In high school at Kamehameha Schools Kapalama, aspiring filmmaker Kainoa Kaeha wasnʻt sure where to start when it came to choosing a college. His high school advisors pointed him toward mainland universities, but Kaeha felt that Leeward Community College was the right fit.

“I chose Leeward because it’s more affordable, as well as their digital media program was right up my alley,” Kaeha said. “I regret nothing.”

At Leeward CC, Kaeha thrived in smaller classes and the close-knit environment. He gained valuable skills by getting involved on campus. Kaeha joined the student-produced campus publication to develop his photo, video and graphic design skills. Eventually, he got involved with student government, serving as president for a year and a half.

“I was making connections with my friends and coworkers, especially when it comes to leadership. I was starting to learn how to communicate effectively,” said Kaeha.

Scholarship support opens doors

After earning an associate’s degree in liberal arts and multiple digital media certificates from Leeward CC in 2024, Kaeha turned his sights to UH ����ԴDz�. One concern was the cost of tuition. His plan was simple: apply for as many scholarships as possible.

The hard work paid off as he was awarded the UH ����ԴDz� Presidential Scholarship, granting him full tuition for the school year and a total of $4,000 in stipend and travel grants.

“I’m more comfortable, I’m not stressing out as much so I can do better in class and make more connections,” Kaeha said. “The easiest word is thank you, and appreciation and gratitude. To give others that power of financial stability or comfort in order to do better in school, it’s really amazing.”

Kaeha plans to graduate from the School of Cinematic Arts in spring 2026.

Emma Lake‘s time at the has been bookended by notable achievements—from receiving a Regents Scholarship as an incoming freshman to recently being selected as a fellow for a prestigious local non-profit arts organization as a senior.

And to top it all off, the Mililani resident, who is majoring in with a concentration in Game Design and Development, will be receiving her degree within just three years of enrolling at UH West Oʻahu.

“Being able to graduate early is a pretty big achievement to me,” Lake said.

Lake is among more than 300 students who are candidates for graduation this semester, about half of whom will be participating in modified, in-person ceremonies on Saturday, December 11, on campus at UH West Oʻahu.

The is UH West Oʻahu‘s first in-person commencement since fall 2019. It features two ceremonies: The morning ceremony starts at 9 a.m. for business administration and applied science candidates. The afternoon ceremony begins at 1 p.m. for creative media, cybersecurity, education, humanities, natural science, public administration, and social sciences candidates. Candidates are allowed two guests each. (The events are only open to students and guests who registered for the ceremony.) All attendees must be fully vaccinated and wear face masks throughout the ceremony.

Additionally, a separate can be viewed following the ceremonies and features Chancellor Maenette Benham, UH President David Lassner, Faculty Senate Chair Edward Keaunui, Associated Students of UH West Oʻahu President Gabriel Navalta, and keynote speaker Candy Suiso.

Lake will be among the students who will be participating in an in-person ceremony Saturday on campus.

“Emma is an embodiment of the modern/emerging student who is not your typical learner,” said Sharla Hanaoka, director of the Academy for Creative Media at UH West Oʻahu. “She is both creative and self-disciplined and has an incredible outlook towards the learning process and is a dream to have as a student.”

From Regents Scholar to grateful grad

Lake enrolled at UH West Oʻahu in fall 2018 after graduating from Mililani High School. She was one of 20 high school students awarded a which is given to students with a record of outstanding academic achievement and whose extracurricular achievements are shown to be remarkable.

Like many others, Lake’s experience as a student throughout the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a big obstacle.

She encourages other UH West Oʻahu students and future graduates to keep going and reminds them not to forget to have fun.

“I would like to thank the amazing teachers, advisors and faculty who worked hard to help me and all other West Oʻahu students these past few years. Without them, my journey would have been impossible,” she said.

Exhibition fellow at �鶹��ý Contemporary

The non-profit arts organization , which is dedicated to presenting contemporary art and ideas in �鶹��ý, selected Lake to be an exhibition fellow. The fellowship takes place over several months.

“I applied to �鶹��ý Contemporary as part of my senior capstone, since I was looking into interactive art installations as part of my research, and saw this as an opportunity to gain experience about the ins and outs of art installation,” Lake said.

