Windward Community College is the youngest of seven public community colleges in Hawai‘i governed by the Board of Regents of the University of Hawai‘i. The campus is located at the foot of the majestic Ko‘olau range in Kāne‘ohe on the island of O‘ahu. It opened in the fall of 1972 with 525 students and had a Fall 2023 enrollment of 2,643 students. The College offers both liberal arts and career and technical education programs. The following Mission, Vision, and Core Values were reaffirmed by the Windward Community College campus community in 2023.
Mission of Windward Community College
Windward Community College offers innovative programs in the arts and sciences and opportunities to gain knowledge and understanding of Hawai‘i and its unique heritage. With a special commitment to support the access and educational needs of Native Hawaiians, we provide the Ko‘olau region of O‘ahu and beyond with liberal arts, career, and lifelong learning in a supportive and challenging environment—inspiring students to excellence.
Vision for Windward Community College
Ka Mālamalama o ke Ko‘olau –“Enlightening Ko‘olau”
Students and community members will be enriched by “the light of knowledge” through quality programs and be able to lead full, productive lives in a rapidly changing world.
Core Values of Windward Community College
The College and its mission, goals and actions are guided by core values that reflect the Hawaiian culture:
Ka lama kū o ka na‘auao
Creating meaningful curricula and diverse learning experiences
‘A‘ohe hana nui ke ‘alu ‘ia
Working collaboratively and inclusively
He pūnāwai kahe wale ke aloha
Serving and supporting with aloha
Kūlia i ka nu‘u
Striving for excellence
He ali‘i ka ‘āina, he kauā ke kanaka
Caring for Hawai‘i and the planet
Windward Community College is further committed to the mission of the University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges:
- To broaden access to post-secondary education in Hawai‘i regionally and internationally by providing open-door opportunities for students to enter quality educational programs within their own communities.
- To specialize in the effective teaching of remedial/developmental education, general education, and other introductory liberal arts, pre-professional, and selected baccalaureate courses and programs.
- To provide the trained workforce needed by the State, the region, and internationally, by offering occupational, technical, and professional courses and programs that prepare students for immediate employment and career advancement.
- To provide opportunities for personal enrichment, occupational upgrading, and career mobility through credit and non-credit courses and activities.
- To contribute to and stimulate the cultural and intellectual life of the community by providing a forum for the discussion of ideas; by providing leadership, knowledge, problem-solving skills, and general informational services; and by providing opportunities for community members to develop their creativity and appreciate the creative endeavors of others.
- By building upon Hawaii’s unique multi-cultural environment and geographic location through efforts in curriculum development and productive relationships with international counterparts in Asia and the Pacific, UHCC students’ learning experiences will prepare them for the global workplace. (University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges, Policy UHCCP #4.101).