Ka Pe‘ahi Lono: Monthly Message for October
Date/Time sent: 10/02/2023 10:00 amUH West Oʻahu Value Proposition
We prepare 21st Century leaders, career creators through integrated, transdisciplinary programs where learners and teachers, together, discover and innovate and engage diverse communities to create a vibrant and socially just world.
Hoʻokāhi ka ilau like ana (Wield the paddles together)
Welina!!
Several years ago when both my children (now young adults) became teenagers, I spoke with them about the importance of generosity. That is to give what we are able to promote the well-being of those in need, to save endangered species, to support an environmental cause, and so on. So, during the Thanksgiving and Winter/Christmas Holiday Season I had them pick their top three charitable organizations. I gave them each $150 to donate. They loved it! And when I asked them what made them so happy, they said that it felt good to help. “It made ‘my heart smile,’ ” my daughter said. Fast forward seven years. They are still giving but this time not only with the $150 I give them but they match it with monies they have saved and earned. This social consciousness illuminates our familial principle of kuleana – care and responsibility for the betterment of our whole society. I can only hope that they also hold the importance of generosity in their hearts.
This bring me to this time of giving to the Aloha United Way. We’re midway through the University of Hawaiʻi’s 2023 Oʻahu Aloha United Way (AUW) campaign. We are only 25% of the way to meeting our goal. Mahalo nūnui to all who have already donated – and – I would like to encourage others to show your support of AUW by visiting: https://uhgiving.auw.stratuslive.com/. If you need help in using the pledge website, please view these instructions on how to donate. If you have any questions, please see this comprehensive list of FAQS.
Please help us to reach our goal. What you give helps Hawaiʻi’s communities, families who need it the most. The campaign runs through Oct. 6, 2023. Mahalo nūnui for supporting Aloha United Way!
Please scroll through this ʻOkakopa Ka Peʻahi Lono from the Highlights through to the Hoʻomanaʻo Mai sections.
“E ʻeleu mai ʻoukou!” Step lively, let’s move together!
E mālama pono!
Maenette Benham, Chancellor
Health and Well-Being Reminder
Keep in mind, kūkūlu kaiāulu! Please strengthen our community with your passions, respect for one another, and patience! Please respect an individual’s personal choice to wear a face mask. Mahalo to everyone, for your patience and empathy, your good work and commitment to care for one another!
Although we are no longer in a public health emergency in regard to the COVID-19 virus, please stay vigilant. Consider getting your COVID Booster, Flu Shot, and RSV vaccine soon! Health officials are keeping watch on the latest variants and any rise in cases and their potential for causing serious illness. UH West Oʻahu updated our COVID-19 Guidelines for the Fall 2023 semester.
If you test positive for COVID-19:
- Isolate for 5 days.
- After 5 days, you may return to work or classes if you have been fever-free for 24 hours.
- Wear a mask for an additional 5 days around others.
You can notify your instructor or supervisor that you tested positive for COVID-19 or that you have been exposed but it is not required. You should let them know if you will be out sick as you would for any other illness that would cause you to miss class or work time. Masking is optional on campus and in offices, except where required, for example, in certain healthcare-related clinical situations. Again, please respect an individual’s personal choice to wear a face mask.
Important Highlights
Here are our September highlights you might have missed:
- Grant awarded to UH West Oʻahu for project to identify burials at Molokaʻi cemetery
- Learn about summer STEM internships, fellowships at Dept. of Energy event
- UH West Oʻahu to celebrate AANAPISI Week
Hana Lawelawe: On Leadership
A message from our IT Department – Leaders in Cyber-Safety
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month!
With the recent cyber-attacks at other campuses, it is a wake-up call to everyone in the UH System. Therese Nakadomari, IT Director, shared that during the attack on Maui College, which took place between December 2022 through February 2023, UH West Oʻahu was also attacked. We also saw a surge in typical attack behavior a week before the Hawaiʻi Community College attack. Please know that we are attacked every day, and our UH West Oʻahu IT security team works diligently to thwart these attacks as best as they can.
While our UH West Oʻahu team works hard to protect everyone, they cannot do it alone. We need everyone at UH West Oʻahu to practice computer safety. We do appreciate the cooperation of everyone so far – and while we know that asking you to create a 15-character password with symbols and numbers seems cumbersome and harsh, you must know that hackers can decode shorter passwords very quickly. Chad Koizumi-Miyashiro, Cybersecurity & User Support, shares this chart (see below) for TechRepublic https://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-an-8-character-password-could-be-cracked-in-less-than-an-hour/. You can see how quickly shorter passwords can be decoded or cracked.
