Conduct Uncovered: Demystifying Student Behavior, Rights, and Responsibility

Recognize the faculty & staff role in reporting potential conduct violations and how the process works from report to resolution.

Presenters:

Wiliama Sanchez

Presenter

Wiliama R. Sanchez currently serves as the Director of Student Conduct & Concern, where he oversees student conduct and non-clinical case management. With 12 years of experience in cross-cultural psychology, student affairs, and higher education administration, Wiliama focuses on fostering inclusive learning environments, proactive conduct management, and collaborative support for students and faculty. His professional background emphasizes equitable and culturally responsive practices, which enhance student success and ensure academic integrity across campus.

Pualani Pereira

Presenter

Pualani Pereira currently serves as the Assistant Director for Residential Student Conduct within Student Housing Services. She began her work in student conduct with the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoaʻs Office of Student Conduct in 2018. Her conduct philosophy focuses on building an educational experience that balances student development, accountability, transparency, and equity. Pualani works to create safe, supportive spaces for individuals to explore student rights and responsibilities, empowering the UH community to take an active role in cultivating a healthy learning and living environment.

Dive Into Student Life and Development: Help Students Stay Connected, Engaged, and Inspired

Ever wonder what the Office of Student Life and Development really does and its relationship with RIOs, ASUH, GSO, etc. What exactly encompasses the Campus Center Complex?

Mandy Westfall-Senda

Presenter

Mandy Westfall-Senda is a dedicated student affairs professional with a diverse background in education, leadership, and program development. She currently serves as the Director for the Office of Student Life and Development (SLD) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Since joining SLD in 2011 as a faculty member, Mandy has served in various roles, including advising student organizations, overseeing the New Student Orientation program, and teaching courses focused on student leadership and peer mentoring. Her commitment to student success is evident through her involvement in developing educational services, providing support and mentorship, serving on faculty and departmental committees and contributing to a supportive campus community.

Prior to her current role, Mandy worked at Hawaiʻi P-20 Partnerships for Education on the Hawaiʻi P-3 Initiative at the University of Hawaiʻi System. During her time there, she collaborated with early childhood educators to enhance professional development opportunities and collect data for project assessment to develop a theory of change targeted towards literacy acquisition and success with young learners. Her professional experience also extends to the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi where she served as the Programs Director and the Hawaiʻi Food Industry Association, where she held a number of responsibilities which included serving as the Coordinator for the popular Made in Hawaiʻi Festival.

Mandy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Asian and Asian American Studies from Scripps College and a Master of Arts in American Studies from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. She is currently working towards a Doctor of Education in Leadership & Innovation at Arizona State University. Her research interests include how students develop a sense of belonging in college, leadership development and co-curricular assessment.

In her free time, Mandy enjoys spending time with her daughter, Reagan, and husband, James. When she isn’t shuttling Reagan to and from volleyball practice, watching Reagan play or James coach (or both) or talking about volleyball with her immediate family, you can find her at home, shopping online for the best deals or watching her favorite vloggers on YouTube and occasionally attempting to read for fun.

Getting Students Back to Being Students through Basic Needs Support

Gain a deeper understanding of the complex challenges students face throughout their higher education journey and the support systems available to help them when "life is life-ing." Through campus services, community partnerships, and cross-agency collaborations, participants will learn how Basic Needs efforts equip students to move beyond crisis management toward stability, resilience, and long-term academic success.

Presenters:

Jillian Strong

Presenter

Jillian Strong is the Maui Case Management Coordinator in the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Success, additionally supporting Student Basic Needs at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. With a background in academic advising, campus activities, student government, orientation, and student support services, Jillian values the importance of the holistic student experience to ensure student success. When she's not on campus, she's probably reading up on the latest pop culture news over a cup of coffee.

Tehani Keanini

Presenter

Tehani Keanini is the UH System Student Basic Needs Coordinator. She graduated with her Masterʻs in Social Work from the Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health and has a Bachelorʻs in Business Administration from Shidler College of Business. Tehani enjoys spending time with her two children, friends, and family.

Healthy Choices: Understanding the Impact of Vape Product Use on College Students' Health and Well-Being

Identify how vape product use can impact students' physical and mental health as well as their overall college success.
Describe ways to promote and support college students' vape product cessation efforts and know where students can find the cessation support they need.

