president's report | University of Hawaiʻi System News /news News from the University of Hawaii Thu, 21 May 2026 21:12:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 /news/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/cropped-UHNews512-1-32x32.jpg president's report | University of Hawaiʻi System News /news 32 32 28449828 President’s report: Next Step Scholarship, ԴDz chancellor search, NCAA title /news/2026/05/21/may-presidents-report-2026/ Thu, 21 May 2026 20:48:11 +0000 /news/?p=234768 President Hensel highlighted a new scholarship for community college transfer students, provided an update on the UH ԴDz chancellor search and more.

The post President’s report: Next Step Scholarship, ԴDz chancellor search, NCAA title first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
Reading time: < 1 minute

University of 鶹ý President Wendy Hensel highlighted a new scholarship for community college transfer students, reflected on the conclusion of the legislative session, provided an update on the UH ԴDz chancellor search and celebrated recent athletic successes, including a national championship, during her monthly report to the UH Board of Regents (BOR). The update was provided at the May 21 BOR meeting at UH West Oʻahu.

Honolulu C C graduates

Among the highlights, Hensel announced the new Next Step Scholarship, which will provide eligible UH Community College students up to $2,000 to continue their education at a UH four-year campus. She also discussed key legislative measures affecting UH, including proposals involving tuition and fee reserves and Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) funding for athletics.

Hensel shared that the UH ԴDz chancellor search remains on track, with a finalist expected to be named in June. She also outlined a new strategic budgeting process designed to better align future investments with UH priorities and student success.

Rainbow Warrior National Championship Volleyball team with the fans in the stands

The report also included congratulations to more than 5,340 spring graduates across UH’s 10 campuses, recognition of the UH ԴDz men’s volleyball team for winning the NCAA national championship and praise for UH employees who helped raise more than $51,800 and collect 3,300 pounds of food during the 2026 鶹ý Foodbank Campaign.

The post President’s report: Next Step Scholarship, ԴDz chancellor search, NCAA title first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
234768
April President’s Report: Legislative updates, Giving Day results, Rainbow Wahine water polo /news/2026/04/16/april-presidents-report-2026/ Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:26:20 +0000 /news/?p=232406 Hensel noted that the university is having productive conversations with legislators and recognizes the challenges they face in balancing many urgent needs for 鶹ý’s people this year.

The post April President’s Report: Legislative updates, Giving Day results, Rainbow Wahine water polo first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
Reading time: < 1 minute

University of 鶹ý President Wendy Hensel provided updates to the UH Board of Regents on state legislative measures on tuition and fee reserves during her monthly report at the board’s April 16 meeting at Kapiʻolani Community College.

Hensel noted that the Legislature continues to consider proposals related to tuition and fee reserve balances and that the university is developing reinvestment plans to strengthen advising and student support services and expand statewide online learning opportunities. She added that the university is having productive conversations with legislators and recognizes the challenges they face in balancing many urgent needs for 鶹ý’s people this year.

groups celebrating Giving Day on different campuses

Her report also highlighted record breaking systemwide participation in UH Giving Day, which generated more than $1.3 million from more than 1,580 gifts across the 10 campuses.

Hensel concluded by congratulating the No. 6 ranked UH ԴDz women’s water polo team on advancing to its third consecutive NCAA national championship tournament appearance after .

The post April President’s Report: Legislative updates, Giving Day results, Rainbow Wahine water polo first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
232406
March president’s report: 鶹ýԴDz chancellor search, eBanner progress, 鶹ýhighlights /news/2026/03/19/march-presidents-report-2026/ Thu, 19 Mar 2026 20:17:22 +0000 /news/?p=230940 Hensel delivered her report from Portland, Oregon, where the UH ԴDz men’s basketball team prepared to compete in the first round of the NCAA Division I Tournament.

The post March president’s report: UH ԴDz chancellor search, eBanner progress, UH highlights first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
Reading time: < 1 minute

University of 鶹ý President Wendy Hensel provided updates to the UH Board of Regents (BOR) on the UH ԴDz chancellor search and progress on the eBanner student information system transition in her monthly report during the board’s March 19 meeting.

