PUHI — Sandra Stutki, a Kauai Community College student from Switzerland, had a variety of information on the college’s International and Meditation clubs on Wednesday during the welcome event for students that was presented by the Associated Students of the University of Hawaii, Kauai Community College.
Stutki said she visited Kauai once and fell in love with the island and the people.
“I enrolled at the college and majored in Hawaiian Studies to find out more about the Hawaiian culture,” she said. “I’m graduating at the end of the semester. I’ve done too good in my two years.”
Known around the college campus as ASUH, or student government, the welcome event allows students a one-stop opportunity to learn more about the many clubs and organizations that are available to students, said John Constantino, the college’s student life director.
The welcome event that was held for the first time in the Student Center as opposed to being on the sidewalks leading to the center.
The students get the benefit of learning more about how to enjoy college life, as well as free refreshments like saimin, coffee, shave ice and more.
Classes for the spring semester started on Monday for 1,222 students, according to the population census provided by the University of Hawaii.
This is an increase in enrollment from the 1,139 students reported during the 2024 spring semester.
According to the demographics, the 1,139 student enrollment was an increase of 9 percent from 2023. The 1,222 student population on Monday is a 7.3 percent increase from 2024, and represents the second-highest percentage increase among the seven community colleges in the University of Hawaii system.
The Honolulu Community College had the biggest percentage increase at 10.4 percent, or 3,170 students. The lowest increase was at the Hawaii Community College where enrollment dropped to 2,090 students from 2,166 students in 2024.
Overall, the University of Hawaii, including its community colleges, the campus at Manoa, Hilo and West Oahu, reported a 3.4 percent increase, or 46,348 students, over spring 2024.
•••
Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.