Join The Hoot ʻOhana Interested in journalism? The Hoot is calling you! Contact us at thehoot@hawaii.edu and scan the QR code to follow our journey.
What's inside? Student employmennt and volunteer opportunities, study abroad, campus fitness activities, and more.
Cover Photo Story (page 6) Meet the New Hoot Photo by Christian Villavicencio
SEPTEMBER 2026
UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I– WEST O‘AHU
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September 2026
The Hoot
EDITOR’S NOTE
Welcome to the relaunch of The Hoot. Since its first issue on February 2, 2012, this student-run newspaper has been the voice of the student body; building community and inclusion while delivering news, features, campus life content and perspectives that keep our campus and communities informed. We are excited to honor that past while creating a new vision for the future which includes digital editions, video and a podcast. Our team met over the summer to plan, write and design this first issue for our Fall 2026 semester. In it, you will find Campus News, Features, Student Life, Sports & Wellness and a calendar of events. My vision for future issues is to help build a publication that truly reflects our university comRaynette Andrewsen Editor-in-ChiEf
munity and highlights diverse perspectives. As we relaunch, we are also creating new opportunities for student writers, photographers, artists, and creators to develop their voices and share their work. One of the most rewarding aspects of being a student journalist, I have found, is the ability to give a voice to important topics that matter to students and the greater community. It’s about posing tough questions that make readers think critically about a subject in a feature or reporting on news that may not be covered anywhere else. Student journalism isn’t just reporting what’s happening now. It’s recording our history in this time, in this place. And with this issue we honor where we have been, while focusing on where we are going. We hope you’ll join us. Raynie Andrewsen Editor-In-Chief
Reach us by email at thehoot@hawaii.edu and connect through social media via our Instagram account @thehootnews.
University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu Student Newspaper
91-1001 Farrington Hwy Kapolei, HI 96707 EDITO%-IN-CHIEF Raynette Andrewsen LAYOUT EDITO% Ti!any Mueller STAFF W%ITE%Rosary Argel Mireya Pena Carrasquillo Kayslan Murakami Landon Tupper
PHOTO.%APHE% Christian Villavicencio
MA%KETIN. INQUI%IEthehoot@hawaii.edu
SPE0IAL THANK- TO UHWO Communications
SMB QUE-TIONsmbwo@hawaii.edu
SMB AD3I-O%Sharla Hanaoka Rouel Velasco Ku‘ualoha Kauanoe-Luda
COVER: The 2026-27 Hoot Sta!; Photo by Christian Villavicencio
University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information. Nor does the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu warrant the use of the works is free of any claims of copyright infringement. All views expressed are those of the page author and not of the University of Hawaiʻi– West Oʻahu and/or the University of Hawaiʻi system, and any concerns or comments about these pages should be directed to the page author, and not to University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu. © SEPTEMBER 2026 | The Hoot
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Hoot
September 2026
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PAGE 2
Editor's Note
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Campus Detour Continues as Highway Widening Moves Ahead
5
Study Abroad Offers New Experiences For UHWO Students
6
New Students Find Resources, Community at Lā Pūnua
8
Meet The New Hoot
10
UHWO Turns 50: A Vision Still Taking Shape
13
Get Moving: Finding Fitness on Campus
14
Why Student Employment and Volunteering Matter
Campus detours - p. 4
Study abroad - p. 5
Meet The Hoot - p. 8
UHWO turns 50 - p. 10
Get moving - p. 13
Student employment - p. 14
L5 P6nua - p. 6
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The Hoot
Campus Detour Continues as Highway Widening Moves Ahead BY LANDON TUPPER |
PHOTOS BY CHRISTIAN VILLAVICENCIO
When students return to the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Tokai for the fall semester, they can expect some minor delays entering and exiting campus. The Farrington Highway widening project is a year into its production and students and sta! are required to follow the construction cones and signs at both the entrance and exit points for both campuses. The construction cuts o! a road connecting to the UHWO roundabout, requiring a detour through the Keone‘ae station parking lot to exit the university. The lane is fixed, at times requiring lines to form to exit the campus. This period of construction on the UHWO campus is expected to last until September. Farrington Highway currently has two lanes. Construction will add a two-way turn lane, for a total of three lanes. There are plans to add two six-foot bike lanes
and two eight-foot sidewalks adjacent to the highway on both sides. The project has an expected end date in April 2027. The updated highway will promote infrastructure projects that support the greater community including proposed a!ordable housing which is projected to provide greater opportunity for lower income families. The widening would also allow developers to build school facilities and support development of commercial centers outside of primary commercial areas. The highway will increase the capacity for connections to the Skyline rail with 5 new stops. Connections to Kualaka’i East Kapolei Station, Keone‘ae - UHWO Station, Honouliuli - Ho‘opili Station, and Ho‘ae‘ae - West Loch Station will be increased. The widening will ensure greater tra!ic can flow through the stations connected to the Farrington Highway.