Hensel delivered her report virtually from Portland, Oregon, where the UH ԴDz Rainbow Warriors men’s basketball team prepared to compete in the first round of the NCAA Division I Tournament.

people building shed structure
Students and Lahaina community members learn essential framing skills through the Hale 貹ʻ (tiny sheds) program

Hensel also recognized a $1.2-million NASA-funded research project led by UH Hilo focused on coastal resilience, as well as UH Maui College’s Hale 貹ʻ (small structures) program, which is supporting wildfire recovery efforts while providing hands-on workforce training opportunities.

The post March president’s report: UH ԴDz chancellor search, eBanner progress, UH highlights first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
230940
February President’s Report: eBanner update, Direct2鶹ýlatest, more /news/2026/02/19/february-presidents-report-2026/ Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:47:45 +0000 /news/?p=229691 Hensel also highlighted an exploratory effort to strengthen coordination between JABSOM and the UH Cancer Center and the launch of a UH Hilo AI certificate.

The post February President’s Report: eBanner update, Direct2鶹ýlatest, more first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
Reading time: < 1 minute

University of 鶹ý President Wendy Hensel provided updates to the UH Board of Regents (BOR) on the transition to the upgraded eBanner student information system for UH’s 10 campuses and the latest Direct2UH enrollment numbers during her monthly BOR report at the board’s February 19 meeting at the UH Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy.

Hensel also highlighted the start of an exploratory effort to strengthen coordination between the John A. Burns School of Medicine and the UH Cancer Center and the launch of an artificial intelligence (AI) certificate at UH Hilo.

people holding envelopes
Direct2UH at Kauaʻi High School
  • eBanner update ()
  • Direct2UH update ()
  • JABSOM/Cancer Center initiative ()
  • School of Travel Industry Management’s 60th anniversary ()
  • UH Hilo AI certificate ()
  • UH Hilo athletics, Go Vulcans! ()
  • UH ԴDz athletics, Go ʻBows! ()
The post February President’s Report: eBanner update, Direct2鶹ýlatest, more first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
229691
January President’s Report: Inaugural Address, 鶹ýԴDz Chancellor, AI Chatbots /news/2026/01/15/january-2026-presidents-report/ Thu, 15 Jan 2026 21:42:45 +0000 /news/?p=228328 Hensel also highlighted exploration of a unified UH West Oʻahu and Leeward Community College; the success of the AI chatbots; and the Direct2鶹ýinitiative.

The post January President’s Report: Inaugural Address, UH ԴDz Chancellor, AI Chatbots first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
Reading time: < 1 minute

University of 鶹ý President Wendy Hensel provided updates to the UH Board of Regents (BOR) on the Inaugural President’s 10-Campus Address, the start of the 2026 Legislative session and the UH ԴDz chancellor search during her President’s Report at the board’s first meeting of 2026 held at Windward Community College on Thursday, January 15.

10 chatbot characters

Hensel also highlighted the launch of a strategic exploration of a unified vision for UH West Oʻahu and Leeward Community College; the success of the AI chatbots, now available across all UH campuses; and increase in applications attributed to the Direct2UH initiative, which aims to give 鶹ý public high school students a more seamless transition from high school to higher education.

The post January President’s Report: Inaugural Address, UH ԴDz Chancellor, AI Chatbots first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
228328
鶹ýpresident updates on fed shutdown, student support, more /news/2025/11/20/presidents-report-november-2025/ Thu, 20 Nov 2025 21:27:33 +0000 /news/?p=225843 President Hensel also highlighted food aid efforts and student information dashboard updates.

The post UH president updates on fed shutdown, student support, more first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
Reading time: < 1 minute

University of 鶹ý President Wendy Hensel briefed the UH Board of Regents (BOR) on the aftermath of the 43-day federal government shutdown, student support measures and key operational initiatives during her monthly President’s Report at the November 20 BOR meeting at UH ԴDz.

Hensel noted that normal operations at federal agencies resumed on November 12, and UH lifted temporary spending safeguards the following day. Federally funded extramural projects, subawards and Research and Training Revolving Fund use have all returned to standard procedures.

Volunteers with food donations

To help students facing financial hardship from the prolonged shutdown, Hensel reaffirmed a temporary grace period that allows students to register for spring 2026 despite unpaid fall 2025 balances. Payment plans will be available in January 2026.

She also highlighted food distribution efforts at Windward and Leeward Community Colleges in partnership with 鶹ý Foodbank, and a UH ԴDz Athletics food drive.

