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

More ʻ艑濒别濒辞 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.

STAR GPS, an application developed in Hawaiʻi by the University of Hawaiʻi, was recently recognized with an inaugural Education Experience (EdX) Award from the Center for Digital Education (CDE). The awards honor innovative projects that enhance the educational experience, improve student learning, and expand access to educational services across K–12 and higher education.

STAR GPS is like the Google Maps for a student’s guided pathway to graduation, creating a personalized, semester-by-semester pathway that guides 糖心视频 students toward graduation. Just as Google Maps recalculates when a driver takes a different turn, STAR GPS automatically recalculates a student’s academic pathway when plans change, showing them the new pathway to graduation, giving students the flexibility to choose their own path while keeping on track to graduation.

“We want the student to be able to take the music class if they want to enhance their personal life,” Sarah Akina, a Windward Community College counselor, said in the award announcement. “But on the flip side, we don’t want the student taking the music class because they think it counts for a degree requirement, and it doesn’t.”

“One of STAR‘s greatest strengths is its ability to balance campus individuality with systemwide oneness,” said 糖心视频 Information Technology Manager Gary Rodwell who led the development of STAR GPS. “糖心视频‘s ten campuses serve diverse communities, each with distinct academic missions, student populations, and operational needs. The 糖心视频 leadership has always recognized that these differences are not obstacles to overcome, but strengths to embrace.”

The approach is simple: human collaboration, bringing together the knowledge, experience, and perspectives of students, staff, faculty and administration across campuses to develop shared solutions that benefit everyone. By combining this collaborative approach with emerging technologies such as AI, development can be significantly accelerated, allowing for quicker responses to changing needs and turning innovative ideas into practical solutions.

More on the Center for Digital Education (CDE) awards

CDE is a national research and advisory institute specializing in K–12 and higher education technology trends, policy and funding. Their awards recognize schools and community colleges that are making exceptional gains in transforming education and improving learning with effective technology use.

糖心视频 was one of six universities whose initiatives were recognized for simplifying how students navigate degree requirements, adopting emerging technologies like AI and expanding access to campus services.

“These projects show what is possible when technology decisions start with the needs of students, educators and families,” CDE Vice President Brian Cohen said in the awards announcement “At a time when schools and colleges face growing demands, limited resources and increasing expectations, these winners are finding practical ways to make education work better for the people they serve.”

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!

When we took you to Molokai Farm last year, we introduced you to new Farm Manager ʻ艑濒别濒辞 Schonely Spencer and described our multi-year plan to revitalize the farm into a thriving educational, agricultural, cultural and community hub. We鈥檙e going back to share what鈥檚 been accomplished, specifically cultivation projects involving two essential ancestral plants—niu (coconut) and kalo (taro)—and the establishment of a new Agricultural Entrepreneurship program.

“Through its niu project, the farm partnered with many community organizations to collect and propagate 1,200 niu from across the Island,” explains ʻ艑濒别濒辞. “Each was documented according to its collection location and known characteristics to help preserve the diversity of Molokaʻi鈥檚 niu. As the seedlings mature, they鈥檒l be distributed throughout the community to support the restoration of ulu niu and the long-term perpetuation of niu as an important cultural, ecological, and food resource.”

The farm鈥檚 kalo project strengthens students鈥� connections to ʻ腻颈苍补, culture, and community as they receive hands-on instruction in dryland kalo cultivation, propagation, and soil care while practicing traditional values such as kuleana, laulima, and aloha ʻ腻颈苍补.

“The farm is currently cultivating more than 50 varieties of kalo,” says ʻ艑濒别濒辞. “The huli (cuttings suitable for planting) will be shared with the community and planted during future farm cycles to help perpetuate the crop鈥檚 rich diversity. The project supports Molokaʻi鈥檚 food sovereignty while strengthening the intergenerational transmission of ʻ腻颈苍补-based knowledge and practices.