Access to the UHWO roundabout has now been reopened following temporary closure.
FAST FACTS Where
UHWO campus entrance and exit
Impact
The UHWO roundabout has been re-opened. However, delays entering and exiting the shcool due to construction at Farrington Highway are still possible.
Duration
Construction at Farrington Highway expected to end April 2027.
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Study Abroad Offers New Experiences For UHWO Students STORY BY KAYSLAN MURAKAMI | PHOTOS COURTESY OF DJ TONAKI
to use Pell Grants and other federal financial aid to help cover costs associated with the program. “We have a cost challenge. We don’t o!er too much financial aid and will improve in the future,” said Otoman, whose longterm plan is to bring better accessibility to the program and more opportunities for students to go abroad.
DJ Tonaki’s Instagram photos capture vivid, colorful hydrangea blooms in a garden, showing life at Kyushu University in Fukuoka. As a University of Hawai‘i– West O‘ahu student, Tonaki spent two weeks in Japan learning their language and culture through the study abroad program o!ered by the O!ice of Global Engagement.
“We record the number of students that apply and go on study abroad or student exchange programs every year. We aim to see an increase in the number of students going abroad every year,” said Gian Otoman, an international programs coordinator with the department. “Lesser numbers this year…[but] going abroad is a success.”
The O!ice of Global Engagement provides opportunities for students to live and study in France, Germany, the Philippines, South Korea, and Japan through partnerships with universities in these countries. The basic requirements are a GPA of 3.0 or higher, 24 credits or more, valid passport, and no outstanding academic holds.
Although many students might dream of studying abroad, the program can be cost-prohibitive.
The most popular destinations are Japan and South Korea during the summer semester. There were about 30-33 students who applied for this past summer program.
“I tried to go but the airfare was too expensive. I was happy that UH West O‘ahu o!ered study abroad [but] I’m sad because we have to do it on our own and were not supported as much as I thought it would be,” UHWO student Candice Cummings Domingo said. The o!ice recognizes that financial barriers can make studying abroad di!icult but Otoman said students may be able
For students who want the study abroad experience, Tonaki suggested doing some research before you go to be able to take full advantage of the opportunities away from home.
Regardless of the challenges, like adapting to the new time zone and travelling far, Tonaki’s experience extended beyond just those two weeks. He came back with new friends and better language skills. Now, he is planning to travel back there with friends he made studying abroad. “I became more passionate about nature photography in the program,” Tonaki said. “I am looking forward to the summer flowers and spring sakura season.”
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New Students Find Resources, Community at Lā Pūnua BY LANDON TUPPER |
PHOTOS BY CHRISTIAN VILLAVICENCIO
On August 14, the University of Hawai‘i– West O‘ahu welcomed incoming freshman for their first year of post-secondary education. Since 2013, UHWO has hosted Lā Pūnua. The event helps introduce students to the campus, allowing them
to familiarize themselves with the many o!erings of the University. “Lā Pūnua is a culminating event where we welcome the entire incoming freshman class to West O‘ahu to kind of cele-
Students and faculty welcome incoming freshman.
brate them being a college student,” said Rebecca Carino-Augustine, College Success Advisor and event coordinator. “There’s going to be breakout sessions with faculty and students followed by Pueo Pa‘ina, where we'll have student clubs and organizations out there for students to engage with.” Planning for Lā Pūnua occurred bi-weekly beginning in May, with months of planning going towards the event. Many hands brought the day to fruition including representatives from the No‘eau Center, Financial Aid O!ice, the O!ice of Advising, Career Services, Campus and Recreation, Admissions O!ice, and the Ho’okahua program.
