The University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges took top honors at the District 6 National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR) Medallion Awards ceremony in Scottsdale, Arizona in October, taking home both a gold and a silver medallion for the inspiring “Start Here, Go Beyond” campaign.

The campaign, which spotlights authentic student transfer pathways across the 10-campus 糖心视频 System, earned:

• Gold Medallion—Video Shorts (series)
• Silver Medallion—Television/Video Paid Advertisement (series)

Empowering student journeys

The award-winning video series, produced in partnership with Olomana Loomis, illustrates how starting at a community college provides an affordable, flexible pathway toward earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree, advancing careers and uplifting local communities. The featured student stories span diverse fields鈥攆rom engineering and law to education鈥攑roving that students can achieve their biggest ambitions while remaining rooted in Hawaiʻi.

“Taking home gold and silver honors among such talented peer institutions across the Pacific Western region is an incredible validation of our mission,” said Lui Hokoana, interim vice president for community colleges and 糖心视频 Maui College chancellor. “These awards belong to our creative marketing teams and, above all, to the resilient students whose voices and successes are the true heart of ‘Start Here, Go Beyond.’ Their journeys prove that no matter where you begin within our community colleges, the possibilities for your future are limitless.”

Watch the winning series

The is available on 糖心视频 Community Colleges鈥� website.

The NCMPR Medallion Awards honor excellence in design, communications and public relations exclusively among two-year community and technical colleges across District 6, which encompasses Arizona, California, Hawaiʻi, Nevada, Utah, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam.

Related stories:

• 糖心视频 Community Colleges named finalists for national marketing awards
• New video series highlights 糖心视频 transfer success

The University of Hawaiʻi is inviting students, faculty and staff across its 10-campus system to participate in the 2026 糖心视频 System AI Survey to better understand how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used and what support the university community needs.

The 15–20-minute research survey is open to current 糖心视频 students, faculty and staff age 18 and older, regardless of their experience with AI.

“Whether you use AI regularly, have stopped, or have never used it, your perspective is welcome,” the research team said in an email invitation to the 糖心视频 community.

Survey findings will help inform future 糖心视频 training, policies and access to AI technology, while supporting research on AI adoption and continued use.

Participation is voluntary, with no compensation, and participants may stop without penalty. Responses will be reported in aggregate. The survey requires a 糖心视频 account sign-in but is configured not to store participants’ names, 糖心视频 email addresses or usernames with their answers. Signing in is not consent; participants review the consent information before deciding whether to participate.

The research team includes principal investigator Sukhwa Hong of 糖心视频 Hilo, and 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补’s Mahdi Belcaid and Jason Leigh.

The survey will remain open through December 31, 2026.

For questions about the study, contact Sukhwa Hong at sukhwa@hawaii.edu.

This week鈥檚 糖心视频 News Image of the Week is from .

“A little Halloween magic for our keiki!

Keiki and ʻohana gathered this past Friday for Kiliki o Lapu (Trick or Treat), a Halloween celebration hosted by our H膩naiaulu program at Windward CC!

The evening was filled with trick-or-treating, games and activities for keiki, creative costumes, festive table displays, contests, refreshments, and plenty of smiles!”

.

Previous Images
Food distribution
Homecoming
Paniolo
EPIC dance
Niu & Kalo Festival
All Images of the Week

Send us your image!

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 ʻohana!

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.

—To be true, fact, genuine, authentic, faithfulness.

More ʻ艑lelo of the Week—Natasha Maʻfala, undergraduate, 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 .

Check back for more ʻ艒lelo Hawaiʻi.

Last year鈥檚 submissions set a mouthwatering bar, featuring incredible community hits alongside favorite seasonal classics from faculty, staff and students across our campuses. These included Dani Bartz鈥檚 Holiday Baked Brie Bread Bowl, The Gomes ʻOhana‘s Vinda D鈥檃lhos Recipe and Chibi Confectionery Gingerbread Cookies.

Check out holiday recipes from previous years

As we gear up for the 2026 holiday season, we鈥檙e ready to showcase a brand-new lineup of spectacular home-cooked creations!