We STRONGLY ENCOURAGE you to protect yourself! BE INFORMED!
Information Technology Services (ITS) is pleased to offer a series of webinars throughout the month of October to promote cybersecurity awareness and data security best practices. We invite you to join us for weekly one-hour long webinars hosted by the UH Information Security team and the Data Governance Office.
Week 1: Protecting your credentials and personal data from cybercriminals
Cybercriminals are constantly devising new tactics to steal your credentials and personal information. Learn about different tactics they use and how to identify and protect yourself against them.
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023
Time: 1 – 2 p.m.
Registration: https://hawaii.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bJNos-rCQweGc5W486N5Zg
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Week 2: Using Enterprise Dropbox and FileDrop
What’s the difference between UH Enterprise DropBox and UH FileDrop? Learn about each tool’s features and how you can securely store, share, and transfer files containing Sensitive and Regulated data.
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023
Time: 1 – 2 p.m.
Registration: https://hawaii.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AFEZ0AcYS5uZyWb7LqVSKw
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Week 3: “It’s okay to delete”
Have old files you are keeping “just in case”? You may be able to get rid of them and reduce your risk of unintended exposures. Attend this webinar to gain an understanding of records retention.
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023
Time: 1 – 2 p.m.
Registration: https://hawaii.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4ivx8JZvSJSQByLW1DW00A
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Week 4: How to secure the keys to your digital life!
Picking an easy password is like locking your door but leaving the key under the doormat. Anyone can get in with a little bit of effort. Attend this webinar to learn how you can apply enterprise password best practices easily and improve your quality of life with password managers.
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023
Time: 1 – 2 p.m.
Registration: https://hawaii.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2jLV890gT6iXOu_ToeHAVA
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Unable to attend? All the webinars will be recorded and made available later at https://www.hawaii.edu/infosec/ncsam-2023/.
For questions, please contact infosec@hawaii.edu.
Hoʻomanao Mai
Students First: Reminder – E Ala Pono information
Through the E Ala Pono Academic Progress Campaign, faculty are able to partner with our campus resources (Advising, Counseling, and the Noʻeau Center) to support the success of our students.
In the E Ala Pono cycle, faculty observe and interact with students and when behaviors or concerns arise (in the 3rd, and 7th week), the faculty may complete the progress update, which notifies both the student and the academic support area of concerns. A representative (Advisor, Mentor or Counselor, etc.) will reach out to connect with the student to create a success plan.
Progress Update 1: Sept. 5 – 11 (closes at 11:55 p.m.)
Progress Update 2: Oct. 9 – 18 (closes at 11:55 p.m.)
For questions, email uhwoeap@hawaii.edu.
Coming Soon: Coffee Shop on Campus!
Details forthcoming on 831 Café … stay tuned!
HIFF in Hawaiʻi at UH West Oʻahu ACM
ʻUluʻulu Moving Image Archive Presents: Treasures
Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, 2 p.m.
“Treasures” was a series which aired on KHON from 1986 – 1988 and featured unsung heroes and unique individuals in Hawai‘i. The three episodes will focus on the following subjects: Waimea-born Harriet Purdy, a high diver and swimmer, known as the Hawaiian Cannonball at Atlantic CIty”s Steel Pier in the 1930s; revered Kumu Hula Kau‘i Zuttermeister who has left a legacy that endures today and is shared by her daughter Kumu Hula Noenoelani Zuttermeister; avid waterman Tommy Holmes, one of the founders of the Polynesian Voyaging Society credited for riding the largest waves ever in an outrigger canoe. Hosted by Brickwood Galuteria and produced in partnership with the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, this program reminds us of the importance of documenting individuals who have wisdom and knowledge to share across generations. Although these subjects have passed on, their stories live on for future generations to learn from these true local ”treasures.” Following the film, a panel discussion will include series director Tim Savage, Kumu Hula Noenoelani Zuttermeister, Desoto Brown, Bishop Museum historian and ʻUluʻulu Head Archivist Janel Quirante.
Pasifika Roles: In Conversation with Cliff Curtis
Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, 4 p.m.
