The School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM) is committed to becoming a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning (NHPoL), a place that is reflective of Hawai‘i’s foundations, culture, language, history, principles, values, and worldviews; that teaches us how to best aloha one another and our island home.
We are guided in this work by the Hawai‘i Papa o ke Ao Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office and the UH Mānoa Strategic Plan. More than 100 SOEST staff, faculty, and students have been actively engaging in this effort, from participating in Cohort Kumukahi trainings, to completing SOEST’s NHPoL survey, and leading and participating in Pilina Circles.
We invite the SOEST ‘ohana to contribute to this work via the opportunities listed here and below. For questions or more information, please reach out to SOEST Associate Dean Dr. Judy Lemus or SOEST NHPoL Strategic Action Plan Liaison Dr. Jenny Engels.
Resources
- The Cohort Kumukahi website is designed to provide support for all hui members as well as provide general updates on its progress for the betterment of our UH Mānoa community towards becoming a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning.
- UH Mānoa Strategic Plan
- Aloha ʻĀina: What is a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning?
- Hawai‘i Papa o ke Ao Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office
- NHPoL Office Land Acknowledgement resources
- SOEST’s Land Acknowledgement
Opportunities to Connect
- The SOEST Cohort Kumukahi Hui invites you to join for one of 6 SOEST Pilina Circle + Talk Story sessions coming up this Summer and Fall 2025. You can sign up for a Pilina Circle + Talk Story session HERE.
- We are pleased to begin offering opportunities to engage in service learning through SOEST Laulima Days. Anyone in SOEST (students, staff, and faculty) is welcome to participate, and SOEST staff may count these hours as part of their workday. Please RSVP HERE.
- SOEST’s NHPoL survey
- For questions please contact: SOEST Associate Dean Dr. Judy Lemus, SOEST NHPoL Strategic Action Plan Liaison Dr. Jenny Engels, or the Cohort Kumukahi email.
A message from SOEST Dean Dr. Chip Fletcher
Dean of SOEST
“The strength of SOEST comes from many sources: from our pursuit of ʻike — knowledge — through scientific excellence and innovation; from our dedication to one another, grounded in a shared commitment to our school’s success; and from the pilina — the relationships — we cultivate with each other, with our students, with this place, and with the communities we serve. These connections are the heart of our impact.
As we move forward together, let us continue to lead with aloha — approaching our work with patience, integrity, and a spirit of collaboration. I am excited to work alongside each of you to advance our research, enrich our teaching, and grow our collective contributions — guided by our shared sense of purpose.”
Please engage with us in the important work of making SOEST a truly Native Hawaiian Place of Learning for all.