Presenters:

Kristen Scholly

Presenter

Kristen Scholly, PhD, serves as the University Health Services Health Promotion Chair at the UH Mānoa. Kristen is actively involved in teaching, training and research in the area of adolescent/young adult health. Kristen also teaches within the Educational Psychology department. Her courses include a service-learning component, which allows UH Mānoa students to actively participate in health promotion and education efforts throughout the campus community.

Over the years, Kristen has worked collaboratively on research and grants to support tobacco education and policy development throughout the UH System. Kristen has also presented at national and international conferences on the topic of tobacco use on college campuses. More recently, Kristen's work has focused on reducing vape product use among college students. Her current research demonstrates that vape product use negatively impacts UH Mānoa students’ health and well-being and can impede their overall college success.

Kuʻuleialohaonālani (Kuʻulei) Salzer

Presenter

Kuʻuleialohaonālani (Kuʻulei) Salzer is a first-generation college student who has earned a Bachelor of Arts in History (2011), a Master of Social Work (2016), and a Master of Public Administration (2018) from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM.) Kuʻulei is currently a Faculty Specialist and oversees the Alcohol and other Drug Education Program (ADEP) at UHM. ADEP offers alcohol and/or other drug intervention, vaping cessation, and educational opportunities for students. Kuʻulei is the current Co-Chair of the Hawaiʻi Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Control Substances (HACDACS), a state commission tasked with advising on policies, programs, and strategies to reduce drug abuse and illicit substance use across Hawaiʻi. Kuʻulei is also a member of Kūaliʻi Council, a Native Hawaiian Advisory Board to the Provost. Kuʻulei supports and applies indigenous perspectives of healing to her practice to perpetuate mental health and wellness for all students. Kuʻuleiʻs recent publication discusses a personal lens of healing trauma through aloha ʻāina. Kuʻulei's approach to self-care includes hiking with her dog Malu, paddling in the ocean, and cheering on her son, Ikua, at his numerous sporting events.

Data Collection to Action: Turning Numbers into Knowledge

- Mastering Data Collection and Effective Use
- Unlocking Insights: Collecting and Using Data with Impact
- Smart Strategies for Gathering and Applying Data
- Data Collection to Action: Turning Numbers into Knowledge
- From Data Collection to Decision-Making

Alyssa Mahoe

Presenter

Alyssa Mahoe is the Data Analyst for the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Success. She holds a Masters of Science in Business Analytics from the University of San Diego (USD) and is a proud alumna of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama. A lifelong passion for sports led her to begin her work in baseball analytics and operations with the USD program, and she continues to do so with UH Mānoa. When she's not crunching numbers, you can find her playing pickleball, paddling, and enjoying the outdoors with her dog.

AI 101: A Learning Specialists Guide to How AI Has Changed the College Landscape

Evaluate strategies for university personnel to ethically and effectively leverage AI tools in supporting student success.

Erika Huddle

Presenter

Erika Huddle identifies as an educator with a behavior mindset as she comes from a background of over 20 years teaching students with behavior challenges in both public and private school settings. In 2019, she pivoted to the college level to become a Learning Specialist of student-athletes at the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa. Erika studied psychology at Rutgers University for her BA and obtained an MA in Behavior Studies at Columbia University. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD in Exceptionalities at UH Mānoa where she is researching how students are being impacted by generative AI.

Recognizing & Responding to Student Burnout

Recognize early indicators of student burnout—such as chronic fatigue, disengagement from coursework, decreased motivation, and emotional exhaustion—and understand how these may present in advising, classroom, or student support settings.
Practice using proactive support strategies, including empathetic communication, flexible academic approaches, and timely referrals to resources like the Counseling & Student Development Center (CSDC), Student Parents at Mānoa (SPAM), and academic support services.

Alexander Khaddouma

Presenter

Alexander Khaddouma, PhD, ABPP is a specialist faculty member at the Counseling and Student Development Center (CSDC) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. He is a licensed clinical psychologist and a board-certified specialist in couple and family psychology. He currently serves as the Coordinator of Clinical Services at the CSDC, where he primarily provides mental health services to university students, supervision to pre-licensure mental healthcare trainees, and administrative and consultative services to university programs and departments.

Recognize, Respond, Refer: Your Role in Campus Safety & Student Support

Recognize indicators of distress or disruptive behavior in students, including early warning signs of potential risk, and understand how these behaviors align with Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) reporting protocols.
How to request outreach for a student of concern.

