Dean’s Message

Aloha,

Outreach College has a long history of creating opportunities for people to connect with the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in ways that extend beyond the traditional classroom. As Interim Dean, I am honored to have the opportunity to continue this work and to help shape what Outreach College can become for the future.

At the heart of our work is our commitment to students. We want to understand who our learners are, what they need, and how we can provide educational opportunities and support that help them succeed. Our students come to us at different stages of their lives and with different goals. They may be current UH Mānoa students, working professionals, international students, or community members seeking new knowledge, skills, or experiences.

We believe that learning does not end with a degree. Lifelong learning is increasingly important as people continue to grow personally and professionally, respond to changes in their careers and communities, and discover new interests throughout their lives. Outreach College provides opportunities for learners to engage with UH Mānoa when and where learning is meaningful to them.

Through Summer Sessions, continuing and professional education, online learning, international programs, and other educational opportunities, we work to expand access to the knowledge and expertise of UH Mānoa. We also recognize that our role is not simply to offer programs. We work in partnership with colleges, schools, faculty, staff, and community partners to help develop programs that respond to emerging needs and create new pathways for learning.

Our location in Hawai‘i also gives us a unique responsibility and opportunity. Hawai‘i connects people, cultures, communities, and ideas across the Pacific and beyond. Outreach College builds on these strengths by creating opportunities for learners from Hawaiʻi and around the world to engage with UH Mānoa in meaningful ways. Through this work, we can help advance the university’s broader goals and extend its knowledge, expertise, and educational opportunities to wider communities of learners.

As we look ahead, Outreach College will continue to listen, learn, and adapt. We will focus on our students, strengthen our partnerships across the university and in the community, and explore thoughtful and innovative ways to make UH Mānoa education more accessible to learners throughout their lives. I invite you to explore Outreach College and the many ways you can learn, connect, and engage with the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

Mahalo,

Saori Doi
Interim Dean, Outreach College
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa