating opportunities to collaborate on impactful research,” said School of Architecture Dean Mo Zell. “Two of the six assistantships this year support graduate students in addressing critical challenges, from exploring how precast systems shape spatial identity and environmental performance in Hawaiʻi’s tropical environment to advancing community-engaged landscape design, outdoor recreation and conservation projects across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.”

The assistantship program is part of a broader effort by the School of Architecture to elevate its national and international academic profile while offering robust financial support to incoming graduate scholars. Over successive academic years, the initiative has connected GAs with leading faculty members to advance cutting-edge architectural inquiry.

Zell said, “This work strengthens our communities and built environment while generating knowledge with relevance far beyond the state.”

Record enrollment

The GA opportunities arrive during a period of enrollment growth for the school, where total student enrollment has reached 430. In 2026–27, the school enrolled its largest incoming freshman class in history, totaling 112 students in the Bachelor of Environmental Design program. Overall school enrollment has climbed 55% over the past seven years.

In spring 2026, the Master of Architecture program earned full accreditation. ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� also offers the nation’s only accredited Doctor of Architecture (DArch) program recognized by the National Architectural Accrediting Board, alongside a Master of Landscape Architecture, a DArch Global Track dual degree with Tongji University in Shanghai, and a Graduate Certificate in Historic Preservation. Students also benefit from global exchange partners, such as Technical University of Munich, and more than $150,000 awarded in scholarships and travel funds.

Enrollment across the University of Hawaiʻi‘s 10-campus system stands at 50,617 students in fall 2026, marking the third consecutive year above 50,000. Enrollment decreased 2% from fall 2025, a decline of 795 students.

Fall 2026 ������Ƶ enrollment by campus

• ������Ƶ 10-campus system: 50,617 (-2% from fall 2025)
• ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�: 20,061 (-2%)
• ������Ƶ Hilo: 2,619 (-1%)
• ������Ƶ West Oʻahu: 2,892 (essentially unchanged)
• ������Ƶ Community Colleges: 25,045 (-2%)
• Hawaiʻi CC: 2,426 (-3%)
• Honolulu CC: 3,642 (essentially unchanged)
• Kapiʻolani CC: 5,447 (-5%)
• Kauaʻi CC: 1,338 (+1%)
• Leeward CC: 6,231 (essentially unchanged)
• ������Ƶ Maui College: 2,890 (-4%)
• Windward CC: 3,071 (-1%)

“Our focus is on expanding access to higher education while strengthening support for current students to help them succeed and complete their degrees and certificates on time,” ������Ƶ President Wendy Hensel said. “We are taking a more coordinated approach across our 10 campuses to create more opportunities and clearer pathways to higher education for Hawaiʻi‘s high school graduates, transfer students, working adults and others who can benefit from a ������Ƶ education.”

Enrollment trends

Continuing enrollment increased 1% to 28,191 students systemwide, while enrollment among students ages 18–24 remained essentially unchanged. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of ������Ƶ students are taking at least one online course, cross-campus enrollment has increased 22% over five years to 6,282 students, and early admits—high school students taking college courses—have increased 18% to 4,289.

First-time freshman enrollment totaled 7,279 students, down 3%; however, first-time freshman enrollment at the seven community colleges remained essentially unchanged. While entering transfer enrollment declined 9% overall, ������Ƶ Hilo and ������Ƶ Maui College recorded graduate and undergraduate transfer enrollment increases of 19% and 22%, respectively. ������Ƶ is strengthening transfer pathways across its campuses, supported by initiatives such as the NEXT STEP Scholarship program, which awarded $586,000 to 331 students as of September 14.

Enrollment across the ������Ƶ system has grown 5% since fall 2022, when 48,373 students were enrolled. Leading that growth were Windward Community College (+29%), Honolulu CC (+19%), ������Ƶ Maui College (+17%) and Hawaiʻi CC (+14%).

Community colleges serve thousands beyond credit enrollment

The official enrollment count does not capture the full reach of the ������Ƶ Community Colleges, which served 11,417 non-credit students in fiscal year 2026, a 4% increase from fiscal year 2022. Career and technical education enrollment totaled 6,038 students this fall.

From July through October, nearly 5,000 unique students enrolled in non-credit courses, accounting for 7,708 course registrations. Approximately 63% participated in workforce training programs that help residents develop skills and prepare for employment and career advancement. Non-credit students are not included in the official fall enrollment count.

Expanding access and student success

������Ƶ is taking a more coordinated approach to enrollment across its 10 campuses, including plans to hire a senior advisor to oversee systemwide enrollment management and expanded use of Salesforce technology to strengthen recruitment and marketing.

Direct2������Ƶ, which provides proactive admission to eligible Hawaiʻi public high school seniors, generated approximately 2,100 enrolled students during the 2026 recruitment cycle, according to preliminary estimates. The program has expanded to include ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� and 13 public charter schools, bringing all 10 campuses into the initiative. ������Ƶ also launched ApplyHawaiʻi in October, providing a single undergraduate application for all 10 campuses.

Other priorities include expanding online degree programs and shorter, stackable credentials, improving transfer pathways, and strengthening advising and student support through EAB Navigate360 and a Common Standard of Care. These efforts are supported by $123 million in one-time strategic investments across all 10 campuses.

The fall enrollment figures are based on ������Ƶ‘s official enrollment count 35 days after the first day of instruction. Detailed fall 2026 enrollment reports are available at .

The seven University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges, ������Ƶ Hilo and ������Ƶ West Oʻahu have extended their application deadline to August 14, giving prospective students additional time to apply and begin classes this fall. ������Ƶ Mānoa’s application deadline has passed, but all students who have been accepted are encouraged to enroll and register for classes.

