HawCC
Mission
The mission of Hawai'i Community College is to provide the community
with a responsive educational environment that empowers learners to
develop skills and to be responsible and productive in a complex world.
Purpose, Philosophy and Objectives
The purpose of Hawai'i Community College is to offer programs, courses,
and activities to fulfill the diverse educational, training, and
community needs of the residents of the island as well as the State
of Hawai'i. Students are the central focus of the College's effort.
Emphasis is placed on learning by involvement. Every effort is made
to allow the instructor the freedom to teach effectively by using
methods he or she believes will best assist the student to reach
appropriate, measurable goals.
The operating philosophy of the College can be summed up as accountability,
articulation, and comprehensiveness. This philosophy will guide
Hawai'i Community College in working closely with other campuses
of the University of Hawai'i system and with representatives of industry,
business, governmental agencies, and the community.
While its general objective for all students is to develop their
knowledge, skills, and attitudes so that they may become effective
members of society and active participants in the democratic way
of life, Hawai'i Community College does have some major specific
educational objectives. These are to provide students with curricula
and activities:
- in general education, to aid their intellectual, social, cultural
and personal development.
- in transfer education,
for the first two years of work in liberal arts and professional
fields.
- in developmental
education, to improve skills in reading, writing, mathematics,
speaking, and studying.
- in career and technical
education, through which individuals are brought to a level of
competence commensurate with their innate potential, their interests,
and the employment needs of the community. This activity includes
offering apprenticeships and providing upgrading activities for
the employed.
History
The forerunner of the College was the Hawai'i Vocational School, established in 1941 by an act of the Territorial Legislature. Its prime responsibility was to provide vocational education for the youth of the island of Hawai'i. Trade programs offered when the school opened were Automotive Mechanics, Carpentry, Dressmaking, Machine Shop, and Sheet Metal & Welding.
The period following World War II saw the growth of new programs
designed to meet the expanding needs of business and industry. In
1947, a Diesel Mechanics program was started. Architectural Drafting
began in 1951; Food Service in 1952; and Electricity in1955. In
1956, with the advancement in technology and the expansion of educational
opportunities into broader fields of technical training; the institution
was renamed the Hawai'i Technical School. New programs were added
later, Business Education 1958, and the Automotive Body Repair &
Painting, Electronics, and Practical Nursing programs in1966.
Under the Enabling Act passed by the 1969 State Legislature (Act 166, SLH), the administration of the school was transferred from the Department of Education to the University of Hawai'i in July 1969, and was renamed the Hawai'i Community College effective May 1970. The Agricultural program began in 1972, the associate of science degree Nursing program in 1974, and the Early Childhood Education program in 1987.
From 1970 to 1990 the College was a part of the University of Hawai'i at Hilo. At present the College is one of seven community colleges in the State. Approximately 2,098 students were registered in the College's credit program in the fall of 2000.
Programs, Degrees, and Certificates Offered
Hawai'i Community College offers over 30 Degree, Certificate, and Non-credit programs. Students can choose to begin a 4-year baccalaureate degree, and save 25-60% on in-state tuition costs by taking undergraduate liberal arts courses offered here. These general and pre-professional students may earn an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree.
Career and technical majors may earn an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree, an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.), an Associate in Technical Studies (A.T.S.), or
a Certificate of Achievement (C.A.) in one of the 20 career and technical programs listed below.
Certificates of Completion (C.C.) are also available in Nurse's
Aide, Residential Care Home Operator, Hotel Operations, Human Services
and Food Services. A variety of non-credit programs, supported by
the College, are offered through the Office of Continuing Education.
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Accounting
Administration of Justice
Agriculture
Auto Body Repair & Painting
Automotive Mechanics Technology
Carpentry
Diesel Mechanics
Drafting & Engineering Aide
Early Childhood Education
Electrical Installation & Maintenance
Electronics Technology
Food Service
Hotel Operations
Human Services
Liberal Arts
Marketing (formerly Sales & Marketing)
Nursing (A.S. Degree)
Nursing (Practical)
Nursing (Care Home Operator)
Office Administration & Technology
Welding & Sheet Metal |
A.A.S.
A.S.
C.A., A.A.S.
C.A., A.A.S.
C.A., A.A.S.
C.A., A.A.S.
C.A., A.A.S.
A.A.S.
C.C., C.A., A.S.
C.A., A.A.S.
A.A.S.
C.C., C.A., A.A.S.
C.C.
C.C.
A.A.
C.A., A.A.S.
A.S.
C.A.
C.C.
C.C., C.A., A.A.S.
C.A., A.A.S. |
Certificate of Completion (C.C.)
A college credential for students who have successfully completed
designated short-term career and technical education credit courses
or course sequences that provide them with job upgrading or entry-level
skills. These courses or course sequences may not exceed 24 credit
hours and may not be less than 9 credit hours. The issuance of a Certificate
of Completion requires that the student must earn a GPA of 2.0 or
better for all courses required in the certificate.
Certificate of Achievement (C.A.)
A college credential for students who have successfully completed
designated medium-term career and technical education credit courses,
or course sequences that provide them with job upgrading or entry-level
skills. These courses or course sequences may not exceed 45 credit
hours (unless external requirement exceed this number) and may not
be less than 24 credit hours. The issuance of a Certificate of Achievement
requires that the student must earn a GPA 2.0 or better for all
courses required in the certificate. The final 12 semester hours
of work must be completed at Hawai'i Community College. All students
must have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA. Furthermore, for a certificate
in Practical Nursing, a "C" or better must be earned in all courses;
while in Business Education, a "C" or better must be earned in prescribed
major courses.
Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree
A two-year Baccalaureate direct transfer liberal arts degree consisting
of at least 60 semester credits at the 100 and 200 levels.
Associate in Science (A.S.) degree
A two year Technical-Occupational-Professional degree, consisting
of at least 60 semester credits, which provides students with skills
and competencies for gainful employment, entirely at the Baccalaureate
level.
Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree
A two year career and technical-Professional degree, consisting
of at least 60 semester credits, which provides students with skills
and competencies for gainful employment. This degree is not intended
nor designed for transfer directly into a Baccalaureate program.
A.A.S. programs may, however, include some Baccalaureate level course
offerings.
Associate in Technical Studies (A.T.S.) degree
A two year Technical-Occupational-Professional degree, consisting
of at least 60 semester credits, which provides students with skills
and competencies for gainful employment. This degree must be customized;
using courses from two or more existing approved programs and is
intended to target emerging career areas, which cross-traditional
boundaries. This degree must have educational objectives that are
clearly defined by business and industry, and employers who have
near immediate needs for specialized training for a limited number
of employees. This degree must have advanced approval, and cannot
be requested based upon previously completed coursework.
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