New Student Programs

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Myhraliza Aala (maala@hawaii.edu)
Coordinator of New Student Programs & Special Projects
Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Campus Center, Room 313
(808) 933-0732

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo is committed to providing programs and resources that facilitate the successful transition and integration of new students into the University community throughout their first year. Our programs promote intellectual growth, personal development, multi-cultural understanding, and community engagement and responsibility in a collaborative environment. It is our hope that by participating in first-year experience activities, students will feel more personally connected to UH Hilo and invested in their own educational success. Additional information about the learning outcomes of the first year experience may be found by visiting http://www.uhh.hawaii.edu/orientation/.

New Student Programs assists in the coordination of University 101, which is a course designed to help first time students navigate the University’s resources and services. In addition, continuous programming is provided throughout the semester, such as diversity training, health and wellness educational seminars, academic success workshops on strategies to become a successful student, etc., in order to ensure that the experience in the first year is a successful one. One of the largest programs within New Student Programs is New Student Orientation. Whether you are freshman, transfer, or returning student, orientation serves as a vehicle to welcome and introduce each student and his/her family to the campus and community environment. Orientation is a first step in developing students into civic-minded citizens of the community.

Orientation is highly encouraged and occurs a week prior to the start of the Fall and Spring semesters. Orientation provides an opportunity for new, transfer, and returning students to make connections with fellow students, staff, and faculty in an inclusive, informative, and engaging manner. A separate parent and family orientation occurs alongside student orientation, but is a much shorter program. Please contact New Programs for information regarding schedule, fees, and registration for both the student orientation program and the parent/family orientation program for the 2009-10 academic year at: http://www.uhh.hawaii.edu/orientation/