Hawaiian values are central to UH plan

By Beverly Creamer
Advertiser Education Writer

The newly minted strategic plan that will guide growth of the University of Hawai'i system for the next decade rings with the values of ancient Hawai'i: a reverence for ahupua'a, aloha and sustainability. And it speaks of malama 'aina — living in harmony with the land — as one of its commitments.

It also calls for a summit between the Department of Education and the University of Hawai'i to foster a "P-20" education system, in which no children will be lost or left behind.

"The whole P-20 movement proceeds from the notion that we can't sit and wait for students to come to us and then say, 'What's wrong with these students?' " said interim Manoa Chancellor Deane Neubauer, who chaired the committee that debated wording, nuance and ideas to include in the plan that replaces one developed in 1996.

The result of a process begun months ago with brainstorming sessions, the new document acknowledges a special obligation to Native Hawaiian culture, language and values, including increased representation of Native Hawaiians in the system and serving as a resource for Hawaiian reconciliation with the U.S. government. It pledges leadership in the digital age so Hawai'i's people will be prepared for jobs in the 21st century, and gives eloquent voice to lifelong accessibility of education.

"Lifelong learning is, in fact, what we will continually need to do in a society where change has been speeded up," Neubauer said.

"If you read the plan, it's all about people. We have a student-organized and -oriented university. We're fundamentally committed to educational effectiveness, and we have high priorities to recruit first-rate faculty and retain them. ...

"But also resonating throughout this plan is this state university's obligation to recognize the needs of Hawaiian people," he said.

Through the document, the President's Advisory Council on Plans and Priorities commits the university to being a force for both community building and economic stability. It says the university exists to provide an educated work force as well as create quality jobs.

Some of the strategies include:

• Research-intensive courses, with student research opportunities in the undergraduate years.
• A state-of-the-art student information system, already under way, that includes an online application for the fall semester.
• Active recruiting of nonresidents.
• Active recruitment of top academic achievers by offering opportunities to participate in honor programs and societies.
• Strengthening library resources, including a systemwide digital library service and additional electronic databases.
• A systemwide Distance Learning Council to ensure top quality.

Reach Beverly Creamer at bcreamer@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8013.