As a creative media major, Lake’s capstone project examined online participatory art, leveraging platforms such as TikTok to create a multimedia interactive exhibition.

As an exhibition fellow with �鶹��ý Contemporary, Lake is assisting the organization with exhibition logistics, programming and communications. She will help create artist bios, dossiers and presentations, and answer public emails in regards to the , the organization’s signature event.

After graduation, Lake said she hopes to continue to work with �鶹��ý Contemporary, as well as to look for more opportunities to work in other creative fields.

.
—By Zenaida Serrano Arvman

The offers several prominent scholarship opportunities, totaling more than $1.3 million each year to incoming and transfer students to help finance their education. Administered through the , these highly sought after scholarships provide significant financial support to high-achieving freshmen and transfer students for their exemplary academic, extracurricular and community contributions.

With the new student in mind, the New Warrior Scholarships (NWS) are comprised of:

• Regents
• Provost Achievement (formerly Chancellor’s)
• ����ԴDz� Excellence
• ����ԴDz� International Excellence
• Presidential

The Office of Admissions hosted its annual Scholar-to-Scholar recognition event on April 10, 2021, welcoming nearly 100 newly awarded NWS recipients for the incoming class of 2021. Scholars were celebrated for their academic/community achievements and connected with other incoming scholars from �鶹��ý, the continental U.S. and various countries around the world. Current scholars were also in attendance to offer knowledge, experience, guidance, encouragement and the support of one another.

“The Scholar-to-Scholar event successfully allows students to interact and build connections, set a platform for fellowship, and gain an in-depth understanding of the student lifestyle on campus,” commented Justin Lau, scholarship coordinator and ����ԴDz� Scholars Club (MSC) advisor. “We look forward to connecting with these scholars and welcoming them to the ����ԴDz� campus in the fall.”

Lilian Marie Shibata, Provost Achievement Scholar said, “I received the news that I was a scholarship recipient a little while after a family member was diagnosed with cancer. Not only did receiving this scholarship help with the financial aspect of college, but it was a bright and proud moment for my whole family to celebrate. Through this scholarship and the ����ԴDz� Scholars Club I have been given the opportunity to make the most of my college experience. I have made new friends, connections and memories that will stay with me through college and beyond.”

Helping new students succeed

MSC, a Registered Independent Organization, was founded and initiated by the Office of Admissions for recipients of the New Warrior Scholarships. “During the height of the global pandemic, our scholarship students found a way to create a community amongst one another and created the ����ԴDz� Scholars Club,” said Lau.

MSC has become a student organization for members to meet regularly to perform charitable works for the university and local community. Students collaborate as a club to plan, participate, and serve in workshops and social events to give back to the community. MSC has successfully partnered and executed many community service projects.

The New Warrior Scholarships are more than just a financial benefit for students. These scholarships provide opportunities for students to make positive impacts in society, focus on personal growth and discovery, as well as encourage students to carve their own paths towards their educational and career goals beyond their time at UH ����ԴDz�.

“Despite the absence of test scores this year as it was not a requirement, our pool of scholarships recipients demonstrated a high level of scholastic aptitude and performance. Awardees of these scholarships have extensive opportunities to become integral members of the university by serving as inspiring club leaders, successful undergraduate researchers and lifelong learners,” said Ryan Yamaguchi, interim assistant vice chancellor for enrollment management and director of admissions.

This work is an example of UH ����ԴDz�’s goal of (PDF) and (PDF), two of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

Thirty promising high school and college students were honored on July 18, as the 2019 University of �鶹��ý Regents and Presidential Scholars during an awards ceremony at the UH ����ԴDz� Campus Center Ballroom. The scholarship program was created in 1987 and has attracted some of �鶹��ý’s best and brightest.

Regents Scholarships

The UH Regents Scholarships are awarded to 20 incoming freshmen attending UH ����ԴDz�, UH Hilo and UH West Oʻahu.

The students receive four years of paid tuition for undergraduate studies, a stipend of $4,000 per year and a one-time $2,000 travel voucher. They also have the opportunity to participate in a number of activities.

