Connecting Learning, Life and Aloha
‘O ka ‘imi na‘auao, ke ola a me ke aloha kā kākou e huliāmahi ai

Consumer Information and Disclosures

In accordance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo is required to provide specific consumer information to all prospective and current students and their families. This information is emailed to all enrolled students each term.

A brief description of the information that must be disclosed, where to find the information online, and contact information for the responsible department is provided below. For your convenience, most of this information can also be found in the UH Hilo Catalog.

If you have questions or would like to request a paper copy of any materials, please call or e-mail the appropriate office or visit the indicated websites.

On this page:

Availability of Employees for Information Dissemination

The following UH Hilo personnel are available to provide information in their respective areas upon request:

  • Academic Affairs – Keiki Kawaiʻaeʻa, email: keiki@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7332
  • Administrative Affairs – Kalehiʻiikapoli “Kalei” Rapoza, email: kaleihii@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7650
  • Admissions – Katherine “Kati” McGinnis, email: kfmcginn@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7446
  • Athletics – Patrick Guillen, email: vulcans@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7168
  • Bookstore – Margaret Stanley, email: mlstanle@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7394
  • Campus Security (Annual Security Report) – Rosalio “Ross” Villegas, Jr, email: rvillega@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7644
  • Cashier – Sang Son Sumida, email: sssumida@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7682
  • Chancellor – Bonnie D. Irwin, email: bdirwin@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7348
  • Counseling – Chun Fang “Frank” Kuo, email: kuocf@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7466
  • Disability and Access Services – Shuanda Makaimoku, email: shaunda@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7949
  • Financial Aid – Kolby Santiago, email: uhhfao@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7449
  • Institutional Research – Jennifer L. Stotter, email: jstotter@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7642
  • Marketing – Nyssa Kushi, email: nkushi@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7970
  • Registrar – Chelsea K. Kay-Wong, email: ckwong@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7447
  • Student Affairs – Donnette “Lei” Kapono, email: lei.kapono@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7445
  • Veterans Services – Chelsea Kay-Wong or Malia Callo, email: uhhro@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7447

Academic Programs and Institutional Information

Contact: Academic Affairs – Keiki Kawaiʻaeʻa, email: keiki@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7332
Contact: Division of Academic Affairs - Shelby Iwamoto, email: shelbyw@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7927 on current Consumer Information

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo offers a diverse range of academic programs grounded in excellence, innovation, and place-based learning. As a comprehensive university within the UH System, UH Hilo provides undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees that integrate global knowledge with Hawaiʻi’s unique cultural and natural environment. The institution’s academic and accreditation standards ensure quality education, community engagement, and meaningful pathways that prepare students for leadership and professional success locally and beyond.

Information concerning UH Hiloʻs academic programs and institutional information is available in the UH Hilo Catalog.

Academic Warning, Probation & Dismissal Policy

Contact: Academic Affairs – Keiki Kawaiʻaeʻa, email: keiki@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7332

UH Hilo’s Academic Warning, Probation, and Dismissal Policy supports student success by identifying academic challenges early and providing guidance for improvement. These policies outline the standards for good academic standing and the steps students can take to regain satisfactory academic progress. More details are available on the Academic Warning, Probation & Dismissal Policy website.

More details and specific information can be found on our Academic Warning, Probation & Dismissal Policy website.

Accreditation Statement

Contact: Accreditation Liaison Officer (WASC) – Seri I. Luangphinith, email: seri@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7217

UH Hilo is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and holds specialized national and international program accreditations in education, business, nursing, pharmacy, counseling psychology, and Hawaiian and Indigenous language studies and education, reflecting the university’s commitment to academic excellence, cultural integrity, and professional readiness.

Learn more about UH Hilo’s Accreditation.

Alcohol and Drug Policy

Contact: Administrative Affairs – Kalehiʻiikapoli “Kalei” Rapoza, email: kaleihii@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7650

The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 requires the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo to certify to the U.S. Department of Education that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees. UH Hilo is in compliance with the requirements of the Act. UH Hilo also complies with the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988.

UH Executive Policy EP 11.201, pertaining to illegal drugs, alcohol and substance abuse, states, among other things, that students, faculty and staff are expected to perform their duties free of intoxication by any illegal drugs or alcohol, and that students, faculty and staff are expected to observe laws regulating illegal drugs and may be subject to investigation and/or prosecution for illegal drug use.