“
It speaks to the importance of a sense of belonging. Letting students know that we are here for them, we're celebrating you.
-Rebecca Carina-Augustine
The committee planned to welcome over 170 students who would attend this event, including students from O‘ahu, the neighboring islands, the continental United States and international students.
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“Putting Lā Pūnua together was really fun, just organizing with di!erent people from di!erent departments, and then being in charge of the di!erent components of our committee was really rewarding,” said Carino-Augustine. The event lasted for 5 hours, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and ending around 2:00 p.m. A%er check-in students entered breakout rooms that covered di!erent aspects of the campus. Students in breakout rooms were introduced to faculty, sta!, student leaders, personal development opportunities and the academic resources available to them. “It speaks to the importance of a sense of belonging. Letting students know that we are here for them, we're celebrating you. We’ve carved out this time to really celebrate them, honor them, [and] welcome them to our ‘ohana,” said Carino-Augustine. “Students don't have to do things alone — college is an amazing experience. Students will have a really positive life changing event. We want to remind them that when things are not so good that there are people behind them
Mireya Pena Carrasquillo (bottom right) shares information about The Hoot with new UHWO students.
supporting them when they need it.” Following the breakout sessions was a larger orientation and lunch, then the day concluded with the Resource Engagement Fair. A wealth of student organizations made an appearance at the event including the West O‘ahu film club, The Hoot and the Student Activity Fee Board with many others in attendance.
University of Hawaiii - West Oahu prepares for a new incoming class.
“I was so excited to see the students — all of them in one group — because we've seen them throughout the summer in di!erent sessions. Why are we doing all of this work and putting in these hours? It's for that –– for them to get to experience all the greatness of our campus,” said Carino-Augustine.
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September 2026
The Hoot
Meet The New Hoot BY THE HOOT STAFF |
PHOTOS BY CHRISTIAN VILLAVICENCIO
If this is your first time picking up The Hoot — ever or in a while — welcome! A%er a yearlong hiatus, the University of Hawai‘i–West Oahu’s student newspaper is back with a new sta! and fresh focus on the stories and issues that shape our campus community. Hear straight from our sta!ers about what this work means to them, the stories they hope to tell and what you can expect in the coming school year.
Student journalism is vital today and I am personally looking forward to watching the team grow as journalists, artists, photographers, and layout artists, bringing their creativity to this important student publication while building skills they can use in their future careers.
Raynie Andrewsen
As someone who is returning, what do you hope stays the same about our newsroom and what are you excited to do differently?
Editor-in-Chief
As we relaunch this year, what do you hope students feel when they pick up this first issue? My hope is that all students who read The Hoot feel welcomed and informed, especially if they are new to UHWO. Our team has put a lot of thought into our first issue and as the semester progresses, we will strive to keep students “in the know” with reporting for our campus and our communities. We love feedback from our peers and I hope students will engage with us — or even join our team!
“
With this relaunch, our system, as well as staff, seems to hum with excitement.
-Landon Tupper
Landon Tupper
Reporter
I’m definitely hoping that our newsroom stays productive and we can produce a lot of great stories. The Hoot has worked so well to highlight di!erent areas of the campus. What I’m excited for is the opportunity to work with new sta! writers who are committed to our newsroom. With this relaunch, our system, as well as sta!, seems to hum with excitement.