“ So with this program we also create activities for them throughout the year with their peers that we think will help them become more successful in college and also after they go out into the community,” UH President David Lassner said.

The scholarships were welcome news to the Tucker family. Two of the triplets received Regents Scholarships after graduating from Waipahu High School.

“For us it’s really a huge relief because we were considering going to UH anyway. Having two scholarships really helps us to pursue our careers,” Dylan Tucker said.

Linnea Tucker said she sees other advantages to remaining in �鶹��ý. “For me, I like to think the networking is really nice,” she said. While she is a declared nursing student, she has other plans as well. “I want to have a future career in law and currently have an internship with Judge (Edward) Kubo. I hope to continue that as I attend UH.”

Presidential Scholarships

The UH Presidential Scholarships go to 10 juniors attending a UH campus. Presidential scholars receive full tuition for two years of undergraduate study. The scholarships are awarded with preference for UH community college students with high GPAs transferring to a four-year UH campus.

Regents Scholars:

• Phillip Amona, Kamehameha Secondary Schools, Mechanical Engineering, UH ����ԴDz�
• Alisha Churma, ʻIolani School, Communication, UH ����ԴDz�
• Zyrill Dayne Dela Cruz, Waipahu High School, Chemistry-Biosciences, UH Hilo
• Lauren Horita, Kalani High School, Dietetics, UH ����ԴDz�
• Adam Hu, �鶹��ý Baptist Academy, Electrical Engineering, UH ����ԴDz�
• Miles Jenkins, Kailua High School, Physics, UH ����ԴDz�
• Michaela Kop, Moanalua High School, Cell and Molecular Biology, UH ����ԴDz�
• Tyler Maruno, ʻIolani School, Mechanical Engineering, UH ����ԴDz�
• Tiffany Ng, Sacred Hearts Academy, Biology, �鶹��ý����ԴDz�
• Kengo Raganit, Waipahu High School, General-Undeclared Liberal Arts, UH West Oʻahu
• Shane Severino, ʻIolani School, Chemistry, UH ����ԴDz�
• Cassidy Silva, Mililani High School, Biology, UH ����ԴDz�
• Ashley Taylor, Kalani High School, Communication, UH ����ԴDz�
• Dylan Tucker, Waipahu High School, Civil Engineering, UH ����ԴDz�
• Linnea Tucker, Waipahu High School, Nursing, UH ����ԴDz�
• Deborah Yuan, Kaiser High School, International Business, UH ����ԴDz�
• Kayla Hirano, James B. Castle High School, Computer Engineering, UH ����ԴDz�
• Mika Odaira, Waiākea High School, Business Administration, UH Hilo
• Benjamin Weiss, Kalaheo High School, Physics, UH ����ԴDz�

Presidential Scholars:

• Gabriel Allen, Biochemistry, Kauaʻi CC, UH ����ԴDz�
• Emily Bautista, Public Health, UH ����ԴDz�
• Kiaria Nakamura, English, UH Hilo
• Shawnia Oliveros, Social Work, Leeward CC, UH ����ԴDz�
• Dylan Pilger, Biochemistry, Kapiʻolani CC, UH ����ԴDz�
• Camryn Shiroma, Classics, UH ����ԴDz�
• Marie Villareal, Public Administration, UH Maui College, UH West Oʻahu
• Hanna Claerbout, Business, UH ����ԴDz�
• Kasey Emoto, Biology, UH ����ԴDz�
• Celeste Guiles, Chemistry, Kapiʻolani CC, UH ����ԴDz�

Before Sasha Yamada graduated as one of several valedictorians from Kahuku High School in 2015, she envisioned herself at a mainland university. However, as fate would have it, Yamada was the recipient of the prestigious University of �鶹��ý Regents’ Scholarship—a full tuition waiver for four years of undergraduate study awarded to only 20 high school seniors statewide annually for their outstanding academic achievement. She made the decision to attend and see where it would take her.

Fast forward four years later and Yamada is set to graduate with a degree in with a specialization in electrophysics on May 11, at UH ����ԴDz�’s commencement ceremony—the first in her family to graduate from college. And with an overall 3.94/4.0 GPA to boot.

