A new Veteran Student Services Resource Center (VSSRC) serving students from both the University of �鶹��ý at Hilo and �鶹��ý Community College has opened. The VSSRC at UH Hilo will provide veterans, military-affiliated students, and their families a safe space to network, connect, and access vital support through campus and community-based programs.

“This non-judgmental, supportive space will have such a positive impact on our veteran community on this campus,” said Josh Sze, a Navy veteran, UH Hilo student and founder of the �鶹��ý Island Veterans Club. “Just having a place where a group of vets can just listen to you—not tell you what to do, not try to control your journey, not say you’re wrong or dismiss you—but to honor you and validate your experience; where you can just be seen.”

This fall, 108 students at UH Hilo are enrolled using VA benefits.

“I want this to be a one-stop shop for veterans to connect with resources—whether it’s nonprofits, whether it is through the VA, whether it’s through any other organization that is vet-friendly—you don’t have to navigate it alone,” described Sze, who said veterans often struggle with accessing their medical, disability or educational benefits. “You have support here, and you have a community here.”

Idea to implementation

Sze has been advocating for such a space for more than two years, working alongside university leadership and community partners to bring the VSSRC to fruition. He expressed gratitude to key supporters, including �鶹��ý County Mayor Kimo Alameda and U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda, who visited the center during a recent campus tour.

UH Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin praised the swift progress from idea to implementation. “One of the most important things we do with the university is we serve—our students, our community—and what better way than through those who have served our country.”

Organizers hope the VSSRC will become a first stop for veterans returning to school, offering a space to build connections, reduce isolation and access resources that can help address challenges such as mental health, housing and food insecurity, as well as workforce readiness.

“By creating this resource center and pipeline, there will be ripple effects—on addiction, homelessness, food insecurity,” Sze said. “I believe all of that can be improved through community. Just having people who care.”

To learn more about the Veteran Student Services Resource Center and �鶹��ý Island Veterans Club, contact Sze at szejd@hawaii.edu.

For students at the , starting a new year and a new semester can bring on a mix of excitement and nerves. With the challenges of balancing school, work, family, social life and extracurricular activities, many may find themselves wondering where to turn for support with their mental health and well-being.

An array of programs are dedicated to serving the needs of UH ����ԴDz� students. Mental health services are available through the (CSDC). Services tailored specifically for , and (students) are also available. The university also offers access to , as well as programs for students looking to .

“Taking care of your mental and physical wellbeing while pursuing an education is so important,” said CSDC Psychologist Alexander Khaddouma. “Fortunately, UH ����ԴDz� has a variety of resources dedicated to helping you stay well, cope with challenges, and succeed in your academic journey.”

CSDC provides free, confidential individual, couples, group and career counseling through scheduled appointments with a mental health professional. Interested students should call (808) 956-7927 to complete a brief initial telephone appointment with a CSDC counselor who can connect them with the most appropriate service.

is available, with groups focused on building healthy relationships, developing greater awareness and insight, and exploring personal identity.

The CSDC has crisis counselors available during business hours (Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.) to assist students needing immediate mental health support. Students can call or walk-in to attend a crisis appointment.

Training opportunities, and clinical and program consultation regarding student mental health are available. Faculty and staff can contact CSDC about how to refer students to appropriate resources, or to for their departments.

The CSDC provides events to promote mental health, including several Spring semester resource fairs hosted by the CSDC . At the events, students can explore on-campus mental health resources and learn practical skills to enhance their well-being.

CSDC’s serves as an authorized testing site for various standardized tests and licensure/certification examinations, including the GRE (General and Subject), Praxis, TOEFL, CLEP, and Meazure Learning testing programs, and offers individual proctoring for non-UH system distance learning courses. Inquiries regarding test availability, scheduling, fees, etc., may be directed to the Testing Office at (808) 956-3454 or uhmtest@hawaii.edu.

