University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel presented a coordinated effort to better align strategy and budgeting across the 10-campus system to the UH Board of Regents on April 16.

Hensel framed alignment as a core governance issue, emphasizing that strategic priorities must be consistently reflected in how resources are allocated in the budget, how campuses are evaluated and how leaders are reviewed.

A structured approach

Hensel highlighted challenges that are common in multi-campus systems, where individual campuses tend to operate separately. When alignment is weak, she said, strategic plans often sit on the shelf.

The result can be a system that underperforms despite strong individual efforts. Leadership, she noted, must regularly navigate tensions between aligning the 10 campuses while still allowing for individual campus missions to be pursued.

“We want an aligned system where we’re all moving in the same direction, but there are differentiated missions on each campus and specific priorities on each campus,” Hensel said. “We, as a group of 10 [campuses], have agreed on the major objectives that have let us have significant impact over time.”

To address those issues, the university is implementing a coordinated process centered on key areas:

• Strategic action plans: annual plans tied directly to system and campus priorities, with defined outcomes, teams and resources.
• Budget transparency: a clearer, multi-year budgeting process aligned with strategic goals rather than historical funding patterns.
• Incentives: performance-based funding and stipends to encourage innovation, collaboration and student success.
• Accountability: a standardized set of performance metrics and regular campus reviews to track progress and inform leadership evaluations.

The system also plans to expand leadership evaluations for officers, chancellors and administrators, including potential 360-degree reviews, and increase transparency through regular performance reporting.

Continuous improvement

Hensel concluded by emphasizing that alignment is not a one-time effort but an ongoing cycle of planning, measurement and adjustment.

“In order to move from a very decentralized approach to strategy across the 10 [campuses]; by setting alignment as a goal up front, it really enables the entire strategic plan to be executed,” she said.

The goal, she noted, is a more cohesive system that better serves students and the state.

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel provided updates to the UH Board of Regents on state legislative measures on tuition and fee reserves during her monthly report at the board’s April 16 meeting at Kapiʻolani Community College.

Hensel noted that the Legislature continues to consider proposals related to tuition and fee reserve balances and that the university is developing reinvestment plans to strengthen advising and student support services and expand statewide online learning opportunities. She added that the university is having productive conversations with legislators and recognizes the challenges they face in balancing many urgent needs for Hawaiʻi’s people this year.

Her report also highlighted record breaking systemwide participation in UH Giving Day, which generated more than $1.3 million from more than 1,580 gifts across the 10 campuses.

Hensel concluded by congratulating the No. 6 ranked UH Mānoa women’s water polo team on advancing to its third consecutive NCAA national championship tournament appearance after winning the Big West Championship.

• Legislative update: tuition and fee reserves (video)
• UH Giving Day breaks record (video)
• Rainbow Wahine water polo (video)

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel provided updates to the UH Board of Regents (BOR) on the UH Mānoa chancellor search and progress on the eBanner student information system transition in her monthly report during the board’s March 19 meeting.

Hensel delivered her report virtually from Portland, Oregon, where the UH Mānoa Rainbow Warriors men’s basketball team prepared to compete in the first round of the NCAA Division I Tournament.

Hensel also recognized a $1.2-million NASA-funded research project led by UH Hilo focused on coastal resilience, as well as UH Maui College’s Hale Pāpaʻi (small structures) program, which is supporting wildfire recovery efforts while providing hands-on workforce training opportunities.

• UH Mānoa chancellor search (video)
• eBanner update (video)
• UH Mānoa basketball, Go ʻBows! (video)
• UH ROTC victory (video)
• UH Hilo NASA research project (video)
• UH Maui Hale Pāpaʻi (small structures) program (video)

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel provided updates to the UH Board of Regents (BOR) on the transition to the upgraded eBanner student information system for UH’s 10 campuses and the latest Direct2UH enrollment numbers during her monthly BOR report at the board’s February 19 meeting at the UH Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy.

Hensel also highlighted the start of an exploratory effort to strengthen coordination between the John A. Burns School of Medicine and the UH Cancer Center and the launch of an artificial intelligence (AI) certificate at UH Hilo.