“I didn’t really think about what that meant so much when I was just applying but being at the point where I’m graduating next week, I think that it’s probably hit me a little bit more as wow, this is pretty significant and I’m very proud to be where I am today,” said Yamada.

A rising star

Within Yamada’s first month at UH ����ԴDz�, she joined the liquid metal electronics team and quickly distinguished herself as a dedicated student and researcher, exceeding all expectations for a first-year student. Her motivation and technical competence allowed her to make significant contributions to the research team, including making her one of the youngest students advised by Electrical Engineering Professor Wayne Shiroma to first-author a conference paper.

“There’s a mentality that people don’t want to stay here for college; that you should go away and see the world,” said Yamada. “Once I got to UH I was gung ho about maximizing the opportunities here and taking advantage of all of that UH has to offer and all that my professors would allow me to do. I made sure I made good use of my time.”

Throughout her tenure at UH ����ԴDz�, Yamada dedicated her summers to pursuing state-of-the-art technical experiences. In 2016, she was selected as a Nakatani Research and International Experiences for Students Fellow and spent 12 weeks doing nanomaterials research at the University of Tokyo. The following summer, she returned to Japan as a visiting undergraduate researcher at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, where she simulated optical confinement in silicon waveguides in the Shimizu Laboratory. And in 2018, she interned in the Antenna Systems Department at The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, California, where she designed a wideband antenna for a radio frequency (RF)-photonic transducer, and performed comprehensive literature reviews about deployable antennas and the effect of reentry plasma sheaths on RF communications.

Yamada’s advisor, UH ����ԴDz� Electrical Engineering Professor Aaron Ohta, said her diligence and ambition quickly impressed him.

“She has shown an aptitude for research, and proven herself to be a leader and a mentor,” said Ohta. “Sasha is an exceptional student with great potential.”

Likewise Yamada shares similar sentiments saying, “College has definitely enabled me to do as much as I have because I found great advisors that saw my potential and saw that I was motivated. They encouraged me to do research in areas I didn’t think I’d be interested in and pushed me in ways I wouldn’t have on my own.”

Staying on course

Along with consistently excelling in her academics, Yamada has engaged in impactful extracurricular activities, including her commitment to service within the local engineering community, serving as chair of the student branch and through the electrical engineering honor society, , provided free weekly tutoring services for lower division electrical engineering, math and physics courses during her junior year.

Her post-graduation plans include leaving at the end of June to attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to earn a master’s and doctorate in electrical engineering, the field that has captivated and challenged her for the past four years. And once again, her hard work has earned her a fully-funded for three years. Of the 2,050 awardees, Yamada was one of 56 electrical engineering students recognized as a national top scholar in science in engineering.

Yamada’s ultimate goal is to stay in academia and become a professor, continuing to promote the involvement of women and members of other underrepresented groups in STEM and perhaps landing her back at UH ����ԴDz�.

The University of �鶹��ý honored the incoming 2018 Regents and Presidential Scholars at a ceremony on July 19 at the UH ����ԴDz� Campus Center Ballroom. The scholarships are awarded to students who are recognized for a record of outstanding academic achievement and are part of an ongoing effort by UH to keep the state’s best and brightest right here in �鶹��ý.

“Students, while we glory in your achievements to date, we look forward even more to what you will accomplish in the coming years armed with your world-class University of �鶹��ý educations,” said UH President and UH ����ԴDz� Interim Chancellor at the ceremony. “Thank you for joining us here at UH.”

The fact that I can actually go to college in the state and still stay close to my family with the financial help they gave me is really awesome.
—Lino Yoshikawa

Regents scholarships are awarded to 20 outstanding incoming freshmen from �鶹��ý high schools who demonstrate strong GPAs and national entrance exam scores, along with extracurricular achievements. Regents scholars receive full tuition for four years of undergraduate study.

Presidential scholars receive full tuition for two years of undergraduate study. Presidential scholarships are awarded to 10 college juniors, with preference for UH community college students transferring to a UH university, who have a high GPA for all college level work.

All scholars receive a $4,000 annual stipend and a one-time travel grant of $2,000.

“The fact that I can actually go to college in the state and still stay close to my family with the financial help they gave me is really awesome,” said Lino Yoshikawa, Maui High School graduate. Yoshikawa is heading to UH Hilo in the fall.

