The University of Hawaiʻi is proposing a new four-year tuition schedule that would keep undergraduate tuition unchanged at all 10 campuses for the first two years, followed by increases beginning in academic year (AY) 2029–30. The current schedule expires at the end of AY 2026–27. The proposal is on the agenda for the September 17 Board of Regents meeting for informational purposes only; no action will be taken.

The proposed schedule would cover AY 2027–28 through AY 2030–31, replacing the current schedule that expires at the end of AY 2026–27. The exception to the two-year freeze is tuition at the professional pharmacy program at 糖心视频 Hilo鈥檚 Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, where tuition would increase 5% annually beginning in AY 2027–28 to address operational needs and accreditation requirements.

Proposed tuition rates

At 糖心视频鈥檚 four-year campuses, undergraduate students pay a flat full-time tuition rate once they enroll in 12 credits per semester and can take additional credits at no additional tuition cost.

糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

• AY 2027–28 and 2028–29: No increase
• AY 2029–30: 5% increase; resident undergraduate tuition increases from $11,760 to $12,360 annually
• AY 2030–31: 5% increase; resident undergraduate tuition increases to $12,984 annually
• The increases apply to undergraduate, graduate and professional tuition rates.

糖心视频 Hilo

• AY 2027–28 and 2028–29: No increase for undergraduate and graduate tuition
• AY 2029–30: 3% increase; resident undergraduate tuition increases from $7,632 to $7,872 annually
• AY 2030–31: 3% increase; resident undergraduate tuition increases to $8,112 annually
• Nonresident undergraduate tuition would increase by the same percentage.
• Graduate and graduate nursing tuition would remain unchanged for all four years.
• 糖心视频 Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy
  • 5% annual tuition increase in each of the four years
  • The additional revenue would support accreditation requirements, faculty and staff, research resources, technology, facilities and other operational needs.

糖心视频 West Oʻahu

• AY 2027–28 and 2028–29: No increase
• AY 2029–30: 3% increase; resident undergraduate tuition increases from $7,632 to $7,872 annually
• AY 2030–31: 3% increase; resident undergraduate tuition increases to $8,112 annually
• Nonresident undergraduate tuition would increase by the same percentage.

糖心视频 community colleges

• AY 2027–28 and 2028–29: No increase in lower-division tuition
• AY 2029–30: Resident lower-division tuition increases from $131 to $135 per credit
• AY 2030–31: Resident lower-division tuition increases to $139 per credit
• For a student taking 24 credits annually, tuition would increase from $3,144 today to $3,336 by AY 2030–31鈥攁n increase of $192.
• Upper-division tuition would increase at the same levels as 糖心视频 Hilo and 糖心视频 West O驶ahu.
• Summer school tuition for Hawaiʻi residents, reduced in 2025 to match the regular resident tuition rate, would continue at the same rate as resident lower-division tuition, including the proposed increases.

A decade of relatively flat tuition

糖心视频 tuition has remained relatively flat for a decade while operating costs have continued to rise. Recent increases in state funding have largely supported budget restorations, construction and facility improvements and negotiated salary increases, while tuition revenue has not kept pace with inflation and rising operational costs.

The proposal is intended to address those rising costs while maintaining affordability for Hawaiʻi students. About 90% of 糖心视频 community college graduates and 65% of graduates from the four-year campuses complete their degrees without student loan debt.

Public review and approval process

Chancellors across the 糖心视频 System notified their campus communities about the proposal and the start of the review process on September 11. The formal public review period begins September 18, followed by open public meetings on Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Kauaʻi and Oʻahu from October 5–16. Feedback may be provided at the public meetings or submitted online, with details to be announced when available. A summary of public feedback and any revisions to the proposal are scheduled to be presented October 29, with the 糖心视频 Board of Regents considering the final proposal on November 19.

If approved, the new schedule would be filed with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor by December 1 and take effect in fall 2027.

As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforms the workforce and daily life, the University of Hawaiʻi is making AI education available to everyone with a new, free online course designed for the people of Hawaiʻi and beyond.

Artificial Intelligence for Hawaiʻi is an open-access, self-paced course that provides foundational AI knowledge and practical skills while addressing responsible and ethical use through a Hawaiʻi lens. Free and available to anyone (no 糖心视频 affiliation or login required), the course is part of 糖心视频鈥檚 broader effort to serve as a statewide leader and trusted resource as AI reshapes education, business, government and the workforce.

Demand for AI skills is surging globally, making broad access to AI education increasingly important. Eighty percent of hiring managers consider AI skills a priority when evaluating candidates, according to CNBC, and 60% of employers are already assigning interns projects involving AI tools, according to the National Association of Colleges + Employers. 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel says 糖心视频 has both an opportunity and a responsibility to help Hawaiʻi navigate this transformation.

“AI is transforming the way we work, learn and live, and Hawaiʻi cannot afford to sit on the sidelines,” Hensel said. “糖心视频 has both an opportunity and a responsibility to help our state lead through this change. That means making AI education accessible to everyone and giving people the practical skills to use these tools effectively, responsibly and in ways that reflect 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 values.”

Demystifying AI

Hosted on the , the self-paced course uses instructional videos, Hawaiʻi-based examples and hands-on activities to make AI understandable and useful for people at all levels of experience. It is designed not only for 糖心视频 students and employees, but for anyone who wants to better understand and use AI, from educators and government employees to small business owners, nonprofit organizations and individual community members.

The course was also informed by 糖心视频 experts in Hawaiian values, culture, language and ʻike Hawaiʻi. A 糖心视频 Task Force on Hawaiian Values and Culture examined issues unique to the development and use of AI in Hawaiʻi, including appropriate protocols for how ʻike and ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi resources should be used and what kinds of information should, and should not, be contributed to AI systems.

The 12 chapters take participants from basic AI literacy to practical applications:

• Chapters 1–3: AI fundamentals — How AI and machine learning work, along with key issues including bias, fairness and transparency.
• Chapters 4–6: Responsible AI and stewardship — Ethical AI use for individuals and organizations, AI鈥檚 environmental impact and opportunities to support conservation and climate resilience.
• Chapters 7–9: Education and strategy — How AI is changing teaching, learning, academic integrity and organizational operations.
• Chapters 10–12: Workplace and industry — Practical AI skills, including advanced prompting, and applications in Hawaiʻi industries such as tourism and agriculture.

