First Year Resources
- University of Hawai'i at Mānoa // http://manoa.hawaii.edu/
- New Student Orientation Programs // www.hawaii.edu/nso
- Access to College Excellence (ACE) // www.manoa.hawaii.edu/freshman/ace
- Freshman Seminars // www.manoa.hawaii.edu/freshman/freshman
- The Honors Program // www.honors.hawaii.edu
- Disability Access: KOKUA // www.hawaii.edu/kokua
New Student Orientation Programs
New Student Programs offers New Student Orientation (NSO) sessions for first-time college students and transfer students before the regular semesters. These programs assist students as they transition to college from high school or to their new college campus by providing information about academics, campus resources, and student and campus life, as well as providing opportunities to meet other new students and network with current UH Mānoa students. During the summer, special sessions for parents and families of new students are offered. For information on New Student Orientation for freshmen and transfer students and parent/family programs, please call 808-956-3667 or 1-888-700-5420 (toll free), or go to the website.
NSO leaders and academic advisors created the Freshmen Online Tutorial. Here's what you'll find at the NSO Freshmen Online Tutorial:
- Essential academic information to help you prepare for registration.
- Activities to begin (or continue) your thinking about career and life planning.
- Ways to be involved in campus life.
Please also complete the "Survey of Student Interest." The Co-curricular Activities, Programs and Services (CAPS) staff will use the information from this survey to help serve you, the students of the University of Hawaii at Manoa by connecting you with the organizations and activities in which you are interested. By participating in this survey, your name will be entered into a drawing to win great prizes!
Access to College Excellence (ACE)
Access to College Excellence (ACE) learning communities offer a combination of three general education courses and a small group, 1-credit integrating seminar (CAS 110: Access to the College Community). Courses are grouped to provide freshmen with an introduction to various academic perspectives while fulfilling graduation requirements. CAS 110 is led by an upperclassman peer mentor who supports freshmen cohorts in their new learning environment. Successful college students themselves, peer mentors assist with the development of successful academic strategies, creation of social and interpersonal networks, and involvement in a variety of campus events. ACE espouses a well-rounded, multifaceted approach to college education. Freshmen who are eager to learn, enthusiastic about making friends while increasing independence, and excited about getting involved will benefit from what ACE has to offer.
Freshman Seminars (FS)
Freshman Seminars offers freshmen a variety of courses, which enable them to learn in small class environments (classes are limited to 10 students). The three credit seminars are mainly–but not limited to–General Education Core classes led by qualified advanced students under the direction of department faculty. These seminars provide valuable learning experiences for both the students taking the class and the students leading the class. Courses vary each semester, but may include: ethnic studies, library and information systems, political science, religion, sociology, and speech. They are listed in the Schedule of Classes/UH Mānoa Registration Homepage under each department.
Honors Program
The Honors Program provides opportunities for talented and motivated undergraduates to excel in their academic studies. Students complete a challenging enquiry-based curriculum that encourages learning through independent research and creative expression. They enjoy intimate and personalized educational experiences within the setting of a large research university through small classes, dedicated advising, peer mentorship and faculty-guided projects. The Honors Program encourages critical thinking and excellence in oral and written communication; it instills respect for diversity and commitment to social justice; and it develops the capacity for civic engagement and leadership. It fosters among its students and faculty a sense of identity and a joy of learning, which it promotes within the university and beyond.
Disability Access: KOKUA
The KOKUA Program serves undergraduate, graduate and professional students with learning, physical, psychiatric and other documented disabilities. KOKUA provides disability access services to individuals on a case by case basis, and students are not charged for these services.
Services may include: priority registration, faculty liaison, exam accommodations, alternative media services, note taking, scribe services, academic adjustments (e.g. foreign language substitution), on campus van transportation, American Sign Language interpreting, real-time captioning services, assistive technology, library assistance, and mobility assistance.