The University of Hawaiʻi’s 10 campuses are providing students with a temporary grace period for registration holds to help those affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown and related disruptions to essential programs such as SNAP benefits.
Under the plan, students will be allowed to register for spring 2026 classes even if they have an unpaid balance from the fall 2025 semester. The initiative applies across all 10 UH campuses and is designed to ensure that financial hardship does not interrupt students’ progress toward their degrees.
“We know that many of our students and their families are facing unexpected financial challenges as a result of the extended federal shutdown,” said UH President Wendy Hensel in a November 4 message (below) to the 10 campuses. “This grace period will allow students to stay on track academically while they work through temporary financial difficulties.”
The grace period only applies to the ability to register—it is not a forgiveness of outstanding balances. Students will still be required to pay any prior-term amounts due, but will have additional flexibility to do so through campus payment plans opening in January 2026.
Key dates
- Spring 2026 payment plan enrollment: Opens in January 2026; first payment processed January 15.
- Spring 2026 payment due date: January 9, 2026.
- Final payment deadline: All fall 2025 and spring 2026 balances must be paid by March 28, 2026. Students with unpaid balances after that date will be blocked from future registration and risk disenrollment.
“We are committed to helping every student continue their education without disruption,” Hensel added. “Please take advantage of this grace period, stay focused on your studies, and know that UH will continue to do everything we can to support you.”
Students with questions are encouraged to contact their campus Registrar’s Office or Cashier’s Office for assistance.
November 4 email from UH President Hensel
Subject: IMPORTANT: Grace period for registration holds & Spring payment schedule
Aloha students,
I know that the extended federal government shutdown and disruptions to essential programs like SNAP benefits have created unexpected financial challenges for many of you. To support you during this time of uncertainty, the 10 campuses of the University of Hawaiʻi are implementing a temporary grace period related to registration holds for the upcoming Spring semester.
That means students will be able to register for class for the 2026 Spring semester even if there is unpaid balance for the 2025 Fall semester balance. This is a payment grace period, not balance forgiveness. You may register for classes during this time, but any prior-term balance remains due and must still be paid. Here are some key dates to know:
- Spring payment plan enrollment will open in January 2026, with the first payment plan processed on January 15.
- When payment plans open, students may include prior-term balances (Fall 2025 and earlier) to help manage outstanding debt.
- Spring payment is due on January 9, 2026.
- Students who have not enrolled in a payment plan by January 9—or whose financial aid does not fully cover tuition—will receive a hold notification. This hold will not affect your Spring registration.
- At this point in time, all Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 balances must be paid by March 28, 2026. Students with unpaid balances will be blocked from future registration.
We are committed to helping you continue your education without disruption during this unpredictable time. Please take advantage of this grace period to register for your Spring courses and explore the available payment plan option when it opens.
If you have any questions, please contact your campus Registrar’s Office or Cashier’s Office for assistance.
I know this has not been an easy time, but your dedication to your education is an investment in yourself and your future. Please stay the course—it will make a lasting difference for you, your family, and your community. Finish the fall semester strong, and know that we will do everything we can to help you through this challenging time.
Mahalo,
Wendy Hensel
President, University of Hawaiʻi
