General Information
How does academic advising work at UH Mānoa?
Answer:
At UH Mānoa, academic advising is decentralized, meaning each of the university’s 15 colleges and schools has its own dedicated advising office. This structure ensures that students receive personalized support from advisors who understand the specific requirements and opportunities within their major.
In addition to college-based advising, some students may also receive guidance from specialized advising offices that support particular student groups or academic goals, providing an added layer of support tailored to their unique needs.
Depending on the college & program, UH Mānoa undergraduate students typically work with both a Major Advisor and a College Advisor.
Major advisors specialize in your field, guiding course sequencing, availability, and requirements. Contact your major department or college advising office if unsure who yours is.
College advisors provide broader academic support, including general education, graduation requirements, and clearance.
Answer:
Since UH Mānoa utilizes a decentralized advising model, advising services vary by office and are provided through individual colleges/schools, major departments/degree programs, and specialized advising services.
That said, most advising offices at UHM provide support in several key areas:
Course Selection & Registration: Advisors help you choose classes that align with your academic goals, degree requirements, and personal interests.
Degree Planning & Progress Tracking: Advisors assist with creating academic plans, understanding degree pathways, and making sure you stay on track to graduate on time.
Understanding Policies & Requirements: Advisors explain university policies, general education requirements, and program-specific rules to help you make informed choices.
Support for Academic Challenges: Advisors can connect you with campus resources, offer strategies to improve academic performance, and provide support during difficult times.
Career & Graduate School Preparation: Some advising offices also help students explore career options, prepare for graduate or professional school, and find internships or research opportunities.
Because advising is decentralized, it’s important to know which advising office serves your college or program and to stay in regular contact with them. Each office may offer unique services tailored to their students’ needs.
How do I find my academic advisor(s) and their advising office information?
Answer:
The resources below can help you find the right person to contact based on your major or program:
Mānoa Advising Center (MAC) for Exploratory Pathway Students
If you’re in an Exploratory (EX) pathway, MAC serves as your primary advising resource.
You can schedule appointments via STAR Balance, or email macadv@hawaii.edu for support.
How often should I meet with my academic advisor(s)?
Answer:
Meeting with your academic advisor regularly helps you stay on track and make the most of your time at UH Mānoa. Here are some helpful tips:
At least once per semester!
Plan to check in with your advisor at least once each semester, even if everything’s going smoothly. It’s a great way to confirm you’re on track and ask questions about registration, degree progress, or upcoming deadlines.
If you're a freshman or sophomore, meeting with your advisor may fulfill your mandatory advising requirement (each fall & spring). Check with you advisor to ensure you have met your requirement.
Before registration opens:
Meet early in the semester (around October for spring, March for fall) to plan your courses and avoid last-minute stress.
If you’re thinking about changing your major:
Your advisor can help you explore new options, understand requirements, and make a smooth transition.
When facing academic or personal challenges:
Don’t wait! Advisors can help connect you with resources like tutoring, counseling, or financial aid support.
Before graduating:
Meet with your advisor at least one year before you plan to graduate to review your degree requirements and make sure you’re on track.
If you’re in a selective or pre-professional program:
Some programs (like Nursing, Business, or Pre-Health) may require more frequent advising; check with your specific office.
Who can I speak to if I am not certain of which major or academic pathway to pursue?
Answer
If you’re unsure (undeclared/undecided) about which major to choose, the Mānoa Advising Center (MAC) for Exploratory Majors is here to help! MAC specializes in assisting students who are exploring their options.
How do I change my major, minor, or certificate program?
Answer:
Visit the 'Declare or Update Major/Minor' Page
What should I do if I’m interested in double majoring or pursuing a concurrent degree?
Answer:
If you are interested in adding a double major, start by contacting your current academic advising office, especially if the intended second major is within the same college or school.
You should also meet with the advising office for your intended second major to learn about program requirements and how the majors can fit together in your degree plan. Be sure to review any admission requirements for the second major before moving forward.
Answer:
Incoming UH Mānoa students should know that transfer credits from non-UH system colleges or universities are evaluated after you are admitted and have submitted official transcripts (send to UHM Admissions @ manoa.admissions@hawaii.edu).
Courses are reviewed by the UH Mānoa Admissions Office to determine whether they transfer and how they apply to your degree; some may transfer as specific UH Mānoa courses while others may count as electives.
For Advanced Placement (AP) scores, you must request that the College Board send your official scores directly to UH Mānoa Admissions (manoa.admissions@hawaii.edu).
AP scores that meet UH Mānoa’s minimum requirements can earn you credit toward graduation and, in some cases, fulfill General Education or major requirements.
Always check the UH Mānoa transfer credit database and AP exam credit charts to understand how your courses and scores may apply, and follow up with your academic advisor to see how they fit into your specific program.