More information is available on the UH Hilo Alcohol and Drug Policy and the UH System Drug and Alcohol Policy for Employees and Students websites.

Athletics

Contact: Director of Athletics - Patrick Guillen, email: vulcans@hawaii.edu , phone: (808) 932-7168

Athletes Completion/Graduation and Transfer-out Rates

Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA) Report

Visit our UH Hilo Vulcans Athletic website for the list of sports, rosters, schedules and more.

Bookstore

Contact: Bookstore – Margaret Stanley, email: mlstanle@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7394

The UH Hilo bookstore’s mission is to serve as a resource for the campus community by providing everything it needs for college life and more. We sell official UH Vulcan apparel and spirit merchandise, school supplies, and commencement regalia. In addition to books and supplies, the UH Hilo bookstore is also an authorized campus store for Apple products. Most items are tax-free, and all purchases support the University of Hawaiʻi. You can find more information on the Bookstore website or by visiting us on the ground floor of Building 346 (Campus Center), next to the cafeteria.

Campus Annual Security Report

Contact: Campus Security – Rosalio “Ross” Villegas, Jr, email: rvillega@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7644

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo (UH Hilo) is dedicated to providing a safe and secure campus environment for all students, faculty, staff and visitors. The information in this report has been prepared to ensure that UH Hilo is in compliance with the federal guidelines under the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 (renamed Clery Act in 1998), the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act amendment of 2013.

View detailed information on the complete Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

Consensual Relationships

Contact: Human Resources – Lorena Kauhi, email: hrhilo@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7626

The consensual relationships policy prohibits an employee from initiating or engaging in a romantic, dating, or sexual relationship with another employee or a student whom he/she currently supervises, directs, instructs, evaluates, advises, or has substantial influence over, wherein a power and control differential exists. For more information, review the Executive Policy EP 1.203.

Constitution Day

Contact: Academic Affairs – Keiki Kawaiʻaeʻa, email: keiki@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7332

Section 111 requires that Constitution Day be held on September 17 of each year, commemorating the September 17, 1787, signing of the Constitution. However, when September 17 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, Constitution Day shall be held during the preceding or following week. Constitution Day activities and events are coordinated and provided by the UH Hilo Department of Political Science.

Contact: Academic Affairs – Keiki Kawaiʻaeʻa, email: keiki@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7332

Use of all University of Hawaiʻi Information Technology Resources is governed by UH Executive Policy EP2.210: Use and Management of Information Technology Resources. Continued use of UH Username and University Information Technology Resources by a student indicates acceptance of, and agreement to Executive Policy EP 2.210.

Unauthorized downloading and distribution of copyrighted material (songs, movies, software, games, etc.) is illegal and in violation of federal copyright laws and may subject violators to civil and criminal liabilities.

More information is available at the U.S. Copyright Office website and its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

Counseling

Contact: Counseling – Chun Fang “Frank” Kuo, email: kuocf@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7465

Counseling Services develops and delivers counseling, consulting, prevention and outreach services for the UH Hilo community that empower students to achieve personal and academic goals.

For detailed information on services offered, visit our Aʻoaʻo Pili Ola: Counseling Services website.

Disability and Access Services

Contact: Disability and Access Services - Shuanda Makaimoku, email: shaunda@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7949

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of disability as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its 2009 amendments, and Section 504 regulations at 34 CFR Part 104, which are enforced by the U.S. Department of Education and apply to the education of students with disabilities. These policies and procedures ensure that persons with disabilities will not be denied full and equal access to academic and co-curricular programs and activities or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under programs or activities offered by the University. It is the responsibility of all faculty, staff and students to adhere to this policy of equal access to educational opportunity. This procedural guideline applies to university students and programs and the general public.

It is University policy that enrolled students who have documented disabilities shall be provided reasonable accommodations. UH Hilo recognizes its legal obligations to make reasonable accommodations designed to provide overall educational program accessibility for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. This policy was developed to ensure equal access at the University for persons with disabilities and to ensure full compliance with all pertinent federal and state laws. In this document, the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Disability and Access Services office will be referred to as Disability and Access Services.