Hensel provided an update on the major upgrade of the Banner Student Information System, expected to be largely in place by January 3, with full transition by summer. The modernization will improve integration, financial aid processing and mobile-friendly tools across the 10-campus system.

The post UH president updates on fed shutdown, student support, more first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
225843
October President’s Report: Federal shutdown, Direct2鶹ýlaunch and more /news/2025/10/16/presidents-report-october-2025/ Thu, 16 Oct 2025 20:59:54 +0000 /news/?p=223808 Hensel outlined the university’s strategy to safeguard mission-critical programs and maintain student services during the shutdown.

The post October President’s Report: Federal shutdown, Direct2鶹ýlaunch and more first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
Reading time: < 1 minute

University of 鶹ý President Wendy Hensel addressed the ongoing federal government shutdown and its potential impact on UH during her monthly President’s Report to the Board of Regents (BOR) on October 16, at Honolulu Community College.

“Thousands of our employees are either fully or partially funded by federal dollars, including many who support our veterans,” said Hensel during the report. “It has been both standard practice and statutory requirement for universities to be reimbursed for any prepaid federal salary after a shutdown. However, President Trump has indicated that may not be the case this time, though there is countervailing law. We are closely monitoring the situation.”

people holding envelopes
Direct2鶹ýat Kauaʻi High School

Hensel also outlined the university’s strategy to safeguard mission-critical programs and maintain student services during the shutdown.

She then highlighted UH’s continued commitment to transparency and engagement, including a recent budget forum at UH ԴDz, public forums at Leeward Community College and UH West Oʻahu and the successful launch of Direct2UH. The initiative is a partnership with the 鶹ý Department of Education that streamlines the college admission process for public high school seniors to nine UH campuses.

The post October President’s Report: Federal shutdown, Direct2鶹ýlaunch and more first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
223808
President’s Report: Federal cuts, enrollment gains, aviation techs /news/2025/09/19/presidents-report-september-2025/ Sat, 20 Sep 2025 00:38:17 +0000 /news/?p=222246 Hensel also presented the UH President’s Award for Excellence in building and grounds maintenance to Ivan Hartison.

The post President’s Report: Federal cuts, enrollment gains, aviation techs first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
Reading time: < 1 minute

University of 鶹ý President Wendy Hensel updated the UH Board of Regents (BOR) about major changes in federal funding and increased student enrollment across the 10-campus system at the September 18 meeting at UH ԴDz.

Gabe Lee, Ivan Hartison, President Wendy Hensel
Gabe Lee, Ivan Hartison, Wendy Hensel

Hensel also provided an update on an expanded partnership between Hawaiian Airlines and Honolulu Community College to train aviation maintenance technicians. She also congratulated UH ԴDz’s ᲹɲʻԳܾ School of Hawaiian Knowledge and its role in hosting a series of events for Hawaiian History Month throughout Kepakemapa (September).

The post President’s Report: Federal cuts, enrollment gains, aviation techs first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
222246
President Hensel updates regents on federal actions, Aloha Stadium, enrollment /news/2025/08/21/presidents-report-august-2025/ Thu, 21 Aug 2025 20:01:11 +0000 /news/?p=220609 Hensel also highlighted record extramural funding, Honolulu CC’s Advanced Manufacturing Program Facility and the UH Alumni Makers’ Market.

The post President Hensel updates regents on federal actions, Aloha Stadium, enrollment first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
Reading time: < 1 minute

Editor’s note: An update on an item President Hensel discussed in her report to the Board: She noted that the U.S. Supreme Court was considering a case on the Trump administration’s cancellation of more than 1,000 National Institutes of Health research grants tied to race and gender issues. Shortly after her report, the Court allowed the administration to block $783 million in NIH grants. The impact on 鶹ýremains unclear.

University of 鶹ý President Wendy Hensel updated the Board of Regents (BOR) on recent Trump administration executive orders and other federal actions impacting higher education at the August 21 meeting on UH Maui College. Hensel also provided updates on the Aloha Stadium project, shared fall 2025 enrollment projections and congratulated the UH Foundation on its record year.

She finished the report by highlighting several positive developments since the July BOR meeting including record extramural funding for fiscal year 2025, the grand opening of Honolulu CC’s Advanced Manufacturing Program Facility and the 4th Annual UH Alumni Makers’ Market.

