Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the university’s mission and vision?

Vision: UH Hilo aspires to be a model university and community, seamlessly woven together (hilo), where higher education is inspired by Hawaiʻi Island’s environment—rich in Hawaiian values, language, and culture—and empowers learners to discover purpose, foster well-being, and make a positive impact on the world.

Mission: UH Hilo is committed to cultivating a vibrant, inclusive community through education that honors Hawaiʻi’s Indigenous people, deepens understanding of local and global connections, and promotes exploration of Hawaiʻi Island’s unique cultures and natural ecosystems.

2. What are the guiding values of the strategic plan, and how does it inform the plan?

UH Hilo’s strategic plan is guided by three values:

1. Haumāna – Prioritizes student access and success by creating an equity-minded, student-ready culture.
2. ʻĀina and Kānaka – Emphasizes place-based and community-based education, fostering hands-on learning and environmental stewardship.
3. Kākou – Strengthens a vibrant campus and community ʻohana through collaboration, mentorship, and resource alignment.

3. What are the key strategic priorities or goals?

The plan focuses on five value-based goals:

1. Establish UH Hilo as a Native Hawaiian place of learning.
2. Address equity gaps for vulnerable communities.
3. Empower learners with relevant knowledge for vibrant, sustainable communities.
4. Advance research addressing local priorities with global relevance.
5. Develop a resilient, adaptive, student- and community-centered institution.

4. How were the strategic priorities selected?

A committee was tasked with harmonizing three key guiding documents: the 2021-2031 Campus Strategic Plan, the 2021 Faculty Congress UH Hilo Community-Anchored Vision for 2030, and the 2022 Hawaiʻi Papa O Ke Ao Plan. The goal was to integrate the essential elements of each plan into a unified draft that reflects their shared vision and goals. The committee’s draft work was circulated widely within the campus and community, and out of many discussions and collaborations the new strategic priorities emerged. The resulting plan reflects UH Hilo’s historical role as a community-driven institution. The priorities align with the university’s founding principles, community engagement efforts, and emerging workforce needs, particularly in areas such as Indigenous language revitalization, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience.

5. What is the intended outcome of the strategic plan?

The plan seeks to strengthen student success, community partnerships, Indigenous knowledge, research, and institutional resilience to ensure UH Hilo remains a vital contributor to Hawaiʻi Island and beyond.

6. How does the university plan to implement the strategic initiatives?

Implementation efforts have begun in various areas. The Vice Chancellors are leading the Kaʻi i ka Wēkiu initiative, which incorporates faculty and staff from across the campus, to develop short- and long-term action plans to implement strategic plan actions. A Strategic Plan Advisory Committee will also be established to review the implementation, and ensure implementation is moving with clarity and within established timelines. Campus administration will ensure accountability in fulfilling measures and the successful execution of the plan.

7. How will progress be measured and assessed?

Each goal has identified specific measures of success, including student enrollment and completion rates, research funding, workforce placement, fiscal sustainability, and stakeholder perceptions of UH Hilo’s impact. Additional measures for success and assessment will be compiled by the Strategic Plan Advisory Committee.

8. Who is responsible for tracking, monitoring, and reporting progress?

Campus administration will be responsible for monitoring progress, with the assignment of specific action implementation items to appropriate individuals, offices, and/or committees. The Strategic Plan Advisory Committee will provide annual reports that track data and update stakeholders through assessments and progress reports to maintain alignment with university priorities.

9. How will the university communicate progress and updates?

Updates will be shared through annual reports, campus forums, and the Strategic Plan website to maintain transparency and keep the UH Hilo community informed. The university will continue refining its communication strategy to ensure accessibility and engagement.

10. What opportunities exist for stakeholder engagement?

UH Hilo encourages community involvement through partnerships, student engagement programs, alumni networks, and advisory boards. Additionally, initiatives such as the Hawaiian language revitalization efforts and place-based learning programs invite collaboration with the broader community.

11. How does the university ensure the strategic plan is adaptable?

The plan includes review cycles, periodic evaluations, and flexibility to adjust goals as needs evolve. The Strategic Plan Advisory Committee will assess progress and recommend revisions to the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), which will consult governance groups and stakeholders to ensure alignment with university priorities.

12. What mechanisms align the plan with evolving priorities?

The plan will undergo an annual review to align with evolving priorities, including the Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) and multi-year budget plans. Advisory groups, policy reviews, and leadership oversight will help maintain alignment with institutional goals, state and national trends, and global changes.

13. What are the financial implications of the strategic plan?

The plan emphasizes fiscal sustainability through strategic financial planning, donor engagement, and investment in revenue-generating areas such as teaching and research. Budgeting and funding priorities will align with institutional stability and long-term goals. Our goal is enrollment growth of a minimum of 3% each year, and as revenue grows, we can reinvest in the actions identified in the Strategic Plan.