Presenters:

Erin Kahunawaikaʻala Wright

Presenter

Erin Kahunawaikaʻala Wright is from Kalihi, Oʻahu and serves as the interim Associate Vice Provost for Student Success and Dean of Students for the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Dr. Wright holds a Ph.D. in Education and M.A. in Higher Education from UCLA, and a B.A. in Hawaiian Studies from UH Mānoa. For 17 years, Dr. Wright worked as a student affairs professional, primarily focused on supporting Native Hawaiian higher educational journeys. Since 2014, she has served as a faculty member in Educational Administration in the College of Education.

Wiliama Sanchez

Presenter

Wiliama R. Sanchez currently serves as the Director of Student Conduct & Concern, where he oversees student conduct and non-clinical case management. With 12 years of experience in cross-cultural psychology, student affairs, and higher education administration, Wiliama focuses on fostering inclusive learning environments, proactive conduct management, and collaborative support for students and faculty. His professional background emphasizes equitable and culturally responsive practices, which enhance student success and ensure academic integrity across campus.

Your Conflict Communication Toolbox

Tips for making conflictual interactions more productive and less destructive

Dr. Amy Hubbard

Presenter

Dr. Amy Hubbard is the interim Assistant Vice Provost for Student Academic Success. Prior to that, she had 29 years of service as a professor in the Communicology Program in the School of Communication and Information at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Her research, teaching, and community service focus on understanding and improving our communication with others, largely by working to expand people’s communication repertoire and dispelling myths about what is supposedly good and bad communication.

Mental Health Trends in University Students & Practical Support Tools and Strategies

Participants will recognize mental health trends, have easy access to support tools and resources on campus, and connect students to UH Mānoa efficiently and effectively, as needed.

Alexander Khaddouma

Presenter

Alexander Khaddouma, PhD, ABPP is a specialist faculty member at the Counseling and Student Development Center (CSDC) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. He is a licensed clinical psychologist and a board-certified specialist in couple and family psychology. He currently serves as the Coordinator of Clinical Services at the CSDC, where he primarily provides mental health services to university students, supervision to pre-licensure mental healthcare trainees, and administrative and consultative services to university programs and departments.

Itʻs a Kākou Thing: Implementing Comprehensive Strategies to Address Substance Use Among Students Through Collective Action

By the end of this presentation, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the key factors contributing to substance use among students and its far-reaching impacts on academic performance, mental health, and community well-being. They will be informed of the evidence-based, multi-tiered strategies for prevention, intervention, and support that is effectively utilized on campus to address substance use in educational settings. Additionally, participants will learn to identify opportunities to advocate for policy changes, particularly through mechanisms like the AOD Biennial Review, to strengthen substance use prevention and intervention programs. This holistic approach ensures that attendees are prepared to take meaningful action for our students.

Kuʻuleialohaonālani (Kuʻulei) Salzer

Presenter

Kuʻuleialohaonālani (Kuʻulei) Salzer is a first-generation college student who has earned a Bachelor of Arts in History (2011), a Master of Social Work (2016), and a Master of Public Administration (2018) from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM.) Kuʻulei is currently a Faculty Specialist and oversees the Alcohol and other Drug Education Program (ADEP) at UHM. ADEP offers alcohol and/or other drug intervention, vaping cessation, and educational opportunities for students. Kuʻulei is the current Co-Chair of the Hawaiʻi Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Control Substances (HACDACS), a state commission tasked with advising on policies, programs, and strategies to reduce drug abuse and illicit substance use across Hawaiʻi. Kuʻulei is also a member of Kūaliʻi Council, a Native Hawaiian Advisory Board to the Provost. Kuʻulei supports and applies indigenous perspectives of healing to her practice to perpetuate mental health and wellness for all students. Kuʻuleiʻs recent publication discusses a personal lens of healing trauma through aloha ʻāina. Kuʻulei's approach to self-care includes hiking with her dog Malu, paddling in the ocean, and cheering on her son, Ikua, at his numerous sporting events.

Guiding Lights: Excellence in Academic Advising

Acquire effective academic advising techniques to enhance student success.

Dr. Andrea Hazzard

Presenter

Dr. Andrea S.D. Hazzard serves as UH Mānoa’s inaugural Director of Mānoa Academic Advising. She has over 30 years of experience as an educator and has worked in the Marshall Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, and the Continental U.S. Dr. Hazzard earned her lifetime appreciative advising certification in 2023. Her professional interests include examining factors which promote student success, and she believes that student success requires a holistic approach to education, informed by dynamic meaningful relationships.

Your Academic Success Toolbox

Become familiar with the range of academic support services available and how to effectively utilize them.

