In a new and larger space, UH Hilo’s academic success center expands its resources to both students and faculty
Kilohana Academic Success Center supports students in becoming more confident about gaining knowledge, strengthening their ability to work through problems encountered in their courses.
Kilohana Academic Success Center at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo opened its tutorial services this semester in a newly renovated and expanded space in Mookini Library. The new space, that took about a year to complete, is spacious, quiet, decorated with plants, and filled with new furniture.
“I think this is a space that is nice, welcoming, and inviting,” says Karla Hayashi, director of Kilohana.
The services at Kilohana are provided to students as a free resource that allows them to feel comfortable asking for tutoring and other help while feeling positive about their academic experience.
“Asking for help is not something to be embarrassed about,” Hayashi says. “Asking for help is saying you are concerned about your academic progress and can take initiative.”
Since 2009, Kilohana has been accessible for students to receive peer tutoring in a multitude of subjects, take placement assessments, and receive help in writing personal statements or essays for academic scholarships.
The space also provides a TV, which students can request to use to practice presentations and see how it feels to present from a large screen. In addition, there are seating areas and tables for students to work independently in Kilohana.
One of Kilohana’s main goals is to provide a space for students to thrive and progress. The center supports students in becoming more confident about gaining knowledge, strengthening their ability to work through problems encountered in their courses. The center provides support in subjects such as writing, math, marine science, computer science, chemistry, and biology.
Kilohana’s student tutors assist students in 100- through 400-level classes. Peer tutors guide students by asking questions and directing students to obtain answers themselves.
Although the center has received more traffic since the renovations, Hayashi notes that this is still an under-utilized resource on campus. She hopes the newly expanded space will create new opportunities for Kilohana beyond tutoring.
“I hope to work with [departments] on campus to host more presentations, not only with the campus community but also with the larger community,” she says. This includes both student and faculty presentations and other campus events that can be shared with the local community, too.
The very first event held in the new space took place on Sept. 19 when Assistant Professor of English Patsy Iwasaki gave a talk about her book Hāmākua Hero. Another event featured the Semester at Sea program. In early October, the Japan Exchange and Teaching program shared a presentation.
Through hosting these events, Hayashi says she is inspired to continue providing the space.
“It’s all about making opportunities happen,” she says. “The focus is always on [resources] that students can benefit from.”
Hours
Located in room 123 of Mookini Library, Kilohana Student Success Center is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Services are offered both in person and over Zoom.
The schedule for tutoring is available online; the center accepts walk-ins during the times when a tutor is available for a specific subject. Students can also email justasc@hawaii.edu to schedule a Zoom session.
Story by Cheylan Zimmermann, an English major at UH Hilo.