Registration
Answer:
STAR GPS (Graduation Pathway System) is UH Mānoa’s online degree planning and registration tool. It helps you see exactly which requirements you have completed, which are still needed, and how your courses fit into your degree. You can also use it to plan future semesters and register for classes.
Key Features
Degree Check: Shows all requirements for your degree, highlighting what’s completed and what’s still needed.
Pathway Planning: Lets you map out your courses semester by semester toward graduation.
Registration: Allows you to search for classes, see available sections, and register directly from your plan.
“What-If” Scenarios: Lets you explore how your credits would apply to a different major, minor, or certificate.
Answer:
▶️STAR GPS Course Planning Module
STAR GPS is your tool for planning your courses semester by semester. Follow these steps to create and customize your plan:
Log in at star.hawaii.edu using your UH username and password.
Click GPS Registration to see your degree pathway.
You can click and drag course requirements from one semester to another.
This is helpful if you want to rearrange your schedule, adjust course loads, or plan around when classes are offered.
Click on any course requirement to see all the courses that can satisfy it.
If you see a course you’re interested in, click the yellow star to save it.
Starred courses will appear at the top of your registration page, making them easy to find when it’s time to register.
If you are in an Exploratory or Pre-Major Pathway, STAR GPS will only show part of your overall academic plan. This is because it is set up as a stepping stone toward declaring your intended major. To view your complete degree requirements, run a “What If” journey for your intended major or majors in STAR GPS.
Any changes you make to your STAR plan while in a “What If” journey will be saved. Once you are admitted to your intended major, that plan will carry over, creating a seamless transition into your updated degree pathway.
Some courses have prerequisites, co-requisites, placement exams, or class standing requirements (for example, sophomore (30+ earned credits) or junior status(60+ earned credits)).
To see these details, check the course description in the UH Mānoa Catalog.
Make sure you meet or will meet these requirements before adding the course to your plan.
Aim for around 15 credits per semester to stay on track for graduation.
12 credits is the minimum for full-time status.
19 credits is the maximum without special approval from your primary academic advising office.
To take more than 19 credits, you must have completed a previous semester at UH Mānoa with 18+ credits and no incompletes or withdrawals.
A petition is required to take more than 24 credits.
If you plan to take summer classes, add a summer session in STAR GPS.
Drag course requirements into that summer session.
Summer sessions are shorter and more intensive, so take no more than 2 courses per session or 4 courses total for the summer.
How do I know which courses to take each semester?
Answer:
Check Your STAR GPS Plan
Log in to star.hawaii.edu and open GPS Registration.
Review your degree pathway to see your remaining requirements and planned courses.
Follow Your Degree Requirements
If you have declared a major, follow the requirements listed in STAR GPS and the UH Mānoa Catalog.
If you are in an Exploratory or Pre-Major Pathway, use your STAR GPS plan as a guide, but also run a “What If” journey for your intended major to see the full picture.
Meet Prerequisites Early
Look ahead at courses you will need in future semesters.
Take prerequisites early so you can stay on track.
Aim for a Balanced Credit Load
15 credits per semester keeps you on pace for graduation in four years.
12 credits is the minimum for full-time status.
Mix major, general education, and elective courses to keep your workload balanced.
Consult Your Academic Advisor
Your advisor can help you choose courses in the right order, ensure you meet admission requirements for selective majors, and suggest options that match your goals.
Plan Around Course Availability
Some courses are only offered in certain semesters or years.
Use STAR GPS to adjust your plan if a course is not available when you expected.
What happens if a course I need is full?
Answer:
Join the Waitlist
In STAR GPS, try registering for the class. If it is full, you may see a waitlist option.
If you join the waitlist, keep checking your UH email daily. If a seat opens, you will have a limited time (24 hours) to accept it before it is offered to the next person.
The waitlist period will end the day before the start of the semester, at which time, students will be removed from the list. It then becomes a first come, first serve opportunity until the deadline to add or drop a course with a 100% tuition refund.
Check for Other Sections or Times
Look for the same course at different days or times.
Consider online or hybrid options if available.
Check the UH Community Colleges for equivalent & transferable options.
Look at Alternative Courses
For general education or elective requirements, choose another course that still moves you toward graduation.
Use STAR GPS to drag and drop course requirements into another semester and replace them with an available option.
Contact Your Academic Advisor
If the course is essential for your major or timely progression, your advisor can help you explore solutions, such as substitutions or planning adjustments.
Plan to Try Again Later
Some courses are offered every semester, others only once a year. If you cannot get in now, add it to your plan for the next time it is offered.
How do I drop or withdraw from a class, and what are the deadlines?
Answer:
You can drop or withdraw from a course in STAR GPS through your registration cart (the same place where you registered) within the deadlines set each semester:
Drop Period (No “W” Grade)
Week 1: Add or drop courses for a 100% tuition refund. Courses dropped by this deadline will not appear on your transcript.