Group waving Giving Day signs
The UH Foundation Giving Day raised more than $800,000 from more than 1,800 gifts
The post President Hensel updates regents on federal actions, Aloha Stadium, enrollment first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
220609
President Hensel provides updates on federal policy, upholds UH’s values /news/2025/07/17/president-report-july-2025/ Thu, 17 Jul 2025 21:05:56 +0000 /news/?p=218839 Hensel also honored Willard Wilson Award winner Professor Robert Toonen.

The post President Hensel provides updates on federal policy, upholds UH’s values first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
Reading time: < 1 minute

University of 鶹ý President Wendy Hensel provided an update on the most recent federal policy changes that include Pell Grants. She discussed next steps to address the strategic plan and highlighted several bright spots across the UH campuses, at the July 17 Board of Regents monthly meeting held at UH ԴDz.

Hensel also honored Willard Wilson Award winner Professor Robert Toonen. Read more about his valued contributions to UH and the community.

Three smiling people
Hensel, Toonen, Lee
The post President Hensel provides updates on federal policy, upholds UH’s values first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
218839
President’s report: Federal update, athletic director search, commencement /news/2025/05/15/may-president-report-2025/ Thu, 15 May 2025 22:35:19 +0000 /news/?p=216040 Hensel shared the latest on international students, immigration enforcement and recognized the remarkable achievements of spring semester sports teams.

The post President’s report: Federal update, athletic director search, commencement first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
Reading time: < 1 minute

University of 鶹ý President Wendy Hensel provided an update to the UH Board of Regents on the status of international students, impact of the recently issued federal executive orders and the number of terminated federal grants affecting UH. The update was part of her monthly report at the May 15 BOR meeting held at Kauaʻi Community College.

U H West Oahu graduates
The UH West Oʻahu 2025 Annual Ceremony honored graduates on May 10, 2025 at the SimpliFi Arena at UH ԴDz.

Hensel also shared the latest on the UH ԴDz athletics director search, highlighted the excitement of commencement season (see inspiring graduate stories at UH News) and recognized the remarkable achievements of UH spring semester sports teams.

  • International student update ()
  • Immigration enforcement ()
  • Research update ()
  • Executive orders, federal actions ()
  • Response and ongoing advocacy ()
  • UH ԴDz Athletics Director search update ()
  • Commencement season ()
  • Kudos to UH sports teams ()
The post President’s report: Federal update, athletic director search, commencement first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
216040
President’s report: student visas, budget measures, AD search, 1st 100 days /news/2025/04/17/presidents-report-april-2025/ Thu, 17 Apr 2025 20:37:06 +0000 /news/?p=214128 Hensel also shared details about her next public forum scheduled for Monday, April 21.

The post President’s report: student visas, budget measures, AD search, 1st 100 days first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
Reading time: < 1 minute

University of 鶹ý President Wendy Hensel provided an update on the status of international students affected by visa revocations, the latest federal policy changes and the recent financial mitigation measures UH has implemented in response.

The update was provided during the president’s report at the April 17 Board of Regents meeting held at Kapiʻolani Community College.

Hensel also shared details about her next public forum scheduled for Monday, April 21, provided an update on the athletic director search, reflected on her first 100 days as president, and outlined key goals for the next 18 months.

Smiling people holding It's Giving Day signs

  • International student visas ()
  • Federal policy/actions update ()
  • Financial mitigation measures ()
  • April 21 public forum ()
  • UH ԴDz Athletic Director search update ()
  • First 100 days and next steps ()
  • Giving Day success ()
  • National awards, more ()
woman welding with Forge your future graphic
Nalani Stanley, Honolulu Community College Welding Student.

More information on the UH News stories highlighted in the report.

The post President’s report: student visas, budget measures, AD search, 1st 100 days first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
214128
President Hensel provides updates on federal policy, upholds UH’s values /news/2025/03/20/presidents-march-2025-report/ Thu, 20 Mar 2025 23:06:10 +0000 /news/?p=212502 UH President Wendy Hensel provided an update on the most recent federal policy changes, and outlined how UH is responding, at the March 20 Board of Regents monthly meeting.

The post President Hensel provides updates on federal policy, upholds UH’s values first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
Reading time: < 1 minute

University of 鶹ý President Wendy Hensel provided an update on the most recent federal policy changes, and outlined how UH is responding, at the March 20 Board of Regents monthly meeting held at Windward Community College.