糖心视频 News invites every member of our University of Hawaiʻi ʻohana to submit a favorite recipe along with a short story behind the dish. Whether it鈥檚 a treasured Thanksgiving staple, a festive Hanukkah or Christmas centerpiece, a vibrant Kwanzaa plate, a New Year鈥檚 good-luck tradition, or a beloved family secret passed down through generations鈥攚e want to celebrate it!

Selected recipes and stories will be spotlighted in 糖心视频 News throughout November and December 2026.

Each submission should include:

1. Recipe
2. A short explanation of why it is special or significant to you, or why your family serves the dish during which holiday (one or two paragraphs)
3. Photos of the prepared dish and the 糖心视频 person who is submitting the recipe
4. Contact information, name, title, campus, email and phone number for the person who is submitting the recipe

For questions or to submit your 糖心视频-mazing holiday recipe, contact your campus communicator or . We can’t wait to taste the flavor, hear the stories and celebrate our 糖心视频 ʻohana this holiday season!

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 糖心视频 enrollment by campus

• 糖心视频 10-campus system: 50,617 (-2% from fall 2025)
• 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补: 20,061 (-2%)
• 糖心视频 Hilo: 2,619 (-1%)
• 糖心视频 West Oʻahu: 2,892 (essentially unchanged)
• 糖心视频 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)
• 糖心视频 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,” 糖心视频 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 糖心视频 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 糖心视频 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, 糖心视频 Hilo and 糖心视频 Maui College recorded graduate and undergraduate transfer enrollment increases of 19% and 22%, respectively. 糖心视频 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 糖心视频 system has grown 5% since fall 2022, when 48,373 students were enrolled. Leading that growth were Windward Community College (+29%), Honolulu CC (+19%), 糖心视频 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 糖心视频 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

糖心视频 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糖心视频, 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 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 and 13 public charter schools, bringing all 10 campuses into the initiative. 糖心视频 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 糖心视频‘s official enrollment count 35 days after the first day of instruction. Detailed fall 2026 enrollment reports are available at .

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel highlighted her annual campus visits, the proposed tuition schedule, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Homecoming and recent university achievements during her October 22 report to the 糖心视频 Board of Regents (BOR) at Honolulu Community College.

Hensel shared that she has completed seven of her 10 annual campus visits, meeting directly with students, faculty, staff and Native Hawaiian representatives alongside members of her leadership team. She also provided an update on the proposed tuition schedule, which is expected to return to the Board for consideration on November 19.

Hensel celebrated the return of a full week of 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Homecoming festivities, highlighted recent national recognition for 糖心视频 campuses and praised Kapiʻolani CC for preparing and delivering meals to Kauaʻi CC students recovering from Hurricane Lowell.

• Campus visits update ()
• Proposed tuition schedule ()
• 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Homecoming and Athletics Giving Week ()
• 糖心视频 News highlights
  • JABSOM national recognition ()
  • University rankings ()
  • 糖心视频 ʻohana supports Kauaʻi CC following Hurricane Lowell ()

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

This week鈥檚 糖心视频 News Image of the Week is from .

“Today鈥檚 food distribution was a wonderful reminder of the care and connection that make our Kapiʻolani CC community so special.

We鈥檙e grateful to our students, faculty, and staff, who worked together to help provide food, support, and aloha to our students and community.”

Previous Images
Homecoming
Paniolo
EPIC dance
Niu & Kalo Festival
Storm damage
All Images of the Week

Send us your image!

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 ʻohana!

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.

—Thought, idea, belief, opinion.

More ʻ艑lelo of the Week—Natasha Maʻfala, undergraduate, 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 .

Check back for more ʻ艒lelo Hawaiʻi.

Students, faculty, and staff across the University of Hawaiʻi‘s 10 campuses now have access to Microsoft 365 completely free of charge, expanding essential technology resources while delivering greater value through a new systemwide agreement.

Supported by 糖心视频‘s Strategic Initiative Fund, the new Microsoft@糖心视频 service provides access to and app downloads for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive cloud storage, and Microsoft Copilot Chat, an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that helps users summarize information, brainstorm ideas, create content and analyze data, along with many other applications and services.

“This is exactly what we mean by creating a Common Standard of Care across our 10 campuses,” said 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel. “Every student and employee deserves access to the tools and technology they need to succeed, regardless of which campus they attend or work at. By leveraging the strength of our university system, we are expanding opportunities, making smarter use of public resources and preparing our students for success in the workforce.”