Students with a disability or persons from the general public seeking assistance should contact the Disability and Access Services Office.

Emergency Notification System

Contact: Campus Security – Rosalio “Ross” Villegas, Jr, email: rvillega@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7644

UH Alert is a comprehensive system of emergency messaging to inform the campus community of an immediate threat to the safety and security of UH students or employees, including campus closures. You must register for the service to receive alerts via email and/or SMS/text messaging. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to sign up online. Message and data rates may apply.

For more information or to sign up for UH Rave Alert.

Enrollment, Graduation and Persistence Rates

Contact: Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs – Keiki Kawaiʻaeʻa, email: keiki@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7332 Contact: Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs – Donnette “Lei” Kapono, email: lei.kapono@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7445

UH Hilo’s enrollment, graduation and persistence rates are reported annually by the UH Institutional Research, Analysis & Planning Office (IRAPO). Visit the IRAPO website for the latest data reports.

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Contact: Registrar – Chelsea K. Kay-Wong, email: uhhro@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7447

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (also known as the Buckley Amendment) affords students four primary rights with respect to their education records. They have the right to:

  1. Inspect and review their education records.
  2. Have some control over the disclosure of information from their education records.
  3. Seek to amend incorrect education records.
  4. File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Family Policy Compliance Office.

Visit our Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) website for more information.

Financial Aid

Contact: Acting Director of Financial Aid – Kolby Santiago, email: uhhfao@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7449

Federal Regulations require that UH Hilo make available to prospective and enrolled students the following information:

Student Rights

As a prospective student and/or financial aid recipient, you have the right to know:

Student Responsibilities

As a financial aid recipent, you are responsible for:

  • Reapplying for financial aid each year by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submitting all required documents to our office.
  • Providing complete and accurate information on which we base your eligibility for aid.
  • Reporting any change that could impact your aid eligibility.
  • Using the aid you receive for educationally related expenses as defined in the Cost of Attendance (COA).
  • Ensuring you’ve read and understood, in its entirety, the Terms and Conditions of your aid offer.
  • Making educated decisions by thoroughly reviewing your aid offer to determine how much loan you actually need. Borrow wisely.
  • Completing Loan Entrance Counseling and signing a Master Promissory Note before you receive your first loan disbursement.
  • Reporting additional sources of financial assistance such as outside scholarships, stipends, etc.
  • Knowing the implications that dropping a course or withdrawing from UH Hilo will have on your student financial aid. Return of Title IV Funds and Withdrawals
  • Maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
  • Understanding Course Program of Study (CPoS) and how it relates to your financial aid.
  • Notifying our office once you have met all degree/program requirements.
  • Performing the work you agreed upon if hired for student employment.
  • Completing Loan Exit Counseling prior to graduation, upon dropping below half time enrollment or deciding not to return to UH Hilo in the next term.
  • Maintaining current and correct permanent home and mailing addresses and contact information in your student record.
  • Repayment of any over award of financial aid.
  • Repaying any loan you receive.

Code of Conduct for Educational Loans

The UH Hilo Financial Aid Office is expected to maintain exemplary standards of professional conduct in carrying out all aspects of its responsibilities and must avoid any conflicts of interests with respect to federal and private education loans. UH Hilo does not partner with lenders and processes all federal student loans via the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. View the UH Code of Conduct for Educational Loans.

The UH Hilo Financial Aid Office provides support for completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other financial aid processes and assists with scholarship information and applications.

For more information concerning Financial Aid, visit the UH Hilo Financial Aid website.

Immunizations

Contact: Medical Services Director – Heather Hirata, email: uhhsms@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7369

State of Hawaiʻi law mandates that certain health requirements be cleared before students can enter into postsecondary institutions. View the UH Health Requirements. All incoming students are required to use Med+Proctor to submit medical/ immunization records. For detailed information visit our UH Hilo Student Medical Services website.

Net Price Calculator

Contact: Acting Director of Financial Aid - Kolby Santiago, email: uhhfao@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7449

In accordance with federal law, UH Hilo provides a Net Price Calculator, the purpose of which is to help estimate the net price of the institution for a student. The estimate is based on the amount full-time, first year undergraduate students paid to attend UH Hilo in the prior year, and is calculated by subtracting the average need-based and merit-based grant aid from the institution’s cost of attendance.