Culturally responsive behavioral health services to all students who identify as Kānaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiian) or Pacific Islander. Individual therapy and workshops provided in collaboration with campus partners, such as and .

Register for . Clinicians are available for telehealth services and limited in-person services at Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services, third floor. Email inquiries to: kwaahila@hawaii.edu.

Dedicated mental health and wellness services for all UH ����ԴDz� student athletes in the .

One-on-one, confidential counseling is available via in-person sessions in Nagatani Center, Room 0L25 or via telehealth sessions. No referral is required to access Rainbow Wellness services and all services are free of charge. Email ATHMH@hawaii.edu to book a session or ask questions.

(VITAL)

The VITAL program is a partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help student veterans achieve academic and career goals. Student veterans enrolled at UH ����ԴDz� and are eligible for VA healthcare can meet with a mental health professional via VA Video Connect. Call (808) 940-9098 to schedule an appointment.

Student veterans in need of immediate mental health attention are recommended to call VA Mental Health Triage at 1-800-214-1306, option 2, option 4 (Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.) or Veterans Crisis Line at 988, option 1 (available 24/7). For more information, go to the .

Alcohol and Other Drugs Education Program (ADEP)

ADEP is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed and responsible decisions regarding alcohol and substance use.

Students can access Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS), a free program designed to address alcohol-related (and other substances including vaping) issues among students through personalized interventions. Email inquiries to adep@hawaii.edu.

Online self-help resources

UH ����ԴDz� students can access (TAO), a suite of online educational programs with engaging videos, animations, and interactive activities that use evidence-based content to address common mental health-related concerns. Students have throughout the semester using their UH email address.

UH Employee Assistance Program

Faculty and staff members seeking mental health services can contact the UH Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offered by Employee Assistance of the Pacific. All regular, temporary and exempt employees are eligible for EAP services.

As spring is a time for renewal and change, University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa students may feel both excited and nervous about the new semester. Amidst the demands of school, work, family, social life and extracurriculars, students may wonder where to go if they need support for their mental health and wellbeing.

An array of programs are dedicated to serving the unique needs of UH Mānoa students. Mental health services are available through the . Services tailored specifically for , , and (students) are also available. The university also offers access to , as well as programs for students looking to decrease their .

(CSDC)

• CSDC provides free, confidential brief individual, couples, group and career counseling through scheduled appointments with a mental health professional. Interested students should call (808) 956-7927 to complete a brief initial telephone appointment with a CSDC counselor who can connect them with the most appropriate service.
• , with groups focused on building healthy relationships, developing greater awareness and insight, and exploring personal identity.
• The CSDC also has crisis counselors available during business hours (Monday-Friday 8:30a.m.–3:30p.m.) to assist students needing immediate mental health support. Students can call or walk-in to attend a crisis appointment.
• Training opportunities, and clinical and program consultation regarding student mental health are available. Faculty and staff can contact CSDC about how to refer students to appropriate resources, or to .
• serves as an authorized testing site for various standardized tests and licensure/certification examinations, including the GRE (General and Subject), Praxis, TOEFL, CLEP, and Meazure Learning testing programs, and offers individual proctoring for non-UH system distance learning courses. Any inquiries regarding test availability, scheduling, fees, etc., may be directed to the Testing Office at (808) 956-3454 or uhmtest@hawaii.edu.

• Culturally responsive behavioral health services to all students who identify as Kānaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiian) or Pacific Islander. Individual therapy and workshops provided in collaboration with campus partners, such as and .
• . Clinicians are available for telehealth services and limited in-person services at Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services, third floor. Email inquiries to: kwaahila@hawaii.edu.

• Dedicated mental health and wellness services for all UH Mānoa student athletes in the .
• One-on-one, confidential counseling is available via in-person sessions in Nagatani Center, Room 0L25 or via telehealth sessions. No referral is required to access Rainbow Wellness services and all services are free of charge. Email ATHMH@hawaii.edu to book a session or ask questions.