“This course empowers our 糖心视频 campuses and local communities to actively shape how we use AI to make our island home better,” said Gloria Niles, 糖心视频 chief academic technology innovation officer. “By focusing our exploration on transparency and responsible deployment within a Hawaiʻi context, we can thoughtfully integrate these technologies while honoring our core values.”

Building 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 AI capacity

AI for Hawaiʻi is part of a broader 糖心视频 strategy to help prepare the state for an AI-augmented future and serve as a trusted resource for individuals, educators, businesses, government agencies and communities navigating the rapidly evolving technology.

Through the OneAI Hub, 糖心视频 is bringing together AI education, training and resources, including AI Communities of Practice and the AI 2 Xcelerate program. The university鈥檚 broader AI strategy encompasses governance, curriculum, workforce development, research and operations.

糖心视频 is also expanding the use and understanding of AI across its 10 campuses, including AI-powered student advising and 24/7 chatbots, faculty development through EL3vate and AI Innovation@RISE, which connects students across the 糖心视频 System with local industries to address real-world needs.

The free AI for Hawaiʻi course is available now through the . No 糖心视频 affiliation or login is required.

This week’s image is from the Hawaiʻi CC.

From the Hawaiʻi CC Instagram: A great start to Fall 2026! It鈥檚 been wonderful first week welcoming our students back for a new semester.

.

Send us your image!

Previous Images
First day of class
Fungi
Many Manu-o-K奴
Winning experience
Hammerhead Sharks
All Images of the Week

A big mahalo to everyone who has sent in their images! If selected, they will be posted throughout the semester, so check back to see the amazing work, research and experiences of the 糖心视频 驶辞丑补苍补!

Want to get in on the action? The next 糖心视频 News Image of the Week could be yours! Submit a photo, drawing, painting, digital illustration of a project you are working on, a moment from a field research outing or a beautiful and/or interesting shot of a scene on your campus. It could be a class visit during which you see an eye-catching object or scene.

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Please include a brief description of the image and its connection to your campus, class assignment or other 糖心视频 connection. By submitting your image, you are giving 糖心视频 News permission to publish your photo on the 糖心视频 News website and 糖心视频 social media accounts. The image must be your original work, and anyone featured in your image needs to give consent to its publication.

40 years

Pak, Andrew
Professor, Kapiʻolani CC

30 years

Aquino, Encarnita N
Procurement/Property Management Specialist, 糖心视频 Maui College

Lee, Edmond W L
Program Manager, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Lewis, Wayne S
Professor, Honolulu CC

Solis, Ron D
Associate Professor, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

More anniversaries
August 2026
July 2026
June 2026
More anniversary lists

20 years

Barnett, Jennifer P
Assistant Specialist, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Ching, Sheri G G
Administrative Officer, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Dawrs, Stuart V
Librarian, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Gal, Roy R
Associate Specialist, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Harbin, Donna M
Professor, 糖心视频 Maui College

Kawabata, Kevin Y
IT Manager, Leeward CC

Langford, Richard A
Professor, 糖心视频 West Oʻahu

Miller-Cabasug, Ina
Associate Professor, Honolulu CC

Newhouse, Kimberley K
Instructor, 糖心视频 Maui College

Pagano, Ian S
Assistant Specialist, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Sagapolutele, Marlene E
Administrative and Fiscal Support Specialist, Honolulu CC

Snyder, Derek S
Dean, 糖心视频 Maui College

Su, Shan
Administrative Officer, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Takamure, Christy L
Professor, Leeward CC

10 years

Ae, Kimberly K A
Administrative Officer, 糖心视频 West Oʻahu

Barko, Valerie A
County Administrator, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Blamey, Thomas L
Assistant Professor, 糖心视频 Maui College

Bolosan, Rowell
Janitor, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Costa, Crystal A
Program Specialist, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Davis, Katherine F
Specialist, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Deng, Youping
Professor, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Higa, Chloe N S
Fiscal Specialist, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Kennedy, Kelly L M
Associate Professor, Leeward CC

Kephart, Tennille A
Administrative Officer, 糖心视频 Hilo

McGuire, John H
Building Maintenance Worker, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Mehan, Robin M
Janitor, 糖心视频 Hilo

Messinger, Thane J
Instructor, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Niblock, Gerald M
Electrician, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Okamoto, Scott K
Researcher, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Sanchez Guerrero, Eileen R L
Educational Specialist, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Shima, Brandon H L
Project Manager, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Soma Turek, Kelsey T
Fiscal Specialist, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Strong-Ruiz, Kenisha M
Instructor, Leeward CC

Taira, Derek S
Associate Professor, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Uehara, Darren K
Janitor, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

West, Kristi L
Associate Researcher, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Yoshikawa, Kristy K M
Associate Professor, Kapiʻolani CC

A sensory-friendly initiative that began at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 has expanded to all 10 糖心视频 campuses, giving students, faculty and staff across the system access to tools designed to reduce stress, improve focus and support overall well-being.

The effort is led by the 糖心视频 project in partnership with campus offices statewide. Two years ago, CAMP+U collaborated with the to open 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补’s first sensory room, providing a quiet space where members of the campus community can decompress, regulate emotions and recharge from the demands of daily campus life.

Spreading support

Building on that success, CAMP+U has partnered with every 糖心视频 campus to provide a portable sensory kit that can be used to create sensory rooms, integrated sensory spaces or pop-up experiences.

The portable kits contain more than a dozen sensory tools鈥攊ncluding a northern lights and moon projector, sunset and jellyfish lamps, fidget toys, space tent, cosmic cocoon (bean bag chair) and more鈥攖hat can be easily transported and assembled, offering campuses a low-cost, flexible way to create calming environments wherever they are needed. The kits also contain a resource hub with educational materials.

Each campus has adapted the initiative to meet its local needs, with collaborations involving disability services, student basic needs, counseling, libraries and other student support offices. Many campuses introduced the program through sensory pop-up events during high-stress times such as midterms, finals and campus study sessions.

“College can be overwhelming for anyone, and sometimes students simply need a place where they can pause, reset and return to class feeling ready to learn,” said Holly Manaseri, Center on Disability Studies faculty member and project director. “Creating spaces that acknowledge those needs sends a powerful message that every student belongs and deserves the opportunity to succeed.”