The expanded access gives students hands-on experience with software widely used by employers across industries. Developing proficiency in these tools will help students build practical skills that translate directly to the workplace.

More access for the same cost

The agreement qualifies 糖心视频 for Microsoft’s second-highest discount tier, reducing licensing costs to the university by approximately 14%. This allows 糖心视频 to provide Microsoft 365 at no cost to all eligible students, faculty and staff for about the same cost previously spent on limited faculty and staff coverage.

“By approaching technology investments as one university system, we’re able to stretch our resources further and deliver better services across all 10 campuses,” said Brad Christ, 糖心视频 Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer.

Microsoft@糖心视频 is available immediately to active 糖心视频 faculty, staff and credit students via using their 糖心视频 email address. Email services remain on Google@糖心视频 Gmail.

More technology improvements underway

Other key IT projects supporting 糖心视频鈥檚 Common Standard of Care initiative include:

• Faster Wi-Fi: A $5 million investment will install or replace nearly 3,900 wireless access points across all 糖心视频 campuses by late summer 2027. Thanks to a 40% systemwide discount, the extra savings will allow coverage to be expanded even further.
• : Complimentary access to the industry-leading software development platform for students and staff to host, manage

Steam rose from plates of chili and rice at the Kauaʻi Community College cafeteria as students gathered for a special free hot meal in October. It was one of multiple hot meals prepared by culinary students and instructors at Kapiʻolani Community College, then frozen and flown over.

For many Kauaʻi students— juggling damaged homes, prolonged power outages and academic deadlines after Hurricane Lowell—the lunches offer far more than physical nourishment.

Student Hiʻilani Cremer said she was not able to work for two weeks after the storm, and knowing she had something to eat at school helped tremendously.

“Mahalo nui loa to Kapiʻolani Community College. We thank you so much for your generosity,” said Cremer.

Student Brandon Routh added, “It helps a lot because you know we did miss a lot of work, so our paychecks were impacted because we’re not salary workers so these meals help because you know we don’t have to go buy food.”

College helping college

The meal preparation initiative came together following a conversation between Kauaʻi CC Chancellor Margaret Sanchez and Kapiʻolani CC Chancellor Misaki Takabayashi, who sought immediate, meaningful ways to support the Garden Isle campus after the hurricane disrupted the lives of an estimated 80% of students.

“The gift of hot meals from Kapiʻolani Community College not only provides meals for our campus ʻohana, but also allows us to come together and heal as a community,” Sanchez said. “This gift demonstrates the aloha we have across our 糖心视频 Community Colleges.”

The urgent need for food relief was underscored by a Kauaʻi CC student impact survey, which revealed that 39.2% of responding students lost food or groceries and continued to worry about reliable access to meals and essential supplies. Compounding those hardships, 22.8% sustained direct damage to their homes, 73.4% lost electricity and internet, and 53.2% experienced a loss of income or work hours

From across the channel, Kapiʻolani CC was eager to answer the call.

“When one of our campuses needs help, we show up for each other,” Takabayashi said. “We鈥檙e part of one system, and it鈥檚 been encouraging to see our community come together to support the relief and recovery efforts. For our students, being part of that effort is a chance to see, and experience, how much it matters when people help one another.”

Applying learning to real-world needs

To produce the dishes, culinary arts students and instructors mobilized inside Kapiʻolani CC鈥檚 teaching kitchen over multiple sessions. Preparing roughly 150–200 pounds of food weekly, the culinary team utilized a specialized cook-chill method to ensure food safety before packaging and flying the meals, which included sweet sour pork and chicken curry, to Kauaʻi.

For Kapiʻolani CC Chef Alan Tsuchiyama, a L墨huʻe native who grew up minutes from the campus, the mission was deeply personal.

“I think we should give Kauaʻi a hand in any way we can, you know, whether it be financial or whether it be by food or volunteering. I think that is important—that we should always be helping those who need help,” Tsuchiyama said.

Third-year culinary student Nalu Iwata eagerly volunteered to cook.

“I鈥檓 very proud of doing this work,” Iwata said. “Enjoy it, because we want to help you guys out. We know how much you guys have been through.”