• eBanner update (video)
• Direct2UH update (video)
• JABSOM/Cancer Center initiative (video)
• School of Travel Industry Management’s 60th anniversary (video)
• UH Hilo AI certificate (video)
• UH Hilo athletics, Go Vulcans! (video)
• UH Mānoa athletics, Go ʻBows! (video)

University of Hawaiʻi alumni and friends braved the winter weather to gather in New York City to meet UH President Wendy Hensel and celebrate Hawaiʻi ties in January at the first UH Foundation Office of Alumni Relations (UHFAR) Pau Hana of 2026.

The gathering of about 50 was part of UHFAR’s ongoing effort to strengthen bonds between UH alumni and the university. Hensel spoke about the challenges facing the UH system, achievements across campuses, and the powerful role alumni play in supporting students.

“The accomplishments of our alumni demonstrate the power of a UH education,” Hensel said. “When alumni share their stories, support our students, and champion the value of higher education, they amplify our mission in ways no one else can.”

Her message struck a chord with those in the room, inspiring attendees to reflect on how their UH experiences continue to impact their lives.

“Staying connected to the UH ʻohana in New York means carrying Hawaiʻi with me—its values, its community and its spirit—no matter how far I roam,” said 2006 UH Mānoa graduate Colonel Rance Lee. “President Hensel’s speech reminded me that our shared roots aren’t just memories; they’re a living bond that continues to guide and unite us.”

Staying connected

The event took place at Arader Galleries, a renowned art and rare book gallery on Madison Avenue. The evening was lively and warm, with alumni from a wide range of industries filling the gallery with conversation and photo-worthy moments.

“As a proud UH Mānoa alumni, connecting with fellow alumni in New York always feels grounding. It brings us back to our time in Hawaiʻi, reminds us to slow down, stay present and appreciate the people around us, while living in NYC,” said 2011 UH Mānoa graduate Travonté Taylor.

Stay connected with President Wendy Hensel by following her on X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel provided updates to the UH Board of Regents (BOR) on the Inaugural President’s 10-Campus Address, the start of the 2026 Legislative session and the UH Mānoa chancellor search during her President’s Report at the board’s first meeting of 2026 held at Windward Community College on Thursday, January 15.

Hensel also highlighted the launch of a strategic exploration of a unified vision for UH West Oʻahu and Leeward Community College; the success of the AI chatbots, now available across all UH campuses; and increase in applications attributed to the Direct2UH initiative, which aims to give Hawaiʻi public high school students a more seamless transition from high school to higher education.

• Inaugural 10-campus Address (video)
• 2026 Legislative season underway (video)
• Federal update (video)
• New student information system (video)
• UH Mānoa chancellor search (video)
• Leeward CC/UH West Oʻahu exploration (video)
• AI chatbots success (video)
• Direct2UH update (video)
• UH Mānoa recognition (video)

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel delivered her inaugural systemwide address on January 14, outlining key accomplishments from 2025, addressing challenges facing higher education and setting priorities for the year ahead across UH’s 10-campus system.

The livestreamed address marked the beginning of a new annual tradition intended to promote transparency, accountability and engagement with the UH community. Hensel, who began her tenure on January 1, 2025, framed the address as an opportunity to reflect on progress while charting a clear path forward for the university.

“Today is really a down payment on our commitment to transparency,” Hensel said. “We’ve been trying to do a lot of town halls and conversations about what’s going on in a very difficult time when it’s not so easy to talk about what’s happening. This is our attempt to make sure you know what we’re doing—that we’re delivering the value that the state expects—and also to identify where you can get involved to help us reach where we all want to go together.”

In her remarks, Hensel highlighted major developments from the past year and priorities going into 2026, including enrollment across the 10 campuses topping 51,000 in fall 2025, the highest in eight years; the launch of Direct2UH, an initiative that streamlines admission to UH for Hawaiʻi public high school seniors; advancing artificial intelligence across the UH System; building an integrated workforce ecosystem; improving student success, including graduation and retention rates; record extramural funding in FY2025 amid increased uncertainty in 2026; capital improvement project requests; current landscape of collegiate athletics, including the impact of NIL; and UH’s financial outlook, including state appropriations, tuition and fees, grants and reserves.

