What is The Office of University Partners
and what are the goals of the office?
The
Office of University Partners is a new entity on the Windward CC campus.
Located in Hale A'o, the goals are to:
- Initiate programs
of study not already available to Windward students on Oahu
- Allow students to
complete a Bachelor's degree and provide additional educational opportunities on on this side of the
island
- Establish
articulation agreements for transfer and sustainability with other colleges
and universities
What degree programs are being offered
in 2007-2008?
In the fall of 2007, the Office of University Partners began the first round of courses via a partnership with Chaminade University. We began courses towards a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice. In the spring 2008 semester, we are offering additional courses in criminal justice and the introductory course towards a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Interior Design. Additionally, the Office of University Partners is sponsoring an Education course offered by UH West Oahu on our campus.
Why
did WCC partner with Chaminade (and not UH) to create this degree program?
The wheels of progress had begun with Chaminade
before the University Partners office opened in January. Their program in
CJ/Criminology is different than that currently offered by UH system colleges.
Also, this program ties in with the social science offerings at WCC that
provide for a strong foundation for students interested in going into criminal
justice. A degree in Forensic Science is not available from UH system. In addition,
tuition at Chaminade's Accelerated Undergraduate Program is comparatively affordable.
What does it mean for Windward area
students?
It means that Windward students will begin to look at programs that can, in some part, be brought to them. It means more time for work and family, not just
school and commutes. It means not needing to re-locate. It means that some
classes may be via distance learning - or in other locations that may be an
easier drive than to UH Manoa.
What makes this program unique on the
island?
Many of the community colleges on the islands are working with other schools and
articulating courses - and each partnership is unique. What we develop at
Windward will be done with Windward needs and students as the driving force.
How will WCC students experience the
pathway to this degree?
WCC students will be able to take the WCC
general education classes. Then, at some point, they will be able to select an
upper division area, apply, and enroll in those beginning classes here. With
enough interest and planning, the entire Criminal Justice bachelor's program and the majority of the Interior Design Program can be available
on this side of the mountain.
How much will it cost and is there
financial assistance available?
The online application
fee for students enrolling in the Chaminade AUP classes at WCC will be waived.
Also, based on published tuition, here is a 2008- 2009
comparison
|
Undergraduate Resident Tuition |
Per Credit
Hour |
|
Community
colleges, including Windward |
$71 |
|
Chaminade
Accelerated (Freshman/Sophomore) |
$ 138 |
|
Chaminade
Accelerated (Junior/Senior) |
$194 |
|
U of H at
West Oahu |
$ 154 |
|
U of H at
Hilo |
$ 169 |
|
U of H at
Manoa |
$ 248 |
Of course students will
have expenses other than tuition-books, fees, etc.
For the Chaminade
classes, students will need to complete a separate Chaminade application and pay
the tuition through that institution, although the classes will be on this
campus. The Chaminade books will be available at our bookstore. There is a great deal of financial aid
available. Also, Chaminade counselor Candace Kaopuiki will be at WCC
regularly each semester to answer questions and assist students.
How long will this
degree take to complete?
The
Bachelors of Criminal Justice and the Bachelors of Fine Arts in Interior Design require a minimum of 120 credit hours.
Students enrolled in the accelerated program could complete up to 12 classes (or
36 credit hours) per year. There are 15 undergraduate hours in CJ.
All of the CJ courses are also available online and many are taught at the Marine
Corps base at night.
What are the requirements for getting into the bachelor's
program?
There is an open enrollment for the
Chaminade Accelerated program. No college entrance exam (ACT or SAT) is
necessary. A high school transcript (Or GED) is required of anyone with
less than 24 semester hours. Previous college transcripts would need
to be submitted.
What types of jobs will these degrees
lead to?
The Criminology and Criminal
Justice degree offers undergraduate academic preparation for career positions in
administration, criminal justice, criminology, law enforcement, probation and
parole, social work, and public safety. Current labor market statistics
show a definite need for these careers in Hawaii.
The Forensic Sciences degree
offers undergraduate academic preparation for career positions in crime
laboratory and crime scene investigation; as well as an excellent basis in
Forensic Sciences at the Graduate level. It also prepares students for
professional schools of medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine.
The Interior Design degree offers undergraduate academic preparation for career positions in interior design. It prepares students to be professionals with a background in design basics, creative problem solving, technical skills, working with collaborative teams and clients and an understanding of industry business practices.
What are future goals for University
Partners over the next 5 years?
The
goals of this office are to continually evaluate and reach out to the students
on this side of the mountain by providing opportunities for upper division
classes and programs which are viable. In five years, I hope we would have WCC
students who have bachelors degrees - and these graduates can proudly boast
that the Office of University Partners or Na Huina 'ike (knowledge
connections) helped to make it happen.
|