The expansion comes as colleges and universities nationwide increasingly adopt sensory-informed learning environments to support academic success and well-being. Among 糖心视频鈥檚 peer institutions, more than half offer sensory-friendly spaces, while nearly one-quarter have dedicated sensory rooms. Sensory spaces were also offered at every 2026 FIFAWorld Cup venue, and similar spaces are now found in airports, public libraries and shopping centers to help people take a break from overwhelming sights and sounds.

Feedback shows positive impact

An ongoing research study is evaluating the impact of the 糖心视频 initiative. According to Manca Sustarsic, the project鈥檚 evaluator, “Feedback from more than 500 visitors across the university system shows visitors reported feeling calmer, more relaxed and happier after using the sensory spaces. Preliminary findings also indicate significant reductions in stress, anxiety, frustration and feeling overwhelmed, while many students reported improved focus, greater motivation and a stronger sense of belonging on campus.”

CAMP+U鈥攕upported by and led by Manaseri, Sustarsic and Renz Louis T. Montano鈥攆ocuses on supporting student success throughout the college experience, with particular attention to students with learning differences and disabilities.

For sensory room contacts at each 糖心视频 campus,

The Center on Disability Studies is housed in 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 .

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Six University of Hawaiʻi community college students have been awarded the 2026 Servco Technical Education Program (STEP) scholarship that provides tuition and hands-on career development for the next generation of automotive technicians.

The scholarships from Servco Pacific Inc. support students pursuing their automotive technology degrees at four 糖心视频 campuses: Leeward Community College, Honolulu Community College, Kauaʻi Community College and the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College.

The 2026 recipients are:

• Josiah Tania, Leeward CC
• Justin Ryan Abad, Leeward CC
• Bronson Okamura, Honolulu CC
• Cyrus Medverd, Honolulu CC
• Joshua Galiza, Kauaʻi CC
• Robbiel Lyndon Fronda, 糖心视频 Maui College

Pipeline of skilled technicians

“STEP is one of the most direct ways we invest in the future of our workforce,” said Lance Ichimura, senior vice president of automotive distribution at Servco. “As our industry evolves, developing local talent ensures Servco and Hawaiʻi have a strong pipeline of skilled technicians for years to come.”

The program, which has partnered with local community colleges since 1991, covers tuition and books for recipients. Students also gain part-time paid employment at Servco as technician apprentices and receive mentorship from the company鈥檚 technical training team. Upon completing their associate degrees and securing a technician position at Servco, recipients are also eligible for funding for tools.

Aloha 糖心视频 驶辞丑补苍补,

When we announced the implementation of the updated free expression policy and procedures (Time, Place and Manner Policy or TPM) on an interim basis on July 1, we intended to provide clear, viewpoint-neutral guidelines that would protect expressive rights while ensuring our campuses remain safe, accessible and functional for teaching and learning. There is no question that free speech, academic freedom and robust intellectual debate are the lifeblood of our 10-campus system.

The interim TPM policy and procedures are the product of significant outreach, education and engagement with our campus community and others over the last year, as our resource website shows. During this time, we have heard extensive feedback from students, faculty and staff across our campuses, and the policy has undergone significant revisions in response to these conversations.

Since the implementation, we have heard concerns from some members of our community that the interim rules, particularly around parameters such as the 25-foot building setbacks, the 60-decibel noise thresholds and chalking feel overly restrictive and could discourage expressive activity. At the University of 贬补飞补颈驶颈, our community has a rich, proud history of peaceful protest. It is essential that our policies not only withstand constitutional scrutiny on paper, but also maintain the trust and confidence of the people they govern.

Your concerns have been heard. I am directing the withdrawal of the interim TPM policy and procedures, effective immediately. We will return to our pre-interim guidelines (the 2014 version of Executive Policy 10.206, 鈥淔ree Expression on University Campuses鈥�) while we continue our conversations together and identify a new path forward.

This pause will allow us to build on the consultation already completed and more effectively build a TPM policy with our community. We are committed to striking the right balance between protecting active learning environments and honoring our historical role as a forum for moral and political expression from all vantage points and perspectives.

During the remainder of this semester, we will proceed as planned to host open, in-person listening sessions to ensure everyone has the opportunity to share their concerns, ideas and suggestions.

I want to thank everyone who has stepped forward to share their perspectives, write letters and participate in this debate. Your engagement is a powerful demonstration of the academic freedom and active civic participation that makes the University of 贬补飞补颈驶颈 so special.

Let us continue to engage in a constructive, respectful dialogue that models the very best of who we are as an institution.

With warm aloha,
Wendy Hensel
糖心视频 President

This week’s image is from the 糖心视频 Hilo.

From the 糖心视频 Hilo Instagram: First day of freshman year or your last 1st day on campus? No matter where you are in your journey, we鈥檙e so glad you鈥檙e here. Let鈥檚 make this year the best one yet!

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Send us your image!

Previous Images
Fungi
Many Manu-o-K奴
Winning experience
Hammerhead Sharks
Lei making
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A big mahalo to everyone who has sent in their images! If selected, they will be posted throughout the semester, so check back to see the amazing work, research and experiences of the 糖心视频 驶辞丑补苍补!

Want to get in on the action? The next 糖心视频 News Image of the Week could be yours! Submit a photo, drawing, painting, digital illustration of a project you are working on, a moment from a field research outing or a beautiful and/or interesting shot of a scene on your campus. It could be a class visit during which you see an eye-catching object or scene.

• .

Please include a brief description of the image and its connection to your campus, class assignment or other 糖心视频 connection. By submitting your image, you are giving 糖心视频 News permission to publish your photo on the 糖心视频 News website and 糖心视频 social media accounts. The image must be your original work, and anyone featured in your image needs to give consent to its publication.

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel presented a series of proposed organizational changes designed to elevate the voices of the university鈥檚 seven community colleges, strengthen systemwide academic planning and create what she described as a more unified student success ecosystem.

Hensel outlined the changes to the 糖心视频 Board of Regents (BOR) at its August 20 meeting at Kauaʻi Community College in her presentation, “Final Reorganizational Directives for the University of Hawaiʻi System.” The proposed plan for discussion would eliminate the Office of the Vice President for Community Colleges. All seven community college chancellors would then report directly to the president and serve alongside the chancellors of 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补, 糖心视频 Hilo and 糖心视频 West Oʻahu on the president鈥檚 executive cabinet.

