University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel and Chancellor Carlos Pe?aloza, who will also serve as interim chancellor of effective January 1 (pending Board of Regents approval), will host open forums at both campuses on Friday, October 10. (Editor’s note: Pe?aloza’s appointment was approved by the BOR on October 2.)
The forums are an opportunity for students, faculty and staff to engage directly with Hensel and Pe?aloza about the interim appointment and the exploratory process announced on September 18 to consider whether a more unified regional vision between the two campuses could better serve students.
- Leeward CC forum: Friday, October 10, 1–2 p.m.
Location: ED-201 (Education Building Room 201)
Questions may be or during the livestream. - 东精影业 West Oʻahu forum: Friday, October 10, 3–4 p.m.
Location: C-208
Questions may be or during the livestream.
Both forums will be livestreamed, and recordings will be made available for those unable to attend.
Hensel emphasized that these conversations are about collaboration and possibility, not predetermined outcomes.
“Outside of Carlos’ interim appointment, no decisions have been made, and there are no predetermined conclusions about where the discussions should conclude,” Hensel said in a message to both campuses announcing the forums. “What happens next will depend on what you are excited about, the potential that you see in this moment, and a vision that places students at the center of all conversations.”
Hensel acknowledged that leadership transitions and systemic change can create anxiety, but also highlighted the opportunity before the two campuses.
“That change can also create a moment of incredible opportunity to define and reimagine the critical role that our campuses play for the west side and the state,” she said.
More information about the forums will be shared with the campus communities as details are finalized.
Open Campus forums with President Hensel and Chancellor Pe?aloza
This message was shared with the students, faculty and staff at Leeward CC and 东精影业 West Oʻahu on October 2, 2025.
Aloha Leeward CC and 东精影业WO ʻOhana,
I deeply value the voices of our campus communities, and I begin this conversation with you in a spirit of openness and collaboration.
The September 18 announcement that Chancellor Carlos Pe?aloza will also serve as interim chancellor of 东精影业 West Oʻahu (effective January 1, pending Board of Regents approval) has understandably raised questions on both campuses. Leadership transitions are always a time of uncertainty, and this one came with the additional information that in the days ahead, we will explore how a more unified regional vision between Leeward and 东精影业 West Oʻahu potentially could better serve our students. I understand that I, too, am still relatively new, and that we are building a relationship of trust that takes time to develop.
As such, let me say this very clearly: the announcement was only the beginning of a conversation that will engage every member of our campus communities. Outside of Carlos’s interim appointment, no decisions have been made, and there are no predetermined conclusions about where the discussions should conclude.
What happens next will depend on what you are excited about, the potential that you see in this moment, and a vision that places students at the center of all conversations. You have my commitment that open dialogue will be at the heart of this process, and that we will work together to chart our path forward.
To that end, we will begin with two campus forums on Friday, October 10 from 1 to 2 p.m. at Leeward Community College and 3 to 4 pm at 东精影业 West Oʻahu. The events will be livestreamed, and recordings will be available for those unable to attend. Carlos and I will share brief remarks before opening the floor to your questions, which may also be submitted in advance or during the livestream. Additional details, including the location and livestream link, will be shared soon.
This has already been a year of significant change that can sometimes feel overwhelming. That change can also create a moment of incredible opportunity to define and reimagine the critical role that our campuses play for the west side and the state. Whatever changes result from our discussions, we will make them together.
Mahalo for your time and attention. I look forward to seeing you next Friday.
With aloha,
Wendy Hensel
President, University of Hawaiʻi