Much like Hawaii's north shore, the University of Hawaii Maui Community College is experiencing huge waves of new student interest. As of Dec. 16, 3,557 students were registered for the spring 2010 semester. With a few more weeks before classes begin on Jan. 11, we have already exceeded last year's record spring 2009 enrollment of 3,372 students. In the fall of 2009, the college increased enrollment to 4,114 students, the 25 percent growth rate was the largest percentage in the University of Hawaii system.
But serving more students is just one of the college's accomplishments in 2009. Just a few others included:
- The college added a second four-year degree, a bachelor of applied science in engineering technology that will begin accepting new students in fall 2010. Bachelor's degree programs offer Maui residents the opportunity to prepare for living wage careers without the cost of leaving home. With our partners, including the National Science Foundation and the UH Institute for Astronomy, students also gain access to some of the world's most advanced technology.
- The college transferred its accreditation from the Western Association Schools and Colleges Junior (Accrediting Commission for Junior and Community Colleges) to the Senior (Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities) Commission.
- The college appointed two new faculty members, Joie Taylor, who holds a doctorate in biological and environmental Engineering from Cornell University; and Rebecca Mirskey, who has a doctorate in civil/environmental engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Mirskey presented and received approval to plan of a third bachelor's degree program in sustainable sciences.
- The college collaborated with several international institutions to expand international education opportunities. New partner institutions include Hyechon University in Korea and Shanghai Normal University in China. Such partnerships will broaden our students' understanding of our global context through student and faculty exchanges.
- The college was honored by the Corporation for National and Community Service with recognition on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for exemplary service efforts and service to America's communities.
- The college received re-cognition for a tutoring program at the nearby Harbor Lights Condominium initiated by English instructor Laura Lees and a Spanish-English language exchange program started by Molli Fleming.
For more information, contact our Admissions and Re-cords Department at 984-3267. The support that MCC enjoys from all of our partners represents a shared understanding of the promise of higher education's value to our tri-isle community. We thank you for your support, and we wish everyone in Maui Nui a gratifying and safe holiday season and a happy New Year.
* Clyde Sakamoto is chancellor of Maui Community College. "Ka'ana Mana'o" means sharing thoughts. The column, which is scheduled to appear on the fourth Sunday of each month, is penned by Maui Community College staff and is intended to provide the community of Maui County with information about opportunities available at the college.