The University of Hawaiʻi and Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) are expanding Direct2糖心视频 in its second year, giving Hawaiʻi public high school seniors a streamlined pathway to all 10 糖心视频 campuses and extending the initiative to students at participating public charter schools for the first time.

糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 has joined 糖心视频 Hilo, 糖心视频 West Oʻahu and the seven 糖心视频 Community Colleges (Hawaiʻi CC, Honolulu CC, Kapiʻolani CC, Kauaʻi CC, Leeward CC, 糖心视频 Maui College and Windward CC) in Direct2糖心视频 for the Class of 2027. Thirteen public charter schools are also eligible this year, further expanding the initiative’s reach.

Direct2糖心视频 removes traditional application barriers by providing eligible seniors direct admission to one or more 糖心视频 campuses based on their grade point average, with no application fee.

“Direct2糖心视频 sends a very clear message to Hawaiʻi’s students: There is a place for you at the University of Hawaiʻi,” 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel said. “With all 10 campuses now participating, students have access to the full range of opportunities 糖心视频 offers, from workforce training and two-year degrees to four-year programs and beyond. We want every public high school senior to know that their hard work has paid off, they have earned this opportunity and they can build an extraordinary future right here in Hawaiʻi.”

Hensel and HIDOE Superintendent Keith Hayashi officially kicked off the second year of Direct2糖心视频 on October 15 at Roosevelt High School, where approximately 245 seniors gathered in the school auditorium. Students received Direct2糖心视频 acceptance letters signed by Hensel and Hayashi welcoming them to the 糖心视频 ʻohana.

“Everybody was kind of shocked. It was like, wow, we don鈥檛 have to do all that extra work. It鈥檚 just a blessing,” said Roosevelt High School senior Zaniah Kakiva-Moses after learning that she and her classmates had already earned admission to at least one 糖心视频 campus. “I鈥檓 very excited for this opportunity. I鈥檓 so thankful for everybody who鈥檚 a part of this.”

“It was kind of sudden. The news came out of nowhere, but I was very excited to hear it,” said fellow Roosevelt senior Keoni Viveiros. “My brother goes to 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 right now, and I鈥檓 taking two 糖心视频 Early College courses while I鈥檓 in high school. I really love my teachers, so I鈥檓 sure the professors there are great as well.”

For Hayashi, the students鈥� excitement underscored the importance of creating a seamless transition from high school to higher education and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to build on their achievements.

“Direct2糖心视频 strengthens the partnership between our public schools and the University of Hawaiʻi, making the transition from high school to college more accessible for our students,” Superintendent Hayashi said. “Our students work hard throughout their K–12 journey, and this initiative recognizes their accomplishments while helping them take the next step toward their goals. By creating clearer pathways to higher education, we’re helping more students build on their strengths, pursue their aspirations and prepare for successful futures in Hawaiʻi.”

Direct2糖心视频 is part of a broader effort to make higher education more accessible and affordable for Hawaiʻi families. With strong support for public higher education from state lawmakers and leaders, 糖心视频 offers affordable pathways to degrees and careers. About 90% of 糖心视频 Community College graduates and 65% of graduates from 糖心视频‘s four-year campuses complete their degrees without student loan debt.

Direct2糖心视频 forms for fall 2027 are available now, with a May 1, 2027 deadline. For eligibility, participating charter schools and additional information on how to enroll, visit .

How Direct2糖心视频 works

For the Class of 2027:

• 3.20 GPA or higher: Students qualify for 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补, 糖心视频 Hilo, 糖心视频 West Oʻahu and all seven 糖心视频 Community Colleges.
• 2.70–3.19 GPA: Students qualify for 糖心视频 Hilo, 糖心视频 West Oʻahu and all seven 糖心视频 Community Colleges.
• 2.69 GPA or below: Students qualify for all seven 糖心视频 Community Colleges.

Students visit , verify their HIDOE student ID, choose an eligible campus and complete the Direct2糖心视频 form to secure their spot. There is no application fee. Students must remain on track to graduate from high school, and admission is subject to verification of official transcripts and eligibility requirements.

The University of Hawaiʻi is providing students with additional information about Honorlock, an online exam proctoring tool made available to instructors across all 10 糖心视频 campuses beginning in fall 2026.

