UHWO offers Hawaiʻi's first Certificate in Risk Management and Insurance

First 40 students enrolling in ‘Principles of Risk Management’ to receive $250 scholarship

University of Hawaiʻi-West Oʻahu
Contact:
Julie Funasaki Yuen, (808) 454-4870
Public Information Officer, Public Relations and Marketing
Posted: Jul 8, 2011

This fall, the University of Hawaiʻi-West O‘ahu (UHWO) will offer the state’s first and only Certificate in Risk Management and Insurance in order to meet the ever-increasing demand for qualified insurance professionals in the state of Hawai‘i and across the nation. The certificate program was created in partnership with Hawai‘i’s risk management and insurance industry to develop the skilled professionals needed in a field that offers high starting salaries, job stability, impressive opportunities for future career growth, as well as a balanced lifestyle.
 
“The Hawai‘i Independent Insurance Agents Association (HIIA) and our insurance partners are pleased to join together with UH West O‘ahu on this initiative to build a Certificate in Risk Management and Insurance here in Hawai‘i,” said Executive Director of the HIIA Sonia Leong. “We believe we serve a very important role in the business community and in helping consumers protect themselves from catastrophic loss. We are looking for individuals who are committed to learn and grow within the industry.”
 
The first 40 UH West O‘ahu students enrolling in “Principles of Risk Management and Insurance (BUSA 308)” for fall 2011 will automatically receive a $250 scholarship. This course focuses on risk management and insurance techniques for dealing with potential losses to individuals and organizations. Students will examine the principles of insurance and insurance contracts, industry operations and the various professions within the industry. There is no prerequisite. Students who successfully complete “Principles of Risk Management and Insurance” are also eligible for a $500 scholarship, if enrolled in any additional UHWO risk management coursework required for the successful completion of the Risk Management and Insurance certificate program.
 
“We are excited to offer these scholarships for risk management and insurance courses at UH West O‘ahu,” said Chancellor Gene Awakuni. “Job placement rates for risk management and insurance professionals across the country is nearly 100 percent and we are preparing our graduates for careers that are in high demand and offer great opportunities for long term development and fulfillment.”
 
The Risk Management and Insurance certificate program at UH West O‘ahu was made possible by generous donations from Hawai‘i’s insurance industry including the Atlas Insurance Foundation, Dongbu Insurance, Farmers Insurance, Island Insurance and the Hawai‘i Independent Insurance Agents Association.
 
The Certificate in Risk Management and Insurance is one of many offered by UH West O‘ahu in addition to the University’s 26 bachelor’s degree programs. Other certificate programs include Health Care Administration, Environmental Studies, Applied Forensic Anthropology, Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, and Substance Abuse and Addictions Studies. For more information, call (808) 454-4700 or email admissions@uhwo.hawaii.edu. The final application deadline for fall 2011 is Aug. 1.
 
About West O‘ahu
 
UH West O‘ahu became a four-year, regional comprehensive university when it served its first class of freshmen in fall 2007. The University offers quality education, small classes and personalized attention at convenient locations. Construction began in August 2010 on the first phase of a new, state-of-the-art UH West O‘ahu campus in the City of Kapolei. It is expected to serve approximately 2,000 students for fall 2012 classes. For more information, visit uhwo.hawaii.edu, twitter.com/uhwestoahu, facebook.com/uhwestoahu or call 454-4700 or toll-free (866) 299-8656.