(VITAL)

• The VITAL program is a partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help student veterans achieve academic and career goals. Student veterans enrolled at UH Mānoa and are eligible for VA healthcare and can meet with a mental health professional via VA Video Connect. Call (808) 940-9098 to schedule an appointment.
• Student veterans in need of immediate mental health attention are recommended to call VA Mental Health Triage at 1-800-214-1306, option 2, option 4 (Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.) or Veterans Crisis Line at 988, option 1 (available 24/7). .

Alcohol and Other Drugs Education Program (ADEP)

• ADEP is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed and responsible decisions regarding alcohol and substance use.
• Students can access Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS), a free program designed to address alcohol-related (and other substances including vaping) issues among students through personalized interventions. Email inquiries to adep@hawaii.edu.

Online Self-Help Resources

• UH Mānoa students can access (TAO), a suite of online educational programs with engaging videos, animations, and interactive activities that use evidence-based content to address common mental health-related concerns. Students have throughout the semester using their UH email address.

UH Employee Assistance Program

• Faculty and staff members seeking mental health services can contact the UH Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offered by Employee Assistance of the Pacific. All regular, temporary and exempt employees are eligible for EAP services.

The University of �鶹��ý’s three 4-year universities were highly ranked in the U.S. News and World Report 2024 Best Colleges rankings released on September 18, including a pair of top 5 regional rankings for and a top 20 national ranking for the Shidler College of Business’ international business program.

UH ����ԴDz�, and UH West Oʻahu ranked among the top 1,500 four-year institutions by U.S. News out of nationwide and were graded on 13–19 measures (depending on ranking category) of academic quality, including graduation and retention rates, peer assessments, financial resources and student excellence.

“These rankings are one more affirmation of the stature of our three UH universities as public higher education institutions that all of �鶹��ý can proudly support,” UH President David Lassner said. “This recognition is a reflection of our outstanding faculty, staff and administrators and the remarkable student bodies we attract from �鶹��ý and beyond.”

UH ����ԴDz�

UH ����ԴDz�, the flagship campus of the UH System, ranked No. 91 as a top U.S. public university; No. 170 overall in the country; No. 114 in social mobility, which measures how well schools graduated students who were federal Pell Grant recipients; and No. 118 for best colleges for veterans.

The came in at No. 20 for international business programs and No. 118 among the best undergraduate business programs out of 523 ranked undergraduate business programs. The is the No. 86 best undergraduate nursing program among 656 ranked undergraduate nursing programs.

The placed No. 150 among the best undergraduate engineering programs in the U.S. The ranked as the No. 167 best undergraduate computer science program out of 554 ranked programs.

The ranked No. 181 for best undergraduate economics programs in the country and the placed No. 203 out of 542 of the top undergraduate psychology programs. Both are housed in the .

UH Hilo

UH Hilo ranked No. 93 for social mobility out of the top 434 universities, No. 188 as a top U.S. public university and No. 352 overall in the nation.

In addition, UH �ᾱ����’s is the No. 154 best undergraduate nursing program in the country. The placed No. 276 among the 523 best undergraduate business programs, and the ranked No. 316 of the best 542 undergraduate psychology programs.

UH West Oʻahu

UH West Oʻahu ranked No. 3 for best public colleges in the West, No. 4 for best colleges for veterans among regional colleges in the West, No. 15 overall among regional colleges in the West and No. 26 for social mobility for regional colleges in the West.

Ranking categories

UH ����ԴDz� and UH Hilo were included in the national universities category, which featured institutions that offer a full range of undergraduate majors, master’s and doctoral programs, and emphasize faculty research or award professional practice doctorates. UH West Oʻahu is in the regional colleges in the West category, which includes schools that focus on undergraduate education and grant fewer than 50% of their degrees in liberal arts disciplines.