Honorlock gives instructors the option to administer proctored online exams and quizzes, allowing students to complete assessments remotely, 24/7, within instructor-established testing windows. The tool is integrated directly into Lamak奴, 糖心视频‘s learning management system, eliminating the need for separate accounts or appointments at testing centers.

In an October 13 email to students, 糖心视频 addressed questions about student privacy and data security, including how Honorlock handles personal information and what the software can access during exams.

“Protecting your personal privacy while maintaining academic integrity is a top priority,” wrote Interim Vice President for Academic Strategy Kim Siegenthaler. “To provide full transparency, we would like to address common concerns and clarify how Honorlock handles your data.”

The email explains that Honorlock does not sell student data, access cell phones or other personal devices, or use facial recognition technology. Instructors decide whether to use Honorlock and determine the settings for their exams. Students with concerns or requests for alternative testing arrangements should contact their instructors.

October 13 email to students: Important Information Regarding Honorlock, Online Proctoring, and Student Data Privacy

Aloha Students,

We understand that you may have questions or concerns regarding student privacy and data security when taking exams through Honorlock. Protecting your personal privacy while maintaining academic integrity is a top priority. To provide full transparency, we would like to address common concerns and clarify how Honorlock handles your data:

1. Honorlock does not sell, monetize, or share student data with third parties.
2. Honorlock has no access to your cell phone, secondary devices, or home network communications. It only monitors the stability and quality of your internet connection to assist with troubleshooting if your connection drops.
3. Honorlock utilizes face detection technology simply to verify that a human face is present in the webcam frame. It does not use facial recognition or biometrics, does not identify or match your face against any database, and does not store facial feature elements.
4. Students are not watched live by a person for the duration of the exam. Honorlock’s software monitors the session, and a live proctor only enters via chat if potential issues are flagged, with the goal of helping you get back on track.
5. Access to your webcam, microphone, and screen ends immediately once the proctored exam is submitted.
6. Honorlock integrates directly into our Learning Management System (LMS), so no separate account or secondary password is required. Furthermore, you can easily remove or delete the Honorlock Chrome extension in a few seconds after completing your exam.
7. All transmitted data is encrypted using AES-256 cloud security standards via Amazon Web Services (AWS) and complies with FERPA regulations. Our institution owns all test data, and Honorlock automatically purges student data after standard retention periods.

Addition information regarding data privacy and how Honorlock works can be found here:

The decision to use Honorlock online proctoring, as well as the particular exam settings required for proctoring of an exam session rests with the instructor. Students requesting alternative assessment conditions or parameters must discuss their concerns directly with their course instructor.

Resources have been allocated to campuses to ensure students have access to Honorlock-compatible devices for exam taking. Please contact the designated office on your campus if you require a compatible laptop or testing space:

• 糖心视频 Hilo: Testing Center
• 糖心视频 Mānoa: Library
• 糖心视频 West Oʻahu: Library
• Hawaiʻi CC: Learning Center
• Honolulu CC: Learning Commons
• Kapiʻolani CC: Library
• Kauaʻi CC: Library
• Leeward CC: Laptop kiosk in the Learning Commons or Kīpuka
• 糖心视频 Maui College:
• Windward CC: Library

For technical help or questions during an exam, 24/7 support is available directly within the Honorlock interface.

Mahalo,
Kim L. Siegenthaler
Senior Advisor to the President
Interim Vice President for Academic Strategy

This week鈥檚 糖心视频 News Image of the Week is from .

! The celebration features a series of activities and culminates in a Homecoming Concert and 糖心视频 Alumni Makers鈥� Market on Friday, October 16 and 糖心视频 Rainbow Warrior football game versus the New Mexico Lobos on Saturday, October 17.

!

Previous Images
Paniolo
EPIC dance
Niu & Kalo Festival
Storm damage
Ching Athletics Complex rainbow
All Images of the Week

Send us your image!

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 ʻohana!

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.

—To be moral, proper, righteous; goodness.

More ʻ艑lelo of the Week

Check back for more ʻ艒lelo Hawaiʻi.