She also acknowledged ongoing challenges facing the university, such as swiftly changing federal policies, and cuts to federal research grants and awards, as well as underscored the need for continued dialogue and systemwide alignment as UH navigates a rapidly changing higher education landscape in Hawaiʻi and across the nation.

The address was livestreamed to ensure broad access for faculty, staff, students and community members across the state.

This message was shared with the students, faculty and staff of the 10-campus University of Hawaiʻi system on January 12, 2026.

Aloha UH ʻohana,

As a new semester and new years begins, our 10 campuses are once again filled with energy, purpose and possibility. This moment, when classrooms reopen, projects restart and goals come into focus, offers a chance to reset and remember why our work matters to our students, our communities and these islands.

For me, it always starts and ends with our students. Your wellbeing, your experience at UH and your success beyond graduation guide our decisions and priorities. The world you are entering is changing rapidly, and our responsibility is to prepare you not just to navigate it, but to shape it.

None of this would be possible without our faculty, staff and administrators, those who teach, advise, mentor and support our students every day, and who make our 10-campus system work. The past year has brought a lot of change, some beyond our control and some of our own making, and I am deeply grateful for your openness, candor and commitment to continuous improvement. Your feedback, especially constructive feedback, ensures we stay on the right path.

Inaugural 10-campus system address

As I complete my first year as president, it is time for me to report back to all of you. I invite you to tune in Wednesday, January 14 at 5 p.m. to a livestream of my inaugural 10-Campus System Address, an annual event moving forward. I will share a recap of 2025, highlight successes and challenges and outline where we are headed in 2026. This is part of my commitment to transparency and accountability with my most important stakeholders: all of you. The livestream information will be sent out later this week.

Looking ahead

As this semester unfolds, I encourage each of us to step outside our comfort zones. For students, that may mean joining a club, attending a campus event for the first time or trying something new. For faculty and staff, it may mean exploring new approaches, building partnerships or participating in initiatives that move our system forward. Progress is built on curiosity, connection and shared purpose.

Here’s to a semester grounded in curiosity, care and collective progress.

With aloha,
Wendy F. Hensel
President, University of Hawaiʻi

Stay connected with President Wendy Hensel by following her on X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

This message was shared with the students, faculty and staff of the 10-campus University of Hawaiʻi system on December 15, 2025.

Aloha UH ʻohana,

As the year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to pause and reflect and express my heartfelt mahalo. In just a few weeks, I will mark one year as president of the University of Hawaiʻi, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve this extraordinary university in one of the most beautiful and meaningful places in the world.

Throughout the past year, I’ve spent time on our campuses and had the chance to get to know many of you. I have seen your dedication up close in how you learn, work and support one another, especially during moments of challenge and accomplishment. That care is felt everywhere.

To our students, mahalo for placing your trust in UH and for bringing your ideas, energy and voices to our campuses. You inspire us and remind us daily of the purpose of our work.

To our faculty and staff, mahalo for your dedication to teaching, research, service and student success. Your expertise and compassion are the foundation of this institution and make a lasting difference across our state.

As we enter the holiday season, I hope you’re able to rest, recharge and spend meaningful time with loved ones. May this be a time of reflection, renewal and gratitude.

I am so honored to continue this journey with you and look forward to the year ahead as we listen, learn and build together.

With warmest aloha and best wishes for the holidays,

Wendy Hensel
President, University of Hawaiʻi

Stay connected with President Wendy Hensel by following her on X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel briefed the UH Board of Regents (BOR) on the aftermath of the 43-day federal government shutdown, student support measures and key operational initiatives during her monthly President’s Report at the November 20 BOR meeting at UH Mānoa.

Hensel noted that normal operations at federal agencies resumed on November 12, and UH lifted temporary spending safeguards the following day. Federally funded extramural projects, subawards and Research and Training Revolving Fund use have all returned to standard procedures.

To help students facing financial hardship from the prolonged shutdown, Hensel reaffirmed a temporary grace period that allows students to register for spring 2026 despite unpaid fall 2025 balances. Payment plans will be available in January 2026.

