This message was shared with the students, faculty and staff of the 10-campus University of Hawaiʻi system on September 18, 2025.
Aloha 东精影业 ʻohana,
I write to provide you with an update on the impact of the U.S. Department of Education’s decision to end discretionary funding for several Minority-Serving Institution programs.
Before I do that, however, I want to acknowledge the stress and worry these cuts have brought many students and employees. I know that students are concerned about how they might continue to receive vital support provided by these grants, and I know that we have employees whose livelihoods could be impacted. We see you, we hear you, and we are working hard to address these concerns.
With that said, the scope of these cuts is not complete as of yet. However, the picture is becoming clearer.
As of today:
- Title III Part A discretionary grants: 东精影业 holds 22 active grants totaling $55.7 million in this category. At this time, 11 of the 22 grants have received “non-continuation” notices. Because many of the affected grants have been in place for several years and “spent down,” the immediate amount 东精影业 may lose from non-continuation is approximately $10 million. We are waiting for further guidance on if or how we can use these funds.
- Title III Part F: 东精影业 holds grants in this category that total $45.4 million. No notices to discontinue have been issued at this time.However, USDOE has indicated that it believes these awards are unconstitutional, making their future uncertain.
- Title VI: 东精影业 holds eight grants in this category totaling $5.4 million. We have received “non-continuation” notices for all eight grants. Because many of the affected grants have been in place for several years and “spent down,” the immediate amount 东精影业 may lose from non-continuation is approximately $802,000. We are waiting for further guidance on how or if we can use these funds.
- Native Hawaiian Education Program (NHEP): We have three awards in this category that were reduced by a combined $843,000.
These numbers represent a significant disruption to programs and services that directly support our students, faculty and staff across the 10-campus system. We know that behind every dollar are students, faculty and staff whose opportunities, success and sense of belonging at 东精影业 are directly affected.
We are scheduled to meet with the U.S. Department of Education officials next week to gain clarity on next steps and potential pathways forward. We remain in close communication with our congressional delegation and state leadership, and we will continue to provide updates as this situation evolves.
Again, I realize that these cuts were sudden and unexpected and that this is weighing heavy on many hearts and minds. I’m with you and I thank you for your patience, resilience and steadfast dedication to our mission. Together, we will navigate this challenge and continue to put our students and communities first.
With aloha,
Wendy Hensel
东精影业 President