The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� Center on Aging and ʻIolani School have teamed up to revitalize a historic club that served as a gathering place for veterans of the legendary 100th Infantry Battalion, which originated as an all-Japanese American combat unit during World War II and later became recognized as the most decorated unit for its size and length of service in the history of the U.S. military.

For most of its existence since it was built in 1952, the unassuming one-story building long known as “Club 100” at 520 Kamoku Street was a second home for many of the Nisei (second-generation Japanese American) veterans, where they socialized with their fellow veterans, held meetings and celebrated collective holiday gatherings with their families. The camaraderie and bonds forged during the war extended into civilian life for decades.

However, as time passed, the original members of the clubhouse began to age and the veterans began to pass away. Involvement in the clubhouse waned, and the COVID-19 pandemic that forced closures of so many meeting spaces only worsened matters. The future of the clubhouse was uncertain, and steps were taken by the organization’s previous board to transfer ownership of the land and building to a mainland veterans organization.

A group of the clubhouse’s members, many of them sons and daughters of the original members, decided this was not the best direction to take and saw a different future for the clubhouse, one that had the potential for greater engagement between the clubhouse and nearby community partners.

“Initially, the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans new board of directors wanted support in creating intergenerational programming as part of their larger mission to educate youth about the 100th,” said Christy Nishita, a gerontologist and interim director of the Center on Aging in the Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health.

Nishita teamed up with ʻIolani School’s Candice Sakuda, director of community and civic engagement, and leaders and staff at the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans organization, to embark on an project-based learning initiative called Legacy2Action.

The partnership made sense as ʻIolani School is right across the street from the clubhouse, and the Legacy2Action project is an intergenerational activity that connects middle and high school students with adults of all ages in an effort to improve society in some way through the shared values that inspired the Nisei soldiers to serve their country during the war.

Kūpuna empowerment using Ibasho concept

The future of �鶹��ý relies on the positive values carried forward by its youth today
—Christy Nishita

Nishita met with board members and talked about kūpuna empowerment and the Ibasho model. A Japanese word and concept, Ibasho is a set of principles to help guide elders as they take a leadership role in creating an interdependent support system, finding ways to give back to their community, and becoming change agents who help create a more inclusive and resilient community.

The Ibasho model aligned well with the board members’ interest in engaging more with the surrounding neighborhood and schools.

“They really got excited about that,” Nishita said. “And of course, adding in what we know that purpose and meaning can contribute to a longer and better quality life.”

Revitalization projects

In February, students from Oʻahu’s public and private schools gathered at the clubhouse to learn about the legacy of the Nisei soldiers and then—with assistance from clubhouse members, educators and parents—fanned out throughout the building and on the premises outside to apply their positive, youthful energy to a variety of beautification and cleaning projects. The clubhouse felt revitalized from the pre-spring cleaning––as well as a sense of re-opening after nearly three years under the cloud of a global pandemic that forced many gathering spots like this to close its doors.

Another collaboration transpired in April, when students returned to the clubhouse to share their Legacy2Action projects with parents, teachers and current clubhouse and community members.
ʻIolani School student Owen Lai worked with Nishita, his project mentor, through a needs assessment research in which he studied the potential for greater community engagement between the clubhouse and nearby community partners through qualitative interviews and surveys. Lai’s research resulted in a list of community-based solutions including intergenerational activities, field trips, sponsored competitions, expanding membership, curriculum building and more. He hopes to collect more data from different stakeholders to enhance his findings.

Many other projects designed to improve some aspects of society were described on poster boards around the clubhouse’s interior wall, with students available to expand on their research and answer questions.

Projects included the dangers of invasive seaweed species (known in Japanese as “ogo”) in �鶹��ý‘s oceans and what can be done to mitigate the problem; an intergenerational activity kit for grandparents and elementary-aged grandchildren to learn about Japanese-American internment during WWII together; and art kits for houseless children.

