OFFICE OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
2007-2010 Strategic Plan
FOREWARD
The 2007-2010 Strategic Plan for the Office of Student Affairs at the University of Hawai‘i at
Hilo is the product of many months of thoughtful work and involvement by many Student
Affairs professionals on our campus. The Student Affairs Programs at the University of Hawai‘i
at Hilo have had a strong vision and strategic direction for many years. This vision and direction
is articulated in this document. The plan that follows is a culmination of our collective effort.
Like any well-designed Strategic Plan for a high performing organization, this plan is a “Living
Document” that will in a sense never be completed. It will be reviewed and revised on a periodic
basis in the months and years ahead. Needs and demands change quickly in today’s colleges and
universities. The changing needs of students as well as the needs and requirements of external
and internal constituents such as parents, high schools, and federal and state agencies, greatly
influence the planning process and the future revisions and modifications of this plan.
The Office of Student Affairs Strategic Plan was developed in concert with the overall Strategic
Plan for the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo as a baccalaureate campus within the University of
Hawai‘i system. This plan reflects the spirit, values, goals, and priorities of the University of
Hawai‘i in general. The plan was especially designed to extend the University of Hawai‘i at
Hilo’s strategic goals of enhancing quality and becoming a premier residential campus.
Finally a word about the title of our plan, Ho‘okahi i ka pu‘uwai. This title, meaning “From
diverse backgrounds, we are of one heart” suggests that the Office of Student Affairs contains
many personal educational and philosophical perspectives and that this plan creates a common
ground that unites us with one purpose and one heart to serve our students.
Keith M. Miser
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
University of Hawai‘i at Hilo
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Office of Student Affairs at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo is to enhance
the academic and personal success of all students. This mission encompasses complex and
multifaceted programs and initiatives all of which will be accomplished through the four
commitments listed below:

Collaborate with faculty colleagues to assure the academic success and intellectual
development of students with a special focus on retention initiatives, academic support,
advising, orientation, admissions and registration processes.

Create educational learning experiences outside the formal classroom and laboratory which
allow students, through co-curricular involvement, to develop broader perspectives, enhance
personal skills, and reinforce an ethic of civic responsibility preparing them to be leaders in
their families, communities, and professions in the state and throughout the world.

Foster a campus climate and advance programs and activities that encourage personal growth
and human development as well as a sense of well being among students during their
collegiate experience. This can be accomplished through developing a residential
community, expanding health services, supporting counseling and career development, and
expanding support programs designed to insure success for special student groups.

Build a multicultural campus community that is characterized by open communication,
respect, and an appreciation and celebration of differences through program development,
activities, training, policies, and advocacy for students. Passionately work to create
opportunities for under represented students through support programs, financial aid, and
special initiatives.
The Office of Student Affairs mission is supported by a foundation of principles and values built
on the philosophy of nourishing and enriching the lives of students. Our mission shall be
advanced by the fact that we are grounded and united by a spirit of Aloha, a sense of respect and
unity that guides our Office which encompasses the following:
E‘ōpū ali‘i. Have the heart of a chief or chiefess.” [Have the kindness, generosity, and even
temper of a chief or chiefess.]

Promote respect for each other, our colleagues, and our students.

Provide and build a nurturing and caring campus environment that invites all members of
the campus to feel welcome, supported, and productive.

Treat others with kindness, generosity, and respect.

Be ethical, do what is right, work for the good of others, and promote integrity, honor,
and fairness.

Be creative and solve problems, advancing our work through new directions and
initiatives.

Practice open, honest, and frequent communication between individuals and groups.

Build community by showing leadership and lead in ways that empower others.
Ho‘okahi ka ‘ilau like ‘ana. “Wield the paddles together.” [Work together for all to succeed.]

Work together to assure the success of all students in our campus community through
fostering diversity and inclusion.

Advocate courageously for all our students and work passionately to insure the success of
each individual.

Be pleasant and joyous in our work.

Work hard to insure that we are productive, active, and supportive members of the
University of Hawai‘i at Hilo campus community.
Hā‘upu mauna kilohana i ka la‘i. “Ha‘upu, a mountain outstanding in the calm.” [Said of a
person of outstanding achievement.]

Demonstrate excellence in all of our work and empower students by challenging them to
achieve excellence in all aspects of their lives.

Have pride in our accomplishments and celebrate achievements.
COMMON DIVISION GOALS
The following over-arching goals within the Office of Student Affairs will guide the entire
Office through the 2010 academic year.
A. Continue to advance and build an effective and vibrant multicultural campus community
where communication is strong, respect is paramount, and differences are valued throughout
the campus.
B. Advance at the highest priority programs, policies, innovations, and academic initiatives
designed to enhance the retention and academic and personal success as well as graduation of
all students attending the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo.
C. Continue to move forward in developing the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo as the
comprehensive premier residential campus in the State of Hawai‘i through building residence
hall programs, strengthening academic initiatives, advancing support programs, and
responding to growth, diversity, and the special needs of students.
D. With a growing staff and a rapidly developing university, mentor and support new
professionals to insure they are integrated into the campus community and provide enhanced
opportunities for professional development.