She also highlighted food distribution efforts at Windward and Leeward Community Colleges in partnership with Hawaiʻi Foodbank, and a UH Mānoa Athletics food drive.

Hensel provided an update on the major upgrade of the Banner Student Information System, expected to be largely in place by January 3, with full transition by summer. The modernization will improve integration, financial aid processing and mobile-friendly tools across the 10-campus system.

• Federal Government Shutdown (video)
• Temporary grace period for registration holds (video)
• Food aid efforts: Leeward CC, Windward CC, UH Mānoa Athletics (video)
• Banner information system transition (video)
• UH News: C-MORE 15th anniversary (video)
• UH News: $1.5 million gift for Lunalilo Scholars (video)
• UH News: Athletics accolades (video)

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel addressed the ongoing federal government shutdown and its potential impact on UH during her monthly President’s Report to the Board of Regents (BOR) on October 16, at Honolulu Community College.

“Thousands of our employees are either fully or partially funded by federal dollars, including many who support our veterans,” said Hensel during the report. “It has been both standard practice and statutory requirement for universities to be reimbursed for any prepaid federal salary after a shutdown. However, President Trump has indicated that may not be the case this time, though there is countervailing law. We are closely monitoring the situation.”

Hensel also outlined the university’s strategy to safeguard mission-critical programs and maintain student services during the shutdown.

She then highlighted UH’s continued commitment to transparency and engagement, including a recent budget forum at UH Mānoa, public forums at Leeward Community College and UH West Oʻahu and the successful launch of Direct2UH. The initiative is a partnership with the Hawaiʻi Department of Education that streamlines the college admission process for public high school seniors to nine UH campuses.

• Federal shutdown (video)
• UH Mānoa budget forum (video)
• Leeward CC and UH West Oʻahu forums (video)
• Direct2UH launch (video)
• UH Mānoa national recognition (video)
  Times Higher Education rankings
  Wall Street Journal rankings

This message was shared with the students, faculty and staff of the 10-campus University of Hawaiʻi system on October 1, 2025.

Aloha UH ʻohana,

As you may have heard, the federal government as of today has officially shut down after Congress was unable to agree on a budget to fund federal agencies and programs.

Many parts of the federal government are now temporarily closed, with services slowed or halted until Congress and the president approve a new budget. “Essential” services such as air traffic control and Social Security will continue (more information on how the shutdown may affect institutions of higher education can be found in this fact sheet by the American Council on Education).

The impact to our 10 campuses will depend on how long the shutdown lasts. I met yesterday with our chancellors and vice presidents to coordinate UH’s response and plan for multiple scenarios. The university has more than 7,000 employees whose salaries are funded in part or in whole by federal dollars, along with many federally supported programs that benefit students.

If the shutdown continues, the effects will grow and extend across Hawaiʻi. State agencies such as the Departments of Education and Agriculture rely heavily on federal support, and the state will likely take the lead in managing the broader impacts. We will be working closely with the governor and our state partners.

In the immediate term, our federally funded researchers are most directly affected. This morning, the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation shared an email providing guidance addressing the uncertainty around the reimbursement of expenditures, restrictions on federally funded accounts and additional review requirements. These proactive measures are intended to safeguard our resources and preserve the Research and Training Revolving Fund during this challenging period. We may also need to take proactive steps beyond research depending on how long the shutdown continues.

Please know that university and campus leadership are working closely together to do everything possible to mitigate the impacts and keep our campuses operating smoothly. I will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.

Mahalo for your dedication, resilience, and care for our students and one another during this uncertain time.

With aloha,
Wendy Hensel
President, University of Hawaiʻi

Stay connected with President Wendy Hensel by following her on X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel updated the UH Board of Regents (BOR) about major changes in federal funding and increased student enrollment across the 10-campus system at the September 18 meeting at UH Mānoa.

Hensel also provided an update on an expanded partnership between Hawaiian Airlines and Honolulu Community College to train aviation maintenance technicians. She also congratulated UH Mānoa’s Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge and its role in hosting a series of events for Hawaiian History Month throughout Kepakemapa (September).