Weeks 2–3: You can still drop courses, but only receive a 50% tuition refund. Dropped courses will not appear on your transcript.
After Week 3, the drop period ends, and any removal from a course is considered a withdrawal.
Withdrawal Period (“W” Grade)
After the drop period ends, you may withdraw from a course via STAR GPS until the final withdrawal deadline, usually about six weeks before the semester ends. A “W” will appear on your transcript, but it will not affect your GPA. You will still be responsible for tuition and fees.
After the final withdrawal deadline, you must meet with your academic advisor to discuss any late withdrawal options.
Be sure to check the UHM Office of the Registrar's Academic Calendar to stay on top of important deadlines.
Dropping or Withdrawing from a Class
For Fall 2025
September 2nd: Last day to receive a 100% tuition refund.
September 16th: Last day to drop a course on STAR GPS & receive a 50% tuition refund.
September 17th to November 3rd: Restricted Withdrawal Period - drop a course with a 'W' Grade via STAR GPS.
A withdrawal will appear on your transcript with a “W” but will not affect your GPA.
You are still responsible for tuition and fees.
From November 4th: Students must contact their academic advisor.
For Spring 2026
January 20th: Last day to receive a 100% tuition refund.
February 4th: Last day to drop a course on STAR GPS & receive a 50% tuition refund.
Things to Consider Before Dropping or Withdrawing
Will this change affect your full-time status (12 credits or more)?
Could it impact financial aid, scholarships, or visa requirements?
Will you still be on track to graduate on time?
Ask Your Advisor First
Before making any changes, talk with your academic advisor. They can help you understand the impact and explore alternatives.
Can I take courses at another college or university and transfer them to UH Mānoa?
Answer:
Yes, you can take courses at another college or university and transfer them to UH Mānoa, but there are a few important steps to follow:
1. Check if the Course Will Transfer
Use the UH Transfer Database to see how courses from other schools transfer to UH Mānoa.
If the course is not listed, talk with your academic advisor before enrolling to make sure it will count toward your degree.
2. Get Advisor Approval
Always check with your academic advisor before registering for a course at another school.
They can help you confirm if the credit will apply to your major, minor, or general education requirements.
3. Follow UH Mānoa’s Transfer Credit Policies
You must earn a C or better in most courses for them to transfer.
Courses must be from a regionally accredited institution.
Some majors have limits on the number or type of transfer credits allowed.
4. Send Your Official Transcript
After completing the course, request an official transcript from the other school to be sent directly to UH Mānoa’s Office of Admissions (manoa.admissions@hawaii.edu).
Credits will be evaluated and posted to your UH record.
5. UH System Courses
If you plan to take a course at another UH campus, credits transfer more easily, but you should still check with your advisor to ensure it applies to your degree.
Requirements
What are the General Education (Gen Ed) requirements, and how do I fulfill them?
Answer:
UHM'S General Education Requirements
Note: Some colleges/schools have waived or modified the Hawaiian or Second Language (HSL) requirement. Consult your college/school advisor.
What are FOCUS requirements, and how do I fulfill them?
Answer:
How do I petition for an exception to a degree requirement?
Answer:
Contact your academic advisor.
Students who have had their courses or semester significantly impacted by an extenuating circumstance are encouraged to contact or meet with their academic advisor as soon as possible.
Policy exemptions can only be considered if a formal petition, along with supporting documents, are submitted with an academic advisor.
Exploratory Pathways
Answer:
👉🏼Click Here to Declare/Update a Pathway!
The link above takes you to the UHM Office of the Registrar's "Declare/Update an Undergraduate Major/Minor/Certificate" form.
You will first select your current major or pathway and then be asked to select your new exploratory pathway.
After submission, please allow at least 5 business days for your new pathway to update in STAR.
Answer:
The Mānoa Advising Center (MAC) for Exploratory Pathway Students has six pathway options for undergraduate students that allows them to explore majors or meet certain admission requirements while completing their general education requirements.
The 6 pathways include:
Exploratory (EX)
Exploratory Arts & Humanities (EXAH)
Exploratory Business (EXB)
Exploratory Health Sciences (EXHS)
Exploratory Social Sciences (EXSS)
Exploratory STEM (EXST)
Exploratory students are those who are either undecided on their major OR are actively working towards specific admission requirements for certain programs:
Example: Exploratory Business students focus on completing the Shidler College of Business admission prerequisites while maintaining a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, typically before reaching junior standing (60 earned credits).
Answer:
At UH Mānoa, a pre-major (like Pre-Psychology) is for students who have chosen a major but must meet specific admission requirements before officially entering the program.
The Exploratory Business pathway is similar, as it guides students through specific BBA admission and general education requirements. Other exploratory pathways are for students who are still deciding on a major within a general area of interest. All exploratory pathways are housed under the Mānoa Advising Center while pre-majors are housed within the each respective program.
