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First Year Experience

About First Year Experience

First Year Experience (FYE) is committed to supporting all of the newest members of our university ‘ohana (family). Our mission is to build a foundation for student’s full academic and social integration into the campus through the development of long lasting connections to other students, faculty, staff and student support resources; to build a supportive learning environment that promotes academic success; and to create a commitment to and understanding of what it means to be a proud member of our UH Hilo ‘ohana.

Creating Connections

Creating Connections Creating Connections is important for our new student to feel connected. We want to connect students to each other, building long lasting friendships and support networks. We want to connect students to faculty to help them see that professors are people too and thereby making it easier to stop by during office hours or engage more fully in their classes. We want to connect students to all of the many campus resources and staff that run them so that when they’re struggling with something, they are aware of what resources are available to them on campus and who the people are that are available to help and support them.

Promoting Academic Success

student at microscope

By promoting academic success we support the main reason that our students are here at UH Hilo. We help them earn higher grades and have the confidence in their own skills to be a successful student. Activities and initiatives that promote strong academics, a connection to their major, developing critical thinking skills, and continued learning both inside and outside the classroom are an integral component of a successful Vulcan graduate.

Developing 'Ohana

Developing a sense of ʻohana amongst our newest students is also a focus area for us. That feeling of pride when you think about how awesome it is to be a Vulcan, that warm fuzzy feeling you have when you feel like this is your home, your community, your family. That means creating traditions that’ll last for years to come, supporting Vulcan Athletics and other great Vulcan activities, and helping people fill their closet with nothing but red, black, and white clothes.

FYE Staff

The Staff of the First Year Experience office consists of an Associate Director, 5 Student Coordinators, and a crew of amazing Orientation Leaders and Campus Tour Guides.

Professional Staff

Interim Director

The Interim Director is Shara Mahoe. The role of the Interim Director is to coordinate and direct campus initiatives involving new students. Additionally, the Interim Director is responsible for the supervision of the Student Coordinators, and overall management of the Student Ambassadors and the Campus Visitation program. She coordinates the Fall and Spring Orientation Program ensuring that new students to the university are transitioned, welcomed, and oriented to what is needed to be a successful UH Hilo graduate. She also assists with the coordination of the Living Learning Community program where First Year students with a shared interest live together in one of our residence halls and take a shared academic course together each semester.

Student Staff*

*The Student staffing model will be changing starting at the end of this academic year. For more information about each of the new positions or to apply please visit our Now Hiring page.

Student Coordinators

There are three Student Coordinators who's job it is to coordinate the logistics of Orientation. The Student Coordinators also assist the Associate Director with training and management of the Orientation Leaders. Additionally, they each chair one of the three FYE Teams (Creating Connections, Academic Success, or Developing 'Ohana), planning events and developing initiatives associated with their area of focus.

Additionally, there are two coordinators for the University Concierge.

Student Ambassadors

OL Group pic The Student Ambassador position is a year-long leadership opportunity. During Orientation, these students not only help to manage the operational aspects of the events, but also engage and support our newest students, parents, and families throughout the week. They act as a resource, answering questions, providing directions, getting to know our newest students, and providing a sense of welcoming to our campus ‘ohana. Additionally, Student Ambassadors reach out to new students over the summer before they arrive welcoming them, answering questions about UH Hilo, and getting them excited about their new experience. Finally, each of the Student Ambassadors are active members of one of the two FYE Teams (First Year and Transfer Team). Through these teams they will plan events and initiatives that will have a significant impact on our newest UH Hilo students.

Meet the Student Ambassadors

Campus Tour Guides

The UH Hilo Campus Tour Guides are energetic, outgoing, enthusiastic students who introduce prospective students and their families to our beautiful campus. They walk visitors around campus sharing their stories and introducing them to all of the amazing opportunities UH Hilo has to offer.

Marketing & Office Manager

To support both the marketing needs of FYE as well as keeping the office organized and staffed, First Year Experience has a student Marketing & Office Manger. They create the outstanding marketing materials advertising all of the events hosted by FYE as well as keep our social media sites up to date and active.

Contact Us

Campus Address:
Student Services Center, E-102
Phone Numbers:
FYE Main line: (808) 932-7384
Email Address:
FYE activities: uhhilofye@hawaii.edu
University Concierge: uhhilo@hawaii.edu