Dr. Amy Hubbard

Presenter

Dr. Amy Hubbard is the interim Assistant Vice Provost for Student Academic Success. Prior to that, she had 29 years of service as a professor in the Communicology Program in the School of Communication and Information at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Her research, teaching, and community service focus on understanding and improving our communication with others, largely by working to expand people’s communication repertoire and dispelling myths about what is supposedly good and bad communication.

Overcoming Cultural Barriers

Effective strategies for supporting Pacific Islander student success.

Tina Tauasosi-Posiulai

Presenter

Dr. Tina Tauasosi-Posiulai joined the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in 2008 as a Community Partnership & Research Specialist, dedicating her career to advocating for educational equity and increasing college representation for Pacific Islander (PI) students and other underserved groups. Over the course of ten years, she successfully managed the annual Samoa Ala Mai college outreach program, which inspired the creation of the Pacific Youth Education Summit at UH-Hilo and a college outreach event for Micronesians on Oʻahu.

Spread the Word: Mastering Marketing & Communications

Tips on how to best work with our teams (events/opportunities email, know their point of contact, photography and/or branding/creative request, etc.).

Presenters:

Jennel Sesoko

Presenter

Jennel Sesoko began her career at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in 2015 to help support the enrollment marketing efforts in recruiting undergraduate students. Her current role as Director of Branding & Marketing stems from 10+ years in designing and managing corporate communications, advertising, and marketing. She has a passion for branding and credits her years at Starwood Hotels & Resorts for fostering and cultivating that passion. Originally from Hilo, Jennel lives in Kāneʻohe with her husband, three children, and dogs.

Dan Meisenzahl

Presenter

Dan Meisenzahl has served as the Director of the UH Office of Communications since 2014, overseeing internal and external communications for UH Mānoa and the 10-campus system. His work includes media relations, proactive and crisis communications, website management, social media, and marketing. A Kalani High School and UH Mānoa graduate, Meisenzahl joined UH in 2012 after a 13-year career in local television news and as the spokesperson for the Hawaiʻi State Department of Transportation.

UH Mānoa Student-Athletes: What to Know and How to Support

Learn about the UH Mānoa student-athlete population and their experiences.
Understand the services available to UH Mānoa student-athletes and how to best support them.

Presenters:

Garrett Clanin

Presenter

Garrett Clanin is currently the Director of Student-Athlete Academic Services (SAAS) at UH Mānoa. He initially joined SAAS as a Graduate Assistant in 2008 and then as an Academic Advisor in 2011. He earned his BA in Sociology from UC San Diego and his MEd in Educational Administration from UH Mānoa.

Scott Sinnett

Presenter

Dr. Scott Sinnett joined UH Mānoa in 2008 as a Professor in the Department of Psychology. He is the Director of the Perception and Attention Research Laboratory, part of the Cognition, Neuroscience, and Social program concentration, and also the Chair of Undergraduate Studies for the Department. In addition, Dr. Sinnett became the Faculty Athletic Representative in the Fall of 2019.

Social Media 101: Tips and Tricks to Survive on Social Media

Encourage the use of social media to promote stories, activities, awards and more of a department or entity.
Explore the best practices of social media and the online realm; Managing and creating content to capture, keep and grow the audience and social media presence of a department or entity.

Presenters:

Janica Marie Pascua

Presenter

Janica Marie Pascua is a content producer with University of Hawaiʻi Office of Communications. She specializes in social media content, creating original videos and series, such as "Mānoa Minute," as well as transforming trends to promote deadlines, events, and more for UH. When she is not assisting Jon Burdios (UH Communications Social Media Manager) in managing UH social media accounts or teaching her coworkers Gen Z slang, she proudly shares she is a UH Mānoa and Honolulu CC alumna with others, listens to her favorite KPOP groups, and tries to beat her powerlifting PRs.

Jose Magno

Presenter

Jose is the multimedia and content creation manager with the Marketing and Branding department on campus. He earned his degree in marketing and management and is a proud UH Mānoa graduate. As one of the photographers of the Mānoa campus, he enjoys being able to share the story of our campus through images and photography.

Addressing Student Basic Needs: Creating a Foundation for Success at UH

Identify the core basic needs that impact student success, including food security, housing, and financial stability.
Understand the system-wide and campus-specific resources available to support students in need across the UH System, focusing on UH Mānoa.
Develop action steps to advocate for and contribute to enhanced basic needs support at UH Mānoa.