For Kalani High School graduate Ryder Tanaka, the top-level scholarship helped solidify his decision to go to UH ����ԴDz�.

“First I was pretty set on going away for college, but after looking into the University of �鶹��ý more, and then of course getting this scholarship, it really made me more excited to attend the University of �鶹��ý,” Tanaka said.

“Parents and family members—thank you for supporting your scholars to this point and mahalo for entrusting us with your precious children,” said Lassner. “Please be assured that we will do all we can to make their experience here at UH worthwhile and rewarding.”

See more photos of the .

2018 Regents Scholars

• Jolie Ching, Kaiser
• Yejean Chung, Moanalua
• Haylee Fujioka, Roosevelt
• Priscilla Hsu, Kalani
• Abigail Jones, Campbell
• Tabatha Knudson, Kaiser
• Isabella Kotsol, Kapaʻa
• Emma Lake, Mililani
• Sarah Loving, home school
• Geetika Patwardhan, Hanalani
• Daniel John Quiamas, Waipahu
• Jade Spallina, Sacred Hearts Academy
• Jeanette Tajiri, Waiākea
• Ryder Tanaka, Kalani
• Jenna Tsuzaki, Kalani
• Cameron Woods, Kalani
• Anya Wu, ʻIolani
• Justin Yee, Moanalua
• Lino Yoshikawa, Maui
• Theodora You, Kalāheo

2018 Presidential Scholars and previously attended campus

• Edriene Caraang, UH �Ѳ�̄�ԴDz�
• Annalise Halverson, UH �Ѳ�̄�ԴDz�
• Justin Ho, UH �Ѳ�̄�ԴDz�
• Paul Hutchinson, UH �Ѳ�̄�ԴDz�
• Sue Anne Juskowich, Kapiʻolani CC
• Michelle Park, UH �Ѳ�̄�ԴDz�
• Regina Ponce, Leeward CC
• Jasmine Irene Rodriguez, Honolulu CC
• Maximillian Soares Miehlstein, Kapiʻolani CC
• Zoe Whitney, UH Hilo

Every year, Stephen C. Green of Waikoloa on �鶹��ý Island writes a check to the to support the higher education dreams of local students. This year, he also wrote a thank you email to UH President David Lassner.

“I’d like to express my appreciation for the UH Regents Scholarship program and give an update on my daughter, Daisy Green, who received the scholarship in 2012,” he wrote. “She graduated from in fall 2015 in , and is now attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston, in her second year of pursuing a PhD in electrical engineering and computer science.”

Stephen and Yuko Green are understandably proud of their daughter. Daisy, a 2012 graduate of Kealakehe High School in Kailua-Kona, possessed both the academic and athletic prowess that led to her three years on the UH and a degree in electrical engineering.

But they are particularly appreciative of Daisy’s UH Regents scholarship, which—along with the UH Presidential scholarship—supports �鶹��ý students with a record of outstanding academic achievement.

UH Board of Regents Chair Jan Sullivan said the university strives to ensure that exceptional students can receive the quality higher education they seek, so they can stay in or return to �鶹��ý with enhanced career skills, knowledge and personal growth. “We want to retain the best and brightest to attend UH and provide a learning experience that jumpstarts the rest of their lives,” she said.

Daisy Green is a shining example. “I wouldn’t be at MIT, where last year I was able to serve as an energy fellow, without the financial support and great education that I received from UH,” she said.

Added President Lassner, “We have thousands of amazing stories of how our students are succeeding in their studies and lives, including how a superb and affordable UH education has inspired them to achieve. Mahalo, Mr. Green, for the update on Daisy and for your support of our scholarship programs.”

For more information on scholarships, including the UH Regents and Presidential scholarships, see the scholarship website.

The honored the (RAPS) on July 20 at the UH ����ԴDz� Campus Center Ballroom. These scholarships recognize and support �鶹��ý students with a record of outstanding academic achievement. Many RAPS alumni are now serving communities across the globe and here at home as the program marks its 30th anniversary.

Regents scholarships

Regents scholars receive a full tuition for four years of undergraduate study, and presidential scholars receive a full tuition for two years of undergraduate study. All scholars receive a $4,000 annual stipend and a one-time travel grant of $2,000.