• U.S. Department of Education announcement (video)
• Fall 2025 enrollment update (video)
• UH News highlights (video)
• UH President’s Award for Excellence in Building and Grounds Maintenance awardee Ivan Hartison (video)
• UH nominees for governor’s awards (video)

This message was shared with the students, faculty and staff of the 10-campus University of Hawaiʻi system on September 18, 2025.

Aloha UH ʻohana,

I write to provide you with an update on the impact of the U.S. Department of Education’s decision to end discretionary funding for several Minority-Serving Institution programs.

Before I do that, however, I want to acknowledge the stress and worry these cuts have brought many students and employees. I know that students are concerned about how they might continue to receive vital support provided by these grants, and I know that we have employees whose livelihoods could be impacted. We see you, we hear you, and we are working hard to address these concerns.

With that said, the scope of these cuts is not complete as of yet. However, the picture is becoming clearer.

As of today:

• Title III Part A discretionary grants: UH holds 22 active grants totaling $55.7 million in this category. At this time, 11 of the 22 grants have received “non-continuation” notices. Because many of the affected grants have been in place for several years and “spent down,” the immediate amount UH may lose from non-continuation is approximately $10 million. We are waiting for further guidance on if or how we can use these funds.
• Title III Part F: UH holds grants in this category that total $45.4 million. No notices to discontinue have been issued at this time.However, USDOE has indicated that it believes these awards are unconstitutional, making their future uncertain.
• Title VI: UH holds eight grants in this category totaling $5.4 million. We have received “non-continuation” notices for all eight grants. Because many of the affected grants have been in place for several years and “spent down,” the immediate amount UH may lose from non-continuation is approximately $802,000. We are waiting for further guidance on how or if we can use these funds.
• Native Hawaiian Education Program (NHEP): We have three awards in this category that were reduced by a combined $843,000.

These numbers represent a significant disruption to programs and services that directly support our students, faculty and staff across the 10-campus system. We know that behind every dollar are students, faculty and staff whose opportunities, success and sense of belonging at UH are directly affected.

We are scheduled to meet with the U.S. Department of Education officials next week to gain clarity on next steps and potential pathways forward. We remain in close communication with our congressional delegation and state leadership, and we will continue to provide updates as this situation evolves.

Again, I realize that these cuts were sudden and unexpected and that this is weighing heavy on many hearts and minds. I’m with you and I thank you for your patience, resilience and steadfast dedication to our mission. Together, we will navigate this challenge and continue to put our students and communities first.

With aloha,
Wendy Hensel
UH President

This message was shared with the students, faculty and staff of the 10-campus University of Hawaiʻi system on September 10, 2025.

Aloha UH ʻohana,

The U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) today announced it will end discretionary funding for several Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) grant programs, including those for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiʻi (ANNH) and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving-Institutions (AANAPISI), because they tie eligibility to race/ethnicity quotas. The USDOE also indicated that mandatory MSI funds appropriated by Congress will continue for now, while longer-term legal questions are reviewed.

This is a deeply concerning development raising important questions for all 10 campuses. It will affect all of our students, the programs that support them and the dedicated staff who carry out this work. Today’s announcement in no way diminishes the value or importance of that work. Like many in the UH ʻohana, I am deeply saddened by this development.

We are actively assessing the impact on each UH campus and program, and we will share campus-specific details as soon as they are available.

What we can say today:

• Discretionary ANNH and AANAPISI grants are ending in FY25 (September 30). This termination will affect students and programs across the system and positions funded by these grants.
• Congressionally mandated ANNH and AANAPISI funds will continue but their long-term status is uncertain.
• Institutional funds are limited and will be prioritized to provide mission-critical and short-term bridge support.

To our community, we say unequivocally that UH remains committed to the care and success of every student and the preservation and advancement of Hawaiʻian ʻike (knowledge) and ʻōlelo (language). It is central to our mission as a Native Hawaiian place of learning and an Indigenous-serving institution, as articulated in our system and campus strategic plans.

We are united in our determination to meet the demands of this moment and continue to serve our students and our community. We will find a way to work within any new framework created and partner with our campus stakeholders, congressional delegation and state leaders to address this latest challenge.