Apply, explore programs or connect with an enrollment specialist

Fall classes begin August 24.

“Many people assume they have missed their opportunity once summer is coming to an end, but that is simply not the case,” said ������Ƶ President Wendy Hensel. “Whether you are a recent high school graduate, a working adult or someone ready to return to college, there is still time. We want to help you take that next step because there is a place for you at ������Ƶ.”

Students can choose from nearly 200 degree, certificate and career and technical education programs across the 10-campus ������Ƶ System, with day, evening, online and hybrid options designed to fit a variety of schedules, career goals and life circumstances. Whether students are looking to start college, prepare for a new career, earn a credential or continue toward a bachelor’s degree, there are still opportunities to begin this fall.

Affordable, flexible and worth the investment

A ������Ƶ education is more affordable than many people realize. Most ������Ƶ students graduate debt free, with about 90% of ������Ƶ Community College graduates and nearly 70% of graduates from ������Ƶ‘s four-year campuses completing their degrees without student loan debt. Eligible community college students may also qualify for the Hawaiʻi Promise Program, which helps cover direct education costs for tuition, fees and books.

“There has never been a better time to invest in yourself,” said Lui Hokoana, interim vice president for the ������Ƶ Community Colleges. “Whether your goal is to earn a degree, gain workforce credentials, transfer to a four-year university or explore a new career, we are ready to help you get started.”

A ������Ƶ education remains one of the best investments students can make in their future. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree, associate degree or career and technical certificate often see the benefits right away, earning higher wages when they enter the workforce while building toward lifetime earnings that can exceed $2 million more than those of someone without a college education. They also enjoy greater career opportunities, stronger job security and increased access to benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans and paid leave.

Personalized support every step of the way

Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to maximize course options and allow time to complete financial aid, academic advising, registration and other enrollment steps before classes begin on August 24. Students do not have to navigate the process alone. Enrollment specialists are available to provide personalized assistance with applying, financial aid, advising, registration and preparing for the first day of class.

To apply, explore programs or connect with an enrollment specialist, visit applytouh.org.

The University of Hawaiʻi has been selected as one of 10 recipients of a national grant from Lumina Foundation’s to expand its Direct2������Ƶ program. The $400,000 grant is part of the foundation’s $3.5 million investment to simplify the college admissions process and expand student access across the country.

Building on the success of Direct2������Ƶ—the direct admissions initiative launched in October 2025, offering free entry to public high school seniors based on their GPA—the grant will fund a unified admissions system with enhanced outreach and guidance. This creates a more equitable pathway for Hawaiʻi students to apply, access financial aid and enroll across nine campuses, with ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� expected to join the program later this year.

“This investment allows us to build a simpler, more connected pathway to college for Hawaiʻi‘s students—one that ensures every learner, regardless of background or geography, has clear and supported opportunities, making it easier for more students to move from aspiration to enrollment and ultimately to success,” said Farrah-Marie Gomes, ������Ƶ associate vice president for student affairs. “This work matters locally because it directly addresses the barriers our students face and strengthens our responsibility as a statewide system to serve every community.”

Lumina’s Great Admissions Redesign initiative supports states, systems and institutions in integrating admissions, financial aid, advising and enrollment systems. The goal is to remove unnecessary barriers and help more students successfully enroll in and complete college.

“Across the country, we’re seeing real momentum to rethink how students access college,” said Melanie Heath, Lumina strategy director. “This cohort reflects a clear shift from fragmented fixes to coordinated, student-centered systems.”

Commitment to college access

At full scale, Direct2������Ƶ will reach students at all public and charter high schools across the state, with implementation in partnership with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education and Hawaiʻi P–20. By aligning systems and expanding support, it will increase college access and enrollment statewide, particularly for rural and underserved communities.

Lumina’s Great Admissions Redesign initiative is part of a broader national effort to increase post-high school attainment and advance Lumina’s Goal 2040, which aims for 75 percent of working-age adults to hold a credential of value.

Hawaiʻi’s public high schools reached new milestones in student achievement, with the class of 2025 posting the highest on-time graduation rate in state history, according to the latest .

The report, which tracks outcomes for 11,899 graduates across 66 public and charter schools, shows that 87% of students graduated on time, surpassing the previous record set by the class of 2024.

In addition to improved graduation rates, the report highlights continued progress in postsecondary pathways, including enrollment within the University of Hawaiʻi system.

Approximately 3,958 graduates, about 33% of those enrolling in college, went on to attend a ������Ƶ campus. Of those students, 18% enrolled at ������Ƶ two-year colleges, while 16% attended four-year campuses.

Academic preparation

The CCRI report also provides insight into how well students are academically prepared upon entering ������Ƶ. About 37% of students enrolled directly in college-level math courses, while 42% took college-level English. At the same time, a portion of incoming students either required below college-level coursework or did not enroll in math or English during their first term, signaling areas where further academic preparation may be needed.

More students are also participating in key academic assessments. ACT exam participation climbed to 76% statewide, up one percentage point, suggesting broader engagement in college entrance testing.

Career-focused education saw notable growth as well. The percentage of students completing Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs increased to 66%, up 3%. These programs are designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce or further specialized training.

While gains were recorded across several categories, the report notes that readiness benchmarks—such as ACT college-ready scores in English, math and science—remain an area for ongoing improvement.

The CCRI is released annually by (Hawaiʻi P–20), in collaboration with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDEO) and the University of Hawaiʻi.

This article by Native Hawaiian Initiative Alakaʻi (Coordinator) at the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� Kamakanaokealoha Aquino was first published in .