Elevating the voices of the community colleges

Over the next few months, Hensel will discuss the proposal with campus governance groups and the broader campus communities, receive feedback and consider that input as the proposal moves forward.

The plan is intended to be “an amplification of the community colleges, not a diminution of those community colleges, and I just can鈥檛 say that strongly enough,” Hensel told the BOR. The proposal would elevate “the voices of the community college chancellors so they are sitting at the table with the four-year chancellors and directly contributing to the decisions we are making for the entire university.”

Hensel said the proposal responds to feedback from the community college chancellors, who expressed a desire for a more direct role in systemwide planning and decision-making. The new reporting structure is intended to increase the voice and accountability of each campus while strengthening communication and collaboration across all 10 campuses. The proposal was developed following multiple conversations with administrators, faculty and staff across the community colleges over the last eighteen months.

Hensel made clear the proposed administrative change would eliminate an administrative layer but would keep intact the support structure serving the community colleges.

“We are not eliminating the critical work that is being done or the people who are doing it,” Hensel said. “We are taking those essential functions and placing them where they can be more fully integrated with the academic and administrative work of the entire system.”

Under the proposal, community college academic affairs—including student support, institutional effectiveness, workforce innovation and academic support services—would move as a unit under the Office of the Vice President for Academic Strategy. Community college administrative functions, including budget, human resources and facilities, would transition as a unit to the Office of the Vice President for Administration.

The reporting-line changes and elimination of the vice president position will be discussed over the fall semester, with the intent of reaching a conclusion by the end of 2026. A second phase, beginning in spring 2027, would include more detailed work and consultation within reporting structures to determine how to maximize collaboration and effectiveness of the new teams.

Separating 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 and system leadership

Hensel also highlighted the July 2026 separation of 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 and 糖心视频 System operations as a major step toward the new organizational structure.

Before the separation, the 糖心视频 president also carried many of the responsibilities traditionally assigned to the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 chancellor. With Vassilis Syrmos now serving as the dedicated 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 chancellor, Hensel said the president鈥檚 office can focus more fully on statewide academic, workforce, operational and financial strategies while ensuring balanced attention across all 10 campuses.

The new governance boundaries assign Hensel responsibility for systemwide integration, long-term statewide alignment and fiduciary oversight. Syrmos is responsible for the day-to-day academic operations, student experience, research enterprise and physical infrastructure of the flagship campus.

“Having a dedicated chancellor at 惭腻苍辞补 allows that campus to receive the focused leadership it deserves, while allowing the president to look across the entire state and ask what every campus and every community needs from the University of Hawaiʻi,” Hensel said.

Exploring a West Oʻahu regional model

The university is also examining opportunities for greater coordination between 糖心视频 West Oʻahu and Leeward Community College, which have been operating under the interim dual leadership of Chancellor Carlos Pe帽aloza since January 2026.

The pilot is exploring how the two campuses can better serve the rapidly growing West Oʻahu region through shared resources, coordinated academic offerings and streamlined pathways that allow students to move more easily from associate to bachelor鈥檚 degree programs. Hensel emphasized that no final outcome has been predetermined.

“This is an exploration,&lrdquo; she said. “The purpose is to determine whether there are opportunities to create stronger academic pathways, use resources more effectively and provide students with a more integrated experience. We will follow the evidence and the input we receive rather than begin with a predetermined answer.”

A formal recommendation on the future structure is expected in early 2027.

Elevating academic technology and Native Hawaiian leadership

Additional changes include permanently placing the Office of Academic Technology and Innovation under the Office of the Vice President for Academic Strategy. The move is intended to better align academic technology, online education and instructional innovation with the university鈥檚 broader academic and student-success strategy.

Hensel is also proposing to elevate the director of Hawaiʻi Papa o Ke Ao to an assistant vice president and executive director position reporting directly to the president. The change will formally embed Native Hawaiian perspectives and the university鈥檚 commitment to becoming a model Indigenous-serving institution within the executive leadership structure.

Together, the changes are intended to create clearer responsibilities and a leadership structure centered on 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 excellence, community college parity, integrated administrative support, holistic academic strategy and cultural authority.

Building a statewide student ecosystem

Hensel said the reforms are the culmination of two years of systemwide conversations that started before her arrival about how 糖心视频鈥檚 administrative structure can better advance its mission and serve students.

“How do we create an infrastructure that outlives independent personnel changes?” Hensel asked. “Too often, academic administrations are built around particular individuals and personal relationships. We need an integrated architecture that does not depend on who happens to be sitting in a particular chair, but instead supports collaboration and student success over the long term.”

Hensel said a more integrated system can improve course sharing, transfer pathways and access to academic programs while establishing a common standard of care for students regardless of which 糖心视频 campus they attend.

“This is not about making every campus the same,” Hensel said. “It is about preserving the identity and strengths of each campus while building the connections that allow us to serve students and the state far more effectively as one university.”

University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents (BOR) Chair Lauren Akitake outlined her priorities for the year ahead, emphasizing student success, greater collaboration across the 10-campus system and preparing 糖心视频 for Hawaiʻi‘s future.

Akitake, who was elected chair in July, delivered the remarks at the BOR‘s August meeting at Kauaʻi Community College as part of a new agenda item focused on the BOR‘s direction for the coming year.

“Our role as Regents is to set strategic direction, provide oversight, ask questions and support President Hensel as she leads the University,” Akitake said.

糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel is scheduled to present her strategic priorities to the BOR at its September 17 meeting. Akitake said the Board’s work should be guided by several overarching themes, beginning with student success—from recruiting students and helping people across Hawaiʻi understand 糖心视频 as a pathway to opportunity and a stronger future, through enrollment, navigating 糖心视频, transferring, graduating and finding meaningful opportunities after graduation.

She also emphasized strengthening 糖心视频 as one University while recognizing the distinct communities, missions and strengths of each of its 10 campuses. Akitate said her recent experiences at 糖心视频 Maui College and Kauaʻi Community College reinforced the strong sense of community and pride of place that makes each campus unique.

Akitake also highlighted the Board’s responsibility to keep sight of who it serves.

