University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel briefed the UH Board of Regents (BOR) on the aftermath of the 43-day federal government shutdown, student support measures and key operational initiatives during her monthly President’s Report at the November 20 BOR meeting at UH Mānoa.
Hensel noted that normal operations at federal agencies resumed on November 12, and UH lifted temporary spending safeguards the following day. Federally funded extramural projects, subawards and Research and Training Revolving Fund use have all returned to standard procedures.
To help students facing financial hardship from the prolonged shutdown, Hensel reaffirmed a temporary grace period that allows students to register for spring 2026 despite unpaid fall 2025 balances. Payment plans will be available in January 2026.
She also highlighted food distribution efforts at Windward and Leeward Community Colleges in partnership with Hawaiʻi Foodbank, and a UH Mānoa Athletics food drive.
Hensel provided an update on the major upgrade of the Banner Student Information System, expected to be largely in place by January 3, with full transition by summer. The modernization will improve integration, financial aid processing and mobile-friendly tools across the 10-campus system.
- Federal Government Shutdown (video)
- Temporary grace period for registration holds (video)
- Food aid efforts: Leeward CC, Windward CC, UH Mānoa Athletics (video)
- Banner information system transition (video)
- UH News: C-MORE 15th anniversary (video)
- UH News: $1.5 million gift for Lunalilo Scholars (video)
- UH News: Athletics accolades (video)