In the days ahead, campus leaders will identify programs that have been terminated or are at risk and implement contingency plans to sustain high-priority student services. We will provide regular updates to students, faculty and staff as more information becomes available and as federal guidance evolves. Specific questions from program leads should be directed to your campus leadership.

Mahalo for your patience and partnership as we work through this dramatic change in federal policy. Our shared kuleana to support all students and communities and to steward ʻike Hawaiʻi remains steadfast.

Me ke aloha,
Wendy Hensel
UH President

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) transforms higher education, the University of Hawaiʻi is launching a new systemwide office to meet the challenge and establish itself as a national leader. The UH Office of Academic Technology and Innovation (OATI) will guide the integration of emerging technologies and AI across all 10 campuses, serving as the hub for strategy, implementation and oversight in teaching, learning and operations.

Housed within the Office of the UH President, the office will be overseen by Ina Wanca, the UH Chief Academic Technology Innovation Officer. Wanca will work closely with campus leaders, ITS and the Institutional Research and Analysis Office and serve as the primary liaison between academic leadership and ITS.

OATI will support the consolidation and alignment of academic technology, advance AI adoption and transformative initiatives across the system and establish governance frameworks to ensure the responsible, ethical and equitable use of technology.

“The Office of Academic Technology and Innovation is a critical step forward in ensuring UH is not just adapting to emerging technologies but leading their thoughtful and strategic integration,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “This office will help us realize the full potential of AI and academic innovation to support student success, faculty excellence, and operational efficiency.”

With AI adoption moving at different paces across UH’s ten campuses, OATI will create a single framework ensuring all investments, tools, and innovations drive a common vision for teaching, learning, and research.

“This new office turns that shared vision into reality,” said Ina Wanca. “By ensuring equal access to modern tools, building AI literacy for students and faculty and linking innovation to workforce readiness, we will prepare Hawaiʻi’s learners and educators to thrive in the AI era while honoring the values that define our university system.”

OATI will also support the AI Planning Group announced June 25 in developing a university-wide AI strategy aligned with institutional goals.

“With the AI Planning Group and OATI working together, we can align priorities across all campuses and move quickly from ideas to implementation,” said Kim Siegenthaler, Senior Advisor to the President.

The office will also help lead implementation of the $7.4 million, five-year subscription to EAB Navigate360 and EAB Edify, approved by the UH Board of Regents on June 16. The platforms use predictive analytics to alert faculty, advisors, and support staff at the earliest sign a student may be at risk. The systems have proven successful in closing student achievement gaps and improving retention and graduation rates.

This message was shared with the students, faculty and staff of the 10-campus University of Hawaiʻi system on September 2, 2025.

Aloha UH ʻohana,

As we begin a new academic year, I want to provide an update on federal policy changes since my July 21 message, which I encourage you to read if you have not already. Keeping abreast of these federal changes is important to understanding our University decision making. While recent developments continue to pose challenges for higher education in Hawaiʻi and across the nation, I remain confident in our ability to meet these challenges together.

NIH grants: Supreme Court decision and its implications

The U.S. Supreme Court decided a case on August 21 that affects more than 1,000 National Institute of Health (NIH) grants tied to race and gender that had been terminated because of an earlier executive order issued by President Trump. A lower court had issued a ruling requiring reinstatement of these grants, and UH had some grants reinstated as a result. In a closely divided 5-4 decision, however, the U.S. Supreme Court stayed the reinstatement decision, allowing the terminations to proceed while the case is being decided on appeal. The Court did reject the administration’s request to overturn immediately the lower court’s finding that the policy directive of the EO was unlawful.

The NIH may now re-terminate grants that had been restored as a result of the lower court order while the case is decided at First Circuit Court of Appeals. The outcome could set significant precedent for research funding stability and institutional autonomy.

On an encouraging note, several major UH NIH awards remain intact at this time. We will continue to monitor this case closely for its broader implications.

Impact of new federal grantmaking order: Delays and challenges

On August 7, the administration issued an executive order titled Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking, which increases federal control over discretionary research grants. In the short term, we expect delays in the release of new funding opportunities as agencies adjust to new approval processes.