—Natasha Maʻfala, undergraduate, 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 Fiscal Services Office has updated the internal financial operations to the Kuali Cloud (eKFS) in October to streamline processes and improve how employees use the system.

eKFS is an upgrade of the former on-premises Kuali Financial System managed by the Fiscal Services Office, which records and manages all of the financial transactions and fiscal activity for all of the 糖心视频 campuses. Other 糖心视频 systems (Banner Student, PeopleSoft Human Resources, eTravel, RC糖心视频 FIS, etc.) also interface with eKFS.

“Moving to eKFS gives our employees greater ability to securely access the financial tools they need, wherever they work,” said Vice President for Budget and Finance/Chief Financial Officer Luis Salaveria. “With technology improving and advancing quickly, we are making everyday financial processes easier and supporting our employees across the University of Hawaiʻi.”

The new cloud-based eKFS system allows users to log in securely without a VPN or designated workstation, which allows more flexibility for remote work. A cloud system also means updates can be made available more efficiently to all users. The new eKFS is designed to improve workflow featuring a modern user layout with simplified navigation and improved search capabilities.

“糖心视频 is a large, complex institution,” said Vice President for Information Technology Brad Christ. “We want to ensure eKFS meets the needs of our 糖心视频 employees who support university operations across all campuses and facilities.”

The process to transition to eKFS began in late 2025 with multiple units testing and troubleshooting the system before releasing it to the 10 campuses. For administrative staff using the new system, there will be Q&A sessions, October 12–16, with morning and afternoon options. Session links are below, including the passcode for access.

• 10–11 a.m.
  • Passcode: 495625
• 2–3 p.m.
  • Passcode: 170991

This week鈥檚 糖心视频 News Image of the Week is from Windward Community College’s Paniolo BBQ.

: “Horseback rides were a highlight of the day, giving keiki and families a chance to experience a little paniolo life right here on the Windward CC campus.

For some of our youngest guests, it was their first time on a horse. For others, it was simply a chance to enjoy a ride around the Great Lawn—and there were plenty of smiles along the way.

A big mahalo to our Windward CC Veterinary Technology program for helping provide the horseback riding experience for our community!”

Previous Images
EPIC dance
Niu & Kalo Festival
Storm damage
Ching Athletics Complex rainbow
First week fun
All Images of the Week

Send us your image!

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 ʻohana!

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.

The University of Hawaiʻi held the first of four public meetings on October 6 at 糖心视频 Mānoa on a proposed resident and non-resident tuition schedule for the next four academic years, beginning in fall 2027. About 30 people attended in person, and another 128 joined online.

Under the proposal, undergraduate tuition would remain unchanged at all 10 糖心视频 campuses for the first two years, academic years 2027–28 and 2028–29, with the exception of the 糖心视频 Hilo School of Pharmacy. Tuition increases ranging from 2% to 5%, depending on the campus, would begin in AY 2029–30. More details on the proposal.

“糖心视频 has kept tuition nearly flat for about a decade, despite inflation,” said Kim Siegenthaler, interim vice president for academic strategy and senior advisor to the president.

“State support has increased since fiscal year 2022 and 2023, but those increases have mainly been to restore prior reductions to meet collective bargaining increases, and to cover temporary hazard repayments. So our tuition revenues have not kept pace with operational need, which is why we’re now proposing increases,” she said.

Six people testified at the October 6 meeting, all in opposition to the proposal, including 糖心视频 Mānoa senior Alia Ancheta.

“I have people I care about that have to prioritize working full time because they simply cannot afford tuition,” Ancheta said. “Also, having to decide whether you should study for classes, or work more hours to be able to pay for tuition. I strongly believe education should be free and accessible to everyone, especially locals and Native Hawaiian students. I hope all of you truly think about how your decisions impact my generation and future generations that plan to attend your campuses.”

Testimony can be submitted in person or online at any of the three remaining public meetings. Written testimony can also be submitted at any time through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, October 22.

Upcoming meetings

• 糖心视频 Hilo
  Wednesday, October 14, 10–11:30 a.m.
  Student Services Center, W201
  To join via Zoom, please register in advance at .
• Kauaʻi Community College
  Thursday, October 15, 9:30–11 a.m.
  OCET Room 106C/D
  To join via Zoom, please register in advance at .
• 糖心视频 Maui College
  Tuesday, October 20, noon–1:30 p.m.
  Kaʻaʻike Building, Room 105 BCD
  To join via Zoom, please register in advance at .

