The Library and Information Science Graduate Program in the School of Communication and Information has been named one of 20 degree programs to receive the 2026 Hōpoe Assessment Award, a new faculty-led honor recognizing exemplary commitment to strengthening curriculum and student learning.
Selected from more than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs, the 20 awardees emerged through a rigorous peer-review process led by the Assessment Report Review Committee (ARRC), a team of approximately 40 faculty members trained jointly by the Mānoa Faculty Senate’s Committee on Educational Effectiveness (CEE) and the 鶹ýAssessment and Curriculum Support Center (ACSC).
The award was established in 2025 by the Mānoa Faculty Senate’s CEE to celebrate faculty-driven efforts to use assessment meaningfully and effectively. CEE Chair Justin Walguarnery described the initiative as “for faculty, by faculty,” honoring the thoughtful, sustained work of using assessment to make an appreciable difference in the academic experience.
“Hōpoe” evokes the ʻōhiʻa lehua in its fullest and most vibrant bloom—a powerful symbol of programs that have matured, flourished, and demonstrated a deep commitment to continuous improvement.
“We’ve always valued reflective practice,” said Rich Gazan, who as Program Director coordinated LIS assessment during the review period. “For our students and for ourselves. We thank the Assessment Report Review Committee for this honor.”
Beginning in Fall 2026, all degree programs will have the opportunity to conduct a self-evaluation using the award’s criteria, which include clearly articulated student learning outcomes, curriculum mapping, evidence of student learning, fair and reliable evaluation practices, meaningful use of results, and culturally responsive assessment. Programs that demonstrate “full bloom” across these areas will be automatically nominated for subsequent Hōpoe awards.
For more information: /news/2026/02/13/hopoe-award-honors-manoa-programs/