As we begin this new year, let us take a moment to reflect on 2025. During the 2024-2025 academic year, the University of Hawaiʻi awarded 2,086 degrees and certificates to Native Hawaiians. As of fall 2025, there are 12,618 Native Hawaiians enrolled.

There are so many accomplishments by students, faculty, staff, and administrators, to programs, community outreach, and engagement to highlight. Here are a few:

• Hear from Native Hawaiian community college students fulfilling their kuleana: Cathryn Krueger, Hawaiʻi CC; Kamananui Anderson, Honolulu CC; Melanie Camat, Kapiʻolani CC; Hiʻilani Cremer, Kauaʻi CC; Stevie Puna, Leeward CC; ʻAleʻa Kimokeo, ������Ƶ Maui College; Kauakaweli Haili-Nakamoto, Windward CC.
• ������Ƶ Hilo honored Mary Kawena Pukui with a panel that coincided with Women’s History Month and her posthumous selection as a 2025 honoree for the U.S. Mint’s Native American $1 coin.
• The Hawaiian collection at the ������Ƶ Hilo Edwin H. Moʻokini Library was named the Edith Kanakaʻole Hawaiian Collection.
• ������Ƶ West Oʻahu hosted a two-day ʻAha Hoʻoponopono with 300 haku hoʻoponopono, social sector professionals, aloha ʻ�徱�Բ� practitioners, and community members.
• ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�’s Hawaiian Theatre program celebrated its 10th anniversary with its latest Hawaiian language production Puana, and an invitation to perform at the Kia Mau international Indigenous-led performing arts festival in Aotearoa.
• Windward CC extended its Hawaiian studies program to paʻahao incarcerated at the Saguaro Correctional Center in Arizona, with 25 students enrolled in their first course.
• Haʻina Ko Wehi: Celebrating West Maui in Mele a project by students from ������Ƶ Maui College’s Institute of Hawaiian Music was named Compilation Album of the Year at the 2025 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards.
• Honolulu Community College hosted a two-day Indigenous education symposium ʻAha Kūkalahale 2025, uplifting Hawaiian knowledge funded by the Kūkalahale Title III Grant and in partnership with Kanaeokana and Pacific Rim Concepts.
• ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� Native Hawaiian Student Services’ Hawaiian Youths Abroad program Japan took a cohort of 13 students and 6 faculty/staff to explore Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, while retracing connections between the Hawaiian Kingdom and Japan.
• Kuiokalani L. Gapero succeeded Ernie Kaʻaumoana Wilson Jr. to the ������Ƶ Board of Regents for a 5-year term.
• Winners of the Board of Regents Medal for Excellence in Teaching included: Mapuana Antonio (public health associate professor, ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�); Ashlee Kalauli (math instructor, Hawaiʻi CC); Tracie Kuʻuipo Losch (Hawaiian studies professor, Leeward CC); Mehana Kaʻiama Makaʻinaʻi (Hawaiian studies instructor, ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�); Peter Kalawaiʻa Moore (Hawaiian studies professor, Windward CC); and Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio (political science associate professor, ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�).
• Kenny Kaʻaiakamanu-Quibilan received the ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� Pākela Award for being an outstanding academic advisor.
• Shayla Spotkaeff, a business management major and undergraduate research assistant at the Center for Oral History received the ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� Student Employee of the Year Award.
• Ka Huli Ao Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law at ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� William S. Richardson School of Law celebrated 20 years.

Hundreds of prospective students, their ʻohana, alumni and community members filled the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa campus on November 15, for Discover ������Ƶ Mānoa, the university’s largest annual open house.

The three-hour event offered guests a rare, all-access experience across campus, featuring more than 100 academic programs and student services, hands-on demonstrations, workshops, research activities, live entertainment and guided tours.

“I hope they walk away feeling that this is their ʻohana. We can’t wait to welcome them in, support them, and help them reach every goal they’re chasing,” said ������Ƶ President Wendy Hensel. “We’re truly excited for this next generation, come on in, we’re ready for you.”

Event highlights

������Ƶors got a lively snapshot of campus life through hands-on workshops, research demos and student projects from a wide range of units at ������Ƶ Mānoa everything from STEM, the arts, humanities and Hawaiian studies. The College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience drew crowds with its cooking demonstrations, serving up green onion Korean pancakes and ʻuala desserts, made from locally grown ingredients. The ������Ƶ Marching Band and ������Ƶ athletes kept the crowd energized with performances and meet-and-greet opportunities.

Farrington High School senior Mikaela Paet explored the event with her classmates and said she was excited to learn more about the program she hopes to pursue.

“Just walking around the campus makes me very welcomed. A lot of the programs interest me, specifically nursing,” Paet said.

The day also featured an Alumni Makers’ Market, food trucks, free shave ice, prizes, giveaways, ������Ƶ Bookstore merchandise and guided housing tours, giving visitors a well-rounded look at life on campus.

“������Ƶ Mānoa offers something rare—world-class research opportunities, strong academic programs, Division I athletics, and a campus experience you won’t find just anywhere. It’s truly an exceptional place to learn and grow,” said Vassilis Syrmos, interim provost at ������Ƶ Mānoa.

������Ƶ Mānoa’s rising momentum

The annual open house comes as ������Ƶ Mānoa continues to earn national recognition. The university recently climbed 62 spots in the 2026 Wall Street Journal Best Colleges rankings and set new records in research funding and philanthropy.

Enrollment has also reached its highest level in five years, signaling strong demand from Hawaiʻi families and students from around the world.

Enrollment across the 10 campuses of the University of Hawaiʻi reached 51,411 students in fall 2025, a 2% increase from last fall and the highest enrollment since 2017. This marks the third consecutive year of growth for �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s sole provider of public higher education and a 5.1% increase since fall 2023, reversing earlier declines and building momentum across both four-year and two-year campuses.

