At the start of the spring semester, Kauaʻi Community College students, faculty and community gathered and offered oli (chant), mele (song), pule (prayer) and hoʻokupu (lei) in a traditional ceremony at the Hawaiian studies ahu (a ceremonial altar), also known as Ke Ahu a Hōkūlei.
Newly appointed Interim Chancellor Margaret Sanchez said she is excited to start the year strong by engaging with community members, students, faculty and staff.
“We want to engage and collaborate with our community,” Sanchez said. “My priority is to ultimately increase enrollment, and enhance the courses and programs we currently have. Kauaʻi CC is the hub for post-secondary learning on Kauaʻi, and is crucial to an enriched local workforce.”
The campus emphasizes providing safe learning spaces for students. Kau Hale—a newly renovated study space for all students—has opened next to Hawaiian Studies.
Hale Mālama, which provides wrap-around services to students, is dedicated to the health, safety, overall well-being and quality of life for all Kauaʻi CC students. Hale Mālama’s mission is to help address food insecurity; houselessness; childcare support; college affordability; emergency aid; and other basic needs such as transportation, technology, medical and mental health.
The Kauaʻi CC food and goods pantry, emergency aid and mental health counseling are available to students.
The campus also hosted Club Day during the first week of school. More than 10 student clubs were represented along with services for students.
