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• Personal Statements & Recommendations

Personal Statement

My personal statement is longer than 500 words. Will this be a problem?

How do I attach a personal statement, résumé, or addendum to my electronic application?

Letters of Recommendation

Who should I ask to write letter(s) of recommendation for me?

May I submit more than two letters of recommendation?

I am reapplying to the Law School. May I use the same letters of recommendation that I used last year?

My personal statement is longer than 500 words. Will this be a problem? We strongly prefer that you stay within the 500-word limit. However, if your statement is 550 or 650 words, that's fine.

How do I attach a personal statement, résumé, or addendum to my electronic application? See LSAC  Creating Your Attachments .

Who should I ask to write letter(s) of recommendation for me? Your letters should be completed by professors, instructors, or other persons who are familiar with your academic work. If you have been out of school for a number of years, it may be difficult to find an academic recommender. If that is the case, you may ask an employer or supervisor to write a letter of recommendation for you. Please do not ask family members or persons who do not know you well to write letters of recommendation for you.

May I submit more than two letters of recommendation? Yes. We require two letters of recommendation but you may submit up to three.

I am reapplying to the Law School. May I use the same letters of recommendation that I used last year? Yes. You may reassign the letters to us in your LSAC account. See LSAC Letters of Recommendation .

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Health Professions Advising

Pre-health advising.

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Personal Statements

Health Professions Advising CBB 203/205 (Second Floor) E: [email protected]

Schedule a Health Professions Advising Appointment

Mailing Address: University of Houston ATTN: Health Professions Advising Center University Classroom & Business Building Room 215 4242 Martin Luther King Boulevard Houston, TX 77204 Google Maps

Although most applicants focus on GPA and test-scores, the personal statement is a very important component of your application and should be carefully composed. This is your opportunity to highlight things about yourself that may not be mentioned in other sections of your application and to distinguish yourself from other applicants.

You should have several different people objectively read your personal statement and provide constructive feedback. In addition to the Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC) , your letter writers are often a great option. There are also resources on campus that can assist you, such as the UH Writing Center , University Career Services , and your major advisor. Consider the feedback you receive carefully, but be sure that the personal statement is still written in your voice!

Below we have outlined some advice and general guidelines to consider while writing your personal statement. Keep in mind that these recommendations are not restricted to medical/dental applications, but can be applied while writing essays for any healthcare professional program.

• See also UH University Career Services Personal Statement Tips
• Sign up for the UH Writing Center Personal Statement Workshops

Types of Prompts

Before beginning your personal statement, it is important you carefully review the specific question (or prompt) that is being asked and the character-limit, as there can be distinct differences between the application services.

TMDSAS ( 5000 characters ):

• Explain your motivation to seek a career in medicine. You are asked to include the value of your experiences that prepare you to be a physician.
• Explain your motivation to seek a career in dentistry. You are asked to discuss your philosophy of the dental profession and indicate your goals relevant to the profession.
• Personal Characteristics Essay - Learning from others is enhanced in educational settings that include individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Please describe your personal characteristics (background, talents, skills, etc.) or experiences that would add to the educational experience of others. The personal characteristics essay is required to all applicants and limited to 2500 characters, including spaces.
• Optional Essay – The optional essay is an opportunity to provide the admissions committee(s) with a broader picture of who you are as an applicant. The essay is optional, however, you are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. Consider briefly discussing any unique circumstances or life experiences that are relevant to your application which have not previously been presented. Optional Essay is limited to 2500 characters, including spaces.

AMCAS ( 5300 characters ):

• Why have you selected the field of medicine?
• What motivates you to learn more about medicine?
• What do you want medical schools to know about you that has not been disclosed in other sections of the application?

AACOMAS ( 5300 characters ):

• What motivates you to learn more about osteopathic medicine?

AADSAS ( 4500 characters ):

• Explain a defining moment that helped steer you toward a career in dentistry. Consider using that moment as the focal point of your essay.
• Be colorful, positive, imaginative and personal when discussing why you are a good candidate for dental school. Ask yourself—in a pile of 100 applications, would I enjoy reading my statement? Be sure to convey your passion for dentistry in your statement.
• Be yourself.  Don’t use jargon, clichés or big phrases that you would not use in daily conversation. Remember, dental schools want to know about the real you.
• Be original and thoughtful: Discuss how you would contribute to the profession and patient care, all of which will help you stand out from other applicants.

AACPMAS (4500 characters):

• State below why you are interested in becoming a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. Provide information about your development for a career in Podiatric Medicine

CASPA (5000 characters):

• In the space provided write a brief statement expressing your motivation or desire to become a physician assistant.

OptomCAS (4500 characters) :

Essays can be customized for each individual Optometry program.  Most Optometry schools include this as their main essay question:

• Please describe what inspires your decision for becoming an optometrist, including your preparation for training in this profession, your aptitude and motivation, the basis for your interest in optometry, and your future career.

OTCAS (no character limit):

• Your Personal Statement should address why you selected OT as a career and how an Occupational Therapy degree relates to your immediate and long-term professional goals. Describe how your personal, educational, and professional background will help you achieve your goals.

PTCAS (4500 characters):

• Prompt: Every person has a story that has led them to a career. Since there are a variety of health professions that "help" others, please go beyond your initial interaction or experiences with physical therapy and share the deeper story that has confirmed your decision to specifically pursue physical therapy as your career.

PharmCAS (4500 characters):

• Your Personal Essay should address why you selected pharmacy as a career. How the Doctor of Pharmacy degree relates to your immediate and long-term professional goals. You should describe how your personal, educational, and professional background will help you achieve your goals.

VMCAS (1000 characters):

• There are many career choices within the veterinary What are your future career goals and why?
• In what ways do veterinarians contribute to society and what do you hope to contribute?
• Consider the breadth of society which veterinarians What attributes do you believe are essential to be successful within the veterinary profession? Of these attributes, which do you possess and how have you demonstrated these in the past?

When should I start writing?

You should begin working on your personal statement early in the spring semester prior to your intended application year and submitting your application materials to HPAC (if applicable).  Remember that the people who are helping you with your statement will need time to review it and you will need time to work through multiple drafts before submission.  In addition, some of your letter writers may want to see a copy of your personal statement before they write your letter, so you should strive to have a competent draft by mid-March.

What should be included?

It is important to treat the personal statement as an answer to a question (i.e., the prompt), rather than the opportunity to flex your creative writing muscles. Indeed, most applicants are STEM majors without much experience in creative writing; therefore, it is recommended that you avoid using the essay to practice your creative writing skills and stick to simply addressing the prompt in a direct, concise way. Some questions you may want to consider while planning your essay are:

• Why have you selected the field of medicine, dentistry, or other health profession?
• What motivates you to learn more about medicine, dentistry, or other health profession?
• How have you demonstrated your interest and commitment to your decision?
• What experiences have allowed you to develop the skills necessary to be successful in this program and to become an effective physician, dentist, PA, etc.?
• Did you have any exposure to role models who influenced your decision? Which of their attributes inspired you?
• Are your perceptions of this profession realistic?
• What are your professional goals?
• Is there anything you wish for your chosen health professional schools to know about you that has not been disclosed in other sections of the application?

Depending on the nature of the prompt, you may also wish to include information such as:

• Unique hardships, challenges, or obstacles that may have influenced your educational pursuits.
• Commentary on significant fluctuations in your academic record that are not explained elsewhere in your application.

What should NOT be included?

• Avoid clichés and over-using/mis-using terms : How many times do you think admissions committees have read the phrase, “I want to become a physician because I like science and I want to help people”? Similarly, words like empathy and passion are, while applicable, can become empty in meaning when overused or misused. Consider exemplifying these terms, rather than simply stating them.
• Avoid unnecessary drama: While you may feel compelled to "hook" the reader with a dramatic opening to your statement, doing so may detract from the overall purpose (i.e., describing your decision to pursue medicine/dentistry) and may induce many an eye-roll by committee members.
• Avoid being vague : "[Insert experience] was challenging and rewarding." What does that mean? Be specific about what was impactful and how it affected you.
• Avoid brash decision-making :  Your decision to become a doctor/dentist should be the result of a series of thoughtful, conscious, and reflective decisions. NOT an instantaneous realization or epiphany. Similarly, you have not “always known” that you want to be a physician/dentist. No one is "born to be a doctor." Nothing is innate, you have to work for it.
• Avoid excuses :  In general, there are better uses for your personal statement than explaining away and justifying poor grades, incidents of misconduct, etc. Indeed, TMDSAS offers additional essays and opportunities to discuss these issues. However, if you choose to address these subjects, be sure to focus on what you have learned from those incidents and how your experiences have made you a stronger person.  Always accept responsibility and avoid blaming anyone else for your decisions or mistakes.
• Avoid restating your resume or activities section :  Choose ONE or TWO significant and distinguishing experiences to elaborate upon when outline the reasons behind your decision to pursue a career in healthcare. There is no need to narrate completely your 4+ years of college or carefully detail your activities from year to year; indeed, there are other sections in the application where you can detail your experiences and what you learned from each.
• Avoid grandiosity :  Claiming that you plan to cure cancer (or HIV, or healthcare disparities, or anything else) shows a grave lack of understanding of whatever problem you are planning to solve. Similarly, avoid “I know what it is like to be a physician/dentist from [shadowing/clinical volunteer experience].”  No, you do not.  That is precisely why you are hoping to go to medical/dental school.
• Avoid inflammatory or controversial topics :  You do not know the values, beliefs, and background of the committee member reading your essay.  For these reasons, you are advised to avoid making any strong statements regarding politics, religion, and other polarizing topics.  Be extremely cautious to avoid expressing any views that could be construed as derogatory to any group.  Additionally, your beliefs are not the only “correct” beliefs. 
• Do not lie :  Honesty and ethical behavior are the hallmarks of being a healthcare professional. Do not include details anywhere in your application or essay that you are not prepared to talk about or that are simply untrue.

Additional Recommendations

• Use simple formatting : Avoid the use of bullet-points, italics, and symbols.
• Read your statement aloud : As you draft your statement, reading what you have written aloud can help you determine whether your writing "flows" well and is an easy read for a reviewer.

Personal Statement

Every year, the prompt remains the same:

Use the space provided to explain why you want to go to medical school. The available space for your response is 5300 characters .

This is your opportunity to not only share your story of how you decided on medicine but also show admissions committees who you are beyond your GPA and MCAT scores.

Start Brainstorming!

Trying to summarize your life in 5,300 characters is no easy endeavor! Start by reading general resources to help you with brainstorming:

• AMCAS Section on the Personal Statement
• UH Manoa Pre-Health Advising Center’s  Personal Statement Workshop PowerPoint  (Fall 2012) and article
• Student Doctor Network’s Essay Writing 101  provides a great step-by-step walkthrough on how to draft your personal statement, while the  official Personal Statement Guide thread  includes more personal advice from past applicants.
• A program director’s take on what NOT to do when writing a personal statement

Advice from Major Universities

Check out advice on writing personal statements from the pre-health advisors at major universities:

• John Hopkins University Personal Statement guide
• Claremont McKenna College Personal Statement advice
• Harvard Office of Career Services Personal Statement overview  and Powerpoint
• Carnegie Mellon University’s Personal Statement advice
• Yale University Personal Statement advice

Examples of Personal Statements

Before we jump into examples, recall that plagiarism is unacceptable and can easily spotted by admission committees . You should use these examples merely as a guide of what a good or bad personal statement looks like; do not adopt others’ words or experiences as your own.

You can find some free examples here:

• Carnegie Mellon University’s Sample Personal Statements
• University of Pittsburgh’s Sample Personal Statements
• Accepted.com examples
• MyEssay.com examples

If you are willing to invest in a book, you can consider purchasing Baron’s Essays That Will Get You into Medical School

Need help with writing?

Looking for someone to bounce ideas off of? Trying to get over a writer’s block? Or just looking for someone that will read over a recent draft to provide you with some feedback? There are many resources you can consider to help you with all these things:

• ADVICE : There are many tutors available at the Writing Center! Don’t be afraid to work with a couple of them to figure out who you are most comfortable working with. Try to set up a routine and regularly schedule appointments with your tutor to keep yourself motivated with drafting your personal statement!
• If your mentor is unable to review your personal statement for any reason, please e-mail us at [email protected] and we will make arrangements for your personal statement to be reviewed.
• It is also beneficial to have your personal statement reviewed by someone who does not know you at all ; after all, admission committees won’t know you either and first impressions will be important. Therefore, you can use these experiences to ensure you are conveying the right message to your readers. During each application cycle, forum users on Student Doctor Network will volunteer their time to read personal statements. You can contact these volunteers through the Personal Statement Reader List thread .

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University of Hawaii at Manoa | UH Manoa

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Want to see your chances of admission at University of Hawaii at Manoa | UH Manoa?

We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances.

University of Hawaii at Manoa | UH Manoa’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Select-a-prompt essay.

In the sections provided below, please share information on your college goals, academic performance, extra-curricular activities and/or personal characteristics that would help the Admissions Committee make an admissions decision.

Why you would like to attend the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa?

How UH Mānoa fits into your career goals.

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

Health Professions Advising

Pre-health advising.

• Health Professions Resources

Personal Statements

Health Professions Advising CBB 203/205 (Second Floor) E: [email protected]

Schedule a Health Professions Advising Appointment

Mailing Address: University of Houston ATTN: Health Professions Advising Center University Classroom & Business Building Room 215 4242 Martin Luther King Boulevard Houston, TX 77204 Google Maps

Although most applicants focus on GPA and test-scores, the personal statement is a very important component of your application and should be carefully composed. This is your opportunity to highlight things about yourself that may not be mentioned in other sections of your application and to distinguish yourself from other applicants.

You should have several different people objectively read your personal statement and provide constructive feedback. In addition to the Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC) , your letter writers are often a great option. There are also resources on campus that can assist you, such as the UH Writing Center , University Career Services , and your major advisor. Consider the feedback you receive carefully, but be sure that the personal statement is still written in your voice!

Below we have outlined some advice and general guidelines to consider while writing your personal statement. Keep in mind that these recommendations are not restricted to medical/dental applications, but can be applied while writing essays for any healthcare professional program.

• See also UH University Career Services Personal Statement Tips
• Sign up for the UH Writing Center Personal Statement Workshops

Types of Prompts

Before beginning your personal statement, it is important you carefully review the specific question (or prompt) that is being asked and the character-limit, as there can be distinct differences between the application services.

TMDSAS ( 5000 characters ):

• Explain your motivation to seek a career in medicine. You are asked to include the value of your experiences that prepare you to be a physician.
• Explain your motivation to seek a career in dentistry. You are asked to discuss your philosophy of the dental profession and indicate your goals relevant to the profession.
• Personal Characteristics Essay - Learning from others is enhanced in educational settings that include individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Please describe your personal characteristics (background, talents, skills, etc.) or experiences that would add to the educational experience of others. The personal characteristics essay is required to all applicants and limited to 2500 characters, including spaces.
• Optional Essay – The optional essay is an opportunity to provide the admissions committee(s) with a broader picture of who you are as an applicant. The essay is optional, however, you are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. Consider briefly discussing any unique circumstances or life experiences that are relevant to your application which have not previously been presented. Optional Essay is limited to 2500 characters, including spaces.

AMCAS ( 5300 characters ):

• Why have you selected the field of medicine?
• What motivates you to learn more about medicine?
• What do you want medical schools to know about you that has not been disclosed in other sections of the application?

AACOMAS ( 5300 characters ):

• What motivates you to learn more about osteopathic medicine?

