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 H\u014dpoe Assessment Award, a new faculty-led honor recognizing exemplary commitment to strengthening curriculum and student learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 M\u0101noa Faculty Senate\u2019s Committee on Educational Effectiveness (CEE) and the Â鶹´«Ã½Assessment and Curriculum Support Center (ACSC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The award was established in 2025 by the M\u0101noa Faculty Senate\u2019s CEE to celebrate faculty-driven efforts to use assessment meaningfully and effectively. CEE Chair Justin Walguarnery described the initiative as \u201cfor faculty, by faculty,\u201d honoring the thoughtful, sustained work of using assessment to make an appreciable difference in the academic experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cH\u014dpoe\u201d evokes the \u02bb\u014dhi\u02bba lehua in its fullest and most vibrant bloom\u2014a powerful symbol of programs that have matured, flourished, and demonstrated a deep commitment to continuous improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve always valued reflective practice,\u201d said Rich Gazan, who as Program Director coordinated LIS assessment during the review period. \u201cFor our students and for ourselves. We thank the Assessment Report Review Committee for this honor.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beginning in Fall 2026, all degree programs will have the opportunity to conduct a self-evaluation using the award\u2019s 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 \u201cfull bloom\u201d across these areas will be automatically nominated for subsequent H\u014dpoe awards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n