Na Alahele Discussions - Fall 2024 by Michaelyn Nakoa

Alex Salinas-Nakanishi

2024-11-01 19:17:33 UTC

Our hui shared some excellent talk story time, and we appreciated the importance of holding the intention and making the space for this dialogue. It's so instructive to see how our plans intersect or differ, and to get a richer vision of our campus and what we'd like to evolve into. I was also inspired to once again see and feel the devotion that so many of us have to this institution's well-being. There's a lot of love to go around! But part of my feedback for the overall process we're in is that, especially for some faculty, time is one of the most valuable commodities. Some faculty will choose to opt out of these discussions because they're too busy with teaching, some will offer input through department meetings and other less formal settings, and some faculty will want to be deeply involved, beyond the scope of typical committee work. Many of us in the Sustainability Committee are in that last category. (And I think that it's ok for faculty to be in any of those categories--that freedom about how people choose to use their precious time outside their primary duties is healthy.) But in order to be involved as we would like, to do the additional work of dialogue, goal-setting and assessment, and to actually implement what we develop, we will probably need a little support in the form of TE's, for example. I hope we can get creative in this area!

Department Plans by Discipline

2024-11-01 20:27:20 UTC

Our group talked about the difficulty of creating an implementation plan at the department/unit level with so few faculty participating. Faculty seem to be ceding responsibility to the DCs instead of being actively involved in the process. We talked about organizing plans by discipline within departments so faculty will feel more invested in their specific discipline and classroom needs. By doing this, disciplines will become department sub-committees that will align their implementation plans with the departmentʻs overall implementation plan. The DC will then be able to create a cohesive department plan that will function to facilitate the discipline plans. The overall department plan may have a goal that is applicable to all disciplines within the department. If disciplines donʻt contribute, then they wonʻt be able to get resources.

Faculty Participation in Strat Plan

2024-11-01 21:20:25 UTC

Our group also talked about the importance of faculty being involved personally in strategic plan implementation. How do we encourage and incentivize individual faculty?

Make the narrative clear and consistent that contract renewals, T/P docs, and 5-year update docs must include the faculty memberʻs contribution to the Strategic Plan.
Emphasize planning for one goal or just a few goals that are achievable for individual faculty - donʻt plan too much or too big. Emphasize planning for goals that are data-driven and measurable. Emphasize the importance of the whole process, from planning to implementing to reporting. Emphasize the importance of attempting to reach a goal and not the necessity for a positive result - an unmet goal is not a failure but additional data for the next steps and next attempt at the goal.
Make sure the related forms for contract renewals, T/P and 5-year updates include this requirement prominently in instructions.
Make sure the PROMO C4Ward, new faculty orientation, and VC and department/unit meetings include this narrative prominently in agenda and action steps each semester.
During Convocations, include a brief activity where faculty brainstorm and commit in writing how they currently do or will contribute to the Strategic Plan. Do this also at department/unit meetings (donʻt just focus on overall department/unit plans.)
Showcase during meetings, on websites, and through bulletin announcements individual faculty who have made connections to the Strategic Plan in their documents.

Solutions Brainstorming

2024-11-01 22:35:50 UTC

Our "Thriving" group shared our plans and we brainstormed solutions. Topics ran the gamut and included SP hana initiatives for Pohukaina, sustainability, database implementation, assessment PD, and campus cleanliness. It was productive and we all came away with a better understanding of campus initiatives and fresh ideas for implementing our SP hana.

Clarity on Resources

2024-11-02 00:27:51 UTC

There may be some confusion on the resources question and how it aligns with budget requests. The Google form asks for how we use existing resources but does not ask for what resources may be needed to accomplish a goal. It only asks for PD needs to accomplish the Kiʻi Nunui. Also, not all resources are budget-related (time, collaboration, knowledge, etc.) I think some clarification regarding resources would help.

Study Abroad - HIC

2024-11-04 18:13:03 UTC

HIC discussed the creation of new and innovative study abroad programs aimed at underserved and underrepresented populations on campus. This includes health science programs, among others. Jodi and her team were also in our breakout group, so we will explore the possibility of establishing a study abroad program specifically for health science students.

International Student Career Preparedness - HIC

2024-11-04 18:15:54 UTC

HIC is looking to strengthen its partnership with Monty and the Career Services program to create opportunities for international students. The goal is to help these students understand how to prepare resumes and prepare for interviews in the United States, whether for OPT opportunities (post-graduation employment) or other career prospects.

Queen Kapiʻolani Health Science Program - Rebranding Idea

2024-11-04 18:17:43 UTC

Rebranding idea to have the health science program be recognized as the "Queen Kapiʻolani Health Science Program"

1. If we establish the health sciences program under the name "Queen Kapiʻolani Health Science Program," we can effectively recruit students from across the state using this branding. Our campus is uniquely positioned to be the only program in Hawaii with this distinction, which aligns beautifully with our Ala Nuʻukia and the values of Nā Lawena Waiwai: hoʻokākou, mālama, kūloaʻa, kūlia, and our responsibility to Native Hawaiians and Hawaii.

2. By branding the health science program with the legacy of the queen, we can incorporate elements of her history into our existing curriculum. This will help students understand our identity as a campus and community, as well as the contributions of the queen, while also enhancing health services infrastructure in the state. Furthermore, this approach aligns with the college's mission and responsibility to native Hawaiians and Hawaii, adding greater depth to the outstanding work that our faculty is already doing.

3. Marketing materials can be created to promote the programs under a unified name. This will generate new excitement and prestige for both the faculty and prospective students, making them proud graduates of "The Queen’s" program.

4. Working with Aja, we could create a specific UH Foundation account for health sciences if one does not already exist. This account could be used to solicit donations for health science programs and help offset the cost of tuition for prospective students through scholarships, particularly for those Jodi is aiming to assist on the neighboring islands. Additionally, we could establish a fund for outbound study abroad programs, specifically in health sciences. This initiative would also allow industry partners to contribute to our campus's health science programs.

5. Create a course titled "Cross-Cultural Awareness in Health Sciences." This course could be offered through continuing education or integrated into the overall health sciences curriculum. It would aim to increase enrollment among current industry professionals while also serving our community by enhancing cultural proficiency within the health sector in Hawaii. The course could address the varying perceptions of receiving health services in different countries. It might include discussions on these issues or feature guest speakers who are cultural experts experienced in working with communities outside of the United States.

ideas to think about/discuss

2024-11-04 23:10:35 UTC

Pohukaina -

Coffee donation box for Faculty and Staff

Donation of food/clothing/coffee/monetary donation

Pay it forward: Staff/Faculty or anyone would purchase a meal from one of our vendors on campus and we would create a location where these receipts would be put up where a student could go if they are hungry and don't have money to purchase a meal. (more thought needs to be done on how this will be managed on both the vendor, Faculty/Staff, student)

AUX appreciation - HCC has a sign that shows appreciation to their AUX workers. We would like to put up something similar to show KCC AUX our appreciation. How else can we show that we appreciate their services?

How can we incorporate more Hawaiian words daily?