������Ƶ fall 2025 enrollment

• ������Ƶ 10 campus system: 51,411 (+2.0% from fall 2024)
• ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�: 20,404 (+1.9%)
• ������Ƶ Hilo: 2,649 (−0.7%)
• ������Ƶ West Oʻahu: 2,897 (+2.9%)
• ������Ƶ Community Colleges: 25,461 (+2.2%)
• Hawaiʻi CC: 2,489 (+8.7%)
• Honolulu CC: 3,628 (+8.6%)
• Kapiʻolani CC: 5,704 (−3.6%)
• Kauaʻi CC: 1,324 (−0.8%)
• Leeward CC: 6,210 (−4.0%)
• ������Ƶ Maui College: 2,997 (+7.3%)
• Windward CC: 3,109 (+12.4%)

Enrollment gains were driven by increases in first-time freshmen across the ������Ƶ System (up 2.1%), record participation in programs allowing high school students to earn college and/or high school credit (up 6.9% from fall 2024), and rising undergraduate home-based enrollment at ������Ƶ 4-year campuses.

“Enrollment is one of the strongest indicators of confidence in the value of higher education and our 10 campus system,” said ������Ƶ President Wendy Hensel. “I am proud that more Hawaiʻi students are choosing to pursue their degrees with us. This momentum is critical to preparing the state’s future workforce and ensuring opportunities for every student.”

Hensel acknowledged challenges that remain, including a 3.5% decline in undergraduate transfer enrollment. She emphasized that ������Ƶ is prioritizing systemwide solutions to improve the student experience.

“Addressing transfer barriers is one of our top priorities,” said Hensel. “For example, we are working to ensure that online programs available at our community colleges are aligned with online bachelors at our four-year campuses. I am especially excited about our adoption of EAB Navigate360 and EAB Edify, which will be fully in place next year. These tools will give students the support they need, often before they even realize they need it, to ensure they reach their educational goals.”

The technology platforms use predictive analytics built on historical and current student data to proactively alert faculty, advisors and staff at the earliest signs a student may be at risk. The goal is to deliver timely support when it can make the most difference, helping students stay on track, succeed in their studies and graduate.

������Ƶ ����ԴDz� continues to grow

������Ƶ ����ԴDz� grew for the third consecutive year, enrolling 20,404 students (+1.9% from fall 2024), and has now increased enrollment in five of the past six years. The flagship campus set a record for degree-seeking first-time freshmen, up 6.2% from fall 2024 to 3,294 students.

This marks the fourth straight year ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� has welcomed more than 3,000 freshmen, helping drive overall home-based undergraduate enrollment to 15,610 students (+2.1%).

������Ƶ West Oʻahu rebounds

������Ƶ West Oʻahu posted its first enrollment increase since 2020, rising 2.9% from fall 2024 to 2,897 students, while first-time freshmen increased 5.9% to 251 students.

The campus also saw strong growth in transfer students, which climbed 7.2% to 520 students.

������Ƶ Hilo leads in first-time freshmen growth

������Ƶ Hilo recorded the system’s largest percent gain in first-time freshmen, up 16.3% to 400 students. That growth helped stabilize home-based undergraduate enrollment to 2,278 students.

Overall enrollment at the Hawaiʻi Island campus dipped slightly (−0.7%), totaling 2,649 students.

Community Colleges continue momentum

Enrollment at the ������Ƶ Community Colleges rose to 25,461 students (+2.2%) in fall 2025, with several campuses posting strong gains. Windward CC led the way with a 12.4% increase. Hawaiʻi CC (+8.7%), Honolulu CC (+8.6%) and ������Ƶ Maui College (+7.3%) also recorded significant increases, while Leeward CC (−4.0%), Kapiʻolani CC (−3.6%) and Kauaʻi CC (−0.8%) experienced modest declines.

The Early Admit program reached another all-time high, with 4,030 high school students enrolled at a Community College campus (+8.4%). Five of the seven campuses saw increases, led by Windward CC (+39.7%, totaling 753 students), ������Ƶ Maui College (+10.1%, 777 students) and Honolulu CC (+9.0%, 364 students).

Leeward Community College saw its strongest summer enrollment in five years, following the University of Hawaiʻi’s decision to reduce community college summer tuition for Hawaiʻi residents in 2025.

In January, the ������Ƶ Community Colleges announced lowering summer school tuition to $131 per credit for Hawaiʻi residents, allowing students to save money, graduate faster and explore new interests while staying on track academically.

Summer 2025 headcount at Leeward CC surged to 2,691 students—a 16% increase over the previous year and the highest summer enrollment since 2020. Leeward CC-based students rose by 17% while non-Leeward CC students climbed 15%, showing that lower tuition is not only encouraging local students to stay on track, but also drawing new learners from across the state.

Accelerating education

Leeward CC student Raquel Aki is a mother of three and will be the first in her family to graduate from college.

“During an economic downturn, programs like this are invaluable,” Aki said. “I hope the discounted summer credit option continues so that other students balancing work, family and school can take advantage of the same opportunity to accelerate their education, save money and move closer to achieving their goals.”

The program, which allows high school students to earn college credit, experienced the largest numerical growth, increasing 21% from 423 to 512 students. programs also posted remarkable gains: CTE teacher training jumped from 2 to 15 students (+650%), doubled from 18 to 36 (+100%), and nearly doubled from 42 to 81 (+93%).