Presenters:

Wiliama Sanchez

Presenter

Wiliama R. Sanchez is the Student Success Operations Manager at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. With extensive experience in student services and a commitment to addressing basic needs, he works to ensure students have the resources and support necessary to succeed. When he's not binge-watching the latest Disney+ show, you can find him in the College of Education pursuing his PhD in Education.

Tehani Keanini

Presenter

Tehani Keanini is the UH System Student Basic Needs Coordinator. She graduated with her Masterʻs in Social Work from the Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health and has a Bachelorʻs in Business Administration from Shidler College of Business. Tehani enjoys spending time with her two children, friends, and family.

Wendy Lum, MSW, MEd.

Presenter

Wendy Lum is an Assistant Specialist and Director of the Social Work Workforce Development Hub in the Department of Social Work, at the Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UH Mānoa). Prior to social work workforce development, Wendy served as a Field Education Coordinator for six years. In this role, she taught and mentored social work students and helped establish, coordinate, and sustain community partnerships to support social work field education and practicum placements. As an educator, social worker, and first-generation college graduate, she is intrinsically interested in the wellness and academic success of students through a supportive learning environment.

Breaking the Cycle: Understanding How to Support Students Navigating Interpersonal Violence, Sexual Misconduct, & Domestic Violence

Understand the signs of domestic violence.
Gain insights into the dynamics of interpersonal violence.
Develop strategies for intervention and support.

Jamie Newalu, LSW

Presenter

Jamie Newalu is a licensed social worker who is currently serving as the UH Mānoa Confidential Advocate for Title IX related matters. As a social worker, Jamie has worked as a juvenile probation officer, an advocate for the Family Advocacy Program with the Navy, a high-risk Title III counselor for Leeward Community College, and an inpatient medical social worker for Queen's Medical Center West Oʻahu before coming to UH Mānoa as a confidential advocate. Jamie enjoys being active, chasing her kids around, and hiking on the weekends.

Enrollment Excellence: Strategies for Success

Understand critical strategies and updates from Enrollment Management.
Gain a comprehensive understanding of financial aid services and how to support students in accessing them.
Learn about the Office of the Registrar and how they effectively manage student records and registration.
Identify best practices happening in the Office of Admissions that enhance student recruitment and enrollment.

Nikki Chun

Presenter

Nikki Kāhealani Chun is the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. She identifies as a Native Hawaiian and Chinese, cisgender, hetero woman who was the first in her family to attend college. Her research and professional interests are shaped by her identities and includes Native Hawaiians in higher education, Kanaka ʻĀiwi Crit, as well as diversity and inclusion in college admissions policies.

Young Scholars: Ensuring Safety for Minors on Campus

Learn emerging practices for ensuring the safety and well-being of minors at Mānoa.
Review and update their knowledge of policies and procedures related to minors on campus.

Presenters:

Jeff Long

Presenter

Jeffery Long is Director of the UH System Office of Human Resources (OHR), which provides human resources technical, policy and process support to all 10 campuses of the University of Hawaiʻi System. OHR is the designated Background Check Coordinator (BCC) per the Minors on Campus Administrative Procedure.

Jill Honjo

Presenter

Jill Honjo is a Human Resources Specialist in the UH System Office of Human Resources. In addition to providing human resources support to select units through the UH System, Jill is the functional lead for all matters related to the Minors on Campus Administrative procedure.

Mind Matters: Recognizing and Responding to Suicide Ideation

Learn to recognize the signs of suicide ideation.
Identify appropriate campus resources.

Alexander Khaddouma

Presenter

Alexander Khaddouma, PhD, ABPP is a specialist faculty member at the Counseling and Student Development Center (CSDC) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. He is a licensed clinical psychologist and a board-certified specialist in couple and family psychology. He currently serves as the Coordinator of Clinical Services at the CSDC, where he primarily provides mental health services to university students, supervision to pre-licensure mental healthcare trainees, and administrative and consultative services to university programs and departments.

First in the Family: Empowering First-Gen Students

Identify resources and support systems tailored to the unique needs of first-generation students.

Jennifer Barnett

Presenter

Jen Pagala Barnett is a 1.5 Filipino immigrant and a First Generation graduate with over 17 years of higher education professional experience. She currently serves as the Associate Director of the SEED Program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in Social Work and an MEd in Higher Education, Education Administration. Jen is passionate about integrating diversity, equity and belonging and mentorship in her everyday work in the area of student affairs.