UH West Oʻahu hosts high school counselors, highlights programs and facilities

An audience listening to Chancellor Maenette Benham at the High School Counselor Workshop in the multi-purpose room.

Student engagement, signature academic programs, new degrees, growing campus facilities, and award-winning faculty at the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu were among the highlighted topics shared with nearly 50 guests at the High School Counselor Workshop, held today on campus.

UH West Oʻahu hosted the workshop, which was open to high school counselors, advisors, teachers, administrators and “anybody, really, who works with students and their journey to college,” said Michelle Cohen, UH West Oʻahu director of admissions.

“We’re hoping to really give them a sense of everything thatʻs new at West Oʻahu – our programs, our initiatives, new facilities – and give them the opportunity to meet faculty, staff and current students so that they can get a better understanding of what we think makes West Oʻahu a special place,” Cohen said.

Lokelani Kenolio, UH West Oʻahu director of enrollment services, welcomed the attendees and shared with them UH West Oʻahu’s efforts in increasing student success and engagement, such as its growing early college programs and community college articulations, as well as its efforts in advancing dynamic and innovative learning experiences, including its new bachelor’s degree in Creative Media and new certificate programs in music and gender studies.

Kenolio also highlighted how UH West Oʻahu is enhancing its facilities, mentioning the parking lot extension, new laboratories, and new Academy of Creative Media building. The event included a special behind-the-scenes tour of the new ACM building, which is scheduled to be completed in the fall.

Chancellor Maenette Benham

Chancellor Maenette Benham addressing guests at the High School Counselor Workshop.

Guests rotated through five 25-minute sessions led by faculty showcasing the areas of health science, creative media, natural science, hospitality and tourism, and sustainable community food systems. The sessions were held throughout the morning in classrooms around campus.

The event capped off with the Pueo Fair, with representatives and materials available for attendees to learn about student life, new student programs, financial aid, academic advising, student support services, and various divisions at UH West Oʻahu.

UH West Oʻahu Chancellor Dr. Maenette Benham expressed her gratitude toward everyone in attendance for their role in guiding students to opportunities.

“You really are the people who open those doors for them, who give them the confidence that they can do it and that they can make a difference by serving their community, by going to college and getting the degrees that they need to come back home or stay home and do the work that they need to do,” Benham said. “So to each and every one of you, mahalo, mahalo, mahalo for everything you do.”

 

Image courtesy of UHWO Staff