The order also directs agencies to give preference to institutions with lower indirect cost rates, which continues to pressure research universities to accept lower rates—an issue currently being litigated. It also encourages agencies to include “termination for convenience” clauses that allow agencies to end awards if they no longer serve federal priorities, meaning grants can be ended at federal discretion. In addition, future awards may carry stricter requirements for drawing down funds.

These changes add to the uncertainty for current and future research support, and we continue to work to understand and mitigate the impact on our research activity. Faculty and researchers can find the latest guidance on the resource web page managed by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation.

New admissions data reporting requirements

Also on August 7, the administration issued a directive titled Ensuring Transparency in Higher Education Admissions and later requested comment on its plan to expand the collection of data required by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data (IPEDS) report. This action requires the Department of Education to collect and publish six years of applicant-level admissions data, disaggregated by race and sex, along with GPA, test scores, family income, Pell eligibility, parents’ education and graduation rates. Previously, federal reporting focused only on enrolled students. These requirements would be applicable to all four-year institutions that utilize selective college admissions, so community colleges would not need to report on this data.

DOJ guidance: Increased scrutiny on DEIA initiatives

On July 29, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a memo titled Guidance for Recipients of Federal Funding Regarding Unlawful Discrimination. This guidance outlines the DOJ‘s interpretation of civil rights law and highlights practices they consider potentially unlawful, particularly concerning DEIA initiatives. These include preferential treatment based on protected characteristics, the use of proxies that act as substitutes for such characteristics, and segregation of programs or facilities and training that could be perceived as stereotyping or exclusionary.

Taken together with earlier guidance, the memo signals that federal scrutiny of DEIA programs will continue and institutions risk legal or funding consequences if found to be out of compliance.

Federal budget outlook

Finally, there are still a lot of unknowns when it comes to the next federal budget. On the positive side, the Senate Appropriations Committee recently advanced a bipartisan funding bill that protects the Pell Grant maximum at $7,395, maintains TRIO and campus childcare programs, and increases NIH’s base budget by $400 million. The House version, however, is expected to differ significantly, with deeper proposed cuts still possible. Negotiations will begin this month to reconcile the two versions, and Congress must act before September 30 to avoid a government shutdown. Most expect a continuing resolution will be needed to extend current funding, though the length and conditions remain uncertain.

Looking ahead

We should expect more executive orders, memos, and federal actions in the months ahead. UH leadership is monitoring these developments closely in collaboration with Hawaiʻi’s congressional delegation, the Governor and Legislature, the State Attorney General and national higher education associations. Internally, our leadership teams, including campus chancellors, the UH Mānoa provost, and System vice presidents, meet weekly, and I also meet regularly with the Presidential Advisory Council on Federal Policy, which represents stakeholders across all 10 campuses.

Throughout this time, we will continue to be guided by our values and our mission to provide affordable, high-quality higher education to our students.

We also will continue to update our UH Federal Policy Updates and Resources webpage so that you have a central place to find information, including links to executive orders and memos, leadership messages, FAQs and more.

Mahalo for all you do to support our students and one another. I will continue to provide updates as new developments emerge.

With aloha,

Wendy Hensel
President, University of Hawaiʻi

Stay connected with President Hensel on X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.

This message was shared with the faculty and staff the 10-campus University of Hawaiʻi system on August 25, 2025.

Aloha colleagues,

The start of a new academic year always brings a special energy to our campuses. Like many of you, I still remember the excitement, and yes, a little bit of nervousness, of walking into the classroom on the first day as a faculty member. That sense of possibility never leaves me, and it is renewed each fall when our campuses come alive with students eager to learn, connect, and begin the next stage of their journey.

We enter this year of uncertainty from a position of optimism. At a time when many institutions are facing structural deficits, the University of Hawaiʻi is financially stable thanks to our legislative partners and the hard work and dedication of our administrators, faculty and staff. Whatever external forces may swirl around us, we will continue to move forward together to advance the excellence of this institution and maintain our unwavering commitment to our students and to Hawaiʻi.