“The University of Hawaiʻi is one of Hawaiʻi‘s extraordinary public assets,” she said. “It belongs to the people of Hawaiʻi, changes lives and strengthens communities, and we have a responsibility to ensure it remains strong, innovative and prepared to serve Hawaiʻi for generations to come.”

Akitake also called on the Board to “prepare for the future, not simply manage the present,” citing artificial intelligence, demographic shifts, workforce needs, cybersecurity, technology and a changing economy.

“We need to be asking what Hawaiʻi will need from 糖心视频 five, 10, and 20 years from now—and making decisions today that prepare us for that future,” Akitake said.

Committee priorities

She is working closely with committee chairs and vice chairs to understand their priorities and vision and align their work with the Board’s broader goals. Akitake also outlined the work ahead for the BOR‘s six committees:

• Committee on Independent Audit & Risk: Continue oversight of 糖心视频‘s internal and external audit functions with increased emphasis on enterprise risk management. The BOR has approved 16 internal audit projects, including systemwide reviews of construction project management, information security and Title IX.
• Kuleana & Community Engagement Committee: Advance the Kuleana Imperative’s 18-month action plan and metrics and further develop the BOR‘s new community engagement responsibilities. The committee, chaired by Regent Keola Whittaker, begins its work October 1.
• Governance Committee: Oversee implementation of the BOR‘s April 2026 committee restructuring, including confirming the committees’ new charges and completing remaining bylaws work. The committee will also establish a regular process for reviewing bylaws and policies and follow up on the 2025 Board self-assessment.
• Student Success Committee: Focus on the full student journey, from recruitment and enrollment through graduation and beyond. The committee will also look at opportunities to further support 糖心视频 Athletics and student-athletes, building on strong support among Regents and the new leadership of Chair Keith Amemiya and Vice Chair Makai Freitas.
• Committee on Facilities & Long Range Planning: Chaired by Regent Neil Abercrombie, the committee will focus on 糖心视频‘s long-term infrastructure and capital priorities, including developing strategies to address the deferred maintenance backlog and planning for future campus facility needs.
• Finance & Investment Committee: Continue oversight of 糖心视频‘s financial position, investments and long-term financial sustainability while also engaging with Hensel’s planned investment of more than $100 million and a new financial policy approach that connects budget decisions with strategic priorities.

“These committees give us a way to take the broader questions we are asking as a Board and turn them into focused oversight, decisions and action throughout the year,” Akitake said.

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel is moving 糖心视频 toward a more coordinated approach to managing its financial resources, with the 10 campuses sharing risk and investing collectively in priorities that benefit students across the system.

Hensel outlined the approach during her presentation “Collaborative Strategic Investment: A New Paradigm for 糖心视频” to the 糖心视频 Board of Regents on August 20 at Kauaʻi Community College, describing it as part of a larger shift toward operating 糖心视频 as one university system rather than 10 largely independent campuses.

“What we have is a very decentralized 10-campus system, which means that we are often pulling in different directions in ways that compete with each other that are not optimal,” Hensel said.

The new approach is built around what Hensel described as a “we rather than I” philosophy鈥攎aintaining the individual identities and priorities of each campus while taking greater advantage of the financial strength of the entire 糖心视频 System.

Historically, campuses have largely managed their own reserves, tuition balances and financial risks. That meant campuses generally had to respond on their own to challenges such as enrollment declines while also funding many of their own strategic priorities. It has also contributed to significant differences across the system, with some campuses accumulating substantial cash balances while others have had fewer resources available.

Across the system, campuses have held a fluctuating total of about $200 million in unutilized cash balances. Hensel described having those resources as a “gift” compared with universities across the country facing structural deficits and other significant financial challenges. The opportunity now, she said, is to put more of those resources to work for 糖心视频 students, faculty and staff.

“We are moving from ‘preserve’ and ‘defend’ capital to ‘deploy’ and ‘anticipate’ the future so that we can meet the needs of the moment that we’re in,” Hensel said.

Sharing risk across 10 campuses

One major step has already been taken. 糖心视频 has consolidated approximately $156 million that had been held as reserves at individual campuses into a single systemwide reserve. Instead of each campus carrying its financial risk alone, the university now has a shared safety net that can be used when significant needs or emergencies arise anywhere in the 10-campus system.

糖心视频 is taking a similar approach to excess tuition balances. Campuses will retain 20% of their tuition cash balances, preserving resources for campus-specific priorities and needs beyond their normal annual operating expenses. Funds above that level at the close of each fiscal year will be redirected to key strategic investments across the university. The approach follows existing state law that directs excess tuition funds to be returned to the system annually for strategic use.

The goal, Hensel said, is not simply to shift money from one campus to another, but to use 糖心视频鈥檚 collective resources where they can have the greatest impact while preserving appropriate campus autonomy. The approach supports Hensel鈥檚 broader goal of establishing a more consistent standard of care for students across the 10 campuses. A student, faculty or staff member鈥檚 access to basic technology, services and support should not depend on the financial condition of their particular 糖心视频 campus.

Investments will focus on needs that are difficult for individual campuses to address on their own effectively and efficiently, such as modernizing Wi-Fi infrastructure across all 10 campuses and establishing a regular, equitable replacement schedule for technology such as laptops. By acting collectively, these improvements can be secured at a lower cost and result in greater strategic impact across the system.

The shift is part of a larger change in how 糖心视频 approaches budgeting and planning鈥攃onnecting financial decisions more directly to the priorities of the university鈥檚 strategic plan and using the collective resources of the 10–campus system to better serve students across Hawaiʻi.

Despite the ongoing overhaul of federal science funding that has rocked university research across the country, the University of Hawaiʻi has secured its second highest extramural funding record amount of $647.3 million in fiscal year 2026 (FY 2026). While it represents a slight decrease of 11.8% from last year鈥檚 record-setting total of $734 million, it also marks the fifth consecutive year that 糖心视频 has topped half a billion dollars in extramural funding.

“The true measure of this investment is not just the funding secured, but the discoveries made, students trained and communities strengthened because of this work,” 糖心视频 President Wendy F. Hensel said. “糖心视频 research addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing Hawaiʻi and the world, and these achievements reflect the dedication of our researchers and the importance of sustaining a strong research enterprise for generations to come.”