Last month, the Molokai community celebrated both these plants. The Niu & Kalo Festival weekend began with a “ Celebrating Kalo” event held in partnership with Sustainable Molokai, featuring kuʻi kalo (poi pounding), huli exchange, kalo tasting, keiki activities, music, and a kalo poke demonstration by Chef Sam Choy.

About 200 community members, cultural practitioners, students, educators, and partner organizations attended the Saturday event. “It was a day dedicated to celebrating the history, cultural significance, use, protection, and perpetuation of these two important ancestral plants,” explains ʻ艑濒别濒辞, “with something for everyone from keiki to k奴puna.”

The new Agriculture Entrepreneurship program launched this fall, combines hands-on agricultural training with business and entrepreneurship education. Students gain practical experience in sustainable crop production, greenhouse and nursery management, irrigation, equipment operation, food safety, and internships while developing the skills needed to start or support a farm-based enterprise. The program is helping to build the next generation of local farmers and agriculture entrepreneurs while strengthening Molokai鈥檚 food system, food security, and agricultural resilience.

Kurt Go is one of the students in the first cohort. His association with our Molokai Education Center goes back to 2021 when he attended an open house for the construction technology program. In 2025, he was one of only three adult students who graduated with an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Construction Technology. Which came in handy when, as empty nesters, he and his wife Kelly decided to revive their home garden and remodel their old greenhouse.
“The rising prices of groceries and shipping costs have prompted my wife and I to consider growing our own produce,” explains Kurt as the impetus to join the cohort. “We have friends who started growing fruits and vegetables in their yards, who have inspired us to do the same. This cohort will provide me with the necessary knowledge and skills to start a home garden and possibly a small business.”

Kanoe Dudoit is also a member of the new cohort. “Being raised off grid on Molokai, my ʻohana often relied on producing our own food. Hunting, fishing and growing fruits or vegetables were always part of everyday life. I鈥檝e always been passionate about living a sustainable lifestyle and now being on Hawaiian Homestead, I would love to make that a reality. Its health benefits can last for generations,” she says. “When I saw the AG Entrepreneurship cohort, I felt it would be the perfect fit and boost I needed to finally break ground.”

Kanoe also has a long association with our Molokai Education Center. “As someone who learns best through hands-on experience, I am fortunate to have built a relationship with the Molokai Education Center, CTAHR, and Molokai Farm. Each offered real-time, life skills experience through countless workshops, courses, webinars, farm visits, cohorts, and internships,” she says.

“The Center has opened doors for me to accept my first scholarship, multiple degrees, and future career opportunities. With CTAHR, I鈥檝e made connections from the Harvest 2 Market cohort that continues to meet each week, helping each other get one step closer to growing something at our own locations. At the Molokai Farm, I learned about the static hydroponic method, got to take home a mini greenhouse with a container of plant nutrients, and harvested more lettuce than I could have imagined from such a simple setup! All inspiring and providing me with the action steps towards my ultimate goal!” That ultimate goal is to utilize much of her homestead to contribute to a thriving lifestyle鈥or her family AND for her Island.

To learn more about Molokai Education Center, please visit

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 M膩noa: 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 M膩noa 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 M膩noa 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 M膩noa 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 M膩noa 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艑濒别濒辞 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.

From advancing artificial intelligence (AI) to preparing Hawaiʻi‘s future workforce, Chad Walton is charting a new direction for research and innovation across the University of Hawaiʻi‘s 10-campus system.

Named in September 2026 after serving in the interim role since July 2025, Walton is a 糖心视频 M膩noa alumnus with more than two decades of experience as a biomedical researcher, professor and administrator.

His priorities include improving research support services, strengthening statewide partnerships and making better use of expertise across 糖心视频‘s campuses.

Those goals align with 糖心视频‘s new $123 million strategic investment initiative, which emphasizes sharing resources systemwide. Approximately $15.5 million in strategic impact supports research, innovation and economic diversification, including AI, advanced manufacturing and intellectual property protection.