Kayslan Murakami
Reporter
Why is it important to tell our campus stories and what does it mean to you as a journalist to be able to share them? I believe it is important to tell our campus stories to be able to share our experiences and perspectives on the issue. It could improve our community by reading an article! As a journalist, I want to share accurate, meaningful, and interesting news and how it impacts our community at UHWO. Writing and reporting stories is new but it means a lot to me when getting to know di!erent people with various opinions. I want to make a di!erence in our community by using what interests me that needs improvement. The Hoot staffers gathered over the summer for hands-on learning and team bonding. Pictured from left to right, front row, are: Kayslan Murakami, Kuʻu Kauanoe, Christian Villavicencio, Mireya Peña; back row: Rosary Argel, Raynette Andrewsen, Cassie Lovell (Hawaiʻi Public Radio culture and arts reporter) and Landon Tupper.
The Hoot
September 2026
Mireya Peña
Reporter
What perspective or voice do you think you can bring to theat paper that students haven’t heard enough of? I believe I can bring connection, inspiration, and make stories I write about have direct meaning for students. I don’t just want to inform my peers on certain topics. I want them to feel like they matter. They are who I write for and I’m learning how to create stronger messages in my articles because I focus on students. With each of my articles and the topics I write about, I hope it’s a message to students that another one of your peers care about you and want you to feel heard. I want to make things better for our campus and my purpose is to connect with students through my writing to bring back the sense of community we once had. My voice is passionate, purposeful and honest. I truly want my perspective and my writing to emotionally resonate with students and go deeper than surface level.
Tiffany Mueller Layout Editor
Second, an organized layout ensures the story flows intuitively. For example, well-structured visual hierarchy helps guide the reader's eye across the page, and elements like white space and imagery can reduce visual fatigue, all of which makes the stories accessible and enjoyable to read. That said, I think design is most e!ective and impactful to journalism when it's invisible so the great work our reporters can shine!
“
I don’t just want to inform my peers on certain topics. I want them to feel like they matter. They are who I write for...
-Mireya Peña
Rosary Argel
Reporter
What perspective or voice do you think you can bring to theat paper that students haven’t heard enough of?
What made you want to join the newspaper and whose stories are you most excited to tell?
Good design can complement a story and elevate the user experience when reading it. First, a visually engaging layout helps attract readers to a story. For instance, a well-placed photo or pull quote captures a reader's attention and draws them in.
I joined The Hoot because I wanted to be more involved with clubs and organizations on campus. I enjoy telling stories and bringing awareness to topics that don’t get much light. I’m excited to cover stories on our student life for our UHWO community to get more insight on what’s happening on campus!
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Christian Villavicencio Photographer
What is one moment on campus you’re hoping to capture this year that reflects student life on and beyond campus? One moment on campus I’m hoping to capture this year is student club activities. I believe that student clubs are important contributors to campus life and can help bring students with common interests together. Clubs participate both on and o! campus whether that’s tabling at events, hosting meetings, or collaborating with other clubs, and I believe that capturing this will help motivate students to either join or create clubs of their own. In my personal experience, the West Oahu Film Club has helped bring together students with a love of film, and I know other clubs such as the Japanese Tea Ceremony Club have also done the same for their members. Although the amount of clubs on campus is low, I do hope that highlighting the existing clubs with the Hoot will help bring that number up! So, keep picking us up throughout the school year and let us know what you want to see in The Hoot.
Have a story idea?
Email or find us on Instagram: thehoot@hawaii.edu @thehootnews
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September 2026
The Hoot
UHWO Turns 50: A Vision Still Taking Shape STORY & TIMELINE GRAPHIC BY RAYNETTE ANDREWSEN
As the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu celebrates its 50 year anniversary, we reflect on how far the university has come and ask where will it go from here? What began as a vision to bring higher education to West O‘ahu has become a growing university that is still defining its place, purpose, and possibilities for the future.
The Past: Where It All Began UHWO didn’t begin in Kapolei on the Ewa Plain. It opened as West O‘ahu College in 1976 holding classes at several high schools before the upperclassmen the college catered to were moved to temporary buildings next to Leeward Community College. It wasn‘t until 1989 that it was o!icially renamed the “University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu.” It would be another 18 years before it operated as a full four-year institution adding lower division courses, and another five years (2012) before the university would find its permanent home in Kapolei. Although it was originally founded to expand access to higher education to West O‘ahu, the campus’ identity as an indigenous-serving institution developed deliberately over time.