I truly believe there are transformative opportunities ahead for UH to reach the next level of excellence. We will be launching a systemwide approach to artificial intelligence, exploring how it can strengthen teaching, research and operations while preparing our students for the world they are entering. We will also expand our efforts to improve student success through new tools, training and support, ensuring that every learner on every campus has access to the resources they need to thrive. We will continue to leverage the strength of our ten campus system to achieve outcomes at scale for our community that are not attainable by a single campus.

Faculty, you are at the heart of our mission. You inspire curiosity, push boundaries and open doors of opportunity for thousands of students each year. The impact of your teaching, research and mentorship extends far beyond our classrooms—it strengthens our communities and shapes the future of our state. Staff, your tireless work makes it all possible, providing the essential behind-the-scenes support that makes this university truly excellent. Know that across the ten campuses and five education centers, we see you—our faculty and staff—and thank you for the many contributions to this university you have already made, as well as those to come.

I look forward to engaging with you throughout the year as we explore new ways to build excellence across the system, advance innovation and serve Hawaiʻi together. I’d love to stay connected with you and encourage you to follow me @UHPresident on Instagram and X, or at Wendy Hensel on Linkedin.

Thank you for your passion, your expertise and your dedication to our students. I hope you are as excited as I am to get started once again.

With gratitude and aloha,
Wendy Hensel
President, University of Hawaiʻi

This message was shared with the students the 10-campus University of Hawaiʻi system on August 25, 2025.

Aloha UH students,

Welcome to a new academic year filled with promise and fresh possibilities. Much like commencement, it represents a new beginning, an opportunity to reflect on how far you’ve come, and to imagine what lies ahead. Whether this is your very first semester at UH or the final step toward graduation, today marks the start of a chapter that you will shape.

Across our 10 campuses, students arrive with many different stories. Some of you are joining us directly from high school, others are returning to higher education after time away, and many are pursuing specialized training or advanced degrees. Together, you reflect the incredible diversity of Hawaiʻi and remind us that we are stronger as one university ʻohana.

No matter where you are studying, from Hawaiʻi Island to Kauaʻi, at an education center, a community college, one of our two regional universities or our flagship research university, you are part of something bigger. UH exists to help you succeed, and we are committed to providing the tools, resources, and support you need to thrive. If you ever find yourself needing help, whether with coursework or with challenges outside the classroom, please reach out to your campus. Across UH, our faculty, staff, and administrators are here to support you every step of the way.

My advice to you is simple: what you put into this experience is what you will take away. Go to class, of course, but also go further. Introduce yourself to someone new, get involved in a club or project, and take advantage of all the opportunities our campuses offer. Your time here will be richer and more rewarding when you step forward with openness and curiosity.

Despite the changes and challenges around us, we begin this year in a strong position. I could not be more optimistic about where UH is headed—or more honored to be starting my first full academic year as your president alongside you. I look forward to meeting you on your campus, and when we are unable to connect in-person, I’d love to stay in touch with you on Instagram and X at @UHPresident.

Have a wonderful semester.

With aloha,
Wendy Hensel
President, University of Hawaiʻi

Editor’s note: An update on an item President Hensel discussed in her report to the Board: She noted that the U.S. Supreme Court was considering a case on the Trump administration’s cancellation of more than 1,000 National Institutes of Health research grants tied to race and gender issues. Shortly after her report, the Court allowed the administration to block $783 million in NIH grants. The impact on UH remains unclear.

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel updated the Board of Regents (BOR) on recent Trump administration executive orders and other federal actions impacting higher education at the August 21 meeting on UH Maui College. Hensel also provided updates on the Aloha Stadium project, shared fall 2025 enrollment projections and congratulated the UH Foundation on its record year.

She finished the report by highlighting several positive developments since the July BOR meeting including record extramural funding for fiscal year 2025, the grand opening of Honolulu CC’s Advanced Manufacturing Program Facility and the 4th Annual UH Alumni Makers’ Market.

• Latest federal developments (video)
• Aloha Stadium project momentum (video)
• Fall 2025 enrollment update (video)
• UH athletics (video)
• UH Foundation kudos (video)
• UH News highlights (video)