The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has recognized 20 degree programs for exemplary commitment to improving curriculum and student learning through a new faculty-led honor launched this academic year.
The Excellence in Assessment for Improvement: Hōpoe Assessment Award celebrates programs that demonstrate outstanding, collaborative assessment practices. “Hōpoe” describes the ʻōhiʻa lehua in its fullest, most vibrant bloom—a symbol of programs that have matured and flourished. The award was established in 2025 by the Mānoa Faculty Senate’s Committee on Educational Effectiveness (CEE).
“This award represents the maturity and beauty of programs that have truly blossomed through meaningful assessment,” said Justin Walguarnery, CEE committee chair. “It is a ‘for faculty, by faculty’ initiative that celebrates the hard work of using assessment to make an appreciable difference in the academic experience.”
The inaugural recipients include programs in:
- Anthropology (MA and PhD)
- Asian International Affairs (MA)
- Cinematic Arts (BA)
- Early Childhood Education (MEd)
- Education (PhD)
- Education: Teaching (MEdT)
- Educational Admin (MEd)
- Educational Psychology (MEd and PhD)
- Elementary Education (BEd)
- Library & Information Sciences (MLISC)
- Professional Educational Practice (EdD)
- Secondary Education (BEd)
- Social Work (BSW)
- Sociology (MA)
- Special Education (BEd and MEd)
- Theatre and Dance (BA and BFA)
Faculty-driven review process
Recipients were selected through a rigorous peer-review process led by the Assessment Report Review Committee (ARRC), a group of about 40 faculty members trained jointly by CEE and the UH Assessment and Curriculum Support Center (ACSC). Organizers describe the award as a fully faculty-owned effort that highlights collaboration and shared accountability.
This award represents the maturity and beauty of programs that have truly blossomed through meaningful assessment.
—Justin Walguarney
All UH Mānoa degree programs submit biennial assessment reports outlining student learning outcomes, curriculum development and benchmarks for achievement. These reports are required for accreditation and are publicly available on the ACSC website. From more than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs, 20 were recognized in the award’s inaugural year.
Beginning in fall 2026, every degree program will have the opportunity to self-evaluate using the award criteria, including student learning outcomes, curriculum mapping, evidence of learning, fair and reliable evaluation, use of results and culturally responsive assessment practices. Programs indicating “full bloom” will be automatically nominated for review.
By expanding both self- and peer-nomination pathways, organizers hope to spotlight the collaborative, reflective work strengthening education across campus.
CEE committee members that developed the award are Justin Walguarnery, Nicole Schlaack, Jamie Simpson Steele, Joseph Foukona, Alice Tse, Joanna Philippoff, Emile Loza de Siles, Dan Port, Maya Saffery, Jessica Gasiorek, Aimee Chung, Arby Barone, Ann Sakaguchi, Alohilani Okamura, Monica Esquivel and Yao Hill.
