A University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� academic advisor earned international recognition for outstanding contributions to student success. Jordan Abanto was one of three recipients of the , a professional organization that supports academic advisors and promotes effective advising in higher education.

Abanto, who is an undergraduate academic advisor in UH ��ā�ԴDz�’s , was recognized for providing personalized guidance to students, supporting their academic planning and promoting their overall success through College of Natural Sciences advising programs. The honor places Abanto among a select group of advisors acknowledged for excellence in the profession.

“Receiving this award is both humbling and motivating,” Abanto said. “Academic advising is about more than helping students pick classes—it’s about listening, understanding their goals and guiding them to opportunities that help them thrive. I’m grateful to be part of a community that prioritizes student success and development.”

The award honors early-career advisors who demonstrate exceptional skill and impact in guiding students through their academic journeys. NACADA’s Global Awards Program, established in 1983, highlights individuals and institutions that make significant contributions to the field of academic advising.

“Jordan’s dedication, empathy and expertise make a real difference in the lives of our students,” said Stephanie Kraft-Terry, College of Natural Sciences interim director of advising. “This recognition is well-deserved and highlights the individual contributions that contribute to the strength of our Student Academic Success Center in the UH Mānoa College of Natural Sciences.”

NACADA’s awards program also honored experienced advisors, faculty advisors and administrators, as well as exemplary advising programs.

Academic advising is a demanding profession that blends emotional, intellectual and personal mentorship. Advisors help students navigate complex academic decisions while also supporting their personal growth—an effort that can take a toll over time. Despite their pivotal role, advisor wellness is often overlooked.

Recognizing this gap, Comfort Sumida and Melanie Brokaw, academic advisors at the , have taken bold steps to change that.

With a $25,000 grant from the Stupski Foundation, Sumida and Brokaw launched the Hoʻolehua Advisor Wellness program in 2023 to strengthen the advising community across UH Hilo and . Their initiative promotes connection, professional growth and personal well-being among advisors, ensuring that those guiding students also receive the support they need.

Nurturing relationships

Sumida and Brokaw have gone beyond traditional policy discussions and best practices by organizing activities that nurture meaningful relationships among advisors. They have coordinated visits to the Honoliʻi Orchards Cacao Farm and Kona Salt Farm, hosted an advisor institute, toured other campuses and provided opportunities for advisors to cultivate personal wellness skills.

“We expanded the Hoʻolehua Advisor Wellness program to focus more on academic advisors and the support we can provide each other,” Sumida said. “And we do that across the two campuses with �鶹��ý CC and UH Hilo.”

Looking ahead, Brokaw hopes this innovative wellness program will inspire other campuses and institutions to prioritize the well-being of their advisors.

“We want to be the best support for our students, but to achieve that, we must first take care of ourselves,” Brokaw said. “You can’t be there for them if you’re not able to support and care for yourself in the first place.”

For some students, navigating their way to a degree can be daunting. One place that has made the journey easier is the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�’s (PAC). Offering free, walk-in guidance for students pursuing careers in health sciences and law, PAC helps turn professional aspirations into reality.

Two former advisees, now first-year students in their respective professional programs, credit PAC with playing a pivotal role in their journeys.

“Whether you’re just exploring your options or ready to apply, we’re here to guide you,” said PAC Director Kiana Shiroma.

Advocating for rural communities

Kaʻohi Gomera, a first-year law student at the , grew up in North Kohala on �鶹��ý Island. Inspired by her rural community’s healthcare challenges, she hopes to advocate for better healthcare policies in underserved areas.

Gomera first learned about PAC’s services through UH ����ԴDz�’s law school. Working closely with her advisor Tori Shiraki, a third-year law student, Gomera received step-by-step guidance on her law school applications.

“Tori helped me with everything—my resume, personal statement and essays. She was honest and gave unbiased advice, which was so valuable,” Gomera shared. Regular meetings helped her refine her applications, even when faced with the challenge of being waitlisted.

“The center created a safe space where I felt comfortable sharing personal experiences,” Gomera said. “They encouraged me and were always available to answer questions. Their support made a stressful process feel manageable.”

Now thriving in her first year, Gomera values the sense of community at the UH law school. “It’s a privilege to pursue higher education, and PAC made it more accessible for students like me, especially as a first generation college graduate, now first generation law student” she said.