Regents scholarships are awarded to 20 outstanding incoming freshmen from �鶹��ý high schools who demonstrate strong GPAs and national entrance exam scores, and whose extracurricular achievements are considered to be remarkable.

“The University of �鶹��ý is proud to support these exceptional students in attaining their dreams here at home,” said UH Board of Regents Chair . “We look forward to the positive impacts our UH scholars will have on our community and the world.”

Presidential scholarships

Presidential scholarships are awarded to 10 college juniors, with preference for UH community college students transferring to a UH university, who have a high GPA for all college level work, a record of sustained progress in academic courses and evidence of superior academic achievement or creative endeavor.

“These scholars have already demonstrated excellence and outstanding achievement during their first two years at UH,” said UH President . “It is an honor to support their paths to college completion on their journey to a better future for themselves, their families and their communities.”

Celebrating 30 years

The UH Board of Regents established the Regents and Presidential Scholarships in 1987 to support students attending any UH campus who have a record of outstanding academic achievement and to help �鶹��ý’s most promising students pursue their higher education ambitions in their home state. UH recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of the founding of the program by holding an alumni reunion.

2017 Regent Scholars

• Tarah Aniya, Mililani
• Jonah Bobilin, Island Pacific
• Makenzie Cammack, �鶹��ý Baptist
• Willy Chang, Roosevelt
• Sydney Dempsey, Maui
• Joshua Hu, Trinity Christian
• Lian Huang, McKinley
• Sarah Igarashi, Mililani
• Kacie Kajihara, Kalani
• Kelsey Ann Kimura, ʻIolani
• Adrian Kresnak, Hanalani
• Nathan Mashiyama, Mililani
• Christina Masutani, Leilehua
• Amber O’Leary, Leilehua
• Jocelyn Pham, La Pietra-�鶹��ý
• Noah Rodrigues, Mililani
• Erica Sawczynec, Kīhei Public Charter
• Sophia Smith, �鶹��ý Academy
• Alexandria Tyau, Maui
• Eleanor Yuan, Kaiser

2017 Presidential Scholars

• Giselle Bryant, Kauaʻi CC
• Nikki Dutro, Leeward CC
• Asia Helfrich, �鶹��ý CC
• Jacqueline Kapu, Maui College
• Jaclyn Lee, UH ����ԴDz�
• Cyrus Ma, Kapiʻolani CC
• Andrew Menor, UH ����ԴDz�
• Diane Ramos, Leeward CC
• Alyson Shoji, Kapiʻolani CC
• Naomi Wang, UH ����ԴDz�

Some outstanding RAPS alumni and cohort year:

• Michael Choo, 1987, controller, Matson Terminals
• Anthony Paul Sison Guerrero, 1988, chair of the Department of Psychiatry at UH ����ԴDz�’s John A. Burns School of Medicine
• Jason Sumiye, 1988, director of landscape science, Nature Conservancy of �鶹��ý.
• Katherine Lepani, 1989, senior research associate, School of Culture, History and Language, Australian National University
• Sherry Nohara, 1991, senior attorney, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Michael Lambert, 1993, pilot, Hawaiian Airlines
• Darren Goshi, 1999, Honeywell research and development scientist
• Christopher Luke, 2002, owner, Katsu Kuri Media
• Dallas Nagata-White, 2004, photographer/owner, D’Amour Pacific Photography
• Henry Cheng, 2006, pursuing a PhD in bioengineering and an MA in public policy at Stanford University

—By Kelli Trifonovitch

University of �鶹��ý President David Lassner made his report to the Board of Regents at their meeting, July 21, 2016.

