The University of Hawai`i, formally the University of Hawai`i System and popularly known as UH, is a public, co-educational college and university system that confers associate, bachelor, master, doctoral and post-doctoral degrees through three university campuses, seven community college campuses, an employment training center, three university centers, four education centers and various other research facilities distributed across six islands throughout the State of Hawai`i in the United States. All schools of the University of Hawai`i system are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Colleges and Universities

The University of Hawai`i at Mānoa, founded as a land grant college under the terms of the Morrill Act of 1862 for the benefit of agriculture and the mechanic arts in the United States, is the flagship institution of the University of Hawai`i system. The second largest institution is the University of Hawai`i at Hilo on the Big Island of Hawai`i. It teaches over 3,000 students. The smaller University of Hawai`i-West O`ahu in Pearl City primarily serves students who reside on Honolulu's western and central suburban communities.

The University of Hawai`i Community College system comprises four campuses on O`ahu and one each on Mau`i, Kaua`i, and Hawai`i. The schools were created to improve accessibility of courses to more Hawai`i residents and provide an affordable means of easing the transition from high school to college for many students. University of Hawai`i education centers are located in more remote areas of the state, supporting rural communities via distance education.

Famous Alumni

• Jared Flint ,played Arena Football2

Universities

• University of Hawai`i at Mānoa
• University of Hawai`i at Hilo
• University of Hawai`i-West O'ahu (upper division only)

Community Colleges

• Hawai`i Community College
• Honolulu Community College
• Kapi`olani Community College
• Kaua`i Community College
• Leeward Community College
• Mau`i Community College
• Windward Community College

Graduate Schools

• John A. Burns School of Medicine
• William S. Richardson School of Law

Research Facilities

• East-West Center
• Mauna Kea Observatory
• Waikīkī Aquarium

University Centers

• University of Hawai`i Center West Hawai`i
• University of Hawai`i Center Kaua`i
• University of Hawai`i Center Mau`i

Education Centers

• Moloka`i Education Center
• Lana`i Education Center
• Hana Education Center
• Wai`anae Education Center

Statistics

In the entire University of Hawai`i system, there are approximately 50,317 students of which 44,122 are undergraduates. On average, the student body is 42% male and 58% female. 20% are Caucasian, 20% are Japanese, 15% are Filipino, 13% are Hawaiian or part Hawaiian and 32% are from other ethnicities. 89% are from Hawai`i while 6% are from the United States mainland. A total of 616 programs are offered throughout the University of Hawai`i system with 123 devoted for bachelor's degrees, 92 for master's degrees, 53 for doctoral degrees, 3 for first professional degrees, 4 for post baccalaureate degrees, 115 for associate's degrees and various other certifications.

Mission and Vision

The mission of the University of Hawai'i system is to provide quality college and university education and training; create knowledge through research and scholarship; provide service through extension, technical assistance, and training; contribute to the cultural heritage of the community; and respond to state needs. The campuses, organized under one board, differentially emphasize instruction, research, and service. The system's special distinction is found in its Hawaiian, Asian, and Pacific orientation and international leadership role. Common values bind the system together: aloha; academic freedom and intellectual vigor; institutional integrity and service; quality and opportunity; diversity, fairness, and equity; collaboration and respect; and accountability and fiscal integrity.

University Seal

The University seal contains a torch and a book titled Malamalama in the center of a circular map of the Pacific, surrounded by the state motto, Ua mau ke ea o ka 'aina i ka pono ("The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness"). The University motto, inscribed in both the Hawaiian and English languages on Founders' Gate at the Mānoa campus is Ma luna a'e o na lahui a pau ke ola o ke kanaka ("Above all nations is humanity").

Resources and further reading

• University of Hawai`i System
• Malamalama: A History of the University of Hawai'i, ISBN 0824820061