Our UH Faculty Have Spoken
University of Hawai‘i faculty believe providing more support for research to maintain the UH’s R1 institution status should be a top priority for the next University of Hawai‘i president, according to an electronic poll taken by the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) from Feb. 5 to 13, 2024.
UH Is One Of The Few R1 Universities
The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education confers universities with an R1 designation if they maintain “very high research activity” and award a certain number of doctorate degrees each year. The UH-Mānoa is one of only 146 universities nationwide with an R1 designation.
R1 Means Better Quality of Life for All
“UHPA and UH faculty both play key roles in setting high standards for quality research and teaching for the UH, and recognize that the UH is key to creating a better quality of life for Hawai‘i residents,” said Christian Fern, UHPA executive director. “The poll results provide a snapshot of what faculty believe are important for the next UH president as the search process by UH Board of Regents gets underway.”
Everyone Benefits From An R1
“An R1 status is an indication that a university is committed to supporting its faculty,” Fern explained. “When state funding for the UH decreases, it can put research grants in jeopardy, and other universities may offer faculty more stability, attractive benefits, and a better work environment. When this happens, both the UH and Hawai‘i lose.”
UH Faculty Considered These Priorities
Faculty were asked to rank the top five issues for the next UH president to consider after UH President David Lassner, the UH’s 15th president, retires in December 2024 after leading the UH system for more than a decade. The issues listed in the poll were:
- Elevating the prominence of the UH within the state
- Creating stronger workforce development alliances to support economic development
- More support for research to maintain the UH’s R1 institution status
- Strengthening the role of community colleges within the UH system
- Looking at all of the roles within the UH system holistically, including those who are not directly involved in classroom teaching but support students in other ways
- Making public higher education more accessible for Hawai‘i high school graduates
- Developing an inclusive academic environment
Second Priority: More Accessible Education
After research, the faculty respondents selected “making public higher education more accessible for Hawai‘i school graduates” as their second priority.
Enrollment Rates Down Since COVID
According to a report released by the University of Hawai‘i Research Organization (UHERO) last month, tuition within the UH system has become more affordable over the last 10 years when adjusted for inflation. However, the report, “Estimating the Returns to Higher Education Using Administrative Data: A Case Study of the University of Hawai‘i System,” also noted that college enrollment rates among Hawai‘i’s public school graduates have declined since the COVID-19 pandemic, with approximately 500 fewer graduates entering higher education each year.
“These trends are among the concerns of faculty who are on the frontlines at all 10 campuses and see and hear the challenges of students firsthand,” Fern said. “We want to make sure these issues are front and center for the next UH president.”
Priorities 3-5
Following improved access to the UH for public high school students, “elevating the prominence of the UH within the state” ranked third; “developing an inclusive academic environment” ranked fourth; and “creating stronger workforce development alliances to support economic development” ranked fifth on the proposed list of priorities for the next UH president.
3rd: Elevating the prominence of the UH within the state
4th: Developing an inclusive cademic environment
5th: Creating stronger workforce development alliances to support economic development
The Connection Between a UH Degree and Quality Jobs
Based on data collected from the same UH case study from UHERO, a degree from the UH system results in higher wages. This is most evident starting five years after graduation and a positive return is realized about 15 years after graduation.
The UHERO report also noted that a UH degree also increases intergenerational mobility, helping to open the door for those from socioeconomically disadvantaged households to jobs that may have been out of reach for their parents.
“Clearly showing the connection between a degree from the UH and workforce development and securing quality jobs are critical issues for faculty and the next UH president to collaboratively work on together,” Fern said.
The Poll Assessed Board of Regents and Legislature As Well
Recognizing that the relationship between the UH president and the UH Board of Regents and Hawai‘i State Legislature influence the ability of the UH to fulfill its mission of teaching, research and community service, the poll also asked faculty to assess understanding of the operations of academic institutions of both the Board of Regents and legislators.
Board of Regents Did Not Score High
The poll results showed more than half of the faculty respondents, or about 57%, believe the UH Board of Regents as a governing body, has a limited understanding of academic institutions; 30% were neutral; and the remaining 13% believe the Board of Regents are well versed or have a good understanding of academic institutions.
Legislature Understanding of UH Scored Rather Low
When asked about faculty’s perceptions of the Hawai‘i legislators’ understanding specifically of the UH, the scores did not show the faculty’s confidence in them. The poll showed 80.7% believe legislators as a whole have limited knowledge about the UH, and 15.7% were neutral, but only the remaining 3.6% felt legislators have a good understanding of the UH.
We Don’t Believe They Understand Academic Freedom Either
The poll also revealed the next UH president should be be aware of the legislators’ lack of understanding of the impact of public policies on academic integrity and freedom: 75.9% believe legislators lack this understanding; 15.7% are neutral; and 8.4% believe they have an understanding of public policy decisions on academic integrity and freedom.
Our Top 3 Priorities
The poll also asked for the top three priorities for faculty:
- Academic Freedom & Tenure
- Academic Freedom & Tenure (This was both the top #1 & top #2 choice)
- Retirement benefits.