AADSAS ( 4500 characters ):

• Explain a defining moment that helped steer you toward a career in dentistry. Consider using that moment as the focal point of your essay.
• Be colorful, positive, imaginative and personal when discussing why you are a good candidate for dental school. Ask yourself—in a pile of 100 applications, would I enjoy reading my statement? Be sure to convey your passion for dentistry in your statement.
• Be yourself.  Don’t use jargon, clichés or big phrases that you would not use in daily conversation. Remember, dental schools want to know about the real you.
• Be original and thoughtful: Discuss how you would contribute to the profession and patient care, all of which will help you stand out from other applicants.

AACPMAS (4500 characters):

• State below why you are interested in becoming a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. Provide information about your development for a career in Podiatric Medicine

CASPA (5000 characters):

• In the space provided write a brief statement expressing your motivation or desire to become a physician assistant.

OptomCAS (4500 characters) :

Essays can be customized for each individual Optometry program.  Most Optometry schools include this as their main essay question:

• Please describe what inspires your decision for becoming an optometrist, including your preparation for training in this profession, your aptitude and motivation, the basis for your interest in optometry, and your future career.

OTCAS (no character limit):

• Your Personal Statement should address why you selected OT as a career and how an Occupational Therapy degree relates to your immediate and long-term professional goals. Describe how your personal, educational, and professional background will help you achieve your goals.

PTCAS (4500 characters):

• Prompt: Every person has a story that has led them to a career. Since there are a variety of health professions that "help" others, please go beyond your initial interaction or experiences with physical therapy and share the deeper story that has confirmed your decision to specifically pursue physical therapy as your career.

PharmCAS (4500 characters):

• Your Personal Essay should address why you selected pharmacy as a career. How the Doctor of Pharmacy degree relates to your immediate and long-term professional goals. You should describe how your personal, educational, and professional background will help you achieve your goals.

VMCAS (1000 characters):

• There are many career choices within the veterinary What are your future career goals and why?
• In what ways do veterinarians contribute to society and what do you hope to contribute?
• Consider the breadth of society which veterinarians What attributes do you believe are essential to be successful within the veterinary profession? Of these attributes, which do you possess and how have you demonstrated these in the past?

When should I start writing?

You should begin working on your personal statement early in the spring semester prior to your intended application year and submitting your application materials to HPAC (if applicable).  Remember that the people who are helping you with your statement will need time to review it and you will need time to work through multiple drafts before submission.  In addition, some of your letter writers may want to see a copy of your personal statement before they write your letter, so you should strive to have a competent draft by mid-March.

What should be included?

It is important to treat the personal statement as an answer to a question (i.e., the prompt), rather than the opportunity to flex your creative writing muscles. Indeed, most applicants are STEM majors without much experience in creative writing; therefore, it is recommended that you avoid using the essay to practice your creative writing skills and stick to simply addressing the prompt in a direct, concise way. Some questions you may want to consider while planning your essay are:

• Why have you selected the field of medicine, dentistry, or other health profession?
• What motivates you to learn more about medicine, dentistry, or other health profession?
• How have you demonstrated your interest and commitment to your decision?
• What experiences have allowed you to develop the skills necessary to be successful in this program and to become an effective physician, dentist, PA, etc.?
• Did you have any exposure to role models who influenced your decision? Which of their attributes inspired you?
• Are your perceptions of this profession realistic?
• What are your professional goals?
• Is there anything you wish for your chosen health professional schools to know about you that has not been disclosed in other sections of the application?

Depending on the nature of the prompt, you may also wish to include information such as:

• Unique hardships, challenges, or obstacles that may have influenced your educational pursuits.
• Commentary on significant fluctuations in your academic record that are not explained elsewhere in your application.

What should NOT be included?

• Avoid clichés and over-using/mis-using terms : How many times do you think admissions committees have read the phrase, “I want to become a physician because I like science and I want to help people”? Similarly, words like empathy and passion are, while applicable, can become empty in meaning when overused or misused. Consider exemplifying these terms, rather than simply stating them.
• Avoid unnecessary drama: While you may feel compelled to "hook" the reader with a dramatic opening to your statement, doing so may detract from the overall purpose (i.e., describing your decision to pursue medicine/dentistry) and may induce many an eye-roll by committee members.
• Avoid being vague : "[Insert experience] was challenging and rewarding." What does that mean? Be specific about what was impactful and how it affected you.
• Avoid brash decision-making :  Your decision to become a doctor/dentist should be the result of a series of thoughtful, conscious, and reflective decisions. NOT an instantaneous realization or epiphany. Similarly, you have not “always known” that you want to be a physician/dentist. No one is "born to be a doctor." Nothing is innate, you have to work for it.
• Avoid excuses :  In general, there are better uses for your personal statement than explaining away and justifying poor grades, incidents of misconduct, etc. Indeed, TMDSAS offers additional essays and opportunities to discuss these issues. However, if you choose to address these subjects, be sure to focus on what you have learned from those incidents and how your experiences have made you a stronger person.  Always accept responsibility and avoid blaming anyone else for your decisions or mistakes.
• Avoid restating your resume or activities section :  Choose ONE or TWO significant and distinguishing experiences to elaborate upon when outline the reasons behind your decision to pursue a career in healthcare. There is no need to narrate completely your 4+ years of college or carefully detail your activities from year to year; indeed, there are other sections in the application where you can detail your experiences and what you learned from each.
• Avoid grandiosity :  Claiming that you plan to cure cancer (or HIV, or healthcare disparities, or anything else) shows a grave lack of understanding of whatever problem you are planning to solve. Similarly, avoid “I know what it is like to be a physician/dentist from [shadowing/clinical volunteer experience].”  No, you do not.  That is precisely why you are hoping to go to medical/dental school.
• Avoid inflammatory or controversial topics :  You do not know the values, beliefs, and background of the committee member reading your essay.  For these reasons, you are advised to avoid making any strong statements regarding politics, religion, and other polarizing topics.  Be extremely cautious to avoid expressing any views that could be construed as derogatory to any group.  Additionally, your beliefs are not the only “correct” beliefs. 
• Do not lie :  Honesty and ethical behavior are the hallmarks of being a healthcare professional. Do not include details anywhere in your application or essay that you are not prepared to talk about or that are simply untrue.

Additional Recommendations

• Use simple formatting : Avoid the use of bullet-points, italics, and symbols.
• Read your statement aloud : As you draft your statement, reading what you have written aloud can help you determine whether your writing "flows" well and is an easy read for a reviewer.

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University of Hawai'i at Mānoa Study Abroad Center

Applications.

Students from University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, UH-System schools, Chaminade University of Honolulu, and other universities are welcome to apply.

All applicants will be judged on their academic performance, reasons for wishing to study abroad, flexibility and sensitivity to other cultures, and ability to adjust to a new cultural setting.

Submit your completed application and fee to the Study Abroad Center by the deadline, either online or to Moore Hall 115. Applications missing any of the following elements will be deemed incomplete and not considered for review.

If you have questions regarding the application process and financial aid, please visit Frequently Asked Questions and Resources , respectively.

NOTE: ALL forms are for UHM Study Abroad Center program use only. 

A. Application Forms

1. UH and Non-UH Students – Online

Use our online application to apply for any of the Study Abroad Center’s semester, year, and summer programs! UH students may use their UH login to apply. Any student not part of the UH system are still welcome to apply by creating a Guest account. The application process is the same for both UH and Non-UH students!

The online application is a hub for all of your application information. With it, you can request confidential references and student progress reports, see when they have been submitted, and pay for your application fee.

• Apply here: https://apply.studyabroad.hawaii.edu
• Read more about how to use our online application.

2. Independent/Self-Design Students – Hard copy PDFs

For any student creating their own (semester-long) independent or self-design study abroad program: Please download, fill out, and print (on single-sided sheets) the appropriate application forms below.

B. Program of Study Statement

All applicants must write a 500-word essay detailing your objectives for the study abroad program. Online applicants can type in their essay directly on their application. Applicants completing a hard copy can attach their essay to the application form.

Essay Prompt : Write a concise, 500-word essay of your proposed study abroad program and how it relates to your present academic program. Discuss the classes you wish to take. Describe also the personal benefits you expect to receive from the program. Discuss how aspects of the particular program apply directly to your personal, academic and professional goals. What specific features of the program appeal to you? If there is anything on your transcript(s) you need to explain (poor grades, withdrawals, leaves of absence, etc.), please do so.

C. Academic Confidential Reference Forms

1. Filling out the Reference Forms

Online : The online application has a feature, a “New Request” button, where you can send an email request to the teacher/employer writing your reference. A New Request will send an auto-generated email to the person writing your reference with a link for them to submit the reference online. Your application will show if/when that person submits their reference, or you can send them an email reminder through the application. As a courtesy, we strongly recommend speaking with your instructor/employer first about writing you a reference before sending them the request.

Hard copy : Please make sure that you have filled out your name, email address, the program location and the term you are applying for in the box on the top right corner of the form before asking your teacher/employer to write a reference for you. This ensures that we will be able to match your application with your reference forms, should they be submitted separately. Hard-copy letters of recommendation must be accompanied by UHMSAC reference forms.

Note: By signing the waiver statement, you waive your right to review what your referee writes about you.

2. Types of references (revised, 2/27/14)

Academic references must be completed by your past or current University/College course instructors who have provided or will provide you with a grade.

3. Required number of references (revised, 2/27/14)

• Semester/Year programs : Three (3) academic references OR two (2) academic references + one (1) employer or supervisor
• Summer programs : Two (2) academic references

Repeat Study Abroad Center applicants:

• Students who have already successfully completed a UHMSAC program and are applying for another program or term need only one (1) reference form filled out by their former faculty Resident Director and/or equivalent academic personnel.
• Students who studied abroad independently and did not report to an on-site academic personnel must submit three (3) academic references OR two (2) academic references + one (1) employment supervisor .
• Students who only participated in a Faculty-Sponsored Study Tour (FaSST) program are  not   considered “repeat” applicants and must turn in the required number of reference letters for their desired SAC program.

Online : There is a checkbox to indicate whether you are a repeat applicant in the Confidential Academic Reference section. Please include the country/program you studied in and when. Example: “Paris, France in Fall 2018”

Hard copy : Indicate in #20 of the application form or directly to the Study Abroad Center if you are a repeat applicant. Please include the country/program you studied in and when. Example: “Paris, France in Fall 2018”

4. Student Progress Report  (1/6/17)

In addition to the Reference Forms, college freshman must have a Student Progress Report completed by each of their current instructors at the time of the application deadline. For example, Student Progress Reports for a summer program (application due in February) must come from Spring instructors.

5. Submission of Reference Forms and Progress Reports

Reference forms and letters may be submitted to the Study Abroad Center by the following methods:

• Through the Online Application (preferred)
• United States Postal Services
• Campus Mail Services
• Personal delivery – by evaluator, by student assistant, or by applicant (the reference form and letter must arrive in a sealed envelope)
• Faxed to 808.956.9319, and follow-up with original copies of all forms and letters

Reference forms must be received by the Study Abroad Center by 4:00 pm HST on the specified deadline;  therefore, please allow ample delivery time.

D. Transcripts

• Transcripts are not required for UH-system students.
• First-year college students require a high school transcript.
• Transfer students with records that do not appear on their STAR report require a transcript from former institutions.
• Students from non UH-System schools must submit a transcript from all institutions attended.

Transcripts should be mailed directly from the school to the Study Abroad Center. Please indicate the intended Study Abroad program location on the transcript and/or transcript request form.

University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Study Abroad Center 1890 East-West Road, Moore 115 Honolulu, HI 96822

E. Visa status (non-U.S. citizens only)

Submit a copy of the document that allows you to legally study/live in the U.S.: DS 2019 (J-1 visa holders), I-20 (F-1 visa holders) or Alien Registration Card (permanent residents).

2. Deadlines

The Study Abroad Center is closed on weekends, and Federal and State holidays.

If any of the above dates falls on a holiday or weekend, the deadline will be moved to the closest business day before or after the deadline at the discretion of the Study Abroad Center. For example, Oct. 15, 2023 occurs on Sunday; the deadline is therefore moved to Monday , Oct. 16 .

3. Fee and initial payment

The $30 application fee is non-refundable . Preferred payment is through the online application by credit card , using the TouchNet service. In-person payment is accepted in the form of check or money order only , made payable to University of Hawai‘i .

Immediately upon acceptance to the program, students are required to pay a non-refundable initial payment ($500; Japan year: $1,000) to ensure a place in the program. This initial payment will be applied toward the cost of the program.

• Faculty and Staff

University of Hawai‘i ® at Mānoa 2023-2024 General Catalog

Undergraduate education.

• Undergraduate General Education Requirements

Assistant Vice Provost for Student Academic Success

Queen Lili‘uokalani Center for Student Services 213 2600 Campus Road Honolulu HI 96822 Tel: (808) 956-6231 Fax: (808) 956-2191 Web: manoa.hawaii.edu/undergrad/oavcue/ IAVPSAS: Katrina-Ann R. Kapā‘anaokalāokeola Oliveira Departments and programs: Civic and Community Engagement, First Year Programs, Learning Assistance Center, Mānoa Advising Center, Mānoa Transfer Coordination Center, Online Learning Academy, Pre-Health/Pre-Law Advising Center, Student Athlete Academic Services, Student Success Center

Vice Provost for Enrollment Management

Queen Lili‘uokalani Center for Student Services 214 2600 Campus Road Honolulu HI 96822 Tel: (808) 956-3584 Fax: (808) 956-8095 VPEM: Nikki Chun Departments and programs: Admissions Office, Financial Aid Services, Office of the Registrar

Office of Admissions Queen Lili‘uokalani Center for Student Services 001 2600 Campus Road Honolulu, HI 96822 Tel: (808) 956-8975/(808) 956-7541 (Voice/Text) Toll free (in U.S.): (800) 823-9771 Fax: (808) 956-4148 Email:  [email protected] Web:  www.manoa.hawaii.edu/admissions

Office of the Registrar Queen Lili‘uokalani Center for Student Services 010 2600 Campus Road Honolulu, HI 96822 Tel: (808) 956-8010 Fax: (808) 956-7830 Email:  [email protected] Web: www.manoa.hawaii.edu/registrar/

Admission requirements for UH Mānoa are similar to those of comparable state institutions of higher education. Applicants are advised to consult appropriate UH Mānoa colleges/schools for specific information since individual academic programs may have special admission policies and procedures.

The following regulations and procedures are subject to change without prior notice. Prospective students should consult the most current Catalog and/or an advisor before applying for admission.

International students should refer to “Admission of International Applicants” within this section of the Catalog.

Admission of Classified Students

Classified undergraduates are those admitted to approved programs of study leading to UH Mānoa baccalaureate degrees. Students who have earned 0–29.99 credit hours are freshmen; those with 30–59.99 credit hours are sophomores; those with 60–89.99 credit hours are juniors; and those with 90 or more credit hours are seniors.

Freshmen and sophomores are lower division students, while juniors and seniors are upper division students.

Admission of Freshmen

Students applying for admission as a freshman must complete the Self-Reported Application. The initial admissions decision will be based on self reported data. Upon request from the Office of Admissions, an official transcript must be submitted. Applicants taking the General Education Development (GED) high school-equivalency test must submit GED results in addition to the Self-Reported Application. Applicants who have been home schooled must submit GED scores, or SAT subject tests (minimum of the subjects) including math, or ACT subscores in addition to the Self-Reported Application. A high rating in one area will not ensure admission, nor will poor performance in an area exclude applicants if other evidence shows they may be successful in university-level work.

Test scores . Test scores are not required for admission. The University has adopted test-optional admission.

High School Record. Applicants should have grades high enough to place them in the upper 40 percent of their graduating class.

Minimum Unit Requirements. Applicants should complete 22 units of high school work (grades 9-12) of which at least 17 are college preparatory. The term “unit” means satisfactory completion of a full school year’s course of study or the equivalent in laboratory and shop exercises. A listing of courses and grades from the ninth through twelfth grades must be included. College-preparatory subjects must include at least four units in English; three in mathematics including college-preparatory geometry and second-year algebra; three in natural sciences; three in social sciences; and four additional units, which may include higher mathematics, additional science, additional social studies, and foreign language. All other courses for which the high school grants credit may be offered to satisfy the remaining unit requirements, although there should be no less than a half-unit nor more than two units in any one subject.

Students entering curricula in engineering, mathematics, and biological and physical sciences must meet the special mathematics requirements listed in the college sections of this Catalog.

Profile of Admitted Students. All applications are evaluated on an individual basis. Generally, successful applicants attain a B (not B-) average for all college-preparatory high school course work and rank in the upper 40 percent of their graduating class.

UH Mānoa accepts all Hawai‘i residents who meet UH Mānoa admissions standards.

Nonresident applicants should await notice of acceptance before coming to Hawai‘i. By Board of Regents policy, the number of nonresidents admitted is limited.

Admission decisions are made independent of the availability of financial aid and housing. Students must apply separately for financial aid and housing. (See the “Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid” and “Student Life” sections of this Catalog. )

Admission of Requirements of Homeschooled Applicants

Complete homeschooled applicants are expected to meet the minimum admissions requirements indicated for freshman applicants. Please review the detailed requirements below for homeschooled applicants.

Required Documents

Complete the Self-Reported Application if your homeschool transcript reflects a traditional high school curriculum. If you are in a non-traditional program, please include a separate statement that includes titles and descriptions of all course work completed. Other additional information such as textbooks used, methods of teaching, and methods of evaluation and the resulting grades or structured assessments must be entered in the “Comment” box. If the additional information exceeds the amount of space given, attach an additional sheet to the hard copy Self-Reported Supplement or submit an email if you completed the online version.

Also, one of the following: GED scores, SAT subject tests (minimum of three subjects) including math, or ACT subscores.

Admission of Transfer Applicants

Transfer applicants are those currently or previously enrolled at a college or university other than UH Mānoa. Transfer applicants include those who previously attended UH Mānoa and subsequent to their UH Mānoa attendance enrolled at another UH college, university, or UH Mānoa. To obtain an application form, refer to “Application Procedures” within this section of the Catalog.

Applicants who have earned at least 24 semester credit hours of work or completed 12 transferable credits and have at least 12 credits in progress in courses comparable to UH Mānoa offerings at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university must submit an application and have each postsecondary institution previously attended send an official transcript (including withdrawals, courses taken, and grades received) directly to the Office of Admissions. Unofficial transcripts, hand-carried transcripts, faxed transcripts, and student copies of transcripts or grade reports will not be accepted.

Applicants who have earned fewer than 24 acceptable credit hours or who have enrolled in an unaccredited institution must submit high school transcripts in addition to official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions previously attended. Admission will be based on both college and high school work.

Transfer applicants are expected to present a satisfactory academic record in courses comparable to UH Mānoa offerings. Nonresident candidates must present a better than average record. The number of nonresidents admitted is limited by Board of Regents policy.

Applicants enrolled at another college or university must have a final transcript submitted to the Office of Admissions at the end of the current term. Until this is received, any acceptance is provisional. Failure either to submit the transcript within a reasonable time or to complete the semester’s work satisfactorily will result in denial of admission or, in the case of registered students, cancellation of registration.

Credit hours in courses taken at U.S. regionally accredited colleges or universities that are substantially equivalent to UH Mānoa offerings and in which grades of D (not D-) or better have been earned will be transferred. Grades and grade points from other institutions are not transferred. Credit/No Credit and Pass/Fail credits may be accepted if the standard for these credits is equivalent to that at UH Mānoa (see “Grades” within this section of the Catalog ).

However, not all transfer credits accepted will necessarily satisfy curricular requirements toward a particular degree.

Transfers from unaccredited colleges or universities must also meet UH Mānoa campus admission standards for new freshmen. Students who complete a minimum of 30 credit hours with an average of C (not C-) or better at UH Mānoa may be granted credit for the courses completed at unaccredited institutions that are candidates for accreditation. These courses, which must be substantially equivalent to UH Mānoa courses, will be counted only as lower division credits.

The department or program in which the student is pursuing a degree may decide that certain courses required for the major that were taken in the past must be retaken. Courses that are declared outdated for the major will still count toward the General Education Core if they meet core requirements. Students should consult with their respective academic advisor in their major field of study for details.

International applicants should refer to “Admission of International Applicants” within this section of the Catalog.

All colleges previously attended must be disclosed. Incomplete, incorrect, or false information is subject to disciplinary measures.

Evaluating Transfer Credits

UH Mānoa reserves the right to accept or reject credits earned at any other institution of higher education. In general, UH Mānoa accepts credits earned at institutions fully accredited by U.S. regional accrediting associations, provided that such credits are substantially equivalent to courses at UH Mānoa, and have been completed with a grade of D (not D-) or better. An evaluation of transfer credits will be undertaken only after a student has been admitted to a program leading to a degree and has confirmed his or her intention to enroll.

Transfer decisions about courses taken at other UH campuses are guided by the UH Articulation Agreement. Only course credits are accepted in transfer. Grades and grade points from other institutions do not transfer to UH Mānoa.

Notable Restrictions on Transfer Credit

Other notable restrictions on transfer credit include:

• Courses taken out of sequence (backtracking): Credit is not awarded for lower level courses if they are taken subsequent to or concurrently with a higher level course for which there are explicit or implicit prerequisites.
• College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and Advanced Placement (AP): Credits awarded for CLEP and AP examinations do not count toward meeting the 24-credit requirement for admission as a transfer student nor do they exempt other applicants from submitting SAT/ACT scores and high school transcripts.
• Correspondence school credit: No more than 30 credits of correspondence course work from regionally accredited U.S. colleges and universities will be accepted in transfer.
• Life experience: UH Mānoa does not award credits for life experience. By individual arrangement, enrolled students may arrange for credit by examination.
• Military service or schooling: Course work taken through military schools may be considered for credit with the consent of the appropriate UH Mānoa department. The student’s DD-214 or DD-295 form or American Council of Education (ACE) Registry transcript must be submitted. Credits awarded for military schooling do not count toward meeting the 24-credit requirement for admission as a transfer student nor exempt other applicants from submitting SAT/ACT scores and high school transcripts.
• Courses with nontraditional grades: Courses completed with nontraditional grades such as CR (credit), P (pass), S (satisfactory) may be transferable only if the grade represents a D (not D-) or better. Generally, courses with nontraditional grades will be accepted as elective credit only and will not fulfill UH Mānoa, college, school, or departmental requirements.
• Courses from unaccredited institutions: Course work taken at any institution not fully accredited by a regional U.S. accrediting association is not transferable. After completing a minimum of 30 credits at UH Mānoa with a GPA of 2.0 or better, a student may be granted credit for course work completed at unaccredited institutions which were candidates for accreditation at the time of the student’s attendance there.
• Developmental or remedial courses
• Repeated or duplicate courses: Transfer credit is generally not awarded for courses that duplicate material for which academic credit has already been given. Credit will not be awarded for a repeated course in which a passing grade was previously earned, nor for more than one version of a cross-listed course.
• Courses that provide instruction in a particular religious doctrine
• Vocational or technical courses
• Mathematics courses considered below college level: courses include (but are not limited to) basic math and business math.

Admission of International Applicants

International students wishing to apply should request an application and a form called “Supplementary Information for International Students.” The deadline is January 5 for fall admission and September 1 for spring admission. If admitted, international students must receive two clearances in order to register: (1) University Health Services clearance documenting adherence with health regulations, and (2) International Student Services (ISS) clearance documenting adherence to international student regulations and proof of adequate health insurance. Note: International applicants with a non-immigrant visa status other than student status should contact the ISS. Federal restrictions on full-time study may apply.

Additional Requirements

Transcripts . In addition to the application, applicants must present evidence of having completed or received the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma. Official transcripts of all secondary and postsecondary work must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions by each institution attended. Certified photocopies of the certificates and results of any qualifying examinations (e.g., General Certificate of Education) must also be submitted. Certified English translations must be attached to documents and transcripts written in a foreign language.

Applicants enrolled in a secondary school or another college or university must have a final transcript submitted to the Office of Admissions at the end of the current term. Until this is received, any acceptance is provisional. Failure to submit the transcript or to complete the semester’s/year’s work satisfactorily will result in denial of admission and/or cancellation of registration.

Examinations. Applicants also must submit official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). This examination is normally required of all foreign applicants, including students who either have been admitted to or have matriculated at other universities. SAT applications may be obtained by writing to the College Board, P.O. Box 025505, Miami, FL 33102. ACT applications may be obtained by writing to the American College Testing Program, P.O. Box 414, Iowa City, IA 52243. TOEFL applications may be obtained by writing to Educational Testing Service, P.O. Box 6151, Princeton, NJ 08541. Visit our website for other test options other than the TOEFL.

ACT or SAT Exemptions. Test scores are not required for admission. The university has adopted test-optional admission.

TOEFL Requirements and Exemptions. Applicants are required to score a minimum of 61 (internet-based), 173 (computer-based), or 500 (paper-based) on the TOEFL. The following applicants are exempt from the TOEFL examination: (a) those whose native language is English; (b) those who hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a regionally accredited university in the U.S. or a recognized university in Australia, Britain, Canada (excluding Quebec), Ireland, or New Zealand; (c) those who have completed six years of continuous schooling through the high school or college level in American Samoa and/or Guam and in one of the countries listed above under (b); (d) those who have completed English composition at a regionally accredited U.S. institution with a D or better grade; or (e) those who completed at least three years of high school in Hawai‘i with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 and SAT critical reading of 460 and SAT writing of 460. Admission to summer ELI classes does not imply a waiver of the TOEFL exam for fall or spring semester admission.

English Language Institute. International and immigrant students who are admitted to UH Mānoa and whose native language is not English are referred to the English Language Institute to determine if they must take the ELI placement tests and the Mānoa Writing Placement examination. If a student does not fulfill this obligation, ELI will place a hold on the student’s registration. Please contact the Department of Second Language Studies for additional information. (See the “ELI” section of this Catalog )

Admission of International Exchange Students

Students matriculating at a university outside the U.S. may apply for admission as an international exchange student in the third or fourth year of study, through the Mānoa International Exchange (MIX). Admission may be granted for a maximum of two semesters as a “Visiting Student.” Priority is given to students from institutions with a formal exchange agreement with UH; however, other qualified students from any foreign institution may also be considered.

Those sponsored by their home government or an external scholarship program such as Fulbright or Rotary International may also be admitted as exchange students, either as a classified, degree seeking student, or as a non-degree visiting student. Exchange students may enter the U.S. under either the F-1 or J-1 visa, depending on the funding source and preferences of the sponsoring agency.

Exchange students must submit standard admission materials, official TOEFL scores of 68 (internet-based), 190 (computer-based), or 520 (paper-based) unless exempt (see “Admission of International Applicants” for exemption criteria), and for those engaged in non-degree study, a special MIX application. For further information, contact International Student Services, Queen Lili‘uokalani Center for Student Services, 2600 Campus Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, or visit www.hawaii.edu/issmanoa/ .

Admission of Returning Students

A student who experiences a break in enrollment at UH Mānoa without having taken an approved leave of absence or who has been suspended or dismissed must apply for readmission. A student who has attended another college or university, or UH campus subsequent to attendance at UH Mānoa must apply as a transfer student (see “Admission of Transfer Applicants”). Readmission is not automatic because of enrollment limitations and changes in academic regulations. Students who are readmitted will be subject to the General Education Core, major, and graduation requirements in effect at the time of readmission. Questions concerning readmission should be directed to the student academic services office in the college/school to which the student is applying.

Admission of Unclassified Students

Persons who wish to take UH Mānoa courses but do not wish to enroll in degree programs may apply for admission as unclassified students through the Office of Admissions. Undergraduate applicants must meet the admission standards for a regular classified, degree seeking undergraduate. Post-baccalaureate applicants should contact the Graduate Division.

Classified applicants receive admission priority; thus, unclassified applicants may be denied admission because of enrollment restrictions.

Persons interested only in taking courses offered by Outreach College should refer to the “Outreach College” section of the Catalog , (808) 956-7221, www.outreach.hawaii.edu .

High School/Dual Enrollment Program

High school students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, have completed most of their high school graduation requirements, and can no longer benefit from high school offerings may enroll concurrently in UH Mānoa courses while enrolled in high school. Eligibility is restricted to high school juniors and seniors.

Students wishing to take advantage of this program should follow the procedures for “Admission of Freshmen.” Eligible students must present outstanding high school grades and SAT or ACT scores, be recommended by school authorities, and have the permission of their parent(s) or legal guardian to participate in the High School/Dual Enrollment Program.

Regular UH Mānoa admission deadlines, normal tuition and fee schedules, course prerequisites, and admission requirements other than high school graduation also apply to the High School/Dual Enrollment Program.

Application Procedures

To obtain admissions related information, prospective students should consult their high school counselors (in Hawai‘i) or write to the Office of Admissions, 2600 Campus Road Room 001, Honolulu, HI 96822. The application is available online ( apply.hawaii.edu ). The application is valid only for the semester specified. For deadline information, refer to the “Calendar.”

For information regarding application procedures for non-U.S. citizens and/or nonnative speakers of English, refer to “International Admission Process.”

The admission application initial deadline for the fall semester is January 5 ; the final deadline is March 1 . The initial deadline for the spring semester is September 1 ; the final deadline is October 1 . Some professional schools and individual programs may have earlier deadlines. Consult the appropriate student academic services dean for specific deadlines.

In addition to the application form, applicants must submit official test scores and arrange to have official transcripts of all schools, colleges, universities, business, and postsecondary schools attended sent directly from each institution involved by the appropriate deadline. Unofficial transcripts, hand-carried transcripts, faxed transcripts, and student copies of transcripts or grade reports will not be accepted. All other required credentials, as noted in the application, should also be sent with the application form. No applications, even those received before the closing date, will be acted upon after enrollment is filled for a program. Applications and documents submitted to UH Mānoa are deemed the property of UH Mānoa and therefore will not be returned to the applicant nor be available for copying.

Application Fee

Applications must be accompanied by a nonrefundable, nontransferable application fee. The application and fee are valid only for the semester specified on the application.

Special Instructions

Student identification numbers.

UH Mānoa will issue student identification numbers at the point of acceptance and intent to enroll to all students for use as his or her permanent identification.

Student Ethnicity Data

Students are urged to supply racial/ethnic information on applications and other forms when requested, since UH Mānoa must provide a number of federal, state, and educational agencies with this data each year. Whenever such information is lacking, UH Mānoa personnel must make an educated guess. Self-identification is preferable.

Email Correspondence

Electronic mail is a Board of Regents approved communications method. Email communications to students will be sent to email addresses submitted on the students’ admissions application. Email communications will be sent to the student’s University of Hawai‘i email address after the student’s user account has been established.

Change of Address

Students are responsible for keeping UH Mānoa’s Office of the Registrar (Queen Lili‘uokalani Center for Student Services 010) informed of their correct address (i.e., mailing, permanent, email, etc.). Change of address may also be completed through the MyUH Services at myuh.hawaii.edu .

Misrepresentation

By UH Mānoa policy, all applicants for admission are required to list all current and previous enrollment in any postsecondary institution on the application form. Applicants for admission who fail to inform UH Mānoa of such enrollment at the time of application or who submit, or have submitted on their behalf, any required information or document that is inaccurate, incorrect, or fraudulent or that has been altered without proper authorization may be denied admission to UH Mānoa. If the omissions and/or alterations are discovered after the student is enrolled, the student’s admission may be rescinded and his or her enrollment canceled. Credits earned at any unreported college or school are not accepted in transfer. The student or prospective student may also be referred to the Student Conduct Committee for possible disciplinary action.

Academic Advising

Academic advising at UH Mānoa is an expression of our educational mission and ideals. Advising helps students to integrate and discern meaning from the many facets of their academic journey and to locate their unique journey within the context of their hopes, dreams, abilities, goals, interests, and in fact, within the full trajectory of their lives. Advising conveys higher education’s modes of thinking, learning, and decision making, teaches students to think critically about their roles and responsibilities, and encourages students to become active members in our higher education community as well as leaders in our global community.

Overseen by the Assistant Vice Provost for Student Success and coordinated through the Council of Academic Advisors (CAA), academic advising is college- and school-based: the students’ primary connection remains with their academic unit

UH Mānoa provides academic advising for undergraduate students through the student academic services office in their college/school. In addition, students can log onto the STAR system ( star.hawaii.edu ) to see how courses taken might fulfill degree requirements. STAR is an advising tool that allows students to manage their academic course work, but should not be considered a substitute for meeting with advisors to verify degree requirements. Academic advisors bring to their responsibilities as educators not only knowledge of academic disciplines, but also understanding of the rationale that underlies the curricula of the colleges/schools and UH Mānoa. Students are strongly encouraged to seek advising assistance early in their academic journeys.

Academic advising involves:

• Assisting students in clarifying, articulating, and attaining academic and life goals;
• Facilitating students’ adjustment to the campus;
• Educating students on how to develop educational plans and assess their academic progress;
• Explaining and clarifying requirements, policies, and procedures;
• Encouraging students to think critically about their roles and responsibilities as students and as members of a democratic and global community;
• Helping students locate and access available resources and to engage in the UH Mānoa community;
• Counseling students on personal issues as they relate to academic progress; and
• Serving as advocates and mediators for students.

College/school advisors complement departmental advisors, who are specialists in their subjects. Departmental advisors advise on major requirements, available opportunities, career options, and graduate or professional degrees in their discipline. Students can locate their academic advisors at https://manoa.hawaii.edu/undergrad/advising/ .

Mandatory Advising and Declaration of Majors

All students will benefit from two major academic policies related to advising. First, they will receive mandatory advising every semester for their first two years. Second, students are strongly encouraged to declare their major prior to the start of their junior year to develop an efficient academic plan and graduate in a timely manner. These policies were introduced to encourage early identification of potential majors, support efficient graduation, and promote each student’s engagement in his or her academic journey.

Registration and Enrollment

Registration procedures.

Registration is open to those students officially admitted to UH Mānoa by the appropriate admissions office and to students in good standing who are continuing in an approved program of study. Students who have graduated, withdrawn, or have not been continuously enrolled must complete the admission process before being permitted to register. New, transfer, and returning classified students who are admitted to UH Mānoa are required to pay a nonrefundable, nontransferable tuition deposit to confirm their admitted status. Admitted students may be barred from registration until they have complied with all UH requirements, including but not limited to, medical clearances, the purchase of health insurance by nonimmigrant foreign students, and required English language placement testing. Students may also be barred from registering until they have cleared all academic or financial obligations.

Students are assigned specific appointment times in which to register. All registration activity is conducted by personal computer through the internet. The MyUH Services website at myuh.hawaii.edu provides the UH community with secure, personalized access to enrollment services such as registration. Each student’s registration time will be available in STAR approximately two weeks before registration.

Information on registration procedures can be found on the Office of the Registrar website at manoa.hawaii.edu/registrar/ , which includes registration dates and instructions. The listing of course offerings with up-to-date class location and meeting times is found at the Class Availability website: www.sis.hawaii.edu/uhdad/avail.classes?i=MAN .

Unclassified students and auditors register after classified students.

Auditors are regularly admitted students who enroll for informational instruction only, and attend classes with the consent of the instructor. Auditors receive no credit, and they do not take course examinations. The extent of their classroom participation is at the instructor’s discretion. Auditors are not generally allowed in art studios, laboratory science, mathematics, elementary and intermediate Hawaiian and foreign languages, creative writing, English composition, physical education, communicology and other performance courses, or in classes where they might displace credit students. Audit courses are entered on student transcripts with a grade of L and are subject to regular tuition and fee charges. Audit courses are not counted in determining a student’s enrollment status.

Late Registration

Students who register on the first day of instruction or later shall be assessed a late registration fee.

Maximum Registration

Undergraduate students who request enrollment in 20 or more credit hours of work in any semester must obtain special approval from their college student academic services office and process their changes during the Change of Registration period after instruction begins. Students may not register for courses in Outreach College, for credit or audit, in excess of the maximum registration allowed by the college/school in which they are enrolled unless given permission for an overload by the college/school.

Enrollment Status

For academic purposes, students may be classified as either part-time or full-time students. A full-time undergraduate carries a minimum of 12 credit hours. Undergraduate students carrying fewer than 12 credits are classified as part-time. Audited courses are not counted in determining the enrollment status of a student.

Change of College or Major

Classified students may apply for transfer from one college to another during the fall or the spring semester. Application for transfer must be made on a form supplied by the student academic services office of the college/school that the student wishes to enter. The application must be approved by the dean of that college/school. Deadlines for transfers within UH Mānoa are determined by individual student academic services offices. Contact the college/school directly for deadlines. Students planning to transfer into professional schools should consult the dean’s office for deadlines. Students wishing to enter the College of Education should follow the procedures specific to that college.

Students requesting a change of major to be effective in the current semester shall request the change by the last day to drop a course without a W deadline. Requests received after will be made effective at the start of the following semester.

Changes of college, school, curriculum, or major are not permitted during registration periods.

Unclassified students who wish to become degree candidates must complete the regular application process.

Changes in Registration

All deadlines for adding courses, partial withdrawal, or complete withdrawal are subject to change. Refer to the Office of the Registrar for procedures. See “Calendar” for applicable dates.

To Add a Course

Courses may be added until the last day to register/add courses/change grading options.

To Drop a Course (Partial Withdrawal)

A course may be dropped without notation on the student’s record until the last day to drop courses. Thereafter, grades of W will be posted. The colleges/schools differ in their policies, but, in general, a course may be dropped until the last day for restricted withdrawals with the consent of the instructor and the approval of the student’s college/school dean.

After the last day for restricted withdrawals, no withdrawals are permitted except for unusual or extenuating circumstances beyond the control of the student. These withdrawals require the consent of the student’s college/school dean, who may consult the instructor.

If students do not officially complete the withdrawal procedure, an F or NC, as appropriate, may be awarded by the instructor in place of a passing grade.

Complete Withdrawal

Students occasionally find, for a wide variety of reasons, that they are unable to complete the semester and need to withdraw completely from the university. Students should note that once school starts, they have incurred a financial obligation to the university. Withdrawing completely from UH Mānoa does not release the student from their financial obligations.

Students who completely withdraw prior to the first day of instruction will have their course enrollment deleted from their permanent record and incur no tuition and fees charges.

From the first day of instruction through the last day to drop courses, students withdrawing completely from UH Mānoa will have a withdrawal action noted on their records. Withdrawn courses do not appear on student official academic transcripts.

After the last day to drop courses, students withdrawing completely from UH Mānoa will receive a W grade for each course on their record.

After the last day for restricted withdrawals, students are not allowed to withdraw except in unusual or extenuating circumstances beyond their control. Withdrawing after the deadline to withdraw requires petitioning for approval from the student’s college/school dean. Students who receive approval will receive a W grade for each course on their record.

To apply for a complete withdrawal, students should contact the student academic services office of their college/school. Once the student receives approval to withdraw, the student must obtain all signatures as indicated on the forms and submit the completed forms to the Office of the Registrar.

Complete withdrawal does not release the student from their financial obligations to the university. The refund schedule for withdrawal is noted in both the “Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid” section of this Catalog and with Office of the Registrar.

When withdrawing, a classified undergraduate student may choose to apply for a leave of absence. Leave of absence forms are available through the student academic services office of the student’s college/school and require approval by the college/school dean. Students who do not obtain a leave of absence must apply for readmission before the specified deadline and must be readmitted before they are able to register.

Participation Verification (No Show)

Students are expected to attend and participate in the courses for which they are registered. The University of Hawai‘i is required, by federal regulation, to verify the participation of students in their classes. According to Executive Policy 7.209, students who fail to establish attendance by the late registration period will be administratively dropped from their class. Students may also be dropped from other classes that are dependent on the class where they failed to establish attendance (i.e. co-requisite or future class where the dropped class meets the prerequisite requirement). Students who are administratively dropped from a course will have their financial aid award and veterans educational benefits recalculated accordingly.

Retroactive Withdrawals

Retroactive withdrawals are partial or complete course withdrawals processed after the semester has ended. UH Mānoa is obligated to insure the integrity of the transcript as an historical document, which must reflect the actual history of a student’s experience at UH Mānoa. Because of this, the student who is requesting a retroactive withdrawal will need to present a convincing case and provide relevant documentation that supports the existence of circumstances beyond their control that prevented them from initiating the withdrawal request in a timely manner. Any request submitted two or more years after the course ended will not be reviewed. Should a retroactive withdrawal be approved, the action will result in the grade being changed to a W. Tuition refunds will not be considered and any academic action applied for that semester will remain on the student’s record.

If you were a financial aid recipient during the semester in which you are seeking a withdrawal, be sure to check with Financial Aid Services to determine whether this will result in a financial obligation or future ineligibility for financial aid.

Credits and Grades

Work accomplished by students is usually recognized in terms of credit hours, grades, grade points, and grade point averages.

Students must complete a minimum of 120 (45 upper division (300+ level)) credits and have a minimum of a C (not C-) average (minimum GPA of 2.0) to earn a baccalaureate degree. Colleges, schools, and degree programs have specific requirements. Students should check with their college/school advisor.

Credit Hours

One (1) credit hour over a standard 15-week semester is equivalent to:

• One semester hour of direct instruction and two hours of out-of-class work, which may include reading, writing, and course-related assignments. (For example, a three-credit course will require three (3) semester hours of direct instruction (contact hours), and six (6) hours of out-of-class work per week.); or
• Three semester hours of nontraditional course work, which may include laboratory work, internship, practicum, studio work, independent study, fieldwork, online and hybrid-delivered courses. (For example, a three-credit nontraditional course will require nine (9) semester hours of course work and/or direct instruction per week.)

Courses offered during Summer Sessions, Extension Semesters, and in other accelerated formats are prorated so that classes have the equivalent number of semester hours as if the course were scheduled during a regular 15-week semester.

Student achievement is designated by the following grades: A+, A, A- (excellent), B+, B, B- (above average), C+, C, (average), C-, D+, D, D- (minimal passing), F (failure), CR (credit), NC (no credit), I (incomplete), and L (audit). A grade of I is given to a student who has not completed a small but important part of a semester’s work if the instructor believes that the incomplete was caused by conditions beyond the student’s control. Each student receiving a grade of I should consult his or her instructor promptly to determine the steps to be taken and the deadline to complete the course work for changing the grade of I to a final grade. The designated November and April deadlines (see the “Calendar”) refer to the dates instructors must report adjusted grades. Student deadlines for completing their course work must be adjusted accordingly.

An instructor recording a grade of I on the final grade roster will also record the grade that will replace the I if the work is not made up by the deadline; that grade is computed on the basis of what grades or other evidence the instructor does have, averaged together with Fs or zeros for all incomplete work (including the final examination, if it has not been taken). If the work is completed prior to the deadline, the instructor will report a change of grade, taking the completed work into consideration. If the instructor does not submit a grade to replace the incomplete, the grade of I will be replaced by an F or an NC (as appropriate) as of the April or November deadline. All grades of I must be cleared by a student’s college prior to graduation.

Credit/No Credit Option

The credit/no credit option encourages students to broaden their education by venturing into subjects outside their fields of specialization without risking a relatively low grade. The CR designation denotes C (not C-) caliber work or better. However, students should be aware that some colleges and many graduate and professional schools evaluate CR as C and NC as F. The same is true of some employers and scholarship awarding agencies.

Certain courses may be designated as mandatory CR/NC. In addition to any such mandatory CR/NC courses, no more than 40 credit hours of CR may be counted toward the degree. Neither CR nor NC is computed in the grade point average. The CR/NC option must be exercised during the registration period. The CR/NC option is limited to elective courses; this option is not allowed for any course taken to fulfill a UH Mānoa undergraduate general education, college/school, or department nonelective requirement, with the exception of those courses offered for mandatory CR/NC.

Grade Points

Grade points for each credit hour received in a course will be computed as follows:

A+ = 4.0 B+ = 3.3 C+ = 2.3 D+ = 1.3 F – 0.0 A = 4.0 B = 3.0 C = 2.0 D = 1.0

A- = 3.7 B- = 2.7 C- = 1.7 D- = 0.7

Students entering as undergraduates are not given grade points for work done outside UH Mānoa.

Grade Point Averages

Grade point averages (GPA) are determined by dividing the total number of grade points by the total number of credit hours for which a student has received letter grades (excluding I, NC, CR, W, or L).

The semester GPA is calculated on any one semester’s credits and grade points. The cumulative GPA is calculated on all such work taken at UH Mānoa.

“Repeatable” Courses

Some courses are designated “repeatable” in the Catalog and can be taken for credit a limited number of times, as indicated by the course description.

Students may take “repeatable” courses as many times as allowed by the Catalog description. For these courses, all grades are permanently recorded on the transcript and impact the GPA. Students can count up to the designated limit of credits toward degree requirements.

When students take “repeatable” courses beyond the designated limit, grades continue to be recorded on the transcript, but those grades do not impact the GPA and the credits are not counted toward degree requirements.

All courses that are not designated “repeatable” can only be taken for credit once. This means that only one set of credits (i.e., 1 credit for a 1-credit course; 3 credits for a 3-credit course, etc.) can count toward degree requirements, even if you repeat the course.

UH Mānoa will not provide financial aid for a course that is not listed as repeatable in the course description or if a student repeated the course more than the number of times listed in the course description. Financial aid recipients who are repeating courses should see the Financial Aid Services Office with any questions.

Repeating Failed Courses

Students who receive an F or NC earn no credits. Students may repeat any course in which they received an F or NC for that semester. For courses taken as a repeat, the last grade received for the course shall be included in the student’s cumulative GPA. The grade from the previous attempt shall be excluded from the GPA. Grades for each attempt are permanently recorded on the transcript.

Repeating Courses with Grades of C-, D+, D, or D-

Students who receive grades of C-, D+, D, or D- earn the credits for that course. Students may repeat any course in which they received a grade of C-, D+, D, or D-. For courses taken as a repeat, the last grade received for the course shall be included in the student’s cumulative GPA for that semester. The grade from the previous attempt shall be excluded from the GPA. Grades for each attempt are permanently recorded on the transcript. Only one set of credits (i.e., 1 credit for a 1-credit course; 3 credits for a 3-credit course, etc.) can count toward degree requirements. Students should check with their academic advisor on repeating courses that they have already received a minimal passing grade.

For students who receive financial aid repeating courses in which they received a grade of C-, D+, D, or D-, their enrollment status may not include the repeat course and may affect the amount of aid received. Students should check with the Financial Aid Services Office on repeating courses that they have already received a minimal passing grade in regards to their eligibility for financial aid.

Repeating Courses with Grades of C or Higher

Students who have already received a grade of C or higher for a course that is not designated as “repeatable” may repeat it only with the permission of the instructor or of the department offering the course. Grades for each attempt are permanently recorded in the transcript, but only the first grade (not the repeat) is included in the GPA. Only one set of credits (i.e., 1 credit for a 1-credit course; 3 credits for a 3-credit course, etc.) can count toward degree requirements.

For students on financial aid, repeating courses in which they received a passing grade, their enrollment status will not include the repeat course and may affect the amount of aid received.

Duplicate Credits

Students can earn only one set of credits (i.e., 1 credit for a 1-credit course, 3 credits for a 3-credit course, etc.) for courses that are equivalent or comparable in content. Examples include:

• Cross-listed courses (e.g., BIOL 402 and MBBE 402)
• Transfer equivalencies (e.g., ZOOL 141 and PHYL 141, ENG 255 and ENG 271)
• Different levels of the same material (e.g., CHEM 151 and CHEM 161)
• Equivalent credits earned through exams, such as AP, IB, CLEP, etc.

Backtracking

“Backtracking” refers to taking either a prerequisite course or the lower level course in a tracked sequence concurrently with or after a more advanced course. Examples include:

• Completing Korean 211 and then taking Korean 102, its prerequisite
• Completing Japanese 202 and then taking Japanese 101, a lower level
• Taking Math 432 and then taking Math 431, a two-semester sequence that must be taken in order

If students choose to backtrack, credit is not awarded for the lower-level/prerequisite course, and although the grade is recorded in the transcript, it does not impact the GPA. In some cases, students may backtrack with the express permission of the student’s college/school academic services office.

Excess Credit Policy

A student who by the end of any semester has earned 24 credit hours beyond those required for graduation and has fulfilled all specific program and UH requirements may be graduated by action of the student’s college/school.

Grades are available through STAR one week after the final examination period each semester. Grades for courses taken through Outreach College do not follow this schedule.

Examinations

Course examinations.

Final examinations are required in all undergraduate courses (except writing courses, directed reading, creative arts, research, seminars, internships, and field experiences) and must be taken during the scheduled examination period. No examinations (other than laboratory tests and short quizzes) are allowed during the two calendar weeks before the last day of instruction. Take-home final exams may be distributed at any time but may not be required to be turned in before finals. The schedule of final examinations is available at manoa.hawaii.edu/undergrad/schedule/ .

Language Courses

Students who plan to continue the study of a language begun elsewhere must take a placement test to determine the course in which they should enroll.

For specific regulations governing courses that native or bilingual speakers may take for credit, students should consult the department chairs of European languages, East Asian languages, Hawaiian language, or Indo-Pacific languages.

Advanced Placement Examination

The Advanced Placement examinations are administered in high schools by the Educational Testing Service for the College Entrance Examination Board for students who have completed specific college-level courses in high school. Students should consult the Office of Admissions for the most current UH Mānoa credit granting policy.

Credit by Examination

Classified students who wish to earn credit by examination for basic courses should check with the department offering the course. They must present evidence that they have a mastery of the content of the courses (but have not received college credit); must apply, with department approval, to the dean’s office by the specified deadline; and must pay the current fee. Applications are available in the college/school student academic services office. A comprehensive examination designed to serve as the scholastic equivalent of the course is given to the student. Courses passed by examination do not carry grades or grade points.

Recognition of International Baccalaureate

UH Mānoa recognizes the international baccalaureate for course credit. Students should submit higher-level examination scores to the Office of Admissions. Course credit is granted for acceptable scores. Contact the Office of Admissions for more information.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate certificate programs.

UH Mānoa offers a number of undergraduate certificate programs, some of which are interdisciplinary. Certificates require a minimum of 15 credit hours of specified courses and a 2.5 GPA in those courses.

Undergraduate certificate programs are listed in the “Degrees, Minors, and Certificates” section.

Bachelor’s Degree

Institutional learning objectives include both academic and co-curricular learning and are listed on page 25. The baccalaureate academic program provides the student with a coherent undergraduate education that includes a comprehensive set of integrated learning opportunities. There are five basic components (listed below). Students can see the five components and requirements on bachelor degree program sheets at manoa.hawaii.edu/ovcaa/programsheets /.

Requirements

There are five basic components to baccalaureate degree programs: (a) the General Education Core requirements (i.e., Foundations and Diversification); (b) the General Education special graduation requirements (i.e., Focus and Hawaiian/Second Language); (c) degree requirements; (d) individual college/school requirements; and (e) an academic specialization comprising a major; as well as electives that complement the other requirements.

General Education Requirements. General Education at UH Mānoa involves a flexible and diverse multi-disciplinary curriculum. Through Gen Ed course work, students are exposed to different domains of knowledge and modes of scholarly inquiry. Students develop skills in written and oral communication, ethical and quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and information literacy that are transferable across the curriculum. Gen Ed course work also fosters a deeper understanding of, and appreciation for, Hawaiian culture and history.

Graduation Requirements. See the “Focus” and “Hawaiian or Second Language” parts of the “Undergraduate General Education Requirements” section.

Degree Requirements. Some programs have degree-specific requirements, such as course requirements that distinguish a Bachelor of Arts from a Bachelor of Science.

College or School Requirements. Colleges/schools may specify which General Education courses should be taken to meet their requirements. They may also have additional requirements. Students should refer to specific college/school sections for more information.

Major or Academic Specialization Requirements. The major consists of a specific number of credit hours and required courses in a particular field or discipline and related courses in other subjects that are associated with and contribute to that discipline. Students must satisfy the requirements for the selected major and, if applicable, the minor or concentration selected. Detailed information can be found in the appropriate major or academic specialization sections. Students may also consult the bachelor degree program sheets at manoa.hawaii.edu/ovcaa/programsheets/ .

Minor Requirements . Some departments offer a minor, which is a set of courses that relate to an approved baccalaureate degree. A minor course of study consists of a minimum of 15 credit hours of non-introductory work (i.e., upper division courses and 200-level courses that have a college-level prerequisite) that is completed with a grade of C (not C-) or better. Minors are listed in the “Degrees, Minors, and Certificates” section.

Multiple Undergraduate Majors/Degrees

Students may pursue simultaneous multiple undergraduate majors or degrees in one or more colleges/schools at UH Mānoa. Approval must be granted by all of the colleges/schools involved. Students requesting approval should submit an academic plan and/or written justification.

Multiple undergraduate major and degree requirements are subject to the following:

• Students pursuing multiple majors or degrees must complete all five components listed above for each school or college involved.
• Shared General Education Core requirements, General Education graduation requirements, degree requirements, and college requirements may count towards multiple majors/degrees.
• The same course(s) may not be used to satisfy major requirements of multiple programs unless the same specific course is a shared requirement.
• Students must complete at least 15 credits of each of the multiple majors and degrees at UH Mānoa.
• The decision to admit students into multiple undergraduate major or degree programs is at the discretion of the colleges/schools involved.

For additional information and to request approval to pursue multiple majors or degrees, students should consult their academic advisor.

Second Bachelor’s Degree

Applicants for a second bachelor’s degree must meet admission and graduation requirements of UH Mānoa, the college/school and the academic specialization. Students seeking their first bachelor’s degree have priority for admission and registration. Admitted students should confer with their academic advisors about graduation requirements.

Graduation Requirements and Policies

Progress toward the bachelor’s degree.

Students are expected to complete their academic work and apply for a degree in a timely manner (see “Excess Credit Policy”). The department or program in which the student is pursuing a degree may decide that certain courses required for the major that were taken in the past must be retaken. Courses that are declared outdated for the major will still count toward the General Education Core if they meet core requirements. Students should consult with their academic advisor in their major field of study for details.

Residency Requirements

Students must earn a minimum of 30 credit hours in residence (i.e., taking credit courses or their equivalent by examination) at UH Mānoa. However, meeting the residency requirements does not necessarily mean that degree requirements have been met; the latter are determined by individual colleges/schools.

A degree candidate must be registered and in attendance during the semester (or summer session) he or she completes the requirements for his or her degree, unless permission has been given for graduation in absentia by the appropriate college/school dean.

Application for Degree

Undergraduates in their final semester of course work are eligible to apply for graduation by completing the graduation application form available on the Office of the Registrar website ( manoa.hawaii.edu/registrar/ ).

Graduate and PhD candidates should file a graduate application for degree with the Graduate Division Student Services Office. This must be done by the deadlines specified in the “Calendar.”

Academic Honors

Dean’s list.

Undergraduate students are awarded the Dean’s List distinction if they: (1) earn a semester grade point average of 3.5 or higher based on 12 credits or more taken for a grade, and (2) do not receive grades of W, I, F, or NC for that semester. The grades used for calculation of grade point average will be those earned by a date determined by the Office of the Registrar. Colleges/schools may establish independent criteria for the award of Dean’s List distinction with the approval of the Vice Provost for Academic Excellence.

Graduating with Honors

Honors degrees are granted only to participants in the UH Mānoa Honors Program (see page 21).

Graduating with Distinction

Graduating seniors who have completed 30 or more credit hours of work at UH Mānoa with the following cumulative GPA are eligible for graduation with distinction as noted:

3.5 to 3.74 cum laude 3.75 to 3.9 magna cum laude over 3.9 summa cum laude

Graduation with distinction is subject to the following stipulations:

• The 30 or more credit hours from UH Mānoa must come from courses carrying grade points (this excludes CR/NC);
• The cumulative GPA for graduating with distinction is calculated on the total college work (which encompasses academic work at UH Mānoa and all other colleges and universities, if any). This academic work includes both transferrable and nontransferrable credits carrying grade points but excludes CR/NC or other non-letter grade options such as pass/fail; and
• Candidates for second degrees are not eligible.

The appropriate designations will be recorded on the diploma and transcripts.

Honor Societies

Alpha Kappa Delta, International Sociology Honor Society Alpha Omega Alpha, National Honor Society in Medicine Beta Alpha Psi, National Accounting Honor Society Beta Gamma Sigma, National Business Honor Society Beta Phi Mu, International Library Science Honor Society Chi Epsilon, National Civil Engineering Honor Society Delta Omega, National Honor Society for Public Health Delta Phi Alpha, National German Honor Society Eta Kappa Nu, National Electrical Engineering Honor Society Eta Sigma Delta, International Hospitality Management Honor Society Gamma Sigma Delta, National Agriculture and Human Resources Honor Society

Gold Humanism Honor Society, Medical Honor Society Golden Key International Honour Society, International Undergraduate Honor Society Japanese National Honor Society Kappa Tau Alpha, National Journalism Honor Society Lambda Pi Eta, National Honor Society for Communication Mortar Board, Senior Honor Society National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Sophomore Honor Society Nu Sigma, Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work Omicron Delta Epsilon, International Honor Society in Economics Phi Alpha Theta, National Honor Society in History Phi Beta Kappa, National Liberal Arts and Sciences Honor Society Phi Upsilon Omicron, National Home Economics Honor Society Pi Delta Phi, National French Honor Society Pi Gamma Mu, International Honor Society in Social Sciences Pi Lambda Theta, National Education Honor Society Pi Sigma Alpha, National Political Science Honor Society Pi Tau Sigma, National Mechanical Engineering Honor Society Psi Chi, International Honor Society in Psychology Regents and Presidential Scholars Sigma Delta Pi, National Spanish Honor Society Sigma Theta Tau, National Honor Society in Nursing Tau Sigma Delta, National Honor Society in Architecture and Allied Arts

For further information on these honor societies, contact the appropriate academic unit.

Academic Standards and Satisfactory Academic Progress Toward Degree

Once a student has completed two regular semesters (Fall and Spring) at UH Mānoa, they shall make satisfactory academic progress towards a degree by remaining in good academic standing.

Good academic standing is defined as by maintaining a UH Mānoa cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher. Some colleges/schools have additional requirements to remain in good academic standing; refer to the individual college/school section for further information.

Academic Standards

Academic Actions are designed to help students gauge their overall progress to degree, take prompt corrective action when needed, and achieve timely graduation. The student’s college/school advising office provides intervention and support as needed to help the student achieve academic success.

A student seeking exemption for cause from regulations and requirements contained in this Catalog should consult the student academic services office of their college/school. UH Mānoa reserves the right to withhold the degree or to request the withdrawal of a student for cause.

Some colleges/schools have additional requirements to remain in Good Academic Standing; refer to the individual school/college section for further information.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Toward a Degree

Academic warning.

A student will be given an academic warning at the end of their first semester at UH Mānoa if their semester and/or cumulative GPA falls below 2.0. An academic warning does not impact students’ good academic standing and only notifies the risk for probation the following semester if the cumulative GPA does not rise to a 2.0 or above at the end of the semester.

A student on academic warning will receive a formal letter by email from the Office of the Registrar to alert them that they are academically at risk for probation the following semester if their academic performance does not improve. The academic warning letter suggests strategies and resources for improving academic performance and explains the consequences of continued poor performance in future semesters.

Academic Probation

A student is placed on academic probation at the end of any semester (except for the first semester at UH Mānoa when an academic warning is issued) if their cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 or when they fail to maintain the minimum academic requirements of their college, school, or program. Students on probation may register for classes at UH Mānoa, but must achieve a semester GPA of at least 2.0 each semester to be allowed further registration. Failure to meet satisfactory academic progress will result in continued probation, suspension or dismissal, depending on their current semester performance.

Under extraneous circumstances, via the college/school’s appeals process, the college/school’s student academic services office may grant an extension of a student’s academic probation after their first semester.

A student on academic probation will receive a formal letter by email from the Office of the Registrar notifying them of their status and a permanent notation is placed on their academic transcript below the grades for the semester. The academic probation letter suggests strategies and resources for improving academic performance and explains the consequences of continued poor performance in future semesters.

Regulations governing academic probation will be applied at the end of each Fall and Spring semester.

Continued Academic Probation

A student on probation will remain on continued academic probation while their cumulative GPA is below a 2.0, providing they maintain a semester GPA of 2.0 or higher. Students on continued probation must meet the terms of probation every semester for continued enrollment and will remain on continued probation until their cumulative GPA is raised to a 2.0 or higher at the end of a Fall or Spring semester. Failure to meet the terms of continued probation can result in academic suspension or dismissal.

A student on continued academic probation will receive a formal letter by email from the Office of the Registrar notifying them of their status and a permanent notation is placed on their academic transcript below the grades for the semester. The continued academic probation letter suggests strategies and resources for improving academic performance and explains the consequences of continued poor performance in future semesters.

Removal from Academic Probation

A student will be removed from academic probation when their cumulative GPA reaches a 2.0 or higher at the end of a Fall or Spring semester. A student removed from probation will be in good standing.

A student on removed from academic probation will receive a formal letter by email from the Office of the Registrar notifying them of their status. The removal from academic probation letter suggests strategies and resources for improving academic performance and explains the consequences of poor performance in future semesters.

Academic Suspension

A student currently on probation or continued probation will be suspended from UH Mānoa when both their semester and cumulative GPAs fall below 2.0.

A suspended student is not eligible to register for courses at UH Mānoa or Outreach College for one full semester (fall or spring), a semester that is called the “suspension wait period.” The purpose of the suspension wait period is to give students time to identify and address factors that are impeding academic success. The goal is for students to return from suspension ready and able to succeed academically.

A suspended student who has already registered for the upcoming semester (Fall or Spring) will have their registration cancelled. A suspended student who is currently registered in an Outreach College summer course may complete the course, but completion of the course will not change the suspension action.

A student on academic suspension receives a formal letter by email from the Office of the Registrar notifying them of their status and a permanent notation is placed on their academic transcript below the grades for the semester.

Regulations governing academic suspension are applied at the end of each Fall and Spring semester.

Applications for Return from Suspension

A student on academic suspension will be readmitted to UH Mānoa if they apply to the Office of Admissions for the fall semester by the deadline of March 1 , and for the spring semester by the deadline of October 1.

A student who take no courses after being suspended for the required one semester after suspension is eligible for readmission, provided they apply by the official deadline. Readmission is not guaranteed if the student stays out beyond the required period.

A suspended student who attends another institution will be considered a “transfer student” when reapplying to UH Mānoa and must meet all transfer requirements. They will have their work evaluated by the college/school in order to determine eligibility for readmission.

A student returning from academic suspension is readmitted on probation and must meet the satisfactory academic progress by maintaining a semester and cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better. Failure to do so will result in academic dismissal.

