The leaders from four independent universities in Hawaii – BYU–Hawaii, Chaminade University, Hawaii Pacific University and Argosy University – met in Laie on May 5 for an annual gathering of the institutions which form the Hawaii Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (HAICU). Approximately 100 participants attended, including Steven C. Wheelwright, president of BYU–Hawaii; Brother Bernard Ploeger, president of Chaminade University; Chatt G. Wright, president of Hawaii Pacific University; and Warren Evans, president of Argosy University. [Above right: Brother Bernard Ploeger (Chaminade), President Steven C. Wheelwright (BYU–Hawaii), and President Warren Evans (Argosy) pose for a picture following a session at HAICU 2011.]
Ralph A. Wolff, president of the Senior College Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), was the keynote speaker at HAICU. Wolff spoke specifically about a redesign of WASC’s accrediting process as well as expectations and challenges of new federal regulations of higher education. He joined HAICU via web conference, and his presentation was followed by a question-and-answer session.
“President Wolff’s presentation was core to what’s on people’s minds right now,” said William Neal, assistant to the president at BYU–Hawaii. “Along with painting a clearer picture of new regulations, he helped frame how we can improve our accreditation efforts as departments and as an institution." [Left: Ralph Wolff from WASC presents during HAICU 2011 at BYU–Hawaii.]
Presidents from each institution also shared brief updates on their respective campuses and discussed issues common to higher education in Hawaii. Chatt G. Wright, president of HPU, noted that this was his final HAICU gathering as he is retiring in 2011. In his remarks, he reflected on his experience with the university. “When I started at HPU, we had a budget of less than $200,000 – it wasn’t even a budget; that was our revenue.” Today, HPU has approximately 9,000 students and an endowment fund of close to $80 million. The other presidents took the opportunity to honor Wright and his accomplishments and contributions as part of their presentations.
In addition, two discussion groups were offered for participants: one on compliance with the Higher Education Act, and a second that discussed classroom technology and a BYU–Hawaii-developed framework for student learning.
Photos by Monique Saenz