Extramural funding is defined as investments from external agencies such as the federal government, industry and non-profit organizations that support research and training activities conducted by university faculty and staff. Projects funded by extramural funds support research and innovation that helps to provide solutions to improve the quality of life not only in Hawaiʻi, but across the nation, and around the world.

“During this extremely difficult period of federal funding for university research, achieving a fifth consecutive year of securing over half a billion dollars in extramural funding is something that both the University of Hawaiʻi and the state of Hawaiʻi can really be proud of,” said 糖心视频 Interim Vice President for Research and Innovation Chad B. Walton. “It is a clear testament to the effort, dedication, and true nature of our dedicated and hardworking faculty, staff, and students that continues to successfully fuel the 糖心视频 research enterprise鈥攁 major contributor to Hawaiʻi鈥檚 economy.”

A strong research community

Leading the way for 糖心视频 in FY 2026 was 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补, the research flagship of 糖心视频鈥檚 10 campus system, with an extramural award amount tally of $516.0 million. The 糖心视频 System brought in $88.4 million, 糖心视频 Community Colleges totaled $21.1 million, 糖心视频 Hilo received $17.9 million, and 糖心视频 West Oʻahu totaled $3.9 million.

“I am extremely proud of the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 research community for their efforts and remarkable resilience during this unprecedented period in federal research funding,” said 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Chancellor Vassilis L. Syrmos. “Their dedication and commitment to their craft has once again positioned 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 to be a major contributor to 糖心视频鈥檚 extramural funding and reaffirms our on-going commitment to become the premier global flagship in the Asia-Pacific region.”

Syrmos, who also oversees federal relations for the 糖心视频 System, noted that the uncertainties surrounding federal and state research funding will continue to have a profound and long-lasting impact on university research across the nation, including key 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 projects in the areas of agriculture, astronomy, climate resilience, conservation and health that are vital to the state.

The following are examples of 糖心视频 programs that attracted the attention of funders:

• The 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 College of Social Sciences received a $12.5 million award from the Office of the Governor鈥擲tate of Hawaiʻi for the Social Science Research Institute to serve as the lead unit in expanding virtual care statewide as part of Hawaiʻi Rural Health Transformation Program funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
• The National Science Foundation awarded $4.1 million to 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 College of Engineering to continue its efforts in recruiting high-quality scholars for cybersecurity careers including recruitment of Native Hawaiian and female students. These efforts have led to jobs in the cyber security workforce in Hawaiʻi as well as nationally.
• The 糖心视频 System Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation received a $2.8 million award from the U.S. Department of Defense to work with industry, communities and state and federal government agencies to build Hawaiʻi鈥檚 innovation economy with an emphasis on blue economy technologies and advanced manufacturing.
• The College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 received a $2.8 million award from the National Institutes of Health to provide data for state and local nutrition programming policy aimed at reducing food insecurity and health disparities among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders and other underserved communities.
• The Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources awarded $1.9 million to 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 College of Natural Sciences to mitigate threats to the health and resilience of the Olowalu reef, which is a critical resource for fishers, recreational users, community groups, and businesses in West Maui.
• The School of Ocean Earth Science and Technology at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 received a $1.6 million award from the U.S. Department of Defense to explore the feasibility of using techniques such as desalinization to develop and maintain resilient drinking water supplies for its bases, such as Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi, and their surrounding communities.
• The 糖心视频 Cancer Center received a $1.5 million award from the National Cancer Institute to continue work under a Specialized Program of Research Excellence, which conducts translational research to help alleviate lung cancer and breast cancer, which are highly relevant to Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders.

According to Syrmos, more than $340.1 million in awards were received from the federal government in FY 2026. He attributed much of it as a direct result of the close working relationship between 糖心视频 and Hawaiʻi鈥檚 congressional delegation, which includes U.S. Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono and U.S. Representatives Ed Case and Jill Tokuda.

U.S. Senator Brian Schatz
“This new funding is great news for the 糖心视频, its students, and our state. It will support important research, create opportunities for students, and strengthen programs that benefit communities across Hawaiʻi. While the White House continues to threaten federal funding for universities across the country, we’ll keep doing everything we can to protect 糖心视频 and the important work it does.”

U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono
“Despite ongoing attacks on federal funding for higher education and public schools, 糖心视频 remains a beacon of innovation both in Hawaiʻi and around the world. Investing in 糖心视频 doesn鈥檛 just benefit thousands of students鈥攊t fuels our state鈥檚 economy and shares our cutting-edge research with the world. I will continue to advocate for 糖心视频鈥檚 federal funding requests and work closely with university leadership to protect its federal funding for years to come.”

U.S. Representative Ed Case (Hawaiʻi 鈥� First District)
“This funding for our flagship university is critical on several levels for our Hawaiʻi. First, it is a testament to 糖心视频鈥檚 growing research and innovation talent and international recognition. Second, it reflects the advanced partnerships that 糖心视频 has forged over the years in successfully identifying and jointly pursuing funding opportunities. And finally, it increases the university鈥檚 contributions to our island economy. In spite of its success, challenges remain, and I stand with our Congressional delegation to continue supporting the mission and advances of 糖心视频.”

U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (Hawaiʻi 鈥� Second District)
“Achieving another landmark year reflects the extraordinary talent across the University of Hawaiʻi. These federal investments tackle our state’s unique challenges鈥攆rom advancing rural healthcare and sustainable agriculture to protecting ocean resources. With White House budget cuts threatening these vital programs, our work is far from over. We must stand with our partners and fight to protect the funding that fuels this essential work.”

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel highlighted the start of the 2026–27 academic year, 糖心视频鈥檚 second-highest extramural funding total in history and the leadership transition at Hawaiʻi Community College during her August report to the 糖心视频 Board of Regents (BOR). The report was delivered at the August 20 BOR meeting at Kauaʻi Community College.

Hensel reported that 糖心视频 secured $647.3 million in extramural funding in fiscal year 2026, the second-highest total in university history and the fifth consecutive year above $500 million. She also provided an update on the leadership transition at Hawaiʻi CC, where Interim Vice President for Community Colleges and 糖心视频 Maui College Chancellor Lui Hokoana is serving as interim chancellor while 糖心视频 prepares an interim chancellor for the campus and the launch of a national search for a permanent leader.