Network Security

Contact: Computing Center Director - Charles “Charlie” Snader, email: csnader@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7570

UH Hilo, in partnership with UH Information Technology Services (ITS), provides software, services, and technical support to protect the UH community against computer viruses and security threats.

Users of University information technology resources should always engage in responsible computing and network practices. All users must respect property, security mechanisms, right to privacy, and freedom from intimidation, harassment, and annoyance in accordance with all University policies and procedures.

Use of all University of Hawaiʻi information Technology Resources are governed by UH Executive Policy EP2.210: Use and Management of Information Technology Resources. Continued use of a UH Username and University Information Technology Resources indicates acceptance of, and agreement to, Executive Policy EP 2.210. Executive Policy EP 2.210 is available at: https://www.hawaii.edu/policy/EP2.210.

The University defines and provides access to institutional computers, information systems and networks as a privilege rather than as a right. Reliable and safe access to the University’s information resources requires that users accept their responsibility to behave in ways that protect the community and preserve their own access.

For more information on IT security go to: https://www.hawaii.edu/askus/729. Technical support is available at the Help Desk. (uhhhelp@hawaii.edu).

Nondiscrimination Statement

Contact: Office of Equal Opportunity - Shaunda Makaimoku, email: shaunda@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7949

It is the policy of the University to equal opportunity in higher education, both in the educational mission and as an employer. The University is committed to comply with all State and Federal statutes, rules, and regulations that prohibit discrimination. The University is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, sex, gender identity and expression, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, genetic information, marital status, breastfeeding, income assignment for child support, arrest and court record (except as permissible under State law), sexual orientation, national guard absence, or status as a covered veteran.

Executive Policy EP 1.202 is available at: https://www.hawaii.edu/policy/EP1.202.

For more information regarding Equal Employment Opportunity and Non Discrimination, please visit our webpage at: hilo.hawaii.edu/eeoaa/

For more information regarding Title IX, please visit our webpage at: hilo.hawaii.edu/titleIX/

For more information regarding Disability Services, please visit: hilo.hawaii.edu/studentaffairs/uds/

Safe Zone Program

Contact: Associate Professor, Communication; Co-coordinator, LGBTQ+ Center and Women's Center - Colby Miyose, email: colbym@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7208

The Safe Zone Program exists to create and maintain a positive social, academic, and employment environment at UH Hilo for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex faculty, staff, and students. The Program ensures the enforcement of state law and UH policy that prohibit harassment and discrimination on the basis of gender and sexual orientation.

Learn more about the LGBTQ+ Center.

Sexual Discrimination and Gender-Based Violence

Contact: Title IX Coordinator - Shaunda Makaimoku, email: eeoaa@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7642

UH Hilo is committed to maintaining and promoting a safe and respectful campus environment that is free from sex discrimination and gender-based violence. This includes:

  • Sex Discrimination;
  • Sexual Harassment;
  • Gender-based harassment, including harassment based on actual or perceived sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression;
  • Sexual Exploitation;
  • Sexual Assault;
  • Domestic Violence;
  • Dating Violence; and
  • Stalking

More information can be found on our Title IX website.

A copy of the University’s Policy and Procedure on Sex Discrimination and Gender-Based Violence, Executive Policy EP 1.204, is available at: https://www.hawaii.edu/policy/EP1.204.

Smoke Free Campus Law

Contact: Administrative Affairs – Kalehiʻiikapoli “Kalei” Rapoza, email: kaleihii@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7650

All University of Hawaiʻi campuses, including the UH Hilo, are tobacco-free, joining more than 2,000 U.S. universities and colleges in an effort to provide a healthy environment for all students, faculty, and staff. State law SB 134, Act 160, SLH 2018 prohibits the use of tobacco products on all 10 UH campuses and University-owned facilities. Tobacco products include, but are not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smoking tobacco, electronic cigarettes, vapes and chewing tobacco.

Learn more about the Smoke Free Campus Law.

