University of Hawai'i Mission

The common purpose of the University of Hawaii system of institutions is to serve the public by creating, preserving, and transmitting knowledge in a multi-cultural environment. The University is positioned to take advantage of Hawaii's unique location, physical and biological environment, and rich cultural setting. At all levels in the academy, students and teachers engage in the mastery and discovery of knowledge to advance the values and goals of a democratic society and ensure the survival of present and future generations with improvement in the quality of life.

Functioning as a system, the purposes of the University of Hawaii are to:

• Provide all qualified people in Hawaii with equal opportunity for high quality college and university education and training.
• Provide a variety of entry points into a comprehensive set of postsecondary educational offerings, allowing flexibility for students to move within the system to meet individual educational and professional goals.
• Advance missions that promote distinctive pathways to excellence, differentially emphasizing instruction, research, and service while fostering a cohesive response to state needs and participation in the global community.

As the only provider of public higher education in Hawai'i, the University embraces its unique responsibilities to the indigenous people in Hawai'i and to Hawai'i's indigenous language and culture. To fulfill this responsibility, the University ensures active support for the participation of Native Hawaiians at the University and supports vigorous programs of study and support for the Hawaiian language, history and culture.

University of Hawai'i Community Colleges Mission

The UH Community Colleges were established by State law in 1964 as an integral part of the University of Hawai'i. That mission was further defined in the Strategic Plan 1996-2007 as approved by the Board of Regents in November 1996. Within the overall mission of the University of Hawai'i, the Community College, have as their special mission:

Access: To broaden access to postsecondary education in Hawai'i, regionally, and internationally by providing open-door opportunities for students to enter quality educational programs within their own communities.

Learning and Teaching: To specialize in the effective teaching of remedial/developmental education, general education, and other introductory liberal arts, pre-professional, and selected baccalaureate courses and programs.

Work Force Development: To provide the trained workforce needed in the State, the region, and internationally by offering occupational, technical, and professional courses and programs, which prepare students for immediate employment and career advancement.

Personal Development: To provide opportunities for personal enrichment, occupational upgrading, and career mobility through credit and non-credit courses and activities.

Community Development: To contribute to and stimulate the cultural and intellectual life of the community by providing a forum for the discussion of ideas; by providing leadership, knowledge, problem-solving skills, and general informational services; and by providing opportunities for community members to develop their creativity and appreciate the creative endeavors of others.

Diversity: By building upon Hawai`i's unique multi-cultural environment and geographic location, through efforts in curriculum development, and productive relationships with international counterparts in Asia and the Pacific, UHCC students' learning experiences will prepare them for the global workplace.