Are you transferring to UH Mānoa from a school outside the University of Hawai‘i System? If so, find your advising office using our:

Aloha! My name is Dr. Lauren Prepose-Forsen, Director of the Mānoa Transfer Coordination Center, and I am committed to helping students achieve their educational goals! I am dedicated to higher education and promoting student success in all areas of life.  I believe education is a catalyst for future opportunities in life and encourage life-long learning. As a member of an educational community, I do my best to promote equity, accountability, and integrity.

I received my BA in Psychology, MA in Counseling, and EdD in Education. I've been very blessed in my career and have had the opportunity to hold several different positions as a High School Dean and Counselor, Academic Advisor with UH Mānoa, Project Manager for UH Hilo, Veteran Student Counselor/Coordinator for Honolulu Community College, and currently as a Transfer Specialist with UH Mānoa.

When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, and making memories through new experiences.

I look forward to meeting you!

Lauren headshot
Windward seal
HCC seal

lprepose@hawaii.edu

Lauren works with students from the following campuses:

  • Windward CC
    808-235-7464
    Hale Kako'o, Rm 123
  • Honolulu CC

Under "Specialized Academic Services" click on "Transfer to Manoa (Lauren)"

Aloha! My name is Melissa Jones. I am a strong advocate of higher education and my career has been dedicated to helping students achieve their academic goals. I am here to support, guide, and encourage you throughout your transfer pathway!

I received my BA in Family and Human Services from the University of Oregon and my MEd in Educational Administration from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. I have spent my professional career in higher education and am dedicated to the field of education. I come from a family of educators and feel that it’s my calling to help students succeed! My favorite part about my job is working with students and learning about their passions and goals.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family including our dog, Kaipo. My son keeps me busy chasing Pokémon and at home, I enjoy spending time in our garden and working on house renovation projects with my husband!

I look forward to meeting you!

Melissa head shot
Leeward seal

sauceda@hawaii.edu

Melissa works with students from the following campuses:

  • Leeward CC
    808-455-0523

Under "Specialized Academic Services" click on "Transfer to Manoa (Melissa)"

Aloha! My name is Shauna Sibonga and my goal is to develop students' agency, sense of belonging, and academic abilities during your transfer and higher education journey.

I received both my BA in Biology and my MEd in Learning Design & Technology (LTEC) from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. Currently, I am a doctoral candidate in LTEC and my research interests include how online communities can be leveraged to support students' sense of belonging and persistence, especially in historically underserved and underrepresented student populations.

In my free time, I like to grow house plants, visit new restaurants, and play Animal Crossing New Horizons. I'm a strong advocate for balance and mental health.

I look forward to meeting you, too!

Shauna headshot
KCC seal

shaunaks@hawaii.edu

Shauna works with students from the following campuses:
Kapi‘olani CC 
808-734-9596
'Ilima 104

Under "Specialized Academic Services" click on "Transfer to Manoa (Shauna)"

Aloha! My name is Jill Sur and I am dedicated to helping students identify and achieve their educational and professional goals, and ensuring access for all who are seeking the opportunity to pursue higher education. I believe in supporting students as they explore pathways that work best for them and am committed to advocating for resources that promote student success and well-being.

I earned a BS in Family Resources (now known as Human Development and Family Studies) at UH Mānoa, a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Michigan, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the UH Mānoa Shidler College of Business. Prior to joining the team as a Transfer Specialist, I held a position with the Department of Social Work at the UH Mānoa Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health, working directly with distance learning students as they earned their degrees and joined the social work profession as changemakers and leaders.

In my free time I spend as much time as possible with family and friends and my sweet corgi (Sasha), and I LOVE to travel! Some of my favorite places I’ve visited include Japan, Jasper National Park (Canada), and the National Mall in Washington DC - just to name a few!

I look forward to meeting you!

Jill headshot
UH Maui College seal
Hawaii CC Seal
Kauai seal

sur@hawaii.edu

Jill works with students from the following campuses:

  • UH Maui College
  • Hawai'i CC
  • Kaua'i CC

Under "Specialized Academic Services" click on "Transfer to Manoa (Jill)"