Students that participate in the Apo Haumana program will have the opportunity to arrive on campus two days early and participate in the Apo Haumana first-year student retreat. Participants will get to know fellow students and their potential faculty mentors. At the end of the retreat, participants will have the opportunity to be matched with a faculty mentor.

Throughout the academic year, participants will engage in a series of workshops and excursions that will help them transition to college life and  learn about campus and community resources. 

Finally, participants will engage in experiential learning activities including the exploration of career and internship opportunities. 

Example schedule:

• Tuesday, August 15, 2023: Welcome event and move-in to campus housing
• Wednesday, August 16, 2023: First Year Student Retreat (all-day)
• Thursday, August 17, 2023: Free day (meals are provided)
• Friday, August 18, 2023: New Student Orientation (mandatory)

“With the help of the Apo Haumana Program, I built a solid friendship and mentor with one of the faculty members here at Chaminade. Throughout the year, I could meet with my mentor and debrief on what has been happening academically and personally. Having my mentor there to help me with my academics holds an extraordinary place in my heart because I genuinely felt I had someone to guide me through my first year. I am incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to be a part of the Apo Haumana Program.” -Trachelle, Class of 2026

“I was able to make new friends and learn about all the resources on and off campus. If I were to be a first year again, I would for sure join!!” -Kryzandreah, Class of 2026

“Participating in the Apo Haumana Program has provided me with the amazing opportunity to create friendships and build connections with faculty members. Throughout my involvement in the program, I was blessed with the chance to meet with my mentor and other mentees for lunch about five times. I had an amazing mentor who was honest about the expectations of college. I highly recommend attending the New Student Retreat.” -Easton, Class of 2026

Participants of the Apo Haumana program are expected to do the following:

• Participate in the First Year Student Retreat (August 16th)
• Highly encouraged to be matched with a faculty mentor
• If matched with a faculty mentor, attend a minimum of two Apo Haumana sponsored events each semester 
• Complete surveys and provide feedback related to their Apo Haumana Experience 

Apo Haumana translates to “our student embrace” and the goal of the program is to warmly welcome and embrace new students to Chaminade University through the building of relationships and connection through the establishment of a mentor/mentee relationship for Apo Haumana participants. 

All incoming first-year students (starting in Fall of 2023) in the Day Undergraduate program at Chaminade University of Honolulu are eligible to participate. 

Each first year student will receive an invitation to participate in the Apo Haumana program. The invitations are sent by email and a registration link is provided. 

Space is limited and we accept enrollment on a first come first serve basis. Once registration reaches capacity, there is the option to be added to the waitlist. If you are on the waitlist and a spot opens up, you will be contacted by the Office of Student Success. 

All costs associated with the Apo Haumana program are covered for student participants. This includes meals, transportation to and from the retreat site and the cost of  early move-in for those participants who are living in on-campus housing. **It is important to note that participants MUST participate in the Apo Haumana program in order to have their early move-in fee covered. Participants that do not end up participating in the program will be responsible for covering the cost of the early move-in fee.**