1. Update on the Integrated High Level Systemwide Academic and Facilities �鶹��ý
2. Update on reorganization of administrative support functions
3. Update on chancellor searches
4. Overview of Regents and Presidential Scholarships program

Update on the Integrated High Level Systemwide Academic and Facilities �鶹��ý

In October 2015, the board passed a resolution for the development of an Integrated Systemwide Academic and Facilities Plan to provide clarity around academic and facilities planning decisions and to help frame future discussions and decision making in these areas. The plan is being designed to address questions such as:

• What is the appropriate placement of current and future programs in order to build efficiencies, avoid unnecessary duplication and leverage available physical assets?
• How will UH meet state education and workforce needs through strategic collaboration and sharing of academic offerings and to leverage capacity through distance learning, transfer, articulation, pathways, etc.?
• What are the facilities requirements to support instruction and research at each campus and what will be the appropriate rationale for prioritizing which facilities projects are undertaken and when?

We are beginning with a new approach to academic planning being led by VP Risa Dickson. A set of positioning statements will describe mission differentiation across the UH System and provide guidance on what the four academic units (Mānoa, West Oʻahu, Hilo, community colleges) will and will not programmatically offer. Difficult conversations are underway with the vice president for academic planning and policy, university chancellors and the vice president for community colleges and initial versions of these statements are in draft form. These will be brought to the faculty for further discussion at the beginning of the academic year, for further development and finalization in the fall semester.

Additional supportive elements also in development are:

• A revised program proposal process and associated policies—the new process will answer questions about how a new program fits into the overall system vision and direction as well as the campus context. It will also provide for a high-level review by the academic leaders of all units before significant work is done on new program proposals. A first draft of this process will be considered at the Council of Chief Academic Officers this month and full consultation on the process is expected to take place during the fall semester. A new cost analysis template is being designed to accompany new program proposals.
• The creation of a system level strategic enrollment management plan—currently a committee is collecting existing campus plans and researching best practices with a goal of recommending a system level enrollment strategy.
• The development of a distance learning plan to address how UH will meet state needs through the use of university centers and technology as well as campus-based programming.

Initial facilities-related work is focused on evaluating classroom space usage and course scheduling across the system. UH has engaged a vendor, Ad Astra, to conduct a study on the efficient use of classroom space and scheduling at our campuses. Honolulu CC participated in an initial pilot and the results were very useful. Ad Astra is particularly interested in working with UH as they see us as national leaders with our work on integrating our GPS (STAR) system with our registration system and ability to inform course scheduling. The other nine campuses are set to begin their analyses in summer and fall.

More formal facilities planning will be guided by academic plans and a deeper understanding of how current facilities are being used.

Vice President Dickson will be providing a more complete update at the next BOR Academic/Student Affairs Committee meeting.

Update on reorganization of administrative support functions

Proposals have been drafted for the consolidation of human resources, communications and facilities/construction services as described to the full board earlier this year. Vice President Jan Gouveia is in active discussions over the summer and consultation will take place with faculty groups at the beginning of the fall semester after they return. Formal reorganizations will comply with standard procedures as set forth in applicable policies, which require thorough consultation. Reorganizations in facilities/construction and communications may precede human resources, but all are anticipated to be completed this calendar year.

Update on chancellor searches

Active searches are underway for new chancellors at UH Mānoa and UH West Oʻahu. Search advisory committees were formed last spring and the membership was publicly posted. Search firms are not being retained for either search. Ads have been placed locally and nationally and remain online, and we have now passed the date for best consideration of applications.

I am grateful to both search advisory committees for their commitments to work through the summer. The committees are currently in the process of reviewing candidate materials and scheduling first-round interviews over the summer, typically via Skype. Finalist candidates will be invited to campuses for visits in early fall. The current part of the process is highly confidential but once the finalists are identified those names will become public, and there will be substantial opportunity for the campus communities and stakeholders to meet the candidates and offer input when they make their campus visits early in the fall. With successful searches, we believe new chancellors can be in place for the beginning of the spring semester.

Both searches remain open until the positions are filled, so if you know of good candidates, please continue to encourage them to submit materials or pass their names to Dave Lonborg, who is helping coordinate the searches with the committee chairs.

Overview of Regents and Presidential Scholarships program

The UH Board of Regents and Presidential Scholarships program (RAPS) was created to support students with a record of outstanding academic achievement.