“Chad brings a unique perspective to this role, having experienced 糖心视频 as a student, researcher, faculty member and administrator,” said 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel. “His understanding of the university from so many angles, combined with his collaborative approach, will be invaluable as we strengthen research and innovation across our 10-campus system.”

Building on that institutional support, Walton envisions a unified effort across the university’s system.

“We want to speak with one 糖心视频 voice and make better use of the tremendous expertise and resources we have across all 10 campuses,” Walton said. “It’s about working together, breaking down barriers and making it easier for our communities and partners to connect with the university.”

糖心视频 secured $647.3 million in extramural research funding in fiscal year 2026, its second-highest total ever. Walton noted that much of this federal funding directly benefits Hawaiʻi, with roughly half supporting workforce training.

From researcher to research leader

A trained bioengineer, Walton came to Hawaiʻi to pursue tuberculosis vaccine research before moving into cardiovascular research and directing trauma research at the . His biomedical work contributed to federally funded projects and several U.S. patents.

As 糖心视频 M膩noa assistant vice provost for research and scholarship, Walton led a materials science initiative that secured major funding and united faculty across disciplines. He later took on systemwide responsibilities in research development, commercialization and strategic partnerships.

His approach to tackling challenges is rooted in a lesson from his grandfather that has guided him throughout his career.

“My grandfather always told me that, ‘Once you identify a problem, you become part of the solution,’” Walton said. “That’s something I’ve carried with me throughout my career, whether I’m conducting research or taking on a new challenge.”

Nearly two decades after earning his PhD in from 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补, he returned to earn a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary ocean sciences in 2025 to better understand another key research area. The experience reflects his approach to leadership: learning from different disciplines and finding opportunities to bring them together.

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

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 M膩noa 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 M膩noa 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艑濒别濒辞 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

The Social Science Research Institute鈥檚 Health Policy Initiative in the at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补, in partnership with the Office of Wellness and Resilience, launched the 2026 Hawaiʻi Quality of Life and Well-Being Dashboard on October 12. Based on responses from more than 10,000 residents statewide, the dashboard shows people are more satisfied with their lives and healthier than in 2024, yet more are thinking about leaving the islands.

“Overall, well-being is improving and that is very encouraging,” said Governor Josh Green. “But there are still gaps between households that are doing well and those that are struggling. Too many residents, especially our younger adults and families, are questioning whether they can build a future here. We will continue to do more to make sure our children can come back and make a life here.”

“Two years after our initial survey in 2024, the newly released 2026 data let us see not just where Hawaiʻi stands, but which way we are heading on various measures of health and well-being,” said Jack Barile, principal investigator and director of the in the 糖心视频 Manoa College of Social Sciences. “While younger adults continue to report significant mental health and affordability concerns, the data also point to stronger family, friend and community support. Building on these sources of resilience can help create the conditions for younger residents to remain, thrive and build their futures here.”

Key findings from the dashboard

• Life satisfaction and overall health and well-being are up: 88% of residents say they are very or somewhat satisfied with their lives, up from 82% in 2024. Residents averaged 5.10 physically and 6.36 mentally unhealthy days in the past month previous to being surveyed, down from 5.26 and 6.69.
• Younger residents face added strain: Residents ages 18鈥�24 and 25鈥�34 report 8.5 and 8.9 mentally unhealthy days per month, respectively, compared with about five or fewer among those 65 and older.
• More residents are considering leaving: 46% considered moving out of state in the past year, up from 40% in 2024, and 37% cited the cost of living. This figure was 52% among households earning $25,000 to $49,000.
• Gaps by income are widening: Food insecurity fell from 11.6% to 8.5% overall, but remains high at 27% among households earning less than $25,000.
• Preparedness and workplace safety improved: 23% of residents feel well or very well prepared for a disaster, up from 12% in 2024. Workers reporting violence on the job fell to 24% from 34%.
• Healthcare access varies by county: 21% of residents statewide said having enough nearby doctors, specialists or facilities is a major problem, ranging from 14% in Honolulu County to 39% in Hawaiʻi County.