A journey to medicine

Michael Ajimura, a first-year medical student at the (JABSOM), initially dreamed of becoming an engineer. However, his experiences with first aid as a Boy Scout sparked a passion for biology. After earning a degree in from UH ����ԴDz�, Ajimura turned to PAC for guidance on medical school applications.

“I wish I had gone to PAC sooner,” Ajimura admitted. “Even after graduation, I didn’t realize how much I didn’t know. Dr. Shiroma and my advisors, Jenny Nguyen and Juliana Tomitabroke broke everything down for me—from primary applications to personal statements and extracurriculars.”

Ajimura’s journey involved applying to 20 medical schools, a daunting task made smoother with PAC’s help. “Their advice was comforting and practical. They were there every step of the way, no matter how many questions I had,” he said.

After finishing his first semester at JABSOM, Ajimura reflects on the challenges of medical school and the importance of support systems. “Dr. Shiroma was so happy when I got in, and her belief in me made all the difference,” he said.

A resource for all stages

Both Gomera and Ajimura encourage students to take advantage of PAC’s resources. “Even if you’re unsure about your path, PAC can help you figure it out,” Ajimura said.

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Reaching students to help them achieve their academic best can be challenging. What the at the hoped to do is gather advisors and educators from around the Pacific to share what works best and what can be done in the future. On July 11, about 160 participants from all 10 UH campuses and other institutions across the Pacific, such as Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau and the Marshall Islands shared insights, strategies, and best practices in academic advising at the virtual .

“The theme for this year’s conference was ‘Bridging Islands of Knowledge’ and highlights how we often focus on our own isolated areas of expertise,” said Derek Furukawa, director of the in the . “Whether geographically or within different divisions at our institutions, being in the same ‘space’ can spark communication and collaboration, bridging these islands of thought.”

Technology tools, wellness

Participants chose from professional development sessions, and topics ranged from bridging cultural learning and core advising values to strategies for supporting students at risk. An advisor from presented how UH uses technology to connect at-risk students with academic and support services. They demonstrated how advisors are alerted about at-risk students through UH’s online registration app, STAR ().

“Utilizing early alert systems to support students in making adjustments to their academic approaches (before it’s too late in the term to recover) has been proven to make a significant impact on students’ timely completion of their programs,” Furukawa explained.

The conference also featured sessions on promoting health and wellness among academic advisors. “Nurturing the Nurturers” highlighted wellness programs implemented across four different institutions: UH ����ԴDz�, , and University of Guam. Advisors at these campuses engaged in activities such as outdoor exercise and face-to-face interactions to promote well-being.

Bridging islands

For the first time, UH ����ԴDz�’s 14th annual summer conference was attended by advisors from a wide geographical range in the Pacific. Traditionally, the cost and time differences make it challenging for these advisors to attend professional development events. The virtual sessions were scheduled synchronously to accommodate participants from various time zones, from Chamorro to �鶹��ý.

Thousands of �鶹��ý public high school seniors will graduate in the upcoming weeks and enter the workforce or go on to college. For those still working out their plans, (�鶹��ý P-20) and �鶹��ý State Department of Education (HIDOE) have free help to choose a path for their future.

For the fifth straight year, the two institutions of education are teaming up to support every graduating public school student with the Summer Advising Program. Those who participate will be connected to a dedicated summer advisor who will provide one-on-one support to ensure that students complete the next steps towards their future plans. Students must sign up by May 31 by texting “nextsteps” to (808) 458-5550 or visiting . Service dates will vary by high school between June 3, 2024 and July 12, 2024.

“The spring months for seniors are known to be a critical time for important decision making, and although some have made their commitments, we are aware that many students who graduate are still leaving high school feeling uncertain about their life plans,” said Lynsey Bow, counseling program director for �鶹��ý P–20. “Access to advising support during the summer months ensures each student secures a plan and receives the necessary support to make informed decisions toward their immediate goal after high school.”

By participating in summer advising, advisors can help students explore all post-high school options which can include applying to college, completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), connecting them to job training and certifications, updating resumes, and addressing any concerns students may have during this transition period.

The summer program began as an emergency response to the pandemic to assist the class of 2020. Since then, the program has supported more than 4,636 graduating HIDOE seniors and has proven to make an impact on our local graduates. With questions about the program, contact nextstep@hawaii.edu or visit .

Many programs and departments at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� organize tours and site visits for elementary and secondary students to welcome and wow them about what their hometown flagship campus has to offer. The (ICS) has increased its efforts to showcase its STEM opportunities to �鶹��ý keiki, with a particular focus on those who may not otherwise have access to higher education.