Each year Regents Scholarships are awarded to 20 outstanding freshmen with strong records of academic achievement and whose extracurricular achievements are shown to be remarkable. Presidential Scholarships are awarded each year to 10 juniors with records of sustained academic progress and evidence of superior academic achievement or creative endeavor. Several years ago the Presidential Scholarship program was refocused on community college transfer students since that’s such an important part of what we do as a system, but Presidential Scholarships are also awarded to continuing juniors. In total, in any given year the maximum number of RAPS participants is 100, comprising 80 Regents and 20 Presidential Scholars.

Regents Scholars receive a full tuition waiver for four years of undergraduate study, and Presidential Scholars receive a full tuition waiver for two years of undergraduate study. All RAPS scholars receive a $4,000 per year stipend and a one-time travel grant of $2,000.

Funding for the RAPS stipends and program expenses comes from the earnings from the legacy endowment we report on each year. The individual campuses fund their awardee tuition waivers. The scholarship recipients are selected by the Offices of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at UH Hilo, UH Mānoa and UH West Oʻahu in cooperation with the UH System Office of the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs. We are also fundraising with UH Foundation for additional RAPS support, such as the Daniel K. Akaka Regents and Presidential Scholarships and the Victor Chu Regents and Presidential Scholarships.

This year’s scholars include students from across the state—from Waiʻanae to Kailua on Oʻahu, from Hoʻolehua on �鶹��ý Island. They represent a cross section of both public and private high schools. Former Regents and Presidential Scholars have gone on to successful careers including corporate CEOs, law firm partners, veterinarians, engineers, medical researchers, doctors, surgeons and even a Miss �鶹��ý.

Each year, a dinner is held to honor the new Regents and Presidential Scholars and their families. This dinner, which follows today’s BOR meeting, is also an opportunity for the scholars and their families to meet the Regents, UH administration, former awardees and supporters of the scholarship program.

The honored the 2016 on July 21 at the UH Mānoa Campus Center Ballroom. The scholarships recognize and support �鶹��ý students with a record of outstanding academic achievement.

Regents scholars receive a full tuition waiver for four years of undergraduate study, and presidential scholars receive a full tuition waiver for two years of undergraduate study. All scholars receive $4,000 a year and a one-time travel grant of $2,000.

Regents scholarships are awarded to 20 outstanding freshmen with strong GPAs and national entrance exam scores and whose extracurricular achievements are shown to be remarkable.

“This program highlights some of the brightest, hard-working students the state has to offer,” said UH Board of Regents Chair . “The university is proud to support these students in following their dreams. We look forward to the contributions and the positive impacts they will make to our community and to the world.”

Presidential scholarships are awarded to 10 college juniors who have a high GPA for all college level work, a record of sustained progress in academic courses and evidence of superior academic achievement or creative endeavor.

“These students have demonstrated outstanding dedication and achievement during their time with UH,” said UH President . “It’s a real honor to recognize them and support their paths to college completion in two more years to they can reach their goals and advance the futures of their families, their communities and the world around us.”

The 2016 Regents Scholars

• Jared Au, Mililani
• Micah Axalan, Campbell
• Elizabeth Baker, Mililani
• Emily Ball, ʻAiea
• Ana Bitter, Waiakea
• Hannah Blue, Waiakea
• Kayli Chun, Mililani
• Moana Kimura, Kalani
• Arianna Kirschenbaum, Punahou
• Summer Lecher, Kalaheo
• Micah Leval, Saint Anthony
• Shannon Mau, �鶹��ý Baptist
• Olivia Murray, Waiakea
• Janel Okamura, Pearl City
• Bethany Okuna, Pearl City
• Cayla-Arielle Paulo, Waiʻanae
• Sophia Rathyen, Mililani
• Kellen Tasaka, Roosevelt
• Gina Watanabe, Moanalua
• Nicholas Yama, Kalani

The 2016 Presidential Scholars

• Clare-Marie Anderson, UH Mānoa
• Rebecca Bootes, Kapiʻolani CC
• John Katzeman, UH Mānoa
• Darius Kawelolani, Leeward CC
• Sean Kirkpatrick, �鶹��ý CC
• Stuart Martin, UH Mānoa
• Sharyse Nadamoto, UH Mānoa
• Micah Pascual, UH Mānoa
• Kilohana Roberts, UH West Oʻahu
• Kelsie Teves, UH Mānoa
• Kelly Zheng, UH Mānoa