Academic advising at UH Mānoa is an expression of our educational mission and ideals. Advising helps students to integrate and discern meaning from the many facets of their academic journey and to locate their unique journey within the context of their hopes, dreams, abilities, goals, interests, and in fact, within the full trajectory of their lives. Advising conveys higher education’s modes of thinking, learning, and decision making, teaches students to think critically about their roles and responsibilities, and encourages students to become active members in our higher education community as well as leaders in our global community.
Overseen by the Director of Mānoa Academic Advising, under the direction of the Assistant Vice Provost for Student Academic Success, and coordinated through the Council of Academic Advisors (CAA), undergraduate academic advising is college- and school-based: the students’ primary connection remains with their academic unit.
UH Mānoa provides academic advising for undergraduate students through the student academic services office in their college/school. In addition, students can log onto the STAR system (star.hawaii.edu) to see how courses taken might fulfill degree requirements. STAR is an advising tool that allows students to manage their academic course work, but should not be considered a substitute for meeting with advisors to verify degree requirements. Academic advisors bring to their responsibilities as educators not only knowledge of academic disciplines, but also understanding of the rationale that underlies the curricula of the colleges/schools and UH Mānoa. Students are strongly encouraged to seek advising assistance early in their academic journeys.
Academic advising involves:
- Assisting students in clarifying, articulating, and attaining academic and life goals;
- Facilitating students’ adjustment to the campus;
- Educating students on how to develop educational plans and assess their academic progress;
- Explaining and clarifying requirements, policies, and procedures;
- Encouraging students to think critically about their roles and responsibilities as students and as members of a democratic and global community;
- Helping students locate and access available resources and to engage in the UH Mānoa community;
- Counseling students on personal issues as they relate to academic progress; and
- Serving as advocates and mediators for students.
College/school advisors complement departmental advisors, who are specialists in their subjects. Departmental advisors advise on major requirements, available opportunities, career options, and graduate or professional degrees in their discipline. Students can locate their academic advisors at https://manoa.hawaii.edu/advisingguide/.
Mandatory Advising and Declaration of Majors
All students will benefit from two major academic policies related to advising. First, they will receive mandatory advising every semester for their first two years. Second, students are strongly encouraged to declare their major prior to the start of their junior year to develop an efficient academic plan and graduate in a timely manner. These policies were introduced to encourage early identification of potential majors, support efficient graduation, and promote students’ engagement in their academic journey.
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