“The Center on Aging is proud to partner with the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans, helping to link generations, schools, and other organizations together in this successful Legacy2Action project-based learning experience,” said Nishita. “The future of �鶹��ý relies on the positive values carried forward by its youth today, and if the students who participated in this year’s Legacy2Action are any indication, that future is hopeful.”

This message was shared with the students, faculty and staff of the 10-campus University of �鶹��ý system on November 10, 2022.

Aloha UH students, faculty and staff,

Veterans Day is a time to honor current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces. We are fortunate to have many active and veteran service members within our university ʻohana. Many are students, faculty, staff and administrators who have made extraordinary personal sacrifices and contributions.

As we celebrate this special day on November 11, please join me in honoring our heroes by expressing our appreciation for their service, dedications and sacrifices. This is a day to thank those who put their lives on the line for their fellow Americans—a day to remember and renew our commitments to these brave men and women.

As an employer, the University of �鶹��ý is committed to attracting and retaining America’s military veterans—highly skilled individuals with much to offer. We are proud to support and partner with organizations that focus on building relationships between employers and veterans, such as �鶹��ý Hires Heroes, �鶹��ý National Guard, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, Work for Warriors �鶹��ý, U.S. Veterans Initiative and �鶹��ý Dept. of Labor and Industrial Relations Disabled Veterans Outreach.

We recently reminded the entire UH community of the invitation to self-identify as a veteran and/or person with disabilities. If you have not done so yet, please take a moment and use your UH login to indicate your veteran and/or disability status in this two-question survey. The information will be confidential and used only by the UH Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Office for federal reporting purposes. Your participation is strictly voluntary and will not affect your current employment.

And let me add my personal mahalo to the many voices today that are honoring, appreciating, and thanking our veterans for their service, commitment, and sacrifice.

E mālama pono,

David Lassner
UH President

U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis Richard McDonough visited the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� campus on October 5, to talk with veterans taking classes and hear about their experiences transitioning from service members to students.

More than 700 undergraduate students and more than 100 graduate students are U.S. veterans at UH ����ԴDz�.

McDonough is in �鶹��ý to participate in meetings with local officials. He met with U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono on campus before participating in a roundtable discussion with about a dozen UH students.

“I’m thrilled to be here at the University of �鶹��ý to hear directly from student veterans and military-connected students about their experience here,” McDonough said. “Some of them will be here relying on programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, so I want to hear directly from them, our customers, about how those programs are working. I see this as an opportunity to get concrete intelligence from our customers about how we can serve them better.”

Matthew Rinaldi is a UH ����ԴDz� student studying . Rinaldi served four years in the U.S. Army working as an aviation logistics specialist.

“It’s pretty unprecedented that the secretary of the VA is willing to come here and talk to students,” Rinaldi said. “It really makes our voices heard or listened to, just to get those issues out there, and to actually bring changes to the VA system is important for a lot of veterans.”

UH ����ԴDz� provides assistance through the . The team helps veterans transition from military service to student life. There are academic assistance resources as well as a lounge for studying and additional support that can be found at the Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services.

The Office of Veteran Student Services and UH Foundation manages the Student Veterans Scholarship Fund, which aims to support veteran and military connected students at UH ����ԴDz�. Funds are used for costs associated with attendance (e.g. tuition, books, fees, etc.). For more information, .

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs approved the as a training provider under a program that will help provide career opportunities for veteran students.

UH West Oʻahu was approved effective March 11, as a provider under the (VRRAP), which offers education and training for high-demand jobs to veterans who are unemployed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re very pleased to be approved as a provider,” said Jeffrey Moniz, vice chancellor for academic affairs at UH West Oʻahu. “Becoming a participating VRRAP educational institution fits very well with our growing efforts to address the needs of our veteran students.”

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, VRRAP covers education and training programs—including certificate programs—approved under the GI Bill and Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses that lead to high-demand jobs. The U.S. Department of Labor determines the criteria for “high-demand job” for VRRAP.