Hensel also highlighted 糖心视频鈥檚 inaugural AI Institute Day, which brought together 546 participants from across the 糖心视频 System on August 11, and the launch of the 鈥橞ows Athletics Club and Shoji Society, two new initiatives designed to strengthen annual and transformational giving to 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Athletics.

Finally, Kauaʻi CC鈥檚 Justin Seto was recognized with the 糖心视频 President鈥檚 Award for Excellence in Building and Grounds Maintenance for his dedication, technical expertise and “campus-first” approach.

• Enrollment and start of fall semester ()
• Leadership retreat and strategic investments ()
• Hawaiʻi CC leadership transition ()
• FY26 extramural funding ()
• 鈥橞ows Athletics Club and Shoji Society ()
• AI Institute Day and strategic AI investments ()
• 糖心视频 News highlights
  • 糖心视频 Community Colleges ranked 11th best ()
  • Kauaʻi CC, Kauaʻi Community Correctional Center partnership ()
  • Kauaʻi CC Summer Institute Pāpala Lele Internship ()
• President鈥檚 Award for Excellence ()

Stay connected with President Wendy Hensel by following her on , , and

This week’s image is from the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Lyon Arboretum.

From the Lyon Arboretum Instagram: Fungi: is it a fun guy? Neither plant nor animal, fungi help recycle nutrients, support healthy ecosystems, and form remarkable partnerships with trees and other plants. From delicate mushrooms emerging after rain to vast underground networks, these fascinating organisms play a vital role in the life of the forest.

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Want to get in on the action? The next 糖心视频 News Image of the Week could be yours! Submit a photo, drawing, painting, digital illustration of a project you are working on, a moment from a field research outing or a beautiful and/or interesting shot of a scene on your campus. It could be a class visit during which you see an eye-catching object or scene.

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Please include a brief description of the image and its connection to your campus, class assignment or other 糖心视频 connection. By submitting your image, you are giving 糖心视频 News permission to publish your photo on the 糖心视频 News website and 糖心视频 social media accounts. The image must be your original work, and anyone featured in your image needs to give consent to its publication.

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—Moanikeʻala Nabarro, Office of Communications, Ke Kulanui o Hawaiʻi ma Mānoa (University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa)

For more information on other elements of the definition and usage, go to the 糖心视频 Hilo .

The University of Hawaiʻi is exploring a new leadership structure that would more fully integrate the seven community colleges into the 10-campus 糖心视频 System while strengthening the voice of individual campuses.

Under the proposal, the seven community college chancellors would report directly to 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel rather than to the vice president for community colleges. The concept is outlined in a joint message from Hensel and the community college chancellors to faculty, staff and administrators.

The proposed change follows the separation of the 糖心视频 System president and 糖心视频 Mānoa chancellor roles and is intended to provide the community colleges, 糖心视频 Hilo and 糖心视频 West Oʻahu greater parity in attention and representation at the System level.

“This shift streamlines communication by removing organizational layers, giving chancellors a direct role in systemwide decision-making and a stronger voice regarding the specific needs and priorities of their campuses,” the joint message states.

The proposal would maintain the administrative and academic support structures currently serving the seven community colleges. Community college administrative affairs functions, including budget, human resources and facilities, would report to the System vice president for administration, while academic affairs functions would continue to be coordinated through the System vice president for academic strategy.

Any additional structural changes would be developed through conversations and consultation with the affected units. The proposed structure is intended to strengthen student success, improve 糖心视频’s responsiveness to Hawaiʻi’s workforce needs and increase coordination across the 10-campus system.

“We are committed to a collaborative exploration of this path and listening to our campus communities to ensure any changes ultimately strengthen our service to the people of Hawaiʻi,” Hensel and the chancellors said.

The complete joint message is below.

Joint Statement from President Hensel and the 糖心视频 Community College Chancellors

Aloha faculty, staff and administrators,

We write today to share with you that the University of Hawaiʻi is exploring a new leadership structure to integrate our seven community colleges more fully into the 糖心视频 System. This proposal aims to strengthen the voice of each campus while maintaining the coordination and shared services that have served our communities for over 20 years.

Under this concept, community college chancellors would report directly to the 糖心视频 president instead of the vice president for community colleges. This shift streamlines communication by removing organizational layers, giving chancellors a direct role in systemwide decision-making and a stronger voice regarding the specific needs and priorities of their campuses. This move in part was made possible by the separation of the roles of system president and 糖心视频 Mānoa chancellor, which was intended to create parity of time and attention at the System for the community colleges, Hilo and 糖心视频 West Oʻahu.

Importantly, the proposed change would not dismantle the administrative and academic support structures serving the seven community colleges.

Community colleges administrative affairs—including budget, human resources and facilities—would transition to reporting directly to the System’s vice president for administration. Community college academic affairs functions—including institutional effectiveness, academic support, student support and workforce-related programs—would remain coordinated under the System’s vice president for academic strategy. Any changes in structure that follow this integration would be the product of conversations and consultation among those in the particular unit.

These changes are intended to maximize impact and effectiveness without diminishing the distinct identity or mission of individual campuses. The benefits of a more integrated 10-campus system are significant:

• Enhanced Student Success: Improved administrative coordination will facilitate smoother transfer pathways, aligned advising and expanded access to academic and workforce programs.
• Workforce Responsiveness: A unified administrative structure strengthens 糖心视频’s ability to create a single “front door” for industry, respond quickly to employer needs and connect students with vital local career training.
• Systemwide Synergy: Reducing administrative layers improves communication and coordination across all campuses, strengthening our community colleges in executing our shared statewide mission.

We are committed to a collaborative exploration of this path and listening to our campus communities to ensure any changes ultimately strengthen our service to the people of Hawaiʻi.

Mahalo for your time and attention, and for your continued dedication to our students, 糖心视频 and the people of Hawaiʻi.

Wendy Hensel – 糖心视频 President

Lui Hokoana – 糖心视频 Maui College Chancellor, Interim Vice President for Community Colleges, Hawaiʻi Community College Interim Chancellor

Karen Lee – Honolulu Community College Chancellor

Misaki Takabayashi – Kapiʻolani Community College Chancellor

Margaret Sanchez – Kauaʻi Community College Chancellor

Carlos Pe帽aloza – Leeward Community College Chancellor, 糖心视频 West Oʻahu Interim Chancellor

Ardis Eschenberg – Windward Community College Chancellor

(Hawaiʻi P–20) will launch the first of its three-part “Fund Your Future” webinar series, beginning Tuesday, August 18, to assist local families with planning and preparation for continuing education or career training after high school graduation. All events are free of charge and available to all families regardless of where the student plans to attend college.