In April, ICS students and faculty welcomed haumāna (students) from Farrington High School’s computer science club to the ����ԴDz� campus. Farrington is a Title I school meaning that the campus provides additional academic support and learning opportunities for their students due to its high percentage of socioeconomically disadvantaged children. Organizers of the visit said many of the students are first generation, and they wanted to show them that college is an option for everyone.

“At most field trips I have had at UH, I have had students who decide to major in computer science,” said Farrington High School club advisor Joshua Dimaya. “Some students, who had chosen not to go into college education, now are excited and motivated to go to school and start to work with our college counselor to apply for schools. Having presentations on and other support systems at UH ����ԴDz� also helps our students know that there are places to help them financially and emotionally when going to school, easing their decisions to go to UH ����ԴDz�.&�����ܴ�;

More than 1s and 0s

During the visit, the Farrington students met with Game Dev, an ICS student organization for gaming and game development. They also got a chance to visit Campus Center, Warrior Recreation Center, IT Center and the Office of Student Equity, Excellence and Diversity (SEED).

Jaira Pader, a computer science student and Farrington alumna, joined the tour as one of the leaders. Dimaya was Pader’s computer science teacher during her senior year.

“His class, by far, made a huge impact on my decision to major in computer science after learning about the potential careers I could get into and because of his passionate teaching,” Pader said. “Although I couldn’t get the same experience because of post-COVID regulations, I’m happy that he shows his students the opportunities they could have at ����ԴDz� as computer scientists. It was great talking to a former teacher of mine and seeing the fascination these high schoolers have on the field.”

Over the past several months, ICS also welcomed Liholiho Elementary, ʻAiea High, Hanalani Schools and Maryknoll School.

The ICS advising team, led by Kenny Kaʻaiakamanu-Quibilan and Marilou Matsuura, welcomes school teachers and staff with an interest in taking their students on a tour of ICS to contact: icsadvis@hawaii.edu.

“On behalf of the ICS advising team, we are excited to have hosted several �鶹��ý K–12 schools on campus!” Kaʻaiakamanu-Quibilan said. “It is our mission to inspire local talent and recruit underrepresented populations into the ICS field. More importantly, we hope these outreach events show students that college is possible and that there are people here to support them in their educational endeavors. We also want to say a mahalo nui loa to our campus student services like Warrior Recreation Center, SEED, TRIO ����ԴDz�, TIDES and iLab for collaborating with us.”

The Department of Information and Computer Sciences is housed in UH ����ԴDz�’s .

Self-care involves prioritizing activities and practices that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. While important for students, faculty and staff, self-care can be easily ignored and rarely talked about. A pair of University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� academic advisors are looking to change that on campus, across the state and nationwide.

Kenny Kaʻaiakamanu-Quibilan from the and RJ Ozoa-Aglugub from the earned the “best presentation” award at the (NACADA) Region 9 conference. Kaʻaiakamanu-Quibilan and Ozoa-Aglugub are also both PhD students in the in the .

Tragedy inspires self-care advocacy

For Kaʻaiakamanu-Quibilan, the issue of self-care goes much deeper. Since starting his position at UH ����ԴDz� in 2021, he has tragically lost two students in his program and spoke with a parent who wanted closure about their child’s last days.

“These were some of my most hardest moments as an advisor, but also some of my most defining moments,” Kaʻaiakamanu-Quibilan said. “There were days when I wondered what I could have done differently or if I saw any warning signs. It was also then that I saw that there was a need, and that need was self-care. As a consequence of those moments, I started actively discussing self-care more with my students and made it a talking point during advising meetings.”

Kaʻaiakamanu-Quibilan and Ozoa-Aglugub’s presentation had three objectives:

• Examine the act of radical self-care as a tool for preservation and rejuvenation
• Survey literature on the importance of practicing self-care for advisees and students in higher education
• Discuss strategies and techniques to incorporate self-care in academic advising practice

The demand for the presentation exceeded the room capacity, and participants had to be moved to a larger room. The award was chosen by conference attendees for the presentation they felt best represented the theme of the conference—systemic change through advising.

“Sometimes self-care is pushed under the rug and rarely discussed,” Kaʻaiakamanu-Quibilan said. “As a result, we see high rates of burnout, anxiety and mental health among students and advisors. RJ and I are aware that if students (or advisors) do not take care of themselves first, then excelling in academics (or work) is difficult. We believe that to advise holistically as advisors, we must incorporate and discuss self-care practices and resources with our students.”