The Present: Where UHWO is Today and Who it Serves While UHWO supports students of all backgrounds, it is part of the university’s mission to embrace Native Hawaiian culture and traditions. According to its website, UHWO envisions a learning environment where all students, faculty,
and sta! embody and perpetuate Pacific and global understanding rooted in Native Hawaiian values. In the last 50 years, UHWO’s enrollment has grown from 139 students in 1976 to 2,854 in Spring 2026. Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students comprised 23% — nearly one in four — of the university’s total enrollment. This is just one of many milestones the university is celebrating a%er 50 years. Carlos Peñaloza, interim chancellor of the campus, shared what the anniversary meant to him personally. “It’s a major milestone. It celebrates 50 years of contributing to our local community, local economy, and the people of Hawai‘i. For 50 years, this campus has been developing a workforce locally, making connections with the com-
munity, and investing in our culture and in our identity,” said Peñaloza. The university has also consistently ranked in the U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges” issue. Last year, UHWO ranked number eight for Regional Colleges West, number three for Top Public Schools (Regional Colleges West), and number three Best Colleges for Veterans. Veterans make up 9% of the student body. The Veteran’s Center of Excellence provides a space on campus for veteran students to access resources and tools to succeed. When it comes to veteran’s services, Humanities major Chris Combs, U.S. Air Force retired, stated that having people on campus that understand the VA paperwork, G.I. Bill benefits, and the unique challenges of transitioning out of the service has been integral in his student life.
“
Itʻs a major milestone. It celebrates 50 years of contributing to our local community, local economy, and the people of Hawaiʻi. For 50 years this campus has been developing a workforce locally, making connections with the community, and investing in our culture and in our identity.
-Carlos Peñaloza
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“What they built isn’t really just a campus, it’s a bridge, especially for someone like me; coming out of a very rigid structure, and needing somewhere that o!ered both support and freedom — the university was exactly the bridge that I needed. There’s a lot of structure, there’s a lot of help when you need it...it’s made such a huge di!erence in my life,” said Combs.
The Next 50 Years: Where UHWO is Headed As UHWO celebrates 50 years of cultural diversity, inclusive accessibility, intergenerational learning, and transformative community impact, the challenge for the university will be to understand the evolving needs of students, where to support them in the future, and how to gain insights from the students themselves. “Students are our heart and soul. Without students we don’t have a university,” said Peñaloza. According to Chancellor Peñaloza, the next 50 years is an opportunity to rethink how the university operates and evolves. Part of the university’s mission is scholarship — engaging in research and doing community outreach — to help preserve Hawaiian history and culture. “There needs to be a broader strategy to ensure that we cultivate the culture and history that we have locally, celebrate the historical location that we occupy, but also the people — the people of our community,” said Peñaloza. “In higher education, we’re not the best at doing this. That is a mission that is very unique to the University of Hawai‘i. It’s a very important kuleana and one that we need to continue to invest in because we could absolutely be doing better in this space.” Sustainability is the key word when it comes to the next 50 years — in resourc-
Photo courtesy of University of Hawaiʻi-West Oʻahu/Flickr; Photo by lzf/Envato Elements
es, funding, and in delivering the university’s mission.
The role of the university is to define programs that address the need.
In the report, “State of Work in Hawai‘i “Some of our programs may need to be 2026: Resilient by Choice”, ProService tweaked, evolved, or we may need to Hawai‘i found that 42% of employers develop new programs that are in more who were hiring struggled to find quali- direct alignment with those workforce fied candidates. needs,” said Peñaloza. According to Chancellor Peñaloza, every program, discipline and course has its place at UHWO and it is important to invest in all of the university’s programs with a more direct workforce alignment.
He also stated that the university is investing heavily in artificial intelligence education, best practices, ethics and ensuring that UHWO students leave A.I. savvy.
