University of Hawaii West Oahu Seal

Message from Chancellor Maenette Benham

Date/Time sent: 12/01/2020 10:20 am

Aloha mai kakou na haumana e na ‘ohana!

Without a doubt, 2020 has been challenging. However, as we enter our season of Makahiki, we want to remember that this is a time of reflection, reenergizing, and gratitude. We are thankful that you and your ‘ohana are doing well, and that UH West O’ahu faculty and staff have been able to do the work that is important to us all! We are also tremendously appreciative to everyone in our Hawai’i community who has deepened their service by working tirelessly to care for you, our students, and the diverse communities we serve in the midst of a deadly pandemic. I know this is a time when many are tired, stressed, and overwhelmed by the ongoing pandemic. But we cannot let our guard down. The virus continues to spread, and we need to take the actions we know will stop or slow it down. Indeed, recent announcements related to vaccines are encouraging and I believe they represent a light at the end of the tunnel. But for now, our campus remains open to students, faculty, and staff. Our spring 2021 semester will be conducted the same as this fall semester – primarily online/remote. Our hope is that we will see you soon on campus!

Until then, as the fall semester comes to a close, we offer a quick list of reminders.

  1. First and foremost, we are here for you. You can reach us about these questions online or by phone:
    1. During the winter break, which runs from December 21 to January 1, our campus will be closed to all but faculty and staff.
    2. Questions about end of semester activities go to: westoahu.hawaii.edu/student-experience/student-life
    3. Questions about your spring course schedule/academic program – check in with your academic adviser and/or go to: https://bit.ly/UHWOAdvising
    4. Questions about campus safety and health concerns go to: westoahu.hawaii.edu/covid-19
  2. Applauding all our 2020 Graduates! Join us as we celebrate all our 2020 UH West O’ahu graduates for a Virtual Commencement Celebration on Saturday, December 12, 2020, at 9 a.m. While we may not gather for a traditional in-person ceremony, we are proud of the achievements and accomplishments of our 2020 graduates!  All 754 graduates will be acknowledged by degree and in alphabetical order. The video link will be available on the UH West O’ahu Commencement site (westoahu.hawaii.edu/commencement) on Dec. 12, and available on the YouTube page for your viewing after that.
  3. To ensure your seat in courses you need for your program of study, register as soon as possible. For more information on registering, go to: westoahu.hawaii.edu/admissions/register-for-classes
  4. UH West O’ahu’s James & Abigail Campbell Library will be open to UH affiliated students, faculty, and staff – with COVID guidelines in place – during two of the four weeks of your winter break (Dec. 14-18 and Jan. 4-8). On these days, library chat services will be available to you from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. You will also be able to make reservations for computers, scanners, and study spaces, and/or submit requests for interlibrary loan. Of course, databases and other online library resources will be accessible throughout the winter break period. https://westoahu.hawaii.edu/library/
  5. Reminder of where to seek help:
    1. Computer/Internet westoahu.hawaii.edu/covid-19/ go to Online Delivery Information and click on Student Resources for Online Learning &/or Computer Lab Reservations System
    2. Tutoring https://bit.ly/noeaucenter
    3. Health/Immunization Questions westoahu.hawaii.edu/admissions/health-requirements
  6. Meeting with friend groups and student organizations over Zoom? We all have a shared responsibility to help ensure that those who join our virtual events do so with good intentions. Quick reminders:
    1. Use caution when sharing Zoom links directly on social media, online bulletin boards, blog posts, chat rooms, or via listserves or email lists with a wide distribution.
    2. Familiarize yourself with Zoom’s settings and features so you know how to protect your virtual meeting or event if you need to.
    3. Consider using: westoahu.hawaii.edu/distancelearning/student-distance-education-tips and click on ZOOM section
  7. The fatigue of following the health practices is clearly weighing on many, however, this is not the time to let our guard down as the virus is spreading with intensity. For those students who will continue working on campus, you must follow all of the required safety measures – always wear a mask, maintain physical distance, avoid crowds, and increase hand washing.
  8. For more information about COVID-19, go to westoahu.hawaii.edu/covid-19. Should you test positive for COVID-19 call our Hotline at (808) 689-2525.

E ‘uleu mai ‘oukou! Let us all step lively! We will make it to the finish line together!

E malama pono!
Maenette Benham, Chancellor