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Online Undergraduate Program: More than a Degree

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Chaminade University is excited to announce the redesign of its online undergraduate program — called Flex — that puts students in control of the pace of their course completion so they can decide how to weave instruction and classwork into their busy schedules.

The new program approach will launch in January 2022, while the existing model will be phased out.

Dr. Janet Davidson, vice provost at Chaminade, said Flex is an online undergraduate program designed with working adults in mind. It moves away from rigid term schedules and due dates, giving students the flexibility they need to achieve a work-life-school balance and make progress toward achieving their goals.

An online undergraduate student does his class assignment on his laptop

“We continuously look at our academic programs to ensure we’re meeting the needs of our students,” Davidson said. “Our new program allows students to drive the pace. They can decide when they complete their tests, when they complete assignments, when they complete the course.”

Under the Flex program model, students can take one or two courses at a time — or more if they choose — as they work toward their degree. And the pace of coursework rests with them. They can complete online courses in as few as six weeks. Or they can take their time, wrapping up a course in six months.

Davidson said the goal is to “really fit school into their busy lives.”

She added while online undergraduate students are gaining flexibility with the program redesign — so they can complete their degree at a pace that makes sense for them — they’re not losing any of the academic quality or rigor found in Chaminade’s traditional undergraduate offerings.

The Flex Online Undergraduate program is WSCUC-accredited and has a broad range of study disciplines, including business administration, criminology and criminal justice, historical and political studies, education and psychology.

Students will be able to complete courses wherever they are, even on the go.

Chaminade’s online learning platform allows students to log in through a desktop or use an app to complete classwork on their mobile devices. The user-friendly platform is home to all instruction and is also where students submit homework assignments, discussion responses, quizzes and tests.

Students can even message their professors through the platform.

And before they begin, they can have access to integrated tutorials on all the tools available to them.

an online undergraduate student meets his advisor in-person to review his academic plan

Davidson added that while the Flex Online Undergraduate students complete their program online, they’ll still be part of the Chaminade ‘ohana — having access to the University’s strong network of support. Dedicated academic advisors will be on hand to help map out students’ journeys, create their own path to a degree and get over life’s speed bumps when they arise.

Students can reach out to their advisor online, via phone or in person.

The same goes for professors, who will be available to students at convenient times for individualized assistance and mentorship. The Career Development team is also available to online students, with workshops and counseling on resume building, interview preparation and other opportunities. Tutoring is another resource available to students, with services available online or in person.

“While the Flex online undergraduate program allows students to work independently, they won’t be alone,” Davidson said. “This program is about giving students greater flexibility so they can achieve their goals. And from the time they enroll until graduation day, and beyond, we’ll be with them — every step of the way.”

Chaminade University’s Healthcare Simulation Program Receives Provisional Accreditation from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare

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After a thorough evaluation, Chaminade University’s School of Nursing and Health Professions’ simulation program has received provisional accreditation from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH). Accreditation recognizes the school’s expertise in simulation and its ability to meet SSH’s high program standards. 

“Provisional accreditation is very important for our School,” said Rhoberta Haley, PhD, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions. “We’re excited about our simulation program, as this type of hands-on learning brings curriculum to life and underscores its relevancy. The real power is in their immersive nature. In a simulation, students are embracing their roles as critical thinkers, as clinicians and as team-based collaborators.”

Recent simulations have included a mock COVID vaccination clinic, a mock encampment of people experiencing houselessness that gave nursing students vital experience “treating” patients who are living on the streets, and a fast-paced epidemiology “unfolding case study” that tasked students with working out the source of a simulated Hepatitis A outbreak with 25 mock patients, each with unique health stories.

The simulation program’s evaluation process included an accreditation application review, detailed review of Chaminade’s simulation program, a virtual site visit with the SSH Simulation Accreditation Review Team and accreditation committee decision. The school will apply for full accreditation in approximately two years. 

SSH and its accreditation process seeks to improve performance and reduce errors in patient care through the use of simulation. The Society promotes improvements in simulation technology, educational methods, practitioner assessment and patient safety that lead to better patient care and improved patient outcomes.  

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Chaminade University of Honolulu believes in the power of education to drive positive change, broaden perspectives and deepen our understanding of one another. With an emphasis on transformative service-learning experiences, we prepare students to serve as tomorrow’s leaders, inspiring and challenging them to use their minds and their hearts to help build stronger and more just communities. We are proud to serve as Hawai‘i’s only Marianist university, and rely on these values to guide us in delivering a high-quality education with an individualized approach and a focus on excellence, innovation and change. Established in 1955, we offer more than 30 undergraduate and graduate programs, including doctoral degrees in education, psychology and nursing practice. Learn more at chaminade.edu.

Chaminade University No. 21 in Annual ‘U.S. News’ College Rankings

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Chaminade University was again recognized as a top regional west university in the annual U.S. News and World Report’s 2022 Best College rankings. U.S. News and World Report produces the longest-running assessment of U.S. colleges and universities. The most recent rankings assessed 1,466 universities on 17 measures of academic quality.

The latest U.S. News and World Report rankings, released September 13, placed Chaminade University No. 25 in Regional Universities West, moving up four spots from 2021. Chaminade shares the No. 25 spot with California State University, Monterey Bay.

Chaminade University was also ranked No. 21 as a Best Value School. The ranking is based on four indicators:

  • academic quality;
  • percentage of all full-time undergraduates receiving need-based scholarships or grants;
  • average discount from the school’s total sticker price for full-time undergraduates; and
  • among 2020–2021 full-time undergraduates who received need-based aid, the percentage of that group that who also received a grant or scholarship—aid that students don’t have to pay back. 

U.S. News and World Report also recognized Chaminade University this year as a Top Performer on Social Mobility at No. 38. The Social Mobility ranking is measured by the percentage of students who received federal Pell Grants graduated. Chaminade shares the No. 25 spot with Sul Ross State University.

In individual program rankings, Chaminade’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program ranked in the top 42% at No. 288 out of 690 schools. Chaminade’s Nursing program launched in 2010 with its first cohort graduating in 2014.

U.S. News and World Report is now in its 37th year of ranking colleges and universities. The rankings evaluate more than 1,400 colleges and universities on up to 17 measures of academic quality, including graduation and retention rates, undergraduate academic reputation, social mobility, graduation rate performance, faculty resources and alumni giving.

In August, Niche released its 2022 Best College Rankings. Chaminade University was ranked:

  • No. 1 Best Value Colleges in Hawaii
  • No. 1 Best College Locations in Hawaii
  • No. 1 Colleges with the Best Student Life in Hawaii
  • No. 51 Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in America (top 8%)
  • No. 123 Best College Locations in America (top 8%)
  • No. 138 Safest College Campuses in America (top 10%)
  • No. 176 Most Diverse Colleges in America (top 11%)

Chaminade University Names Dr. Gail Grabowsky as Dean of School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

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Gail Grabowsky

Chaminade University has named Dr. Gail Grabowsky as Dean of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. With more than 20 years of experience at Chaminade, she most recently served as the interim dean of the School.

“Dr. Grabowsky’s proven leadership in research, teaching and service makes her an excellent choice to permanently lead the school,” said Dr. Lynn Babington, President of Chaminade University. “She also brings extensive institutional knowledge and a record of working collaboratively to achieve strategic initiatives focused on student success.”

In addition to her role as dean, Dr. Grabowsky is the director and professor of Environmental Science and Environmental Studies at the University. She began working at Chaminade in 1997 after studying population genetics at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa’s Kewalo Marine Laboratory and receiving her PhD in Zoology from Duke University.

An accomplished writer and environmentalist, Dr. Grabowsky has published an award-winning book: ’50 Simple Things You Can Do To Save Hawai‘i’ and appeared as a “science character” in National Geographic/Sea Studios’ series: The Shape of Life. She has also published numerous research papers.

Over the course of her career, Dr. Grabowsky has served on a number of environmental councils and committees. From 2001 to 2020, she was an advisory council member and chair of the education working group for Papahanaumokuakea National Marine Monument. She was also appointed by Governors Cayetano and Lingle to serve on the State’s Environmental Council for eight years.

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Chaminade University of Honolulu believes in the power of education to drive positive change, broaden perspectives and deepen our understanding of one another. With an emphasis on transformative service-learning experiences, we prepare students to serve as tomorrow’s leaders, inspiring and challenging them to use their minds and their hearts to help build stronger and more just communities. We are proud to serve as Hawai‘i’s only Marianist university, and rely on these values to guide us in delivering a high-quality education with an individualized approach and a focus on excellence, innovation and change. Established in 1955, we offer more than 30 undergraduate and graduate programs, including doctoral degrees in education, psychology and nursing practice. Learn more at chaminade.edu.

Chaminade University and Hawaii Catholic Schools Announce 2021 Ka Ho’oulu Innovation Recipients

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Chaminade University’s Center for Strategy and Innovation, in partnership with Hawai‘i Catholic Schools, has announced the recipients of the 2021 Ka Hoʻoulu Innovation Awards: St. Louis School’s Principal Devin Oshiro, EdD, and St. Joseph Parish School. The awards recognize the demonstration of substantial innovation that has greatly advanced Catholic education in Hawai‘i.