Wendy Hensel and panel

Hensel gave an overview of the actions and the impacts on the executive orders by the White House. Her presentation was based on her systemwide forum presentation on March 14 with updates that have happened since that time.

Federal Action Forum:

  • VIDEO
  • VIDEO

She emphasized that there have been no changes to services for students because of the executive orders.

Hensel also highlighted several positive news items:

The post President Hensel provides updates on federal policy, upholds UH’s values first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
212502
President Hensel updates regents on impact of changes to federal policy /news/2025/02/20/president-february-bor-report/ Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:52:04 +0000 /news/?p=211060 Hensel also provided an update on her tour of the UH campuses and education centers in her first 90 days as UH President

The post President Hensel updates regents on impact of changes to federal policy first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
Reading time: < 1 minute

University of 鶹ý President Wendy Hensel provided an update on the federal policy changes and Executive Orders from the new U.S. presidential administration at the February 20 Board of Regents monthly meeting held at UH Hilo.

Hensel speaking to a group of people
Hensel’s open forum during her visit to UH Hilo

Hensel also provided an update on her tour of the UH campuses and education centers in her first 90 days as UH President and congratulated Windward Community College on a recent national recognition.

  • Federal policy updates ()
  • Campus, education center tour update ()
  • UH News highlights ()

More on UH’s response to federal policy changes

Recap of Hensel’s UH campus visits

See previous president’s reports to the Board of Regents.

The post President Hensel updates regents on impact of changes to federal policy first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
211060
New 鶹ýPresident Hensel provides first report to Board of Regents /news/2025/01/16/presidents-january-2025-report/ Thu, 16 Jan 2025 22:59:27 +0000 /news/?p=209344 President Hensel reflected on her visit to the UH West Oʻahu campus, which marked the beginning of her tour of UH campuses and education centers.

The post New UH President Hensel provides first report to Board of Regents first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
Reading time: < 1 minute

New University of 鶹ý President Wendy Hensel shared key highlights from her first 16 days on the job during her inaugural report to the Board of Regents (BOR). The first BOR meeting of 2025 was held at UH West Oʻahu on January 16.

Wendy Hensel

President Hensel reflected on her visit to the UH West Oʻahu campus two days earlier, which marked the beginning of her statewide tour of UH campuses and education centers planned for her first 90 days in office. She also outlined her collaborative approach to working with state lawmakers as the legislative session kicked off on January 15.

Hensel began her presentation by expressing gratitude to those who have supported her transition to leading 鶹ý’s 10-campus public higher education system.

“While I have only been in my role officially for a short time, I have been working with the Board and the UH leadership team for several months to be as prepared as possible on my very first day,” said Hensel “I want to express my thanks to all of you, with a special mahalo to President Lassner, for your time and support during this transition. My thanks as well to the many members of the legislature, leaders of businesses, and organizations of all kinds who have so warmly welcomed my husband and me to our 鶹ý home.”

Hensel was officially hired as UH president on October 17, 2024, and began her tenure on January 1, 2025.

  • UH West Oʻahu campus visit ()
  • Meetings and the state Legislature ()
  • UH ԴDz student housing ()
  • UH News ()
  • Our students ()

See previous president’s reports to the Board of Regents.

The post New UH President Hensel provides first report to Board of Regents first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
209344
President’s November report: Athletic director announcement /news/2024/11/21/president-report-november-2024/ Thu, 21 Nov 2024 23:53:03 +0000 /news/?p=206737 Lassner also provided updates on a project labor agreement, the marine education and training center and a community college summer tuition pilot program.

The post President’s November report: Athletic director announcement first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
Reading time: < 1 minute

President David Lassner delivered his final President’s Report to the 鶹ýBoard of Regents on November 21 at the UH ԴDz campus. Lassner, who announced his retirement in 2023, will step down at the end of 2024 after 11 years in the position.

The report was presented in two parts. The first focused on the November 19 announcement that UH ԴDz Athletic Director Craig Angelos’s tenure will conclude on December 1. President’s remarks, video and transcript.

The second part (in the above video) provided updates on a project labor agreement, the marine education and training center and a community college summer tuition pilot program.

Lassner was also honored by the board for more than four decades of exemplary service to the UH system and the State of 鶹ý.

People aboard a canoe

  • Project labor agreement update ()
  • Marine Education and Training Center ()
  • UH Community College summer tuition pilot ()

See previous president’s reports to the Board of Regents.

The post President’s November report: Athletic director announcement first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
206737
President’s October report: UHPA contract, fall 2024 enrollment, Mountain West /news/2024/10/29/presidents-october-report-2024/ Tue, 29 Oct 2024 21:22:11 +0000 /news/?p=205684 Lassner also honored the UH ԴDz women's soccer team and Professor Joseph Keaweʻaimoku Kaholokula

The post President’s October report: UHPA contract, fall 2024 enrollment, Mountain West first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
Reading time: < 1 minute

President David Lassner provided updates on the University of 鶹ý Professional Assembly contract settlement and the final enrollment numbers for the fall 2024 semester for the 10-campus system in his monthly report to the UH Board of Regents at the October 29 meeting on the UH ԴDz campus.

Kaholokula greeting woman
Community-based researchers congratulate Kaholokula

Lassner also provided more information on UH ԴDz athletics becoming a full-time member of the Mountain West Conference and commended the UH ԴDz women’s soccer team on its first ever conference championship and UH ԴDz Professor Joseph Keaweʻaimoku Kaholokula, the chair of the at the for his induction into the National Academy of Medicine.

  • UHPA contract settlement ()
  • UH ԴDz joining Mountain West as full time member ()
  • UH women’s soccer conference championship ()
  • UH Hilo vs. UH ԴDz hoops exhibition ()
  • Study on UH System structure ()
  • Fall 2024 enrollment highlights ()
  • Philanthropy on pace for another strong year ()
  • Notable awards ()

See previous president’s reports to the Board of Regents.

The post President’s October report: UHPA contract, fall 2024 enrollment, Mountain West first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
205684
President’s Sept. report: Israel/Gaza and the path forward for UH /news/2024/09/19/september-2024-president-report/ Thu, 19 Sep 2024 23:06:52 +0000 /news/?p=203915 Lassner also honored UH Cancer Center's Lang Wu, the UH nominee for state employee of the year, and provided updates on enrollment for fall 2024 and extramural funding for the current fiscal year.

The post President’s Sept. report: Israel/Gaza and the path forward for UH first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
Reading time: 7 minutes

President David Lassner provided comments on the university relating to events at UH and around the country arising from the situation in Gaza and Israel, including response to the demands, requests and input to the president and Board of Regents.

, and the full transcription is below.

3 men, one holding award
Lang Wu, center, with Board of Regents Chair Gabriel Lee, left, and 鶹ýPresident David Lassner, right.

Lassner also honored UH Cancer Center Associate Professor Lang Wu, the UH nominee for state employee of the year, and provided updates on enrollment for fall 2024 and extramural funding for the current fiscal year.

  • Fall 2024 enrollment update ()
  • Extramural funding update ()
  • UH nominee for Governor’s Award ()

Full transcription

Now, I’d like to take this opportunity to say something about the Middle East conflict and the impacts on our campuses. This has been alluded to in some of the testimony as well this morning.

We are approaching the first anniversary of the horrific attack by Hamas on Israel and the absolutely devastating war launched in Gaza following that. Regardless of anyone’s views on the complex policy and history in the Middle East, we should all bemoan the tragic loss of civilian lives and hope for a ceasefire, the return of hostages, the beginning of rebuilding and a lasting peace for the region.

Calls for action from UH relating to this have come from all quarters. We have supporters of both Palestine and Israel urging actions often in opposite directions.

We received a specific set of demands to the Board of Regents (BOR) and the president from the Students and Faculty for Justice in Palestine at UH (SFJP).

We’ve received requests and recommendations from some of our Jewish students and faculty.

We have heard from national groups including the Anti Defamation League, the Council on American Islamic Relations and Hillel.

And like numerous universities across the country—and this was publicly disclosed—we have received notice of a Title VI investigation initiated by the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Education.Title VI is the federal code that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin or actual or perceived, shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics. These investigations have arisen from complaints primarily about anti-Semitism on U.S. campuses around the country.

I do appreciate all of those who call on university leadership to issue statements and take actions in support of their positions on the conflict, who want their university to stand up for what they believe. I have shared consistently for the past year, and I know frustratingly to many, my priority is our collective safety, health, well being and creating opportunities for learning within our university.

To that end, I want to share some plans for the path forward and I also want to respond to some of the calls for action which have been made publicly to the president and BOR. I also need to note that OCR has made its expectations as to what universities do very clear. They have published the formal resolution agreements that they have entered into with other universities, most of which have faced challenges around this area greater than ours so far.