Kiani Verdugo, Leeward student and student government treasurer, said, “I thought the courses might be too accelerated, but that wasn’t the case. I was able to complete my prerequisites ahead of time, and the cost savings helped me buy supplies and a laptop. The courses are well planned, and you have plenty of opportunities to connect with your instructors.”

With tuition relief and flexible summer learning options, Leeward CC is positioning more students for academic success and timely graduation.

“Lower summer tuition is making higher education more accessible and workforce training more immediate,” said Keala Chock, Leeward CC vice chancellor for academic affairs. “We’re seeing students take bigger academic leaps, and that’s translating directly into qualified graduates filling critical local jobs.”

—By Tad Saiki

High school graduates of the class of 2024 excelled in numerous academic areas of study and matched the class of 2023 with the highest on-time high school graduation rate on record at 86%, according to the latest , released March 31. Among these students, 34% graduated with honors, the highest level in the past five years.

The class of 2024 CCRI report details the outcomes of 11,613 students among 67 public schools including public charters. The CCRI is produced annually by (Hawaiʻi P–20), in collaboration with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) and the University of Hawaiʻi.

Class of 2024 overall college enrollment increased from 51% to 52% and the proportion of class of 2024 graduates who attended a ������Ƶ campus increased 3 percentage points from the previous year, from 31% to 34%. Of particular note, the percentage of completers who enrolled in a ������Ƶ two-year campus increased from 17% to 19%, the highest percentage since 2020.

“The increase in college enrollment at the ������Ƶ Community Colleges highlights the growing impact of our strengthened career pathways between HIDOE high schools and our seven community college campuses,” said Della Teraoka, interim vice president for the . “With ������Ƶ two-year enrollment on the rise and four-year enrollment reaching record levels, these collaborative efforts are creating more opportunities for students to pursue higher education and succeed right here at home.”

The class of 2024 also had the highest number of completers in the last five years to earn a score of three or better on an Advanced Placement exam to 18%, and the most completers of Dual Credit classes, which increased 3 percentage points from last year (24% to 27%). Additionally, there was a 3% increase from 2023 of students who entered ������Ƶ after completing college-level credits through Dual Credit in high school for English and math.

Graduates who earned the Seal of Biliteracy (students who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in both of the state’s two official languages, English and Hawaiian; or either of the two languages and at least one additional language, including American Sign Language, by high school graduation) increased to 557 to 598 from the class of 2023, and CTE (career and technical education) honors also increased from 21% to 22%. The top three CTE programs completed by concentrators for the class of 2024 were hospitality, tourism, and recreation (23%); cultural arts, media and entertainment (20%); and health services (17%), all of which are integral areas of Hawaiʻi’s economy.

“Although college-going data from the class of 2024 demonstrates a turnaround from previous years, there are reasons for concern with academic readiness, especially in math,” said Stephen Schatz, executive director of Hawaiʻi P–20. “Math readiness is key across various industries, whether students aspire to be doctors, welders, auto mechanics, nurses, or teachers.”

������Ƶ degrees significant return on investment

In a study that evaluated the workforce earnings of ������Ƶ graduates who earned two- and four-year degrees, the found that nine years after completing a college degree, students who received Pell grants earned wages similar to their non-economically disadvantaged peers, mitigating the effects of intergenerational poverty. Throughout their lifetimes, a college degree holder earns a 27% higher income, or $2.8 million more in wages for a bachelor’s degree and $2.7 million more, or a 22% higher income, for an associate of science and associate of applied science degree, when compared to students who stopped out and did not earn a degree.

This message was shared with ������Ƶ Hilo ʻohana on March 3, 2025.

Aloha kākou e ka ʻohana o ������Ƶ Hilo,

I am pleased to share that ������Ƶ �ᾱ����’s and are now complete and available online. These plans are the result of thoughtful collaboration across our campus community, shaped by the voices and insights of many who engaged in conversations, provided feedback, and contributed directly to their development.

I extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who played a role in bringing these plans to fruition.

As we move forward, I want to emphasize that these are living documents—designed to guide our collective efforts while remaining adaptable to the evolving needs of our students, campus, and community. Your continued engagement will be vital as we refine and implement these strategies in the years ahead.

To explore the plans and their accompanying FAQs, please visit the following links:

• ������Ƶ Hilo |
• ������Ƶ Hilo |

I encourage you to take a look, reflect on the aspirations and priorities we have outlined together, and continue to be part of this journey. Your insights and contributions will remain essential as we bring these plans to life.

As a final note, per President Hensel’s ongoing communications, we are actively assessing the potential impacts of the Trump administration’s recent executive orders and subsequent agency guidance on ������Ƶ �ᾱ����’s current and future programming. As we move forward, we will carefully review these developments and adapt our 2025-35 Strategic Plan and 2025-26 Strategic Enrollment Plan to ensure alignment with federal law while upholding our institutional values and commitments.

Mahalo for your dedication to ������Ƶ Hilo and our shared vision for the future.

Bonnie D. Irwin
Chancellor

More than 1,000 elementary school students went to college at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa on November 22, to learn about the campus and experience a Rainbow Wahine basketball game.

Groups of students toured the campus with ������Ƶ tour guides, who explained features, programs and areas of study, while also providing fun facts along the way.

“We want students to think about attending college at an early age,” Vice Provost of Enrollment Management Nikki Chun said. “Being exposed to the possibilities that an advanced education can bring raises the likelihood of a student attending college after high school. Many of the students talked about the types of jobs their parents are involved in and what types of careers their favorite subjects could lead to.”

The students were from schools including: Kūhīo, Hokulani, Palisades, Mokapu, Ala Wai, Lincoln, Enchanted Lake, Pohakea, and Lunalilo elementary schools, and from neighboring Mid-Pacific Institute.

