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UCWH FAQs

What is a University Center?

University Centers establish a University of Hawai‘i presence in a community that otherwise lacks access to programs offered elsewhere in the UH system.
University Centers are located on Kaua‘i, Maui, and in West Hawai‘i.

Does a University Center award degrees?

University Centers do not award degrees or certificates.
The degrees and certificates are awarded by the university campuses that offers the program.
The Centers may have different degrees and certificates depending on the community's higher education priorities and the Center's ability to receive and support the courses and services.

Where is the Center located?

The University of Hawai‘i Center, West Hawai‘i is located at Haleki‘i Street and Mamalahoa Highway in Kealakekua, Hawai'i.

Where can I get more information about the UH Center in West Hawai’i?

Call the Office of Student Services at (808) 322-4856.
Write the UH Center at 81-964 Haleki‘i Street, Kealakekua, HI 96750.
Email the Center at uhcwh@hawaii.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a college major?

A college major is the area of study in which you may wish to specialize. It is important to research which HAWCC major fits your future transfer, personal, and/or career goals. (Financial aid applicants are required to select a classified major.)

2. How do I change my major?

After declaring a major on the college application, make an early advising appointment with a counselor, program advisor, or coordinator to determine your educational plan. Admission to the college does not mean automatic admission to a major or courses. You may change your major by completing a “Change of Major” form. Call the west Hawaii Admissions & Records: 322-4586

3. What majors does Haw CC at West Hawai'i offer?
Programs Offered:
  • Liberal Arts (LBRT) AA
  • Early Childhood Education (ECED) CC, CA, AS
  • Food Service (FSER) CC, CA, AAS
  • Hawaiian Life Styles (HLS) ASC
  • Hawaiian Life Styles - (Hula Track) AAS
  • Hospitality & Tourism - (HOST) CC, CA, AAS
  • Human Services (HSER) CC
  • Nursing (RN, ASN)
  • Substance Abuse Counseling (SUBS) CC
  • Tropical Forest Ecosystem and Agroforestry Management (TEAM) CA, AS
4. What is the difference between the HawCC Catalog and the Schedule of Classes?
  • The HawCC Catalog is a detailed description of all important information, regulations, policies, program requirements, and course descriptions. New and continuing students may inquire about the catalog at the Admissions & Records office. Catalogs are available on the web: http://hawaii.hawaii.edu/learningresources/catalog.html

  • The Schedule of Classes is a detailed listing of courses being offered each semester. It is distributed through Student Services before and during each registration period and is on the web: http://hawaii.hawaii.edu/reginfo/semcal.htm

  • UH Distributed Learning courses (Online, Cable TV and Classroom Interactive TV): http://www.hawaii.edu/dl/student/

  • Students can also access class information through the MyUH Portal: http://myuhportal.hawaii.edu/
5. When and how are classes offered?
  • UCWH is on a semester system. Classes are offered during the fall (late August to mid-December) and spring (mid-January to mid-May). Some classes are also offered during summer session. For specific times and dates, check the Academic Calendar.

  • Classes are offered in various modalities: in-person, online, cable TV and interactive television.
    For information, check the HawCC Schedule of Classes: and the UH Distance Learning site.
6. What do “prerequisite,” “co-requisite,” “CI,” and “WI” mean?
  • A “prerequisite” is what you will need to complete before registering for a course. For example, the prerequisite for PSY 240 is the completion of PSY 100. A letter “[C]” after the prerequisite means that a grade of C or better must be obtained in the prerequisite course.

  • A “co-requisite” is a course you must take along with another course. For example, if you sign up for BIOL 151L, you must also sign up for BIOL 151.

  • “CI” is the designation for “computer intensive.” This is a course that requires you to have regular access to a computer and enough computer skills to complete class assignments.

  • “WI” is the designation for “writing intensive.” This is a course that requires you to do a significant amount of writing as part of your coursework. To earn a Liberal Arts AA degree at HawCC, you are required to complete 3 credits of WI coursework.
7. How many credit hours do I need to take to be a full-time student?
  • In order to be a full-time student, you will need to take 12 or more credit hours.

  • If you take fewer than 12, you will be considered a part-time student. (For financial aid purposes, 9 to11 credits is considered three-quarter-time and 6 to 8 credits is considered half-time.)
8. How many homework hours should I study for each class hour?
  • We recommend that you study at least 2 to 3 hours for each hour you spend in class.

  • If you are a full-time student taking 12 credits, you should plan on at least 24 to 36 hours of study time each week.

  • The UCWH library/Learning is an excellent place to study. Its hours of operation are posted on its web site: http://hawaii.hawaii.edu/ucwh/library.html
    • Mon–Thu: 7:45 a.m.- 6:45 p.m.
    • Friday: 7:45 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
    • Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
    • Closed Sunday and State Holidays
9. How can I apply for Financial Aid?
10. What if I have a disability and/or need accommodations?
  • Reasonable accommodations will be provided at HawCC at UCWH for students with documented physical, sensory, systemic, cognitive, learning, and psychiatric disabilities.

  • If you believe you have a disability requiring accommodations, please notify Willow Aureala, Disability Counselor, at (808) 322-4856 by Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD); or by Text Telephone (TT) relay service.
11. Will my credits from Hawaii Community College transfer to other institutions?
  • In general, courses numbered 100 and above are transferable to other institutions. However, the application of credit toward a degree program is determined by the institution that you are transferring to and the academic units of that institution.
12. What bachelor’s degrees can I attain in West Hawaii?
  • The University Center in West Hawai'i is your liaison to attain selected bachelor’s and master’s degrees on the Big Island from University of Hawai‘i campuses. Degree programs vary year to year. Consult the University Center web site for further academic information:
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