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September 2026
“Our industry partners that hire our stu- We might not know what UHWO will be dents are asking for our students to come like 50 years from now but we do know with stronger awareness of A.I.,” said that the decisions made today will have Peñaloza. “In every field that we have the capacity to strengthen or weaken the right now, we are integrating A.I.. Our university’s outlook for the future. courses are evolving to where some assignments are A.I. centric but our policies “Credibility is very important,” said are also evolving for the better use of A.I. Peñaloza. “If we strengthen our credibiliin education.” ty as a university on our side of the island
The Hoot there is no reason why we can‘t get more resources, strengthen who we are, and be that strong university that has grown and evolved to be a powerhouse not just for Hawai‘i but for the Pacific as a whole. We could be that gateway to education for many of our island nations.”
UHWO BY THE NUMBERS Spring 2026 Total Enrollment: 2854
Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders
First Generation
Receive Pell Grants
Veterans
Top 3 Degree programs: • • •
Business Applied Science Social Science
38% Non-traditional students
Top 3 Certificate Programs: • • •
Humanities Hawaiian & Indigenous Health & Healing Applied Forensic Anthropology
Data source: John Stanley, Director, Institutional Research. August 12, 2026
63% Traditional students
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September 2026
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Get Moving: Finding Fitness on Campus STORY BY ROSARY ARGEL |
As summertime closes its rays and school is finally back in session, many students are looking for ways to keep themselves physically active during the school year. At the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu, the Nāulu Fitness Center o!ers a variety of gym and workout equipment for the purpose of cardio and strength training available for the campus community to utilize all throughout the school year. “Students who use the Fitness, Recreation, and Wellness Center o%en experience improved physical health, reduced stress, stronger social connections, increased confidence, and enhanced teamwork and leadership skills. These programs also help students feel more engaged with the university community and support their overall well-being and academic success,” said Ryan Perreira, Recreation, Fitness, and Wellness Coordinator. For students who are looking for something more fun and competitive, the Intramural Sports program o!ers a variety of sports for students to participate in throughout the school year.
PHOTOS BY CHRISTIAN VILLAVICENCIO
“Students can participate in leagues such as flag football, basketball, volleyball, esports, game nights, and other recreational activities. These programs are designed for a wide range of skill levels, so prior experience isn't required, waiver is required,” said Perreira.
“
These programs are designed for a wide range of skill levels, so prior experience isn't required, waiver is required.
-Ryan Perreira
The program provides an opportunity for students to learn a new sport, grow in their skills, and play for fun among other UHWO students, faculty, and sta!. O!ering co-ed and co-curricular opportunities –– ranging from beginner to advanced levels –– the program allows students to embrace their competitiveness and is a great way to be engaged with the community and socialize with other UHWO students. The Fitness and Wellness program hosts yoga sessions throughout the week, too. These are o!ered to promote physical and mental well-being, in addition to other wellness events held throughout the school year.
Staying rooted in fitness is important, especially for students juggling school among other responsibilities. “Students are encouraged to exercise regularly, eat nutritious meals, drink plenty of water, get 7–9 hours of sleep, manage stress through mindfulness or relaxation techniques, and maintain social connections. Using campus wellness resources, such as the Fitness, Recreation, and Wellness Center, can also help students maintain a healthy balance between academics and personal well-being,” said Perreira. The fitness center is open on Mondays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays are by appointment only. To make a reservation students, faculty, and sta! can sign-up for one-hour appointments on STAR, with a limit of three appointments per week. For more information and announcements on upcoming events, check out @uhwosports on Instagram.
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September 2026
The Hoot
Why Student Employment and Volunteering Matter STORY & ILLUSTRATIONS BY BY MIREYA PEÑA
Considering employment or volunteer positions may not be your top priority, but did you know that the experience and skills you gain from those opportunities during college can enhance your career prospects when you graduate? Now is the time to prepare for your future by taking the first step, and the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu can help. There are many opportunities for student employment and volunteer positions. According to Dr. Loea Akiona, Director of Career Services, there are 132 student employees on campus working in 51 di!erent departments. Currently,
there are 15 open on-campus positions that UH students can apply for throughout the fall semester.
mendation while in college,” said Dr. Rouel Velasco, the director of student life at UHWO.
Through mentorship, student employees and volunteers work with faculty to gain and develop skills while supporting their peers on campus. Together, they create a lasting community students can call home, while the university o!ers opportunities to serve beyond campus and give back to the broader community.