Students were thrilled to be able to see the Wahine basketball players, and loudly cheered them on. The game against Louisiana Monroe also kicked off the Bank of Hawaiʻi Classic.

“We’ve been wanting to have an Education Day for a while, but had to work on the logistics to make it a reality, and today exceeded all expectations,” said ������Ƶ Athletics Director of Marketing and Fan Experience Eric Mathews. “We’re constantly trying to come up with ways to help fans create memories when they come to one of our events. Today, 1,200 students walked out of SimpliFi Arena with a great memory!”

The students each received clear stadium bags courtesy of sponsor Bank of Hawaiʻi filled with goodies from sponsors such as Raising Cane’s and The Old Spaghetti Factory. Each student also received a free hot dog courtesy of head coach Laura Beeman and a $5 voucher from food service provider Sodexo.

President David Lassner provided updates on the University of Hawaiʻi Professional Assembly contract settlement and the final enrollment numbers for the fall 2024 semester for the 10-campus system in his monthly report to the ������Ƶ Board of Regents at the October 29 meeting on the ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� campus.

Lassner also provided more information on ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� athletics becoming a full-time member of the Mountain West Conference and commended the ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� women’s soccer team on its first ever conference championship and ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� Professor Joseph Keaweʻaimoku Kaholokula, the chair of the at the for his induction into the National Academy of Medicine.

• ������ƵPA contract settlement ()
• ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� joining Mountain West as full time member ()
• ������Ƶ women’s soccer conference championship ()
• ������Ƶ Hilo vs. ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� hoops exhibition ()
• Study on ������Ƶ System structure ()
• Fall 2024 enrollment highlights ()
• Philanthropy on pace for another strong year ()
• Notable awards ()

See previous president’s reports to the Board of Regents.

Headcount enrollment at the 10 campuses of the University of Hawaiʻi surpassed 50,000 students for the first time since 2018. There are 50,418 students enrolled in the ������Ƶ System for the fall 2024 semester, a 3% increase compared to fall 2023. Enrollment is up at eight of the 10 campuses, including all seven community colleges, which has not happened since 2010.

While enrollment for freshmen who just graduated from high school has declined 5% nationally this fall, first-time freshmen at ������Ƶ from Hawaiʻi high schools increased by 10% across the system, including a 15% increase at ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� and a 9% increase at the community colleges.

“This is not just good news for ������Ƶ, it’s good news for the entire state. The more people who go to college means a more skilled workforce, and that translates to higher wages, and fewer residents receiving government assistance. The ripple effect cannot be understated,” said ������Ƶ President David Lassner. “I am most excited about the increases in our first-time freshmen from Hawaiʻi, and the fact that we are bucking the national trend. The people of Hawaiʻi are truly seeing the value of their public higher education system.”

Banner year for ������Ƶ Community Colleges

Leeward CC saw the biggest increase in enrollment among the ������Ƶ Community Colleges, which all welcomed more students in fall 2024 compared to the same time last year:

• Leeward CC—6,471 students (+7%)
• ������Ƶ Maui College—2,792 students (+6%)
• Honolulu CC—3,342 (+4%)
• Kauaʻi CC—1,335 (+3%)
• Kapiʻolani CC—5,914 (+2%)
• Hawaiʻi CC—2,289 (+1%)
• Windward CC—2,765 (+1%)

Enrollment for the Early College program, through which high school students take college courses for dual high school and college credit, reached an all time high at the ������Ƶ Community Colleges. Early College is up 10% compared to fall 2023 with 3,717 high school students enrolled. Students who take college courses in high school are more likely to attend college and earn a degree.

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island enrollment is up 6% at the ������Ƶ Community Colleges driving a 5% increase across the 10 campus system with growth in nearly all ethnic groups, including Native Hawaiian and Part-Hawaiian (4%), Filipino (5%) Micronesian and Marshallese (9%), Samoan (3%) and Tongan (10%).

“We are so excited to see increases across our seven community colleges in overall enrollment and in these key areas,” said Interim VP for Community Colleges Della Teraoka. “I commend our chancellors, their leadership and enrollment management teams for their great work along with our faculty and staff. We are going to keep looking for ways to improve so we can continue to meet the needs of the communities we serve.”

������Ƶ 4-year campuses

������Ƶ ����ԴDz� surpassed 20,000 students for the first time since 2013 with 20,028 students enrolled, a 4% increase over 2023. The flagship campus of the ������Ƶ System also welcomed a record 3,123 first-time freshmen in fall 2024, the 3rd straight year ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� has reached 3,000 or more freshmen. More information on ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�’s fall enrollment numbers can be found on ������Ƶ News.

Although enrollment was down 2% at ������Ƶ West Oʻahu, with 2,814 students attending in fall 2024, the number of degree-seeking students and student semester hours taught increased. The modest decrease of about 50 students mostly represents fewer Early College enrollments.

Despite an overall enrollment drop of 4% at ������Ƶ Hilo, Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin emphasized that she was “thrilled to see a 25% surge in returning students—those who had paused their studies during the pandemic and are now back to finish what they started.” She also noted gains in key areas, including out-of-state Native Hawaiian, transfer, graduate and veteran students. ������Ƶ �ᾱ����’s fall 2024 enrollment stands at 2,668.

More than 3,000 people are expected to attend on October 26, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. The free event is for prospective students and their families along with the general public so they can see firsthand why ������Ƶ Mānoa is considered one of the best universities in the country. Organizers say current students and employees are also welcome.

“We are thrilled to provide this opportunity for prospective students and the community to learn more about ������Ƶ Mānoa and find why we are consistently ranked among the best universities in the world,” said Provost Michael Bruno. “It is also a chance to speak and interact with current students, faculty and staff, the people who make this university great.”

