About University of Hawai‘i - West O‘ahu
UH West O‘ahu is a baccalaureate degree granting institution which offers degrees in the liberal arts and professional studies. As the only public four-year university located in the leeward O‘ahu area, UH West O‘ahu is committed to the continuing development of the region through both innovative educational offerings and public service activities.
UH West O‘ahu emphasizes quality teaching and flexible class schedules that foster life-long learning, thus enabling students to pursue career-related education coupled with the values, ideas, and challenges of the liberal arts. The academic program structure stresses the exploration of interdisciplinary studies, cross-cultural and international studies, and communication skills.
Targeting the communities of west O‘ahu and other underserved parts of the state, UH West O‘ahu meets the educational needs of both recent high school graduates and non-traditional students. It provides innovative alternative learning opportunities such as instruction via computer and telecommunications, certificate programs, mentoring,individualized degree programs, and credit for prior learning.
Philosophy of University of Hawai‘i - West O‘ahu
The University of Hawai‘i - West O‘ahu provides an environment where students and faculty can discover, examine, preserve and transmit knowledge and values that provide the foundation for the development of present and future generations of citizens and results in the improvement of the quality of life for all.
Faculty at the University of Hawai‘i - West O‘ahu engage in three basic types of activities: teaching, knowledge creation, and service. While cognizant of the interrelationships of these activities, major emphasis is placed on the teaching function. The University is also supportive of those research and public service activities that enhance and enrich its instructional program.
The University of Hawai‘i - West O‘ahu has been created for students who wish to pursue their educational and professional goals through a curriculum that emphasizes the humanities, social sciences and selected professional programs. Courses are scheduled to accommodate student schedules, including day, evening and weekend classes.
The University’s curriculum offerings are founded on the principle that career training and the humanities and social sciences are interdependent and complementary. While attending the University, students are encouraged to seek both breadth and depth in their educational experiences, as well as, explore relationships between and among the various disciplines. The programs of the University are designed to be responsive to the needs of the students. The differences in the backgrounds and aspirations of individual students are recognized, and the educational programs and learning experiences are shaped to accommodate those differences. The full development of the talents and abilities of each student is the principal concern and the major focus of the faculty and staff.