“UH West ��ʻ�����’s approval as a training provider for VRRAP is an important contribution for the state and the �鶹��ýSystem,” said Debora Halbert, UH System vice president for academic strategy. “UH West Oʻahu has demonstrated their leadership in this area, and I am excited to see this opportunity open up for veterans living in �鶹��ý.”

Halbert continued, “With UH West ��ʻ�����’s inclusion, all UH campuses are now on the Department of Veterans Affairs list of approved educational programs.”

Nine certificate programs out of 11 total at UH West Oʻahu have been approved for VRRAP:

Those eligible for the VRRAP can get up to 12 months of tuition and fees, and a monthly housing allowance based on Post-9/11 GI Bill rates.

For questions about the VRRAP at UH West Oʻahu, contact the Veterans Center of Excellence at uhwovets@hawaii.edu or (808) 689-2961.

President David Lassner made his report to the at their meeting on July 18, 2019. Lassner also addressed Maunakea at the meeting.

Highlights include:

• New UH Hilo and Leeward Community College chancellors ()
• Notice of Maunakea administrative rules rescheduled to August ()
• Research highlights: $426M in extramural funding, 9 percent increase ()
• UH Maui College designated a center of cyber defense ()
• $2.5M NSF grant to UH West Oʻahu to increase Native Hawaiian STEM success ()
• $638K NSF grant to STEM for veterans ()
• Strategic investment: Data Science Institute ()
• Data science core program development ()
• Land Activities: Hawaiian Volcano Observatory likely to move to UH Hilo science and techpark ()
• Land Activities: Public-private partnership proposals received for former NOAA office location ()
• Land Activities: Film tax credit bill includes land transfer at UH West Oʻahu ()
• Awards: Ralph Yoshioka recognized with Willard Wilson Award for Distinguished Service ()
• Awards: Xiao Cheng honored with President’s Award for Excellence in Building and Grounds Maintenance ()

View previous reports to the board.

The at the and members of the UH System Veteran Task Force hosted the spring 2019 Annual Veteran Conference at the East West Center on April 26 and 27. The conference theme was Supporting Today’s Veterans and Understanding their Diversity.

Keynote speakers included state Sen. Kaialiʻi “Kai” Kahele and UH Mānoa alum, and Jr. Vice Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars �鶹��ý, Ronald Lockwood. This year’s conference featured a plenary session speaker, Keanu Sai, a panel discussion focusing on student veteran diversity and six breakout sessions.

The conference was well attended and included faculty, staff and students within the UH system campuses and several private universities. Kenith Scott, the director of Veteran Student Services and the UH System Veteran Task Force says they intend to host the conference again in spring 2020.

“We believe veterans have a vital role to play in society and we know UH can be a place to facilitate that transition,” Scott said. “We look forward to expanding how veterans can enhance their experiences with new skills and education while also providing the support they deserve.”

In addition, the conference recognized three individuals for their commitment to supporting student veterans in the University of �鶹��ý System.

Student Veteran of the Year

Mary Campbell served 24 years in the United States Army retiring as a lieutenant colonel. Campbell served as the Student Veteran Organization secretary at the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa and led the student group to become the most active student veteran organization in the state of �鶹��ý through her leadership and commitment to excellence.

Outstanding Student Veteran Community Partner of the Year

Ronald Lockwood serves as the Jr. Vice Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars �鶹��ý and provided multiple grants supporting student veterans at UH Mānoa. The grants helped purchase computers for the student veteran lounge at UH Mānoa and supported sending seven student veterans to the Student Veterans of America National Conference in Orlando, Florida.

Outstanding Veteran Faculty and Staff of the Year

Kristine Qureshi is the associate dean of research and director of global health at the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene at UH Mānoa. Qureshi serves as the principal investigator of the Veterans to Nurses program and has awarded over a hundred thousand dollars in extramural funding to student veterans in the UH nursing consortium. She supported the creation of the student veteran lounge at UH Mānoa with federal grant money.