State Student Complaint Process

Contact: Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs – Donnette “Lei” Kapono, lei.kapono@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7445

The Hawaiʻi Post-Secondary Education Authorization Program (HPEAP) provides a process for a student to file a complaint against UH Hilo (and other institutions authorized by HPEAP), after exhausting all administrative remedies at the institution. More information regarding the HPEAP complaint process is available at cca.hawaii.gov/hpeap/student-complaint-process/

Strategic Plan

Contact: Chancellor – Bonnie D. Irwin, email: bdirwin@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7348

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s Strategic Planning process is essential not only for establishing a shared vision but also for ensuring that our goals align with the needs and aspirations of our diverse campus ʻohana and the community we seek to uplift. Central to this process is the collective input from students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders, not only for the plan itself, but its ongoing stewardship and implementation. By working together, we ensure that UH Hilo remains responsive to the needs of our students and community as we navigate an ever-evolving educational landscape.

Details and more information can be found on our UH Hilo Strategic Planning Overview and Updates website.

Student Academic Complaint Policy

Contact: Academic Affairs – Keiki Kawaiʻaeʻa, email: keiki@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7332

The UH Hilo Student Academic Complaint Policy provides for the consistent and equitable resolution of legitimate student academic grievances.

Student Conduct Code

Contact: Student Affairs – Donnette “Lei” Kapono, email: lei.kapono@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7445

The UH Hilo Student Conduct Code defines expected conduct for students and specifies acts subject to University sanctions. Students should familiarize themselves with the Student Conduct Code since upon enrollment at UH, students are subject to the policies and regulations of the University and its duly constituted bodies. For more information, view the University of Hawaiʻi System Interim Conduct of Code, EP 7.208, or the UH Hilo Student Conduct Code website.

Student Diversity

Contact: Student Affairs – Donnette “Lei” Kapono, email: lei.kapono@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7445

Visit UH Hilo: At a Glance for facts regarding student diversity and the percentage of Pell Grant recipients. Data reports can also be found on the UH Institutional Research & Planning Office (IRAPO) website.

Student Government

Contact: Student Affairs – Donnette “Lei” Kapono, email: lei.kapono@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7445

The UH Hilo Student Association (UHHSA) is the official student government organization and serves as the voice of the entire student body. UHHSA’s main purpose is to advocate for student needs, improve campus life and work to create change.

More information regarding Student Government is available at: hilo.hawaii.edu/campuscenter/uhhsa/

Transfer Programs/Articulation Agreements

Contact: Division of Academic Affairs - Shelby Iwamoto, email: shelbyw@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7927

UH Hilo has agreements with other institutions enabling students to meet admission requirements and/or to transfer credits. Agreements exist with a variety of colleges both within and outside the UH system. Students interested in transferring to another institution should meet with a counselor before starting on a course of study leading to a transfer program.

For more information, visit the websites for UH Hilo Articulation Agreements and/or UH System Articulation and Transfer.

Tuition Refund

Contact: Cashier – UH Hilo Cashier’s Office, email: uhhcash@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7025

The amount of refund for a class depends on the date of the beginning of the session and the date on which the student withdraws from the class. Processing of refunds generally starts after the end of the 50% drop period for the semester.

Refunds for financial aid students who withdraw completely or stop attending classes will be made in accordance with federal regulations. UH Hilo reserves the right to redirect refunds to apply to any financial account balances for another semester.

More information on tuition refunds is available at: hilo.hawaii.edu/uhh/bo/cashier/TuitionandFeeRefunds.php

Voter Registration

Contact: Registrar - Chelsea K. Kay-Wong, email: uhhro@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7447

To register to vote in Hawaiʻi, an individual must be a:

  • A U.S. citizen
  • A resident of the State of Hawaiʻi
  • At least eighteen (18) years of age.

Check your voter registration, or for more information visit: www.hawaii.edu/offices/student-affairs/voter-registration/.
A current Hawaiʻi Driverʻs License or State ID is needed to complete an application online.

Workplace Non-Violence Policy

Contact: Human Resources - Lorena Kauhi, email: lorenadk@hawaii.edu, phone: (808) 932-7626

The University of Hawaiʻi prohibits any work related or workplace violence against its students, faculty, staff, visitors and contract employees which materially and substantially interferes with an individual’s work, academic performance, and/or workplace safety and/or otherwise subjectively and objectively creates a hostile environment.

For more information, view Executive Policy EP 9.210.