“Hawaiʻi high school seniors and their families are encouraged to attend one session from each part of the Fund Your Future series to get a complete outlook of the many sources of financial aid available to local students, and how to pay to further your education after high school primarily using grants, scholarships, or other sources of financial aid,” said Lynsey Bow, postsecondary readiness director for Hawaiʻi P–20. “College in Hawaiʻi can be affordable, and local help is available to help families navigate this process.”

• Part 1: 鈥擫earn how to access more than $150 billion in federal grants, loans, and other financial aid, along with more than $70 million in scholarships awarded annually to Hawaiʻi students. Financial aid is available for students attending two- and four-year colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools, supporting a wide range of post-high school education and career pathways. The first free workshop will be held Tuesday, August 18, 6鈥�7:30 p.m. via Zoom. .
• Part 2: 鈥擧ear from experts representing Sallie Mae, the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, and the University of Hawaiʻi System as they discuss scholarship opportunities available to Hawaiʻi students, regardless of family income. Participants will also receive tips for using scholarship search tools and writing strong scholarship essays. The first of two virtual workshops will take place Thursday, November 5. .
• Part 3: Statewide virtual FAFSA completion workshops鈥擜ttendees will be able to ask questions and review the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2027–28 award year. These events will be held November through January, and registration will open soon. Federal Student Aid has announced that the FAFSA for the 2027–28 award year will become available October 1.

“While the FAFSA has been simplified and is now faster and easier to complete than in previous years, families should use the time before October 1 to gather any necessary financial information and supporting documentation,” said Frank Green, financial aid and FAFSA outreach specialist for Hawaiʻi P–20. “Completing the FAFSA is required for many local and national scholarships, so we encourage students to apply early and take advantage of every financial aid opportunity for which they are eligible, while ensuring they have access to the resources they need to succeed.”

Families across the state are invited to send any questions about the college planning process, financial aid, or the FAFSA by emailing FAFSA@Hawaii.edu. All emails will be answered within 24 hours by a local financial aid specialist.

For a complete listing of upcoming college planning webinars, .

The has been ranked the in the nation by personal-finance website WalletHub. The 2026 study evaluated statewide systems across key metrics of cost and quality, including tuition rates, graduation rates and student-to-faculty ratios.

With seven campuses across the state—Hawaiʻi CC, Honolulu CC, Kapiʻolani CC, Kauaʻi CC, Leeward CC, 糖心视频 Maui College and Windward CC—the system offers more than 100 academic and career-focused programs.

Prospective students looking to live and thrive in Hawaiʻi can choose from high-demand, high-growth pathways designed to provide higher pay, better work/life balance and career advancement. Options include a career-laddered nursing program at multiple campuses (from certified nurse aides to registered nurses), Windward CC‘s hands-on Veterinary Technology program, or Honolulu CC鈥檚 robust trades and technology programs, which feature information technology, automotive technology, and a welding program designed to meet American Welding Society entry-level standards.

“Our high national ranking is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff who make our campuses so special,” said 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel. “Whether you are a recent high school graduate, a working adult, or ready to return to college, there is still time. We have extended our fall application deadline to August 14. You can still take that next step and join us this fall.”

‘Especially attractive option’

Ninety percent of 糖心视频 Community College graduates complete their degrees debt-free. Many are supported directly by the Hawaiʻi Promise Program, which covers direct education costs including tuition, fees and books for eligible local residents.

There鈥檚 still time to enroll for the fall semester. . Classes begin August 24.

The 糖心视频 Community Colleges offer day, evening, online and hybrid options designed to fit a variety of schedules, career goals and life stages.

WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo said, “Community colleges are an especially attractive option this year as many families deal with inflated prices.”

Educational benefits

A 糖心视频 education remains one of the best investments students can make in their future. Graduates with an associate degree or career and technical certificate often earn higher wages when they enter the workforce than those without.

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. Enrollment specialists are available to provide personalized assistance with applying, financial aid, advising, registration and preparing for the first day of class.

The University of Hawaiʻi hosted its inaugural AI Institute Day at the 糖心视频 Mānoa Campus Center Ballroom. Co-sponsored by the Office of the President and the State of Hawaiʻi Workforce Development Council, the gathering drew 158 in-person and 388 virtual participants across the 糖心视频 System on August 11. The event was structured to help the university transition from isolated, individual AI experimentation to coordinated, systemwide innovation.

AI Institute Day welcomed guest speaker Asim Ali, executive director of Auburn University’s Biggio Center and board president of UPCEA, an online and professional education association. Ali urged attendees to look past the technical hype of “prompt engineering” and instead approach AI as an ongoing, conversational dialogue. He highlighted the role of humans in training and refining generative AI, noting that “until we get to a system that’s able to teach itself… humans are still absolutely needed.”

Ali also introduced the concept of “unbundling” professional work into automated, augmented and human-only tasks. Citing data from tech consulting company Accenture and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Ali predicted that by 2030, a third of workforce tasks will fall into each of these categories. He emphasized that technology is only beneficial if it frees up time for high-value human interaction rather than simply creating more work.

“There’s a lot of noise out there that is going to have almost no impact on your work, and you don’t have to know the daily update of everything that’s happening in the AI world,” said Ali. “But there are a few things that are grounded truths that aren’t going to change anytime soon that are fundamental parts of how the technology works that will endure and it is good and it is safe to invest your time in.”

$100 million investment

糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel described AI as “an infusion that touches all things” that will fundamentally reshape 糖心视频 operations, teaching and thinking. She announced a planned investment of approximately $100 million across 糖心视频 to boost student success, infrastructure and AI capabilities.

“We are either going to lean into this change and shape it and brand it and focus on who we are as a community and make it work or we’re going to constantly be waving in the wind as these things roll out and find ourselves in a defensive posture,” Hensel said.

To coordinate this scale, Hensel revealed 糖心视频 is hiring its first Associate Vice President for Workforce Development. This joins strategic partnerships with Google, Microsoft and MIT, alongside current initiatives such as the free, 12 chapter courses, a centralized and faculty curriculum incentives.