I have convened the offices and leaders with roles and responsibilities related to our work with Title VI and we have met several times already. We do understand that we will need to update our policies and our practices to ensure appropriate and complete response to all complaints and allegations we receive. This will also need to include a substantial training initiative to make sure people around the university understand our policies and procedures.

And I need to say that while the current focus and use of Title VI is relating to anti-Semitic Islamophobic, and anti-Palestinian behaviors and allegations, we cannot forget that in 鶹ý, and therefore at UH, we face many concerns from other groups relating to race, color, national origin and actual or perceived, shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics. So as we address Title VI, we need to consider all of our populations.

Individual complaints do not characterize full campus climate. So we also need to develop and administer a climate survey to better understand where we stand with all of our populations and the results to improve as we create a more positive climate for all of our students and employees.

UH ԴDz is one of the nation’s leading Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation, or TRHT, campuses so we are actively using the TRHT framework to address healing across the campus.

Multiple UH offices have already come together to create a series of seminars and workshops open to all across the university system. Just to give you a feel for them, the topics this semester include: Political conflict in and out of the classroom, Understanding religious and worldview differences, Healing in divided times, Navigating difficult conversations, Honoring our shared humanity, Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. This builds on initial work last academic year including sessions on: Teaching in troubled times, Maluhia, Mālama & Safety and the use of Pilina circles to heal disconnections.

Our campus programming absolutely must continue to strengthen the ability of our entire community to do our parts, to foster climates for learning, living and working that are welcoming, respectful and free of discrimination. We need to develop a deep appreciation of the need for our instructors to foster classroom environments that encourage the free exchange of ideas even and perhaps especially regarding challenging topics, to ensure fair and open and respectful consideration by all.

Consistent with our focus on our community, we respectfully respond to specific demands and requests from the SFJP group and others as follows:

First divestment. Regents’ policies guide our UH endowment investments. After discussion with Board of Regents leadership, the demand to “divest from all companies and institutions that are complicit in the Zionist occupation, apartheid and genocide of the Palestinian people, including weapons, tech and surveillance and construction companies,” will not be taken up by the BOR at this time, given other priorities.

Next, transparency. UH is committed to and does provide full transparency with our investments and our grants. Our investments are reported on regularly and publicly to the Board of Regents with detailed information available in the public BOR meeting materials. Information about grants to UH, including UARC task orders is available with a UH login through online report options at the ORS web page. In addition, we do have an internal team that’s diligently working to a more involved UIPA request relating to the UARC. However, I do need to say that donations and gifts to the UH Foundation are private. Donors are entitled to privacy and that is the case at nearly all universities across the country.

We have also had calls for an academic boycott of Israel. UH stands committed to academic freedom. UH leadership does not support an institutional academic boycott of Israel or anyone else as a strategy for political action. Fundamentally, we believe that willing exchanges among students and faculty from different places, increases learning and understanding among peoples and can contribute to a more peaceful planet. But UH also does not prohibit engagement in such boycotts by those who choose to do so. Engaging or not engaging with Israel or any other country is a matter of individual choice.

SFJP also called on UH to withdraw from the agreement between the state of 鶹ý and Israel that was entered into a few years ago. UH is not a party to that agreement. I did receive a separate request to the BOR and I for information this week and I will respond to that directly.

There have been several requests to make statements about the Middle East that take positions on the conflict. As a general practice, UH does not issue statements on global affairs. We do stand for peace and the dignity of all human beings but taking more specific positions on political matters across the world, particularly where there is not agreement within our campus communities, just would not contribute to the overall safety, health and well being of our entire university community, which is our priority.

Some have asked for affirmation of their freedom to protest and to speak without retaliation. As we have said, many times, UH stands firmly committed to the First Amendment and to academic freedom. We have not and will not suppress constitutionally protected free speech. We are actually proud of our decades-long history of peaceful and non-disruptive protest at UH that allows instruction and scholarship to continue. The conundrum, of course, is the conflict between the complete right to free expression and the harm caused to others by free speech that can be hateful. Not everything that can be legally said should be said. We are working to cultivate a campus community that cares for one another and this place, a campus with shared aloha. So while we cannot legally prohibit hateful speech, we can encourage restraint and try to mitigate the damage that hateful but legal speech can cause to safety, health and wellbeing.