Devin Oshiro, EdD, recipient of the 2021 Ka Ho'oulu Award
Individual Award – Dr. Devin Oshiro, principal of St. Louis School

Dr. Oshiro has led and worked collaboratively with St. Louis School’s faculty to create a diverse learning environment that addresses the needs of all students. Their six-point system, which consists of ‘aina-based learning, global learning, personalized learning, whole group learning and learning specific to young men, has resulted in stronger GPA levels, improved standardized test scores and the school’s highest enrollment in 20 years.

Institution Award – St. Joseph Parish School
Located in Waipahu, St. Joseph Parish School has integrated a community-wide Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum to address a much-needed facet for all learners. The school partnered with the Institute of Social and Emotional Learning and formed an internal SEL Committee to develop and implement the curriculum through workshops for administration, faculty and staff to develop a common language and basic understanding of the process, and reinforce the belief that SEL is essential to student achievement.

The Ka Hoʻoulu Innovation Awards were created in 2020, as a way to recognize outstanding educators from Catholic schools throughout the state. Award applicants submit projects that exemplify the Catholic world view, support quality academics, integrate technology, demonstrate data-driven decision making or promote operational vitality. Those who submit projects with the highest marks receive recognition at an annual award ceremony and a grant to continue their work.

“We are so delighted to sponsor this award,” said Dr. Helen Turner, vice president of Chaminade’s Center for Strategy and Innovation. “The winners represent Catholic education in Hawai‘i, where teachers and administrators are continuously innovating in support of their students and their shared mission to provide high quality, affordable education. Students who are benefitting from the creativity of educators like Dr. Oshiro and teams like that of St. Joseph Parish School are part of a talent pipeline in Hawai‘i that is grounded in values and strong academics. We at Chaminade look forward to seeing them as future Silverswords!”

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Chaminade University of Honolulu believes in the power of education to drive positive change, broaden perspectives and deepen our understanding of one another. With an emphasis on transformative service-learning experiences, we prepare students to serve as tomorrow’s leaders, inspiring and challenging them to use their minds and their hearts to help build stronger and more just communities. We are proud to serve as Hawai‘i’s only Marianist university, and rely on these values to guide us in delivering a high-quality education with an individualized approach and a focus on excellence, innovation and change. Established in 1955, we offer more than 30 undergraduate and graduate programs, including doctoral degrees in education, psychology and nursing practice. Learn more at chaminade.edu.

Kicking Off Fall Term 2021

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New students walking through the faculty tunnel at New Student Orienation

“Really, really excited!”

That’s how freshman Kinnidi Brooks described how she was feeling as she moved into Chaminade residence halls, participated in New Student Orientation activities and prepared for the first day of the Fall term which kicked off on August 23. The Environmental Sciences major said she was particularly looking forward to jumping into her studies and beginning to build her knowledge with hands-on learning.

“I’m also really looking forward to being on my own,” added Brooks, laughing.

She then turned to her mom Keya Smith, standing beside her, and said: “I love you!”

Chaminade’s new academic year kickoff included various activities for new and returning students alike. Among the Welcome Back Week festivities: an outdoor barbecue, a bubble tea tasting and an opportunities fair that offered information about student clubs and organizations, academics and a host of great resources and development programs available to students.

The first week of school rounded out with the Fall Spiritual Convocation.

And on the evening of August 27, students gathered to watch a movie—“Freaky Friday”. Food was provided at the fun “Movie on the Lawn” event.

Earlier in the week, Chaminade President Lynn Babington, PhD, welcomed New Student Orientation participants, offering advice for the year ahead and encouraging them to seek out support when they need it. Her message to students: you are now a valued part of the Chaminade ‘ohana.

“You will form bonds here that will help to guide you and shape you wherever your path in life takes you,” Babington told students, adding Chaminade is proud to offer a holistic and service-focused academic experience designed to inspire students to use what they learn to help others.

“Each of you has your own unique gifts and potential.”

Students learning at an outdoor classroom during the first day of Fall Term

Provost Lance Askildson, PhD, also spoke as part of New Student Orientation events, telling students Chaminade not only seeks to educate the mind but the whole person. “We aspire to transform you and your peers into leaders and changemakers,” he said, “who will not only achieve academic and professional success but also draw upon your achievements to give back to society.”

Preparation for the kickoff of the new school year began on August 19, when new and returning students started moving into Chaminade residence halls. Move-in times were staggered to allow for proper social distancing and students were able to bring a guest with them to help them move in.

Loke Yokoyama, a freshman majoring in Business Administration, said the welcome activities and festivities for new and returning students helped her feel at home at Chaminade. “It’s starting to settle in,” Yokoyama said, as she prepared for the first day of school. “I’m just kind of excited.”

Freshman Alex Ramirez, a Religious Studies major, was also grateful for the warm welcome.

“The first day and I feel like I’m at home already,” he said.

He added that he really loves the look and feel of the Chaminade campus and is looking forward to making new friends. Another priority on his list: “getting involved with service-learning opportunities.”