Module 1.1
I. Introduction to Chaminade University of Honolulu (CUH)
A. Background
Located on Kalaepohaku ("stony hillside") overlooking Diamond Head Crater and the Pacific Ocean, Chaminade University of Honolulu (CUH) is the only Catholic university in the State of Hawai'i and one of three sponsored by the Society of Mary (Marianists). Chaminade University was founded in September, 1955, and celebrated 50 years of service to the community in 2005. In 2008 the Chaminade community celebrated the successful completion of its Transformations fund-raising campaign. During the eight years of this campaign, Chaminade received more than $61 million dollars in support and pledges, of which over $47 million has been dedicated to improvement in campus facilities, including the impressive new Sullivan Family Library dedicated in April 2008.
A comprehensive private university in an urban setting, Chaminade offers 22 four-year baccalaureate programs for full-time undergraduate students; three certificate programs; 5 two-year associate programs; 7 master's degree programs; and an array of evening and on-line programs for the associate of arts, associate in science, bachelor of arts, and bachelor of science degrees at various locations on the Island of Oahu. Chaminade University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the nationally recognized agency for accreditation of post-secondary institutions in its area of the United States. Currently the enrollment is 2,701.
Consistent with the Marianist belief of education as an intellectual pursuit and means to impart a religious vision and transform society, CUH integrates intellectual skills with social responsibility and cultural inclusiveness. The key ingredients of education at Chaminade are
~ Academic excellence
~ Professional preparation
~ Close involvement with professors and classmates
~ A supportive campus atmosphere and a vibrant campus life
~ Opportunities to contribute to society while still in school
~ Multi-cultural awareness and understanding
Chaminade University is one of the most diverse colleges in the U.S. and provides a model of multi-cultural interaction and understanding. The greater community of Honolulu in which the University is located provides another dimension of cultural awareness, as so many cultures co-exist and mutually benefit from one another in this cosmopolitan city. Chaminade has made a special attempt to reach our Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island students. Native Hawaiian student enrollment in the undergraduate program is above 10%. In recognition of the university's strong commitment to its Hawaiian/Pacific roots, in 2003 the Federal Government designated the University as a Native Hawaiian-Serving University. In February 2008 the University became one of only three colleges and universities nationwide to receive a Presidential Award for Service to Youth from Disadvantaged Circumstances from the Corporation for National and Community Service for the University’s exemplary service efforts.
B. Vision and Mission Statement
Vision Statement
Chaminade will be a quality university guided by a Catholic, Marianist and liberal arts educational tradition as it becomes a unified educational community where members are committed to its mission and personal self-development; and of sufficient size to possess the needed resources to support its educational programs, be self-renewing in its organizational life, and be financially stable.
It will be distinguished by:
~ A faculty and staff committed to student learning and the development of the whole person;
~ Its excellent multicultural learning environments drawing on its unique Pacific Island location;
~ Its graduates who are recognized for their liberal arts learning, preparation for professional careers, facility in the use of information and communication technologies, interest in lifelong learning, appreciation for diversity, sense of ethical responsibility, and commitment to leadership through service to affect positively individual lives and the common good; and
~ Its partnerships with the Hawaii community, its Pacific Island neighbors, the church and those with whom it shares Marianist sponsorship.
Mission Statement
Chaminade University offers its students an education in a collaborative learning environment that prepares them for life, work and service. Guided by its Catholic, Marianist and liberal arts educational traditions, Chaminade encourages the development of moral character, personal competencies, and a commitment to build a just and peaceful society. The University offers both the civic and church communities of the Pacific Region its academic and intellectual resources in the pursuit of common aims.