The work students conduct as employees directly showcases their abilities beyond the university level, providing the professional experience they need when applying for jobs.
“You are developing relationships with professional sta! members on campus who then can be your letters of recom-
Volunteer positions provide hands-on experience that demonstrates students’ potential for future employers and fosters skills such as leadership, communication, and collaboration.
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September 2026
“Many employers don’t just want some- other options may be available. one with a college degree; that’s just one “For new students, get involved, reach out piece of the eligibility,” said Akiona. to us.” said Akiona. “For existing students, participate in those career/internship He explained that most students don’t start seeking experience until they are close to graduating, so he urges students to start building their experience early on, particularly during their freshman year. “We try to encourage them to get involved before they graduate,” said Akiona. Some positions don’t require any prior experience and even provide ongoing training. However to be eligible to apply, students must have a GPA of 2.0 and be taking six credits each semester. For long distance learners, there are opportunities to work in Student Life for charter organizations and boards, though
“
For new students, get involved, reach out to us. For existing students, participate in those career/ internship fairs and other recruitment activities.
15 fairs and other recruitment activities.” For more employment positions, please check sece.its.hawaii.edu for current work opportunities at all UH campuses. You can also contact Career Services on Star Balance or Navigate 360 to make an appointment. For information on employment programs, contact the Financial Aid o!ice about Federal Work Study and the Bridge to Hope programs. For volunteering, check out the Student Life and Service Learning page on the UHWO website.
-Dr. Loea Akiona
Get Involved ASUHWO Senate
PUEO Leadership
Work study & Bridge to Hope:-
Facebook: @asuhwo Instagram: @asuhwo Email: asuhwo@hawaii.edu
Instagram: @pueoleadership Email: uhwofye@hawaii.edu
Contact the Financial Aid o!ice about Federal Work Study and the Bridge to Hope program.
Student Activities Fee Board Facebook: @studentactivitiesuhwo Instagram: @safbwo Email: safbwo@hawaii.edu
Facebook: @uhwostudentlife Instagram: @uhwostudentlife Twitter: @uhwostudentlife Email: slwo@hawaii.edu
Campus Center Board
Financial Aid Office
Instagram: @ccbwo Email: ccbwo@hawaii.edu
Phone: (808) 689-2900 Email: uhwo.finaid@hawaii.edu
Student Media Board
Career Services
Instagram: @smbwo Email: smbwo@hawaii.edu
Email: uhwo.careers@hawaii.edu Phone: (808) 689-2660
Student Life
Student employment: • •
sece.its.hawaii.edu Career Services on Star Balance or Navigate 360
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September 2026
The Hoot
CALENDAR OF EVENTS September 15: 16: 25:
Last day to drop (semester long classes) with 50% refund, no “W” grade Multiplayer Game Workshop | Creative Media Lab (Laboratory Building, E-139) | 1-5 p.m. Last day to submit a graduation application for fall 2026
October 15: 26:
November 2: 2: 3: 11: 26: 27:
Career & Internship Fair (over 50 businesses/organizations recruiting UHWO students) | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Last day for instructors to submit an “I” grade removal and change of grade for spring/ summer 2026 Last day to withdraw (semester long classes) with no refund and a “W” grade Last day to submit a Leave of Absence (LOA) for fall 2026 HOLIDAY: Election Day HOLIDAY: Veterans’ Day HOLIDAY: Thanksgiving Day Non-instructional Day
December 2 & 3: 4: 5 & 11: 11: 15: 16:
Cram Jam (tutoring sessions and professor-led final exam study blocks) | Room B-203 | 3-7 p.m. Last day of instruction Final Examination Period Semester Ends Faculty Grade Submission Deadline | 4 p.m. (HST) Grades available via STAR
The Hoot’s calling you! We want to showcase student work! Artwork (paintings, drawings, digital art), creative writing (poetry, short stories, essays), photography, comic strips, and more are welcome to be included. Fill out our Creative Submission Form through the QR code to have your creative work be published in a future issue!