RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT HILO.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joy San Buenaventura

Senate Bill 636 funds key positions at UH Hilo to boost student internships and retention, enhancing educational support and outcomes for students and staff.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.

#appropriations($) #enrollmentmanagement #internshipcoordinator #retentioncoordinator #uhhilo

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 636 (SB 636) is designed to enhance the operational capacity of the University of Hawaii at Hilo (UH Hilo) by appropriating funds for key positions aimed at improving enrollment management and student retention. The bill seeks to address challenges faced by the university in these areas, thereby supporting its mission to provide quality education and services to students.

Key Provisions

Appropriations: The bill proposes the allocation of funds specifically for:

An Internship Coordinator to facilitate student internships and enhance practical learning opportunities.
A Retention Coordinator to implement strategies aimed at improving student retention rates.

Funding Sources: The bill outlines the transfer of funds from various reserve accounts to ensure that the necessary financial resources are available for these positions. This includes:

Unobligated funds from the Restricted Reserve Fund.
Other designated funds as specified in the bill.

Emergency Clause: The bill includes an emergency clause, allowing for immediate implementation upon passage to address urgent needs at UH Hilo.

Impact

University of Hawaii at Hilo: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are students and staff at UH Hilo, who will gain access to enhanced support services aimed at improving educational outcomes.

State Departments and Agencies: The bill also has implications for state financial management, as it involves the transfer and allocation of state funds, which may affect budgetary considerations across various departments.

Procedural Aspects

Legislative Journey:

Introduced on April 9, 2025.
Reported from the Higher Education Committee (HRE) with recommendations for passage on April 16, 2025.
Passed the Senate and House with an emergency clause adopted, indicating the urgency of the bill.
Enrolled and delivered to the Governor for final approval.

Timeline: The bill's rapid progression through the legislative process reflects its importance and the immediate need for action to support UH Hilo.

Related Legislation

Companion Bill: HB 443 serves as a companion to SB 636, indicating a coordinated legislative effort to address similar issues related to UH Hilo.

This summary provides an overview of SB 636, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, potential impacts, and legislative progress, making it accessible for both experts and general readers interested in the bill's implications for higher education in Hawaii.

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