Policy implications and future directions

The 2026 findings let policymakers, grantmakers, advocates and community members track whether efforts are moving the needle. Data from the dashboard highlight several areas for action:

• Economic stability: Addressing the high cost of living through affordable housing, wage increases and employment benefits to help residents, especially younger adults, remain in Hawaiʻi.
• Income equity: Directing programs and resources to lower-income households, where gains in well-being have lagged.
• Disaster preparedness: Sustaining progress through outreach, planning and resilient infrastructure, as many residents still do not feel ready for a major emergency.
• Workplace well-being: Encouraging Hawaiʻi employers to adopt trauma-informed, family-friendly practices.

“Repeating the statewide quality of life survey, which we funded through Act 106 in 2024, helps us understand what is working, where challenges remain and how conditions are changing over time,” said Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz. “When nearly half of our residents are considering leaving Hawaiʻi, that is a clear signal that we must continue diversifying our economy and expanding economic opportunity. That means investing in workforce development, creating pathways to good-paying careers and reversing the brain drain so our residents can build their futures here at home.”

Empowering residents with data

The interactive dashboard lets residents explore findings in their communities and statewide, and compare results across demographics, years, occupation, geographic region and more. Data were collected between February and May 2026, and the survey garnered close to 30% more responses this year compared to 2024. It is the largest data set on health and well-being in Hawaiʻi, and the largest data set in the nation using measures from the Center for Disease Control鈥檚

The 2026 Hawaiʻi Quality of Life and Well-Being Dashboard is a partnership between the Health Policy Initiative in 糖心视频 M膩noa鈥檚 College of Social Sciences and the Office of Wellness and Resilience in the Office of the Governor. All survey data is housed exclusively with 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补.

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!”

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EPIC dance
Niu & Kalo Festival
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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.

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel has been named one of 12 Pacific Business News鈥� , recognizing her leadership during her first year at the helm of the state鈥檚 10-campus public higher education system.

The annual recognition highlights Hawaiʻi leaders for their leadership, entrepreneurship, commitment to their communities and the scope of the projects they are undertaking. This is the fourth year PBN has selected its Power Leaders.

In its profile, PBN highlighted Hensel鈥檚 work to more closely integrate 糖心视频鈥檚 10 campuses, introduce a systemwide artificial intelligence platform, launch the Direct2糖心视频 direct-admission initiative and expand fully online programs to make higher education more accessible to Hawaiʻi residents.

Hensel said a pivotal moment in her career came when then-Georgia State University President Mark Becker encouraged her to consider university leadership while she was dean of its College of Law.

“He saw something in me I hadn鈥檛 yet seen in myself and opened a door that changed my trajectory when he asked me to be the university鈥檚 provost (chief academic officer),” Hensel said. “It ultimately led me into roles where I could help highly diverse institutions lift students from all backgrounds into opportunity. That moment planted the seed that is now fully realized in my work at 糖心视频.”

Leadership focused on mission

Asked what she looks for in future leaders, Hensel emphasized collaboration and putting the institution鈥檚 mission first.

“Leadership isn鈥檛 about being the smartest person in the room—it鈥檚 about understanding the problem, empowering the people around you and making decisions that serve the mission, not the self,” Hensel said.

Hensel said her family and the mission of education keep her grounded, while student safety and well-being remain at the forefront.

糖心视频 alumni also recognized

糖心视频 alumni among the 2026 Power Leaders include Sherry Menor, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi; Aaron Sal膩, president and CEO of the Hawaiʻi 糖心视频ors and Convention Bureau; Stanford Carr, founder, president and CEO of Stanford Carr Development; and Lance Wilhelm, president of The Wilhelm Group.

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.

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.”