The public review period began September 18. A summary of public feedback and any revisions to the proposal are scheduled to be presented October 29. The public will have another opportunity to provide testimony when the 糖心视频 Board of Regents considers the final proposal, currently scheduled for its November 19 meeting.

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

The University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges are inviting students to make their voices heard and put their own creative stamp on campus safety and respect, through a systemwide Title IX Sticker Design Challenge.

Students of any major鈥攏ot just art or graphic design鈥攃an submit original digital artwork, hand-drawn illustrations, typography or graphic designs. Entries should reflect themes like respect, consent, belonging, equity and healthy relationships.

• Currently enrolled 糖心视频 Community College students can . Entries are due by Monday, November 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (HST).

Each participating campus will select one winning design to be produced as an official campus sticker and featured in systemwide outreach efforts.

Contestants are allowed to use generative AI as part of their creative process, including for brainstorming, developing ideas or creating design elements.

The final submission should reflect the student鈥檚 own creative choices and meet the contest guidelines. Students are responsible for ensuring they have the right to use any images or other materials included in their design.

Title IX Day

The 糖心视频 Community College campuses recently hosted Title IX Day on September 29, bringing students, faculty, and staff together to support safe, respectful, and equitable campus communities. Festivities across campuses featured food, giveaways and swag for participants.

“Title IX Day is about more than fulfilling a requirement鈥攊t鈥檚 about strengthening our shared commitment to a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment across all our campuses,” said Lui Hokoana, interim vice president for the 糖心视频 Community Colleges.

“We want every student to know their rights, feel empowered to speak up and actively help shape a positive campus culture.”

Complete your required training

For students who have not yet completed their annual Title IX training requirement, there is still time to finish and claim campus rewards. 糖心视频 Community College students can satisfy the training requirement through three flexible options:

• A new followed by a 3-minute knowledge check.
• The self-led 糖心视频 Vector Training (approx. 60 minutes).
• in-person session scheduled with the campus Title IX Coordinator.

Many campuses are offering swag and other perks for completing the Title IX training requirement. Connect with the Title IX Coordinators on each campus to learn more.

Applying to the University of Hawaiʻi just got easier.

糖心视频 has launched , a single undergraduate application for all 10 campuses that replaces a patchwork of separate applications and accounts previously used by prospective students.

The new system is now available for students applying for fall 2027 and represents the latest in a series of 糖心视频 initiatives aimed at removing barriers, simplifying access to higher education and improving the student experience.

“For too long, we have expected students to understand our organizational structure and navigate multiple systems just to apply to a University of Hawaiʻi campus. ApplyHawaiʻi changes that,” 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel said. “Every way we can reduce barriers to higher education is critically important. We want to make it seamless and easy for students to connect with us, explore their options and find the 糖心视频 campus and program that are right for them.”

Learn more and apply at

Previously, prospective students navigating the application process could encounter as many as four different application pathways across the 糖心视频 System, with separate applications and accounts depending on the campus or program. With ApplyHawaiʻi, students interested in any of 糖心视频鈥檚 seven community colleges or three four-year universities can now start with one common application.

ApplyHawaiʻi serves degree-seeking undergraduate applicants, including first-time freshmen, transfer and returning students, as well as Early College program for high school students and Direct2糖心视频 initiative for public high school seniors. Graduate programs and 糖心视频 Mānoa Outreach College programs will continue to use their existing application processes.

The launch builds on 糖心视频鈥檚 ongoing efforts to make college more accessible and easier to navigate. Those efforts include Direct2糖心视频, which provides eligible Hawaiʻi public high school seniors with a simplified pathway to admission across the 糖心视频 System, and new initiatives to make it easier for 糖心视频 Community College students to transfer to four-year campuses.

ApplyHawaiʻi is also the first step toward a modernized, systemwide enrollment technology ecosystem that will provide a foundation for better connecting recruitment, admissions and communications so prospective students can have a more seamless experience from their first interaction with 糖心视频 through enrollment.

“This is much bigger than replacing an application,” Hensel said. “We are removing unnecessary complexity and building a university around the needs of our students. ApplyHawaiʻi is another important step toward a more connected, accessible and student-centered University of Hawaiʻi.”