While neither pre-majors nor exploratory students are fully declared, pre-majors follow a defined path toward their intended program, whereas exploratory students have more flexibility to explore options with support from academic advisors before committing to a specific program.
Pre-Engineering,College of Engineering
Pre-Nursing, School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene
Pre-Psychology,Department of Psychology
Pre-Social Work, Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health
Progress towards Graduation
How do I apply for graduation, and when should I do it?
Answer:
How can I learn more about study abroad or National Student Exchange opportunities at UHM?
What are the policies for taking a leave of absence or withdrawing from the university?
Answer:
Withdrawal and Leave of Absence (LOA)
LOA Eligibility:
Must be classified (i.e., regularly admitted).
Must not attend any other institution (within UH System or elsewhere), unless the leave qualifies as an overseas study LOA.
You can request LOA for one or two semesters (excluding summer). Additional leave may only be granted under exceptional circumstances (e.g., military service).
LOA Process:
Obtain and submit the Leave of Absence application to your academic advisor or college’s Student Academic Services.
Important to notify relevant offices if you receive financial aid, VA benefits, scholarships, are an international student, in housing, or involved in intercollegiate athletics or ROTC.
Note: If you don’t return when scheduled, you must apply for re‑admission and accept that newer core/major/graduation requirements will apply.
What is the Credit/No Credit (CR/NC) grading option, and when should I use it?
Answer:
Credit/No Credit (CR/NC) is an alternative grading option at UH Mānoa.
Instead of receiving a letter grade (A–F), you earn:
CR (Credit): You completed the course with a grade equivalent to a “C” or better. You earn the credits, but it does not affect your GPA.
NC (No Credit): You did not earn credit for the course (grade of C–, D, F, or NC). It does not affect your GPA.
Important things to know!
If you're considering taking a course as CR/NC, talk to your academic advisor first.
Most degree programs do not allow CR/NC for required courses in your major, minor, or certificate.
Many General Education and graduation requirements cannot be taken CR/NC (exceptions are usually electives).
UH Mānoa limits the number of CR-graded credits that can count toward graduation (60 credits total).
Consider choosing CR/NC if:
Exploring a new subject area: You want to try a course outside your major without risking your GPA.
Meeting elective requirements: You only need the credits (not a specific grade) to graduate.
Reducing stress or balancing workload: If you are carrying a heavy course load, CR/NC can lessen pressure by removing GPA impact.
Post-Grad Preparation
Where can I find information about graduate school or career planning?
Schedule appointments to map out your future; whether it’s exploring career options, polishing your résumé, practicing interviews, or preparing your graduate school application.
Workshops cover topics like:
“Thinking About Graduate or Professional School”
Resume & cover letter strategies, interview prep, LinkedIn 101
These are also available as on-demand “Pocket Workshops.”
The Career Center’s Resource Library provides worksheets, guides, and tools on:
Graduate school application process (timelines, personal statements, exams, letters of recommendation)
Career planning and internships
Networking, job search strategies, and more
FOCUS 2: A self-assessment tool that helps you evaluate your strengths, interests, and values to align them with potential career paths.
“What can I do with this major?”: Guides for how different majors align with careers.
O*Net Online: Occupational information and career profiles.
Access job and internship listings through the SECE Jobs Database, updated regularly.
Attend career fairs and workshops
How do I get an internship, and do I need academic credit for it?
Answer:
Utilize UH Mānoa Career Center Services (located in Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services, RM. 212)
Connect with Your Program and College/School
Many UH Mānoa colleges/schools & departments have their own internship or practicum courses and partnerships with local organizations.
Some majors, especially in fields like Business, Education, Social Work, Engineering, and Nursing, require internships/practicums as part of the curriculum.
Speak with your major/program advisor to learn about opportunities specific to your major.
Explore External Resources
Beyond UH Mānoa, students find internships through job boards (Handshake, Indeed, LinkedIn), community organizations, government agencies, and local companies in Honolulu.
Do You Need Academic Credit?
It depends on your major and the internship:
Required internships: Some programs (e.g., Social Work practicum, certain Education field experiences, Nursing clinical) require for-credit internships.
Optional internships: In other majors, internships are not required. You may pursue them independently to gain experience, with or without earning course credit.
Earning credit: If you want credit for your internship (for example, through a course like BUS 495 Internship), you must usually get departmental approval before you start, meet eligibility requirements (e.g., GPA minimums, completed coursework), and register for the internship course. You’ll typically complete assignments or reports in addition to the work experience.
Paid internships: Even if your internship is paid, you can sometimes still register for credit, but you’ll need to check with your department for their policy.
How do I get advising for pre-professional programs like pre-med or pre-law?
Answer: