University of Hawaii West Oahu Seal

First Week Back From Spring Break! Message from the Chancellor

Date/Time sent: 03/27/2020 3:53 pm

Aloha mai e na haumana/students!

We are experiencing unprecedented uncertainty as the University of Hawai’i–West O’ahu, all our sister campuses, Hawai’i, and the rest of the world confronts the spread of COVID-19. I want you to know that it has been amazing to watch our instructional faculty and our staff members quickly adapt to the changes we have made to deliver our courses online, provide support to you so that you’re able to successfully complete the semester, and, at the same time, ensure the safety of our campus and everyone still working on campus.  Extraordinary effort!!

Moving all learning and support services online is surely no substitute for learning and living in our academic community in Honouliuli. However, it is our hope that through virtual technology we can stay connected as we learn, study, and interact remotely. Please know we have services to support your online learning. We are here to kokua/help! In the next couple of days, you will be receiving an email outlining how you can best access key support services to facilitate your success.

You are all in our thoughts as you work through your studies and your life situations in these precarious circumstances. We know you have very different needs – social support, food, housing, and so on – so if you have concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your adviser or the resources shared below. Again, we are here to support you.

I will miss seeing you as I walk the empty plaza that fronts our library – we are living through unprecedented times that require each of us to adapt, be patient, and be compassionate.

Stay healthy and safe. “Live Aloha!” Your ‘ohana/family at UH West O’ahu is looking forward to your return to your vibrant university on the ‘Ewa plains!

E malama pono!
Chancellor Maenette K.P. Benham