SFJP also opposes the UARC and asked the BOR to reject it. That was obviously the subject of much testimony this morning. I will note that the renewal was not taken up this summer but purposely delayed until this fall specifically to ensure that students and faculty could provide their input to the BOR as we have heard this morning and at the Committee meeting several weeks ago. This item was purposely not put on the consent agenda like other indemnification requests, including another one today, in order to provide for separate consideration by the BOR. The UARC contract is simply another contract vehicle that individual investigators can choose to utilize or not as they exercise their academic freedom to engage with the Department of Defense or not, as noted. UARC projects do serve 鶹ý and beyond. The public testimony that you have heard at these last two meetings, is part of the process for your consideration before the vote later today.

Multiple requests have also been made for specific faculty hires at ԴDz, some to support specific positions and perspectives. The campus has a very well articulated process for entertaining requests for faculty hires that advance strategic priorities and the shifts in student needs. Proponents of specific hires should advance those requests through their deans for consideration by the campus.

And finally, special scholarships have been requested; in this case for students from Gaza, UH does not create scholarship programs using state general funds or UH student tuition for students from specific regions suffering from warfare, famine or other hardships, whether Gaza, Ukraine, Afghanistan or anywhere else. We do welcome contributions from individuals or groups who do want to support such students to pursue a great education here at any UH campus.

So apologies for the length of the statement. Putting this item explicitly on the agenda as part of the President’s report was intended to enable public testimony or attention on a matter that we know to be of importance to many and to provide a very public response in a comprehensive manner to the diverse inputs presented to the BOR and president, many of which have also been very public.

The post President’s Sept. report: Israel/Gaza and the path forward for UH first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
203915
President’s August BOR report: UH-bound Lahainaluna grads, 鶹ýgovernor award nominee, enrollment latest /news/2024/08/15/august-presidents-bor-report-2024/ Thu, 15 Aug 2024 20:33:34 +0000 /news/?p=201918 President David Lassner provided updates on the latest enrollment numbers for the upcoming fall 2024 semester, including positive news regarding Lahainaluna High School graduates.

The post President’s August BOR report: UH-bound Lahainaluna grads, UH governor award nominee, enrollment latest first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
Reading time: < 1 minute

President David Lassner updated the latest enrollment numbers for the upcoming fall 2024 semester, including positive news regarding Lahainaluna High School graduates, during his monthly report to the Board of Regents at the August 15 meeting at UH Maui College.

group of people
The UH Maui culinary arts team is UH‘s nominee for the Governor’s Awards for Distinguished State Service.

Lassner also announced the UH nominee for the Governor’s Awards for Distinguished State Service and provided updates on agreements with the UH Foundation.

  • UH Foundation contract update ()
  • Philanthropic gifts that support research ()
  • Positive enrollment trends for fall 2024 ()
  • UH bound Lahainaluna High graduates ()
  • UH nominee for Governor’s Awards ()

See previous president’s reports to the Board of Regents.

The post President’s August BOR report: UH-bound Lahainaluna grads, UH governor award nominee, enrollment latest first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
201918
July President’s BOR report: Enrollment, NASA telescope, employee service award /news/2024/07/18/july-presidents-bor-report-2024/ Thu, 18 Jul 2024 21:04:24 +0000 /news/?p=200727 President David Lassner provided updates on fall enrollment, recognized Kathleen Kane, more.

The post July President’s BOR report: Enrollment, NASA telescope, employee service award first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
Reading time: < 1 minute

President David Lassner provided an update on enrollment for the upcoming fall 2024 semester in his monthly report to the Board of Regents (BOR) at the July 18 meeting at UH ԴDz. Lassner reported that total student headcount and semester hours registered were both up slightly along with updates on other key data points.

Six smiling people
From left: Office of Faculty Development and Academic Support—Eun Bin Ladner-Seok, Marween Yagin, Hazel Gedikli, Kathleen Kane, Rena Higa and Mark Nakamura

He also provided more information on NASA selecting the UH Institute for Astronomy to continue to operate the Infrared Telescope Facility on Maunakea and honored the winner of the Willard Wilson Award for Distinguished Service, Kathleen Kane.

See previous president’s reports to the Board of Regents.

The post July President’s BOR report: Enrollment, NASA telescope, employee service award first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
200727