After winning best in region, Kaʻaiakamanu-Quibilan and Ozoa-Aglugub will deliver their presentation at the 2024 NACADA national conference in October at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, representing region 9 (�鶹��ý, California, Nevada, Guam, American Samoa and Northern Mariana Islands).

The has been voted as the best university in �鶹��ý, and other UH campuses and programs have made the lists of , announced on August 20.

“We are gratified that the readers of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser have chosen UH ����ԴDz� as the best university in our state,” UH ����ԴDz� Provost Michael Bruno said. “This ranking reaffirms our commitment to serve the people of �鶹��ý by providing a high quality, affordable education at one of the world’s best universities.”

In addition to UH ����ԴDz�, the following campuses and programs with UH ties that were recognized are:

• (best community college, first place)
• (best community college, finalist)
• (best community college, finalist)
• (best tutoring center, first place)
• (best preschool, finalist)
• (best credit union, finalist)

The rankings were curated based on votes cast by Honolulu Star-Advertiser readers. More than 150 categories were included in this year’s �鶹��ý’s Best 2023 listings.

A free program is helping to prepare incoming University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� students for college-level mathematics across multiple disciplines.

Hosted by the UH ����ԴDz� , the in-person math boot camps are intensive non-credit courses for students who want to review the algebra and trigonometry concepts covered in the math placement exam. Students will strengthen their math skills through short lectures, group work and practice problems.

The math department requires an exam for placement in many courses for mathematics and other subjects, including atmospheric sciences, earth sciences, biology, oceanography, botany and physics. The department last hosted these boot camps in 2018, but this is the first time that the camps are free.

“We welcome students who want to bridge their high school and college math courses with a review, revisit math concepts prior to taking the math placement exam, or who have already taken the math placement exam but want to place higher on the exam by reviewing concepts and taking the placement exam again,” said Mirjana Jovović, director of undergraduate studies in UH ����ԴDz�’s Department of Mathematics.

Students may register for algebra, trigonometry or both boot camps. Boot camp dates:

• Algebra boot camp (August 7–10, 2023, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. each day with lunch break)
• Trigonometry boot camp (August 14–17, 2023, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. each day)

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Tutoring in various subjects available

In addition, the UH ����ԴDz� is offering tutoring sessions throughout the summer, fall and spring semesters for a variety of subjects, including mathematics, information and computer sciences, chemistry, physics and astronomy. .

Jill Nakatsu, director of academic affairs in the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�’s , has received the 2023 Outstanding Advising Award–Primary Advising Role by the (NACADA).

The award is part of NACADA’s Global Awards Program for Academic Advising, which honors individuals and institutions making a significant impact on academic advising.

“I was not expecting to win so I was super stoked when I got the award notification,” Nakatsu said. “NACADA is an international authority on academic advising. I know there are so many advisors out there doing awesome work so I am truly honored to be recognized by them with one of their outstanding academic advisor global awards.”

The NACADA selection committee evaluated nominees based on 17 criteria, including evidence of student success rate by advisor or department; caring, helpful attitude towards advisees, faculty and staff; and monitoring of student progress toward academic and career goals.

Nakatsu earned a bachelor’s and master’s from UH ����ԴDz�’s College of Engineering. In between her degrees, she worked as a product engineer for Medtronic Inc. in Arizona. Nakatsu said her experience working in the industry has helped her as an advisor.

“I am able to provide detailed examples of what engineers do at work to students who are still deciding if an engineering major is a good fit for them,” Nakatsu said. “And I provide advice to our soon to be graduating students on how to approach applying for their first engineering jobs and navigating the start of their engineering careers. I focus on helping connect the dots between engineering school and career for my students because I remember it was not obvious for me back when I was an engineering student.”

Nakatsu wants to thank everyone at the college, her past and current advisors and mentors, the academic advisors and counselors at UH ����ԴDz� and the UH community colleges, and the students for helping her learn to be a better engineer and advisor.

“Choosing to attend the UH ����ԴDz� College of Engineering was probably one of the best choices I have ever made,” Nakatsu said. “It allowed me to get an excellent education and engineering research experiences at home. Then with that I was able to get a great engineering job on the continent after finishing my undergraduate studies. And because of the lasting connections I made in my undergraduate program, I was able to easily move back to �鶹��ý and transition to working in engineering education. I am a proud alum of the UH ����ԴDz� College of Engineering and hope I can help provide those same invaluable experiences for our current students.”