Booths, displays and hands-on workshops featuring more than 100 academic departments will line iconic McCarty Mall, Legacy Path and the Campus Center courtyard. There will also be campus tours, including special tours of the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene’s Translational Health Science Simulation Center, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resource’s Certified Kitchen and the Esports Lab.

������Ƶors can also explore interactive exhibits and activities that cover a range of topics, from education to oceanography and medicine. The Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Success and Hamilton Library will also be open to visitors.

“������Ƶ Mānoa has so much to offer academically and there are so many services available to help our students on their journey,” said ������Ƶ Mānoa Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Nikki Chun, who is responsible for Discover ������Ƶ Mānoa. “We want everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about our campus, even if you are not a prospective student, because ������Ƶ Mānoa is something everyone can take pride in.”

Each attendee will receive a ������Ƶ Mānoa tote bag, event/program map, bookstore coupon and a coupon for $2 off retail dining options, including Starbucks, Ding Tea, Food Trucks and Sodexo Concessions. Attendees will also have the chance to win prizes throughout the day.

Two shuttle routes will be available for attendees interested in visiting student housing, and the Music Building Complex.

Free parking will be available in Zone 20 until 1:30p.m. For more information, visit .

Pāʻina on the Path and homecoming football

Following the open house, ������Ƶ Mānoa will host Pāʻina on the Path, a free homecoming celebration from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. This Homecoming Edition on Legacy Pathway will feature a ������Ƶ Alumni Maker’s Market, Hawaiʻs Finest DJ & Kickoff Concert Series featuringPeniDean, food vendors, a beer garden, keiki zone with inflatables and football-themed games, and more.

The Rainbow Warrior football team will then take on Nevada in this seasonʻs homecoming game. Kick off at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletic Complex is at 6 p.m.

Fall 2024 enrollment at the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� surpassed 20,000 students for the first time since 2013. The final enrollment numbers will not be official until the first week of October, but as of September 17, there are 20,012 students enrolled at ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�, a 4% increase over 2023.

“This milestone is the work of so many who over these past years have built a superb enrollment management program that recruits great students from Hawaiʻi and beyond,” said ������Ƶ President David Lassner. “And it’s not just about recruiting students, it’s about retaining them. Credit for that goes to our amazing faculty, our advisors, our support staff, and all of the people who make Hawaiʻi’s own global research university such a special place to study.”

Record high first-time freshmen

������Ƶ ����ԴDz� is also welcoming a record high 3,123 first-time freshmen in fall 2024. This is the 3rd straight year, the university has reached 3,000 or more freshmen after surpassing the mark for the first time in the university’s 117-year history in 2022.

“These enrollment numbers should not come as a surprise as ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� is one of the top universities in the world, delivering a world-class education at a cost that our students and their families can afford,” said ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� Provost Michael Bruno. “This type of success does not happen overnight and is the result of years of hard work and data driven improvements. Another difference maker is that we are doing a better job of consistently telling our stories, an effort that started over a decade ago.”

Record freshmen recruitment

The record number of first time freshmen also included record highs in other categories (as of September 17):

• 1,849 of the freshmen are Hawaiʻi residents, up from 1,581 in fall 2023 and 1,577 in fall 2022
• 489 identify as Native Hawaiian, up from 382 in fall 2023 and 395 in fall 2022
• 406 identify as Filipino, up from 355 in fall 2023 and 353 in fall 2022

“I am so proud to see the increases in our Native Hawaiian and Filipino students,” said ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Nikki Chun. “I would attribute the growth in the freshmen class to the changes we made to the merit scholarship program, which is now more focused on enrolling Hawaiʻi resident students.”

Enrollment at ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� has been steadily rising over the last five years with one exception in 2022 when there 24 fewer students than in 2021, when enrollment had spiked by 6% increase.

Success despite FAFSA

The 4% increase in 2024 is even more impressive considering that it happened when the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process was mired with issues. The federal government’s update to the FAFSA form last year was released months behind schedule and experienced multiple technical difficulties that created uncertainty for students and their families as colleges scrambled to issue financial aid packages in spite of the challenges.

“I’m really proud that we were prepared for the FAFSA delays, and I am grateful for the proactive work done by the Financial Aid staff,” said Chun. “Despite the delays, we were able to disburse more money to both undergraduate and graduate students.”

������Ƶ ����ԴDz� awarded merit based scholarships to 96% of all incoming, first year freshmen and 99% to all Hawaii residents that are first-year, first time freshmen. The ����ԴDz� Academic Merit Scholarships were awarded based on grade point average and residency:

• Hawai’i residents with a high school cumulative GPA of 3.0-3.59 will be considered for a $3,000 scholarship per year. Total $12,000 over 4 years.
• Hawai’i residents with a high school cumulative GPA of 3.6 or higher will be considered for a $4,000 scholarship per year. Total $16,000 over 4 years.
• U.S. citizens, Hawai’i non-residents (including WUE-eligible students) with a high school cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher will be considered for a $2,000 scholarship per year. Total $8,000 over 4 years.

Chun said ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� disbursed $81.6 million to more than 11,400 students this year compared to $74.6 million to more than 9,900 students in 2023.

The final enrollment numbers for ������Ƶ’s 10 campuses will be announced in October. As of September 17 (will update numbers tomorrow), headcount enrollment was up at eight of the ten ������Ƶ campuses, with a 2.8% increase across the entire ������Ƶ system. This follows fall 2023, when enrollment was up 1.8% systemwide.