Celebrated Māori actor Cliff Curtis is considered one of the most versatile actors working in Hollywood. His work ranges from award-winning productions in his native New Zealand, to blockbuster hits in Hollywood, and productions right here in Hawaii. Curtis will take the stage with a hui of other working Pasifika (of varied Pacific Islander origins) actors. This interactive panel will discuss representing authentic portrayals of Pasifika characters on screen, the unique opportunities, and challenges of working on productions in Hawaii and across the Pacific Rim, and address questions from the audience. Audiences will get invaluable insight on these inspirational careers that reflect the past, present and future of Pasifika entertainment. There will also be space devoted to discussing continuing support for Maui through the creative process. This panel is presented in partnership with the International Cultural Arts Network (ICAN). #MauiStrong
A message from the UH System Office
The US Department of Education just posted it “post-affirmattive action admissions” report. See the attached report HERE.
Education Department unveils post-affirmative action admissions report
BY BIANCA QUILANTAN | 09/28/2023 02:46 PM EDT
The Education Department on Thursday released a post-affirmative action report that calls on states and college leaders to prioritize diversity on college campuses in their admissions policies.
The 66-page document is part of the Biden Administration’s response to the Supreme Court’s decision to end race-conscious admissions in June. The following month, the Education Department held a convening with higher education leaders to discuss how students from all backgrounds would get a fair shot at college admissions going forward. Biden administration civil rights officials also encouraged higher education leaders to consider “lawful” paths to admit diverse classes.
Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, in remarks at the White House Thursday, urged campus leaders to consider adversity students have overcome and to adopt holistic admissions policies. He wants schools to accept more transfer students and ensure their credits are transferable, which Cardona said the Education Department is looking into. The secretary also advocated for boosting K-12 recruitment and college advising, and reevaluating legacy preferences.
“This report is … a conversation starter with great ideas developed from all of you. This wasn’t D.C. saying, ‘This is what you need to do,’” Cardona said. “We listened, we sat, we met, we saw examples that work. And now we’ve put together a tool to help guide the conversation. … The growth and prosperity of our country will depend on how we seize this moment together. ”
Key takeaways: The report aims to be a roadmap for colleges and universities as they reevaluate their admissions policies. Here are some programs or policies the Education Department wants colleges to consider implementing:
- Recruiting at pathway programs and K-12 schools that serve high shares of underrepresented and lower-income students
- Placing a “meaningful emphasis” on student adversity or resiliency described in application essays, ending legacy admissions and simplifying the admissions process for students through programs like direct admissions, which guarantees admission for prospective students before they submit an application
- Increasing college affordability by providing need-based aid through a simple and transparent student aid application process
- Boosting retention and completion rates and ensuring campuses are welcoming by supporting affinity groups and diversity, equity and inclusion programming
For state leaders: The department’s report places an emphasis on affordability and urges states to support their institutions’ enrollment of underrepresented students. Here’s what the Education Department wants state leaders to consider:
- Providing sufficient funding to higher education institutions
- Reviewing state financial aid eligibility requirements
- Strengthening pathways from K-12 schools to community colleges and four-year institutions, including by solving transfer credit issues
What’s next: The Education Department said it will consider collecting and publishing more information on college applications and enrollment trends. It also wants to consider disaggregating the data by race and ethnicity, first-generation status and legacy status.
UH Commission on LGBTQ+ Equality
UH System Events for LGBTQ+ History Month and Coming Out Day
October is LGBTQ+ Pride History Month and has been celebrated as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer + history month since 1994, inspired by Rodney Wilson, a gay high school teacher in Missouri whose work and activism addressed the silencing of LGBTQ+ histories and representation in education and elsewhere. Although June is pride month in many parts of the world, October marks the first US national march on Washington for LGBTQ+ rights in 1979 and the national celebration of Coming Out Day on the 11th.
National Coming Out Day, like LGBTQ+ history month, reminds us that persecution is enabled when lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer + people, histories, representations are silenced, censored, marginalized. The current climate driving anti-transgender legislation and increased hate crimes evidences this. The UH System proves to be a leader in advocating for our LGBTQ+ community and a history of events can be found on the Commission site.
At UH, we welcome and celebrate our māhū, LGBTQ+ students, staff/faculty, and community and recognize that learning LGBTQ+ history is our responsibility/kuleana. Join us across UH campuses this month for multiple educational and celebratory events. As part of October’s ally week, come out: show your support and aloha.
The plus sign (+) in LGBTQ+ includes a spectrum of identities, orientations, and gender expressions. Please visit the Office of the President of the University of Hawai‘i’s Commission on LGBTQ+ Equality website for the definitions of terms related to sex and gender and respecting gender identity and expression. Interested in being an LGBTQ+ Ally or Advocate? Check with your campus’ UH System LGBTQ+ commissioners for more information.