Academic Dismissal

Academic dismissal from UH Mānoa occurs when a student who has been suspended and who subsequently fails to maintain the minimum academic requirements of UH Mānoa, their college, school, and/or program. Such students will be readmitted only in unusual circumstances.

A student on academic dismissal receives a formal letter by email from the Office of the Registrar notifying them of their status and a permanent notation is placed on their academic transcript below the grades for the semester.

Once dismissed, a student is not eligible for readmission to UH Mānoa or Outreach College for a minimum of one academic year (Fall and Spring semester).

A dismissed student who has already registered for the upcoming semester (Fall or Spring) will have their registration cancelled. A dismissed student who is currently registered in an Outreach College Summer Session course may complete the course, but completion of the course will not change the their academic standing.

Regulations governing academic dismissal are applied at the end of each Fall and Spring semester.

The following applies to students who have been dismissed and have not enrolled at UH Mānoa or Outreach College for a minimum of one academic year:

• To apply for readmission as a classified or unclassified student at UH Mānoa, the student should do so on the admissions application form, following established procedures and deadlines. The student must meet the standard admission criteria applicable to all students. If accepted, the student is readmitted on academic probation and must meet satisfactory academic progress.
• To enroll in Outreach College, the student is eligible if he or she has attended any UH System campus or other regionally accredited college or university subsequent to the dismissal and earned a cumulative post-dismissal GPA of 2.0 or better for a minimum of 12 earned credits. Transcripts will be required to establish eligibility.
• To enroll in Outreach College, the student who has not earned a cumulative post-dismissal GPA of 2.0 or better for a minimum of 12 earned credits at another UH System campus or other regionally accredited college or university subsequent to dismissal may petition the dean of Outreach College for special enrollment consideration.

Leave of Absence

A leave of absence allows students to resume studies without applying for readmission and indicates a continuing relationship with UH Mānoa.

Classified undergraduate students may apply at any time, including after the add/drop deadline, for a leave of absence for a specified duration of not more than two semesters. Additional semesters of leave may be granted under extenuating circumstances.

Applications for a leave of absence are available in the student academic services office at the student’s college/school. The date of return from leave must be specified at the time of application. Students should be aware that taking a leave of absence may affect their residency or visa status and eligibility for programs such as financial aid, intercollegiate athletics, etc.

Students who take a leave of absence will continue to be subject to the same core, major, and graduation requirements as were in effect before taking leave. Students returning from a leave return to the same academic standing and with the same academic actions as were in effect the semester before taking leave.

While on leave, students may not be enrolled in another institution at any time; enrollment in another institution automatically invalidates the leave.

Students who do not re-enroll to UH Mānoa at the end of their leave of absence will be considered to have withdrawn without notice. They will be required to apply for readmission to UH Mānoa and will be readmitted to the same academic standing and with the same academic actions as were in effect the semester before taking leave. Note, however, that they will be subject to the newer core, major, and graduation requirements in effect at the time of readmission.

Office of Civic and Community Engagement

Queen Lili‘uokalani Center for Student Services 209 2600 Campus Road Honolulu, HI 96822 Tel: (808) 956-4641 Fax: (808) 956-3394 Email: [email protected] Web: manoa.hawaii.edu/undergrad/servicelearn/ Director: A. Pascua 

The Office of Civic and Community Engagement assists UH Mānoa students and community organizations find ways to partner together to tackle important issues in the community by matching students’ passions and interests with the needs of community non-profit organizations through service.

OCCE also provides opportunities for service beyond college through its partnership with Peace Corps and Americorps VISTA, federally sponsored national and international service organizations.

The Office of Civic and Community Engagement serves as the headquarters for Hawai‘i/Pacific Islands Campus Compact (HIPICC), a membership organization comprised of presidents and chancellors to promote civic engagement in higher education. Through HIPICC, resources are shared with faculty and students on the latest research and practice in student engagement with all of the higher education institutions in the state as well as American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Marianas Islands.

First Year Programs

Tel: (808) 956-8626 Email: [email protected] Web: manoa.hawaii.edu/undergrad/freshman/ Director: K. Van Duser

First Year Programs ease the transition of new students into the academic and social communities at UH Mānoa. First Year Programs provide the opportunity to develop personal relationships with faculty and other students, enhance active involvement in the educational process, and build connections to UH Mānoa. In addition, First Year Programs familiarize students with the array of resources and programs available at UH Mānoa.

General Education Office

Bilger Hall 104 2545 McCarthy Mall Honolulu, HI 96822 Tel: (808) 956-6660 Email: [email protected] Web: manoa.hawaii.edu/gened/ Director: C. Beaule

Working closely with the General Education Committee (GEC) and its subsidiary boards, the General Education Office (GEO) coordinates efforts at the campus and system levels to implement General Education policies. The office organizes, supports, and/or facilitates meetings to ensure the timely review of General Education course proposals. GEO staff members stay abreast of educational issues and trends and lend expertise in areas such as program assessment, curriculum and instructional development, records management, and general administrative work. The office serves as the primary contact regarding General Education issues at UH Mānoa.

Honors Program

Gregg M. Sinclair Library 106 2425 Campus Road Honolulu, HI 96822 Tel: (808) 956-8391 Web: manoa.hawaii.edu/undergrad/honors/ Director: V. Gonzalez

The Honors Program provides opportunities for talented and motivated undergraduates to excel in their academic studies. Students complete a challenging inquiry-based curriculum that encourages learning through independent research and creative expression. They enjoy personalized educational experiences within the setting of a large research university through small classes, dedicated advising, peer mentorship, and faculty guided projects. The Honors Program encourages critical thinking and excellence in oral and written communication; instills respect for diversity and commitment to social justice; and develops the capacity for civic engagement and leadership. It fosters among its students and faculty a sense of identity and a joy of learning, which it promotes within the university and beyond.

The Honors Program is a four year program, with the first two years dedicated to an Honors curriculum built around inquiry as well as specially designated “A Sections,” which are small, discussion-based versions of regular departmental offerings. These courses are designed to meet General Education and/or distribution requirements for students in the Honors Program. A full list of Honors (HON) and A Section courses is available in the “Courses” section.

In the junior and senior years, Honors students undertake course work and independent work that culminate in an independent research thesis or creative work in their chosen major under the supervision of a faculty mentor. This Senior Honors Project is supported through a curriculum in the Honors Program, but may also be undertaken through the course work offered in the student’s major that fulfill similar milestones (a project proposal, independent work supervised by a mentor). The Senior Honors Project is presented at the spring or fall Undergraduate Showcase, or in other venues, such as a recital or performance.

To graduate with Honors, students must complete the requirements for a bachelor’s degree and maintain a minimum cumulative and major GPA of 3.2. Their Senior Honors Project must be positively reviewed and assessed by their committee to receive the “Honors” designation. Students may also be nominated for the Honors Project Prize. Upon graduation, students will receive an Honors diploma, their achievement is acknowledged at Commencement, and a notation is made on their transcript.

Admission to the Honors Program is by invitation to high school students with outstanding academic records and aptitude test scores. Others may be nominated or may apply with the recommendation of a high school teacher or counselor. UH Mānoa students may also apply in their first year with the recommendation of a university instructor.

Upper Division Programs

The Honors Program allows for the admission of strong transfer students and UH Mānoa students at the junior year. Students in Upper Division Honors must complete course work through the Honors Program sequence or through their own majors that result in a Senior Honors Project proposal and thesis or creative work that is supervised by a faculty mentor. The Senior Honors Project is presented at the spring or fall Undergraduate Showcase, or in other venues, such as a recital or performance.

To graduate with Honors, students must complete the requirements for a bachelor’s degree and maintain a minimum cumulative, junior/senior and major GPA of 3.2. Their Senior Honors Project must be reviewed and assessed by their committee to receive the “Honors” designation. Students may also be nominated for the Honors Project Prize. Upon graduation, students will receive an Honors diploma, their achievement is acknowledged at Commencement, and a notation is made on their transcript.

Admission to the Upper Division Honors Program is by application. Eligible students should have outstanding academic records and a declared major. Students need at least three full semesters to complete the requirements and should apply by the second semester of their sophomore year or early in the junior year.

Learning Assistance Center

Tel: (808) 956-6114 Email: [email protected] Web: manoa.hawaii.edu/undergrad/Learning/ Director: R. Woodruff

The Learning Assistance Center (LAC) provides tutoring, workshops, Supplemental Instruction (SI), and one-on-one Academic Coaching appointments in which students learn appropriate study strategies and problem solving skills and develop coping proficiency to achieve their academic goals. Using an interactive and collaborative model and consulting with faculty, SI leaders help students to develop a conceptual understanding of content, to solve problems, to organize classroom materials, and to apply effective study strategies. LAC assists students in becoming autonomous, confident, and effective learners in order to successfully develop academic and affective skills that contribute to their positive adjustment and performance in the learning environment.

Mānoa Advising Center

Queen Lili‘uokalani Center for Student Services 101 2600 Campus Road Honolulu, HI 96822 Email: [email protected] Web: manoa.hawaii.edu/undergrad/mac/ Director: M. Makino-Kanehiro

The Mānoa Advising Center (MAC) is an advising office for exploratory students who have not yet declared a major. MAC assists exploratory students with their major selection process by presenting options and providing general education advising. Students with declared majors are referred to appropriate major, school, and college advisors.

MAC is staffed by academic advisors and peer advisors (specially selected and trained undergraduate/graduate students).

MAC Student Learning Outcomes include: (1) students can identify major options; (2) students can learn, identify, and understand general education, graduation, and program requirements using advising combined with supplemental services; and (3) students can identify and use campus resources available to them.

Mānoa Transfer Coordination Center

Email: [email protected] Web: manoa.hawaii.edu/undergrad/transfer/

The Mānoa Transfer Coordination Center (MTCC) helps students transfer smoothly from a UH community college to UH Mānoa and provides advising support throughout the transfer process, including the Ka‘ie‘ie Degree Pathway Program.

Transfer advisors can:

• Explain the various transfer options to UH Mānoa
• Identify and provide contact information of specific college and major advisors at UH Mānoa
• Identify UH Mānoa campus resources
• Address transfer issues
• Provide guidance to students in the Ka‘ie‘ie Degree Pathway Program.

Online Learning Academy

Queen Lili’uokalani Center for Student Services 309C 2600 Campus Road Honolulu, HI 96822 Email: [email protected] Web: manoa.hawaii.edu/ola/

The Online Learning Academy (OLA) provides tutoring and mentorship to students in underrepresented groups to promote higher education. To succeed in college, students must be academically ready. OLA provides one-on-one English, Math, and Science tutoring by college tutors for all SEED programs. We offer tutoring in the following subjects: basic math, pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, environmental science, writing, language arts, and introductory college level biology, chemistry, and physics.

Pre-Health/Pre-Law Advising Center

Tel: (808) 956-8646 Email Pre-Health: [email protected] Email Pre-Law: [email protected] Web: manoa.hawaii.edu/undergrad/PAC/ Director: K. Shiroma

The Pre-Health/Pre-Law Advising Center (PAC) is a walk-in resource for students interested in law, medicine, and other health fields (dentistry, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physician assistant, physical therapy, etc.). PAC advisors help students explore and clarify their career goals, plan appropriate course work, find opportunities to gain experience, apply to professional programs, review personal statements and résumés, provide mock interviews, and hold workshops throughout the year.

Student Athlete Academic Services

Nagatani Academic Center 1337 Lower Campus Road, PE/A Honolulu, HI 96822 Tel: (808) 956-3388 Fax: (808) 956-5042 Web: manoa.hawaii.edu/undergrad/SAAS/ Director: K. Oliveira

Student Athlete Academic Services (SAAS), is the academic support program for student-athletes at UH Mānoa. Working closely with instructional faculty, coaches, and campus resources, academic advisors assist students in formulating and meeting their academic goals while participating in intercollegiate athletics. SAAS is conveniently located in the Nagatani Academic Center (NAC), adjacent to the Stan Sheriff Arena in the Athletic Department complex.

SAAS provides orientation programs, academic and athletic advising, and registration assistance. Learning services include peer mentoring, subject tutoring, and small group study sessions.

Student Success Center

Tel: (808) 956-5656 Email: [email protected] Web: manoa.hawaii.edu/undergrad/ssc/ Interim Director: K. Shiroma

During the time that the Sinclair Building is undergoing renovations, the Student Success Center (SSC) will focus on providing online and in-person exam proctoring services for the faculty and students of the University. SSC will resume other services once renovations are complete.

Study Abroad Center

Moore 115 1890 East-West Road Honolulu, HI 96822 Tel: (808) 956-5143 Fax: (808) 956-9319 Email: [email protected] Web: www.studyabroad.hawaii.edu Director: S. Rai

The Study Abroad Center (SAC) collaborates with various UH Mānoa academic departments to provide opportunities for students to study, and faculty members to teach and conduct research, in another country. SAC develops, implements, and evaluates UH Mānoa study abroad programs. The center provides informational, advisory, and support services to students and faculty concerning international educational opportunities.

SAC programs are offered for a summer term, a semester, or an academic year. The essence of SAC programs is to acquire knowledge through academic work and to develop a cross-cultural understanding through cultural immersion. Students earn UH Mâānoa credits for course work completed abroad. The courses offered in these study abroad programs may be used to fulfill a student’s major, language, general education, graduation, or elective course requirements. Study Abroad course may fulfill a focus requirement. Students on Study Abroad may use the focus exemption to satisfy an appropriate 3-credit diversification and/or focus requirement. Courses taken overseas will appear on UH Mānoa transcripts as UH Mānoa courses.

SAC provides faculty members with opportunities to develop courses and publications based upon research and teaching experiences within the global arena. In addition, faculty members who lead study abroad programs have a wide range of responsibilities in their capacity as “in-country” resident directors.

SAC encourages UH Mānoa faculty to offer study tours or overseas activities as part of or in addition to their academic course offerings during the academic year (Semester, Winter Break, Spring Recess, and/or Summer). The SAC will support and facilitate sponsored study tours (FaSST).

Semester and Year Programs

SAC offers semester programs in Australia, China, England, France, Italy, Japan, and Spain. The Japan program is offered for a full academic year. Students enrolled in these programs must register for a minimum of 12 credit hours each term. All programs offer several content courses that are taught in English.

Summer Programs

SAC summer programs require enrollment in a minimum of 6 credit hours. Course offerings include, but are not limited to: Mendoza (Argentina) Spanish language and Latin American film and literature; Shanghai (China) Chinese language; Lille (France) engineering, humanities, social sciences, and sustainability; Annecy and Anger (France) French language; Paris (France) business, humanities, social sciences; Berlin (Germany) German language, business humanities and political science; Dublin (Ireland) chemistry, public health, nursing, engineering, architecture; Florence (Italy) architectures, art, Italian language, humanities, Tuscania (Italy) archaeology field schools; Kobe (Japan) intermediate level Japanese language; Seville (Spain) architecture and design, environmental sustainability, social sciences, international business, health, Arabic and Spanish languages; various locations in Western and Eastern Europe, European art and architecture.

Self-Designed Study Abroad Programs

Students can design a study abroad program different from those offered by SAC and receive UH Mānoa credits. Such a program may fall under the category of the Self-Designed Study Abroad Program. A Self-Designed Study Abroad Program can be created for countries and/or cities where UH Mānoa does not have an existing study abroad program. Students have conducted Self-Designed Study Abroad Programs in Austria, Brazil, Cambodia, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, Greece, Ghana, India, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Vietnam, and United Arab Emirates.