Fall 2024 ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� student body profile

• 62% (12,439) local students (5% increase from 2023)
• 31% (6,232) out-of-state U.S. students (2% increase from 2023)
• 6% (1,245) international students (5% increase from 2023)

President David Lassner provided updates on ������Ƶ support for Lahainaluna High School students, 2024 fall enrollment and philanthropic fundraising—noting that the ������Ƶ Foundation surpassed $100 million in fundraising—in his monthly report to the Board of Regents (BOR) at their May 16 meeting at ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�.

Lassner also highlighted the successful commencement activities of the 10 campuses, including the graduation ceremony held every four years on Molokaʻi and informed the regents about how recently passed federal appropriations require in-state tuition for the citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau.

• Successful spring 2024 graduation season ()
• Molokaʻi graduation ()
• Federal tuition requirement for Compact of Free Association nations ()
• Ongoing support for Lahainaluna students ()
• Enrollment trending upwards for fall 2024 ()
• Record extramural funding ()
• ������Ƶ Foundation surpasses $100 million ()

See previous president’s reports to the Board of Regents.

A new, modern welcome center will greet prospective students to the , thanks to the generosity of a spring 2024 graduate and her family.

Haley Taylor, a major in the , worked as a tour guide in the for three years. It was because of her “������ƵMazing” experience being part of the office and showing off what the university has to offer that persuaded her family to make a generous contribution to renovate the center.

• Related ������Ƶ News story: Student leader: Haley Taylor’s journey inspiring future ‘Bows, May 6, 2024

Taylor, her family and other campus leaders gathered for a grand reopening ceremony on May 10. The welcome center is located in the Office of Admissions in the Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services room 001. Among the changes included: removing existing counters and countertops to significantly increase available space, renovating and replacing existing fluorescent lighting for warmer LED lighting, replacing ceiling tiles with a floating wood ceiling, and adding more furniture and wall decorations to match and expand the open concept design of the space.

“All I can think of is opportunity, opportunity that we haven’t even imagined yet,” ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Nikki Chun said. “That’s why I’m excited to bring other people into this and ask them, ‘what do you imagine?’ And ultimately, I hope that when future students come here, they feel like the space is a reflection of the experience that they have at ����ԴDz�.”

Hawaiʻi ties keep ʻohana close

Taylor was born in Tennessee and went to high school in Las Vegas, but in between spent four years residing in Hawaiʻi Kai. Although she is headed to the continental U.S. to pursue a graduate degree, she said she’ll be back to visit, and already looks forward to visiting the center and reconnecting with colleagues turned friends.

“Coming back in the future, I think it’s just going to bring back a lot of memories,” Taylor said. “Being able to showcase that with anyone I bring back, seeing the plaque on the wall and knowing that my small part here is lasting and gonna make an impact on so many people, I think I’m just looking forward to that, letting them understand how important this is.”

Haley’s father, Jason, is a trustee with . He is the chief sales officer at Gannett and president of USAToday Network Ventures. The Taylor family lived on Oʻahu when Jason served as senior vice president of sales and marketing at the Honolulu Advertiser from 2003 to 2007. Jason initiated the conversation about making a generous contribution with ������Ƶ Foundation CEO and ������Ƶ Vice President for Advancement Tim Dolan, who then reached out to Chun.

“When we lived here years ago, the island was so welcoming to our family that we wanted to do something to extend that to future families,” Jason said. “We knew that the Office of Admissions was so important to Haley and her development during her four years here so it just seemed like the perfect opportunity.”

“The Taylor family has made a lasting impact in supporting our current and future students at ������Ƶ,” Dolan said. “We’ve been very fortunate to have Haley’s father, Jason Taylor, on our Board of Trustees, and we are sincerely grateful for their gift to permanently enhance ������Ƶ’s Welcome Center.”

—By Marc Arakaki

The is extending the enrollment deadline in 2024 from May 1 to June 1 as the federal government has delayed the release of financial information to colleges and universities around the country. The application deadline for new on-campus housing has also been extended to June 1.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), is used by tens of millions of college students each year to apply for federal financial aid. The information is also used by schools to award scholarships and provide assistance through other aid programs. This year, the FAFSA process is experiencing delays after a system upgrade including a new streamlined form.

������Ƶ ����ԴDz� joins a growing number of colleges and universities around the country that are responding to the system delay by extending the enrollment deadline.

“We understand that many families are waiting to understand the full picture of what level of financial aid they will receive before making a decision on which campus they should attend,” said ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Nikki Chun. “We are grateful that students and their ʻohana consider ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� for their education as we have such a wide range of programs and faculty who are among the top in their fields.”

The flagship campus of the 10-campus ������Ƶ system, ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� offers more than 99 different and consistently ranks among the top universities in research and academic success. A bachelor’s degree from ������Ƶ earns a graduate an average of $2.8 million more over their lifetime compared to those without a degree, according to a 2024 report from the ������Ƶ Economic Resource Organization (������ƵERO).

“All of the data show that higher education is a worthwhile investment, and you don’t have to leave Hawaiʻi to receive a quality education that’s also affordable,” ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� Provost Michael Bruno. “I hope students who are thinking about college and want to make a difference here in Hawaiʻi strongly consider ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�. We will provide the education and tools you need for a successful career and fulfilling life, as we all work to make our state a better place for generations to come.”

For more information, please visit the .

President David Lassner provided a detailed description on the changing relationship between ������Ƶ and the future Aloha Stadium at the January 18 Board of Regents meeting at ������Ƶ West Oʻahu.

Lassner also provided updates on spring 2024 enrollment and extramural funding.

• Enrollment update ()
• ������Ƶ, Aloha Stadium changing relationship ()
• Extramural funding on record pace ()

See previous president’s reports to the Board of Regents.