Study Abroad Internships

Study Abroad internships are available in Dublin, Florence, London, Paris, and Seville. Internships are carefully planned and each student is placed in a working environment that has been requested and carefully selected according to specific criteria. Internships are generally unpaid. Internship credits will be based on the field of the internship. Internship credits range from 2, 3, 4, or 6 credits in the areas of Academy for Creative Media, Apparel and Product Design and Merchandising, Business, Finance, Human Resources, Management and Information Systems, Marketing, Real Estate, Social Work, and Travel Industry Management.

Admission Requirements

SAC programs are designed primarily for undergraduate students who have completed a minimum of 24 credits with a cumulative GPA of 3.0. UH Mānoa Financial Aid is applicable and available to eligible students. Several program specific scholarships are also available. Admission to some intensive language programs require a minimum of one year of language study at the college level. For program brochures, detailed information, and an application, contact SAC or visit the website at www.studyabroad.hawaii.edu.

Initiatives

Access to college excellence.

Tel: (808) 956-8626 Web: manoa.hawaii.edu/undergrad/freshman/ Director: K. Van Duser

Access to College Excellence (ACE) learning communities offer a combination of three general education courses and a small group, 1-credit integrating seminar (UNIV 110: Integrating Seminar I). Courses are grouped to provide freshmen with an introduction to various academic perspectives while fulfilling graduation requirements. UNIV 110 is led by an upperclassman peer mentor who supports freshmen cohorts in their new learning environment. Successful college students themselves, peer mentors assist with the development of successful academic strategies, creation of social and interpersonal networks, and involvement in a variety of campus events. ACE espouses a well-rounded, multifaceted approach to college education. Freshmen who are eager to learn, enthusiastic about making friends while increasing independence, and excited about getting involved will benefit from what ACE has to offer.

Exploratory Program

Queen Lili‘uokalani Center for Student Services 101 2600 Campus Road Honolulu, HI 96822-2217 Tel: (808) 956-7273 Email: [email protected] Web: manoa.hawaii.edu/undergrad/exploratory/ Coordinator: M. Eng

The Exploratory Program will require all exploratory students to select one of six broad Exploratory Paths upon entering UH Mānoa. The broad Exploratory Paths are as follows: Arts & Humanities; Business; Health Sciences; Social Sciences; Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM); and Exploratory. Students will use resources available on the Exploratory Program website as a guide to select an Exploratory Path. The Exploratory Program will provide advising, a series of major/occupational workshops, co-curricular opportunities, and courses designed to support exploratory students in their declaration of a major and encourage active student engagement within the UH Mānoa community.

Mānoa Peer Advisor Program

Queen Lili‘uokalani Center for Student Services 101 2600 Campus Road Honolulu, HI 96822-2217 Email: [email protected] Web: manoa.hawaii.edu/undergrad/mac/mpa/ Supervisor: E. Millett

The Mānoa Peer Advisors (MPA) program provides peer advisors for advising offices throughout campus. The purpose of MPA is to increase students’ access to academic advising, provide role model representatives for UH Mānoa, and develop valuable leadership and advising skills for the MPAs. MPAs are selected each spring in a competitive application process and are trained intensively during Summer Session I on UH Mānoa General Education requirements, advising practices, the philosophy and techniques of advising, and the resources available to students. Upon successful completion of training, MPAs are matched with advising offices, where they provide advising to fellow students during the academic year.

Mānoa Sophomore Experience Program (MSE)

Queen Lili‘uokalani Center for Student Services 101 2600 Campus Road Honolulu, HI 96822-2217 Email: [email protected] Web: manoa.hawaii.edu/undergrad/sophomore/

The Mānoa Sophomore Experience (MSE) is a program dedicated to helping freshmen and sophomores navigate academic requirements and campus life so they become engaged with the campus community and invested in their college experience. Programming includes workshops, a college success/transition seminar, and other resources.

New Student Advising

Queen Lili‘uokalani Center for Student Services 101 2600 Campus Road Honolulu, HI 96822-2217 Email: [email protected] Web: manoa.hawaii.edu/undergrad/newstudentadvising/

Since academic advising plays an essential role in students’ success, New Student Advising is a cross-campus initiative that provides free workshops to connect incoming students to advising early. It provides students with an overview of how their requirements work, introduces them to academic resources on campus, and prepares them so that they can begin planning for their academic journey at Mānoa.

Mānoa Institutional Learning Objectives for Undergraduate Students

Institutional Learning Objectives (ILOs) encompass the UH Mānoa undergraduate experience as a whole—academic and co-curricular. It is through the combined efforts of faculty, students, staff, and administrators that students achieve the ILOs.

• Know—Breadth and Depth of Knowledge Students develop their understanding of the world with emphasis on Hawai’i, Asia, and the Pacific by integrating a. General education knowledge (arts and humanities, biological sciences, languages, physical sciences, social sciences, technology); b. Specialized study in an academic field; and c. Understanding of Hawaiian culture and history.
• Do—Intellectual and Practical Skills Students improve their abilities to d. Think critically and creatively; e. Conduct research; and f. Communicate and report.
• Value—Personal and Social Responsibility Students demonstrate excellence, integrity, and engagement through g. Continuous learning and personal growth; h. Respect for people and cultures, in particular Hawaiian culture; i. Stewardship of the natural environment; and j. Civic participation in their communities.

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We’re here to assist you with questions about your student account.

Cashiering staff at any university campus cashier office can provide you with student account information, collect payments for tuition and fees and other miscellaneous campus charges, disburse refunds and process financial aid proceeds. Students may view their Account Summary through the MyUH portal and even authorize parents or other payers to access and view their student account. For questions about applying for financial aid, your aid award eligibility or status, please contact your home institution Financial Aid Office. For questions about repayments of Student Loans, click Here for the Student Loans and Collections page.

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Manually Scroll down or click on a topic below for more information:

• 1098T Tax Information
• Accounts Receivables/ Collections

Billing and Payment Deadlines

Employee tuition waivers, financial aid credit balances, military information, online services.

• Tuition and Fee Schedule

Tuition and Fee Payments

Tuition and fee refunds, 1098-t tax information.

The 2023 1098-T is currently available online. To view this form, please login to the MyUH Portal .

Prior to 2018 your 1098-T included an amount in Box 2 that represented the qualified tuition and related expenses (QTRE) the University of Hawai’i BILLED to your student account for the calendar (tax) year. Due to a change to institutional reporting requirements under federal law, beginning with tax year 2018 the University of Hawai’i will instead report in Box 1 the amount of QTRE you PAID during the year.

All students, except nonresident alien students, who attended a University of Hawai’i campus for credit classes during the 2023 calendar year and paid for qualified tuition and related expenses or received a scholarship or grant will be able to view and download their Form 1098-T.  Forms will be provided by the end of January 2024. This form will serve as reference in assisting students to determine their eligibility for either the American Opportunity or Lifetime Learning Credit.

The Form 1098-T is a federal tax form which colleges and universities are required to issue in reporting qualified tuition and related expenses paid by each student (except for nonresident alien students) and the scholarships and grants awarded to each student for the calendar year. Form 1098-T is informational only. Receipt of the Form 1098-T does not indicate eligibility for the tax credit. Additionally, please note the following:

• The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does not require taxpayers to submit Form 1098-T when filing tax returns.
• The education tax credit amount that each person can claim should be based on each person’s personal payment records.
• Professional tax advisors should be consulted. Students and parents are advised to use personal financial records to determine the qualifying amount for tax purposes,
• The University will not determine if a student qualifies for the tax credit or supply tax advice.

The following are brief explanations of each of the tax credits.

American Opportunity Tax Credit

The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) is a credit for qualified education expenses paid for an eligible student for the first four years of higher education. You can get a maximum annual credit of $2,500 per eligible student.

Lifetime Learning Tax Credit

The Lifetime Learning Credit allows a maximum credit of up to $2,000 for eligible expenses paid during the calendar year. The Lifetime Learning tax credit applies to students in undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs and to students enrolled in coursework to acquire or improve job skills. Students who are not eligible to claim the American Opportunity tax credit may be eligible to claim the Lifetime Learning tax credit.

What does this mean for UH students?

A 1098-T form will be generated for all students, except nonresident alien students, who attended a University of Hawai’i campus for credit classes and paid for qualified tuition and related expenses or received a scholarship or grant during the 2023 calendar year. Forms will be available for viewing in MyUH by January 31, 2024.  Contact your campus contact person if you need assistance.

How do I take advantage of these benefits?

Please review the IRS Publication 970 and consult with a professional tax advisor to determine if you are eligible for any tax benefits for education and related issues. IRS Publication 970 will also provide information on how to claim these benefits.

Nonresident alien students

If you are a nonresident alien for any part of the year, you generally cannot claim the education credits. However, if you are considered a resident alien of the United States for tax purposes, as defined by the IRS, you may be eligible for the American Opportunity Tax Credit or Lifetime Learning Credit. For additional information, see IRS Publication 970 , Tax Benefits for Higher Education. Further information on claiming education tax credits for non-resident aliens can be found in IRS Publication 4152

Sample 1098T Form Glossary Electronic Consent

Other Useful IRS Links

Tax Benefits for Education Publication 970 – Tax Benefits for Education Form 8863 – Education Credits (American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning Credits) W9-S Form – Request for Student’s or Borrower’s Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification Am I Eligible to Claim an Education Credit?

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Accounts Receivables/Collections

Financial obligations.

All students are expected to meet their financial obligations when due. These obligations include charges for tuition and fees, student loans, library fines, restitution for damaged items borrowed from the University and service charges for dishonored checks. Students who fail to remit payments when due will be subject to the rules and regulations governing delinquent obligations that have been adopted by the University of Hawai’i. An obligation incurred at one campus of the University of Hawai’i system will affect a student’s standing at all other campuses.

The University reserves the right to impose sanctions such as denial of further registration, cancellation of registration, withdrawal of services and withholding of documents such as transcripts and diplomas, notation of the financial obligation on outgoing transcripts, as well as cessation of all rights and privileges which were conferred by the act of registration at all campuses.

Collections

It is the policy of the University of Hawai’i that a student not be allowed to register for a subsequent semester until all past due financial obligations are paid. An unpaid delinquent account balance will result in placement of a hold on the student’s record and may also result in the cancellation of the student’s registration.

The University may not furnish transcripts or diplomas to students who have unpaid financial obligations. Any delinquent account may be referred to the State Tax department for tax setoff, referred to a collection agency or a credit bureau.

By registering for classes, students indicate that they are accepting financial responsibility for payment of charges for educational services. These may include but are not limited to tuition, student activity fees, course and other registration fees, room, meal plans and collection costs that the University of Hawai’i incurs in the collection of unpaid balances.

Returned Checks

Checks tendered to the University of Hawai’i or any department therein, and returned to the maker’s bank for any reason will result in a $25.00 charge and a Hold will be placed on your student account. DO NOT issue a STOP PAYMENT on checks. A stop payment on a check is considered a returned check and is not acknowledged as an official drop from courses or withdrawal from the University.

The University reserves the right to no longer accept check payments for a student account that has had three (3) or more checks returned for any reason.

You will not be sent a bill

After you register, your tuition and fee total will appear in your account summary. To view your account summary, log in to the MyUH portal , click on “Review My Charges / Make an Online Payment”, then click on “Click here to access the Student Account Home Page.” Be aware that making changes in your schedule may affect the amount due, so check your account summary each time you make a change.

By registering for classes, you agree that you are accepting financial responsibility for payment of charges for educational services. These charges may include but are not limited to tuition, student activity fees, course and other registration fees, room, meal plans, and collection costs that the University of Hawai’i incurs in the collection of unpaid balances.

Payment Deadlines

All registered students must pay their tuition and fees by the designated deadline for each term. Payment must be RECEIVED at the Cashier’s Office or processed on the web by the appropriate payment deadline.

Registration is not complete until payment for your classes has been processed by the Cashier’s office.

WARNING – Students who fail to meet the payment deadlines MAY be subject to immediate dis-enrollment from all classes. Students who are dis-enrolled from all courses must re-register. Registration will be based on course availability at the time of re-registration.

Each campus establishes its own payment deadlines and cancellation or registration policies. Exact payment dates for each campus and term can be viewed at the sites below:

University of Hawai’i at Manoa https://manoa.hawaii.edu/registrar/

University of Hawai’i at Hilo http://hilo.hawaii.edu/uhh/bo/cashier/BillingandPaymentDeadlines.php

University of Hawai’i at West Oahu https://westoahu.hawaii.edu/financial-aid/payment-deadlines/

Hawai’i Community College http://hawaii.hawaii.edu/admissions/tuition

Honolulu Community College http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/registration/payment.html

Kapiolani Community College http://www.kapiolani.hawaii.edu/admissions/academic-calendar/

Kauai Community College https://www.kauai.hawaii.edu/payment-deadline

Leeward Community College http://www.leeward.hawaii.edu/payment-deadlines

University of Hawai‘i, Maui College https://maui.hawaii.edu/tuition/

Windward Community College http://windward.hawaii.edu/paying-for-college/tuition-fees/

All University of Hawai’i employees, and spouses or domestic partners of employees in BU 07, 08, 86 and 87 who register for credit courses offered through any unit of the University of Hawai’i are exempt from the payment of tuition and fees up to a maximum of 6 credits in accordance with Board of Regents Policy 6-11. Go to https://www.hawaii.edu/ohr/benefits-leave/professional-development/ for more information. You may also refer to the Employee Tuition Waiver guide . To use a waiver you must:

• be employed at least 50% FTE
• apply for admission by the appropriate deadline and be admitted as a classified or unclassified student
• obtain authorization to take classes from your supervisor
• register during the late registration period

Waivers may not be used to waive course fees, lab fees, professional fees nor to special funded courses which have insufficient revenue to cover costs. An administrative fee will be assessed for each summer session and each extension course/term that you registered for. UH employees at all campuses can apply their tuition waivers online (fall and spring only) after they have registered for their classes. On the “Complete this Registration Session” page, click on the “Use Faculty/Staff Waiver” link. If your waiver is successfully processed, a message will appear that says your account will be updated within 48 hours. The “Check My Registration Status” page also informs you that your tuition waiver was awarded. If the system is unable to confirm your eligibility, you will get a message and link to the UH Tuition Waiver Form. You must complete this form and take it to any campus business office for processing by your payment deadline. Tuition waivers for summer session are not online and can be processed at any campus business office. An employee tuition waiver can be used for a maximum of 6 credits of tuition and fees. You are responsible for paying any additional tuition and fees beyond 6 credits. UH employees using tuition waivers are required to register after the semester begins and are therefore exempt from paying the late registration fee. Employees who wish to use an employee tuition waiver to pay for classes must register only during the late registration period. Employee tuition waivers cannot be used to pay for registration done before this period. University Board of Regents policy states that faculty and staff may register only after the regular students have had an opportunity to register. If you register before the late registration period, you must pay for your registration. No refunds of tuition and fees will be made. Note: Any registration activity (adds or drops) in MyUH Online before the late registration period will disqualify you from using a faculty/staff tuition waiver.

Employee Spouse and Domestic Partner Tuition Waivers

Spouses and domestic partners of employees in bargaining units 07, 08, 86 and 87 are eligible to use tuition waivers. Conditions for use are the same as for employee tuition waivers. The employee must be employed at least 50% FTE and registration must occur during late registration. Declaration of employee spouse/domestic partner status for tuition waiver purposes can be made by the employee at MyUH and selecting the ‘My Profile’ tab at the top of the page.

Tuition Waiver Use Deadline

UH employee and spouse/domestic partner tuition waivers are not accepted or processed after the last day of the 50 percent tuition refund period. If you fail to apply the waiver on time, payment will not be made and a financial obligation will be placed on your account.

The University begins disbursing financial aid to the student account no earlier than ten (10) days before the start of each semester, provided you have completed all required financial aid documentation and are registered for the correct number of credits.

If the amount of financial aid exceeds the eligible charges on your account, the resulting credit balance will be refunded to you by the University of Hawai’i Cashier’s Office or the campus business office. The refund will be sent to you in the form of a paper check, mailed to your current mailing address, or deposited directly into your bank account, if you have signed up for an eRefund.

eRefunds (Direct deposit)

eRefunds are a quick, secure and convenient way to get your credit balance refunds. eRefunds can be deposited directly into your checking or savings account, and you don’t have to worry about a check getting lost in the mail, or make a trip to your bank. In addition, use of eRefunds means fewer paper checks and conservation of valuable resources.

To enroll in eRefunds :

• Go to My U H
• Type in your UH username and UH password
• Go to View Charges/Make Payment
• Click on “Click here to access the Student Account Home Page”
• Click on “Refund” tab at the top of the page.

After a refund is posted to your account, you will receive an e-mail confirming the amount of the refund and the date the refund was processed by the cashier’s office. Please allow 3-5 business days after the email for the funds to be credited to your bank account. Be sure to check with your bank that your funds are available in your account before you begin to write checks, pay bills or withdraw money.

Answers to frequently asked questions about eRefunds are available at University of Hawai’i FAQs for Student eCommerce Services

Tuition Assistance

For students receiving military tuition assistance (TA) funds from the Department of Defense (DoD), any unearned tuition assistance (TA) is returned on a proportional basis through at least the 60 percent portion of the period for which the funds were provided to the military service branch.  Tuition assistance funds are earned proportionally during the term, with unearned funds returned based upon when a student stops attending.  When a service member stops attending school due to military service obligation, the university will work with the affected student to identify solutions that will not result in student debt for the returned portion. Calculation of unearned TA is based on the percent of aid earned using the following formula: Number of days completed/Total days in the course period = percent TA earned The 16-week course refund schedule for DoD MOU Tuition Assistance Program students:                         Before or during weeks 1-2            100% return to service branch                         During weeks 3-4                           75% return                         During weeks 5-8                           50% return                         During weeks 9-10                         40% return (60% of term completed)                         During weeks 11-16                        0% return

GI Bill Information

The term GI Bill refers to any Department of Veterans Affairs education benefit earned by members of Active Duty, Selected Reserve and National Guard Armed Forces and their families. The benefit is designed to help service members and eligible veterans cover the costs associated with getting an education or training. The GI Bill has several programs and each is administrated differently — depending on a person’s eligibility and duty status.

Chapter 33 Post 9/11: The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides education benefits for those who have served on active duty for 90 or more days after Sept. 10, 2001 and may be transferred to their dependents.

Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefit Tiers All Post 9/11 GI Bill benefit payments are based on the amount creditable active-duty service each veteran has since Sept. 10, 2001. For active-duty, guard and reserve personnel who have served on active duty since Sept. 10, 2001, the following table applies:

Please see the following for more information: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/

Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty: The Montgomery GI Bill helps service members and veterans meet their education and training costs with monthly benefit payments. There are a number of eligibility requirements including VEAP conversion or having contributed $100 per month during the first year of active duty. Please see the following for more information: https://choose.va.gov/education-and-training

Chapter 1606 Montgomery GI Bill-Guard & Reserve: The MGIB-SR (Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve) details the GI Bill benefits available for Military Reserve and National Guard service members. In addition, activated reserve and Guard service members may be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill if they were activated under certain conditions.

Tuition Assistance is a military benefit that pays the cost of tuition and some fees.

Virtually all military service members are eligible. However criteria for eligibility is determined by each branch.

Tuition Assistance covers up to 100% Tuition and Fees Not to exceed:

• $250 @ Semester Credit Hour
• $166 @ Quarter Credit Hour

$4,500 @ Fiscal Year *Navy has a 16 credit hour Annual Limit.

Post-9/11 GI Bill

The Post 9/11 GI Bill provides up to 36 months (4 regular school years) of education benefits to eligible service members and veterans for:

• Business Technical or Vocational Courses
• Correspondence Courses
• Apprenticeship/Job Training
• Flight Training
• Licensing & Testing Programs

Service members (Active Duty, Guard and Reserve) and Veterans who have served at least 90 days on active duty since 9/10/2001. Survivors of military member who died on active duty after 9/10/2011 may be eligible for  Fry Scholarship program  which pays the same as Post-9/11 GI Bill

Paid Tuition and Fees, Living (Housing) Stipend and Book Stipend.

Benefits are tiered based on number of days on active duty.

Some limitations apply to those currently on active duty.

Benefits can be transferred to Spouse or Family member.

Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserves

Same as MGIB-AD at reduced rates.

• Six-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve.
• Officers must agree to serve six years in addition to their original obligation.
• High school diploma/GED.
• Maintain Selected Reserve Status.

Up to $397 per month for full-time institutional education.

Chapter 31 Veterans Readiness and Vocational Rehabilitation:

If you are a veteran who has a  VA disability  rating and an employment handicap, you may be entitled to Veteran Readiness and Employment (previously known as Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment) services under Chapter 31 of the GI Bill (VR&E). These services include – but are not limited to – counseling, training, education, and job placement assistance.

Please see the following for more information: https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/

The following sites for VA Education Benefits Offices are available by campus to meet the needs of our military students:

Each Veterans Affairs Education Benefits Office is there for military students to assist with certification for each semester the veteran or those utilizing veteran benefits used for GI Bill to pay for their education. Please work with the School Certifying Official associated with your home school to ensure necessary certification of courses as well as any other concerns dealing with the successful completion of your financial needs. The Veterans Affairs Offices are here to serve you. When making any changes to your schedule, please notify your certifying official. Notification will ensure proper handling of your military benefits.  

• Go to Academic Services
• Go to View/Update my Address
• Type in your UH username and password
• Click on “View/Print 1098-T Tax Form and Information”
• Enter the Tax Year to view your record
• Click on “Payments” tab at the top of the page
• Click on “Authorized Users” tab at the top of the page
• Click on “My Account”, then click on “Payment Plan” at the top of the page.
• Click on eRefund tab at the top of the page

Tuition Schedules

View official tuition schedules

Tuition and fee payments can be made by:

• MyUH Online: Pay by MasterCard, VISA or any credit card accepted by the Discover Network such as Discover, Diners, and JCB, pinless debit card or web check (checking or savings account). Registered students may sign up for an installment payment plan for the fall and spring terms. Log on to MyUH for more details. The payment plan is not available during the summer terms.
• Mail: Make checks payable to “University of Hawai’i” and mail to any campus business office . Mail payments must be RECEIVED by the appropriate payment deadline. You should allow a minimum of 5 days for delivery prior to the deadline. Do not use Campus Mail. To ensure proper crediting to your account, write your UH number on the bottom left corner of the check.
• In Person: Pay by cash, check, money order, or cashier’s check at any campus business office (no in-person credit card payment).
• Parents and Other Authorized Users: If you have been set up as an Authorized User, you may logon to the Authorized User site with your email address and password provided to you.
• Students can login to their  MyUH  account to review their balance, and then click the “Make International Payment Button” to proceed through the payment process.
• Authorized Payers can go to  https://hawaii.myonplanu.com/login  to create a “New Account” or have their student add them as an Authorized Payer in the Flywire system.

EFT: The University of Hawai’i does not accept wire transfers or e-mail payments from individual students.

Financial Aid Disbursements and Credit Balances

The University begins disbursing financial aid to the student account no earlier than ten (10) days before the start of each semester, provided you have completed all required financial aid documentation and are registered for the correct number of credits. If the amount of financial aid exceeds the eligible charges on your account, the resulting credit balance will be refunded to you by the University of Hawai’i Cashier’s Office or the campus business office. The refund will be sent to you in the form of a paper check, mailed to your current mailing address, or deposited directly into your bank account, if you have signed up for an eRefund.

UH Bursar’s Office Application of Payments Procedure 

The ten UH institutions all fall under the same Hawai‘i State Board of Regents governing body, which allows for a single, systemwide UH Application of Payment Process.  The UH Application of Payment Process identifies the cash management process for applying financial aid payments toward institutional charges for students enrolled at multiple UH campuses.  The application of payment process applies to all UH students, regardless of whether or not a student chooses to apply for maximum financial aid eligibility consideration by completing a Concurrent Enrollment Form under the blanket UH Financial Aid Consortium Agreement.   

Effective Fall 2021:

• Payment will be applied to tuition, housing, meal plan, and institutional fees in that order. Institutional fees include: lab fees, student government fees, health service fees, student center fee, publishing fee, campus center fee, communication fee, and specific course field of study fees.
• Payment will be made to home campus by financial aid detail codes such as Pell grant, Subsidized Loans, and Unsubsidized Loans related to home campus by priority coding. Priority coding will pay tuition, housing (if applicable), and institutional fees at the home campus, then the host campus will receive the remainder of financial aid to pay any outstanding tuition and instructional fees in that order.
• Any remaining credit from financial aid will be refunded to the student through their home campus.

For more information, please contact Denise DeArment, UH System Bursar:

Telephone: (808) 956-2934 Email: [email protected]

UH Concurrent Enrollment Agreement

eRefunds are a quick, secure and convenient way to get your credit balance refunds.  eRefunds can be deposited directly into your checking or savings account, and you don’t have to  worry about a check getting lost in the mail, or make a trip to your bank. In addition, use of eRefunds means fewer paper checks and conservation of valuable resources. To enroll in eRefunds :

After a refund is posted to your account, you will receive an e-mail confirming the amount of the refund and the date the refund was processed by the cashier’s office. Please allow 3-5 business days after the email for the funds to be credited to your bank account. Be sure to check with your bank that your funds are available in your account before you begin to write checks, pay bills or withdraw money. Answers to frequently asked questions about eRefunds are available at : https://www.hawaii.edu/myuhinfo/refunds/ .

Note:  If your financial aid is reduced for any reason (i.e. your full time or half time status has changed, you receive additional resources, etc), you may owe a portion or all of the credit balance refund back to the University.

Sponsored Student/Third Party Payments

If your tuition is being paid by a third party sponsoring agency (e.g., World Health Organization, East-West Center, Alu Like, Vocational Rehabilitation, U.S. Armed Forces Branch, State of Hawai’i Department of Education, etc), the Cashier’s office must receive the letters of financial guarantee, purchase orders or authorization letters from your sponsor by the appropriate home campus payment deadline.

If you have questions or want to confirm that your sponsor has met University billing requirement, please call your home campus business office. If these deadlines cannot be met, you should pay for your own tuition and fees by your payment deadline. When the sponsor sends payment for the tuition and fees, the University Cashier’s Office will process a refund.

If the third party sponsoring agency does not make payment for your tuition for any reason after being billed by the University, you will be responsible for paying any unpaid balances on your student account. Failure to do so will result in sanctions for outstanding financial obligations being imposed on your student account.

National Service Trust/Americorps Recipients

Access the AmeriCorps online payments system at their website https://manoa.hawaii.edu/undergrad/civic-engage/about-americorps-vista/ . In Quick Links, click “For Individuals” to create and submit an online request for your AmeriCorps Education Award benefits. AmeriCorps will send the request electronically to your selected campus financial aid office for processing. The financial aid office will certify your eligibility and submit the information to AmeriCorps. After AmeriCorps does the final approval, the funds will be sent electronically to the University. The request for payment should be made after you register but no later than 10 working days before your appropriate payment deadline.

U.S. Army Reserve Tuition Subsidy

The 9th RSC has received approval for the Pacific Reserve Education Program (PREP). Take your approved form DA2171 to any campus Cashier’s Office by the appropriate payment deadline. You are responsible for paying any remaining tuition and fees not covered by PREP. Contact your Army Reserve unit commander for more information.

VETERAN’S BENEFITS

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs approves applications and makes decisions about eligibility, payments and issuance of checks.

Each campus Veteran’s Affairs Certifying Official is responsible for certifying and monitoring veterans’ enrollment, academic progress, and other academic information. Visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website http://www.gibill.va.gov/ for more information.

Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)

Chapter 33 payments for tuition and fees are paid directly to the University approximately six weeks after receiving certification from the campus VA Certifying Official.

Refunds due to changes in registration after the first day of the term will be sent to the student. Refunds due to non-attendance will be sent to VA. If funds are returned to the VA because you did not officially withdraw from the University, you will be responsible for all tuition and fee charges incurred.

Hawai’i campuses participate in the Yellow Ribbon program. Please check with the VA Certifying Official at your home campus for availability and eligibility.

MILITARY SPOUSE CAREER ADVANCEMENT ACCOUNTS (MyCAA)

MyCAA payments are paid directly to the University. You must bring or send a copy of your approved Financial Assistance Form to the campus business/cashier’s office for each term you register at least 48 hours prior to your payment receipt deadline. This will ensure that an invoice is sent and grades will be posted for classes you are registered for. If the MyCAA program does not make payment for your tuition for any reason after being billed by the University, you will be responsible for paying any unpaid balances on your student account.

Hawai’i National Guard Tuition Assistance

The Hawai’i National Guard Tuition Assistance Program is a reimbursement program. At the end of each semester, the National Guard will reimburse Guard members directly for tuition. Please contact your unit commanding officer for further information. Students are responsible for paying all tuition and fees to the Cashier’s Office by the appropriate payment deadline.

UH Achievement Scholarship Recipients

If you are receiving a University of Hawai’i Achievement Scholarship, check with the college/department/office awarding the scholarship before you pay any tuition and fees. You are responsible to pay any remaining charges not covered by the scholarship. When awarded a scholarship, the awarding college/department/office will submit your information to the Financial Aid Office for disbursement. Once enrollment is verified and not earlier than 10 days before the start of the semester, your scholarship will be disbursed.

All University of Hawai’i employees, and spouses or domestic partners of employees in BU 07, 08, 86 and 87 who register for credit courses offered through any unit of the University of Hawai’i are exempt from the payment of tuition and fees up to a maximum of 6 credits in accordance with Board of Regents Policy 6-11. Employee Tuition Waivers Employee Spouse and Domestic Partner Tuition Waivers

If you drop or withdraw from classes by the specified refund deadline at each campus, you may be eligible for a refund of tuition and fees. Tuition is automatically recalculated and reversed during the refund period. After the refund deadline, tuition and fees will not be re-calculated or reversed. Students are responsible for all tuition and fees remaining on their account.

Refunds due to a complete withdrawal, change from full-time to part-time, drop in credit hours or change from one tuition rate to another are processed approximately 4 weeks after the end of the 50% drop period for the semester.

NOTE: Student activity fees are not refunded unless the student is completely withdrawn from ALL campuses of the University of Hawai’i system before the first day of the term.

University of Hawai‘i Student Refunds Policy

SIGN UP FOR DIRECT DEPOSIT (eRefund)

If you paid by cash or check, sign up to have your refund direct deposited into your U.S. bank account. This is the quickest way to receive a refund. To enroll in eRefunds:

• Go to MyUH      
• Click on “eRefunds” tab at the top of the page

Direct deposit allows your money to go straight to your bank. The University of Hawai’i highly recommends you sign up for eRefund to avoid problems with lost checks due to outdated addresses and to save a trip to the bank. Use of eRefund means fewer paper checks and conservation of valuable resources. You will receive an e-mail confirming the amount of the refund and the date the refund was processed by the cashier’s office. The money will be available in your bank account approximately 3-5 business days after receipt of the email. We deposit refunds daily Monday – Friday. However your bank may not post the money to your account immediately. Be sure to check with your bank that your funds are available in your account before you begin to write checks, pay bills or withdraw money.

Other Important Refund Information

Refund checks are payable only to the student.

If you have a financial hold with the University of Hawai’i, your refund may be delayed as it will not be processed until the unpaid obligation is cleared. Any refund will first be applied to unpaid charges owed to the University.

Note: If your financial aid is reduced for any reason (i.e. your full time or half time status has changed, you receive additional resources, etc), you may owe a portion or all of the credit balance refund back to the University.