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Degree Programs > Arts & Sciences > Access to College Excellence (ACE)

Access to College Excellence (ACE)

ACCESS TO COLLEGE EXCELLENCE (ACE): A Special Learning Community Program for First-Semester Students

Access to College Excellence (ACE) is a learning community program designed exclusively for first-semester students to help them adjust to college life, whether they have just graduated high school, have taken a break from college, or are entering college after several years of working or raising a family. Students who join an ACE cluster are guaranteed enrollment in two or more high-demand courses. In addition to the courses, ACE students are required to attend a weekly seminar that is designed to reflect the specific interests and needs of each ACE cluster. Ten spaces in each cluster course are reserved for ACE students unless otherwise indicated. Interested students should tell their advisor during the orientation and advising session that they want to enroll in an ACE cluster. Students may also contact Ann Ching, ACE Coordinator (734-9324, annching@hawaii.edu).

What Is the Purpose of ACE?

(1) To assist and support first-year college students by guaranteeing them enrollment in a cluster of courses focused on students' shared interests,

(2) To help first-year students survive and succeed in college through their participation in an informative weekly seminar,

(3) To create a supportive and friendly environment between ACE students and faculty.

How Will This Benefit Me?

As an ACE participant you are guaranteed enrollment in some of the most high-demand courses on campus. Only ten (10) students will be selected for each cluster, unless otherwise noted, on a first-come, first-served basis. So it's important to select your cluster and let an advisor, the ACE Coordinator, or cluster co-leaders know of your interest as soon as possible.

What are the Weekly Seminars?

You must also reserve one hour a week for an ACE seminar with your cluster co-leaders and group members. During this time, you'll interact with faculty members, peers, and guest speakers; get the information you need to take full advantage of college resources such as financial aid, computer skills, tutoring, and child care; create a social and academic network within your cluster in a supportive environment, and a lot more.

How Do I Apply?

Check out the available clusters and choose one that fits your interests. Then make sure you meet the prerequisites for the courses in that cluster by carefully examining the Schedule of Classes. Finally, tell your advisor during the orientation and advising session that you want to enroll in an ACE cluster. You can also register online in an ACE cluster if you fulfill the prerequisites and have reserved the time in your schedule for the weekly seminar. To register online, you must add both or all of the ACE cluster classes together at the same time.

If you have additional questions or need help registering, you may contact the ACE Coordinator, Ann Ching, 7349324, annching@hawaii.edu.

What do students say about ACE?

"It helps you get comfortable with college, introduces you to new people, gives you a support system."

"Good friends and understanding because we all have that common bond."

"I am really thankful to the ACE cluster program because the seminar was a great help for my study."

"Good benefit like early registration and first pick on classes."

"I'm so happy I was a part of it! It's been a great help and such a relief to know that [the ACE faculty co-leader] is there to help us in our first semester at college."

Fall 2005 ACE Clusters

ACE IT (ESOL & ITS)
Cluster Leaders: Guy Kellogg (734-9327, gkellogg@hawaii.edu)
Steve Singer (734-9018, singer@hawaii.edu)

Designed for ESOL students interested in studying Information Technology(ITS) or Information and Computer Science(ICS). Seminars will focus on terms and concepts related to ITS, test taking strategies, and use of Microsoft business applications (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

32431 ESOL 94 TWRF 11:35-1:40 Kellogg Iliahi 205
32432 ICS 100 MW 3:15-4:30 Yokota Kopiko 103
32430 Seminar W 2:00-3:00 Iliahi 129

Bilingual Immigrant
Cluster Leaders: Ann Ching (734-9324, annching@hawaii.edu)
Kris Ito Lambert (734-9325, klambert@hawaii.edu)

Designed for bilingual immigrant students who graduate from the local high schools. Weekly seminars will provide support and tutoring in ESOL and Speech classes.

32428 SP 151 MW 10:45-12:00 Kashiwada Olona 105
32427 ESOL 94F TWRF 12:30-2:35 Lambert Iliahi 204
32429 Seminar R 11:00-12:00 TBA

Culinary Arts

Cluster Leaders: Laurie Dwire (734-9493, dwire@hawaii.edu )
Lori Maehara (734-9466, lmaehara@hawaii.edu)
Alan Tsuchiyama (734-9148, atsuchiy@hawaii.edu)

Designed for full-time, first-semester Culinary Arts or Patisserie majors. Weekly seminars will give students an opportunity to explore the industry and discuss strategies for success for first-year students. Recommendation from High School food service teacher or counselor is required. Contact Lori Maehara (734-9466, lmaehara@hawaii.edu) to register for this cluster.

32530 FSHE 103 TR 2:00-3:50 Holthaus Ohia 118
Special Dates: 22-Aug-05 Ð 14-Oct-05
32536 FSHE 197B TR 9:00-11:00 Miyamoto Ohia 118
Special Dates: 17-Oct-05 Ð 9-Dec-05
Seminar M 2:00-3:00 Tamarind Dining Room

Exercise and Sport Science

Cluster Leaders: Doug Crowell (734-9176, crowelld@hawaii.edu)
Teri Durland (734-9290, tdurland@hawaii.edu)

Designed for students who wish to pursue careers as personal trainers and fitness specialists. Weekly seminars will give students an opportunity to explore the profession/industry and learn more about health, wellness, and exercise. Contact Teri Durland (734-9290, tdurland@hawaii.edu) to register for this cluster.

Required Classes
32454 ESS 100 MW 12:00-1:15 Crowell Kokio 202B
32455 FSHE 185 WF 9:00-10:50 Itomitsu Olapa 115
32456 Seminar M 10:45-11:45 TBA
Optional Classes
31449 ZOOL 141 TR 12:15-1:30 Chong Olapa 215
31465 ZOOL 141L R 7:45-10:30 Chong Kokio 208

Explorations in Education

Cluster Leaders: Veronica Ogata (734-9833, vogata@hawaii.edu)
Kristie Souza Malterre (734-9247, kristies@hawaii.edu)

Designed for any student who is interested in a career in education and wants to receive credit for community service in a classroom setting.

32446 ENG 100 MW 9:15-10:30 Abbott Mokihana 101
32447 FAMR 230 MW 10:45-12:00 Ogata Olona 201
32448 Seminar W 12:30-1:30 TBA

Holomua Math

Cluster Leader: LaVache Scanlan (734-9371, lavache@hawaii.edu)

Designed to optimize students' college experience and increase mathematical confidence through effective learning strategies. Weekly seminars will energize and inspire ACE members to become pro-active learners in the context of a nurturing support group.

32440 PCM 23 MTWR 10:00-11:30 Scanlan Iliahi 207
32439 ENG 21 TR 12:15-2:05 Chang Kalia 104
32438 Seminar W 12:00-1:00 Iliahi 231E

Hospitality

Cluster Leader: Sheryl Fuchino-Nishida (734-9716, fuchino@hawaii.edu)

Designed for students considering an exciting career in the hotel, travel, and hospitality industry.

Required classes for all students
32193/32208 FSHE 101 TR 11:30-12:45 Chong Olapa 116
Seminar T 12:46-1:45 Olapa 114
Choose one of the following:
32194 FSHE 152 TR 9:00-11:05 Evans Olapa 115
OR
32195 FSHE 160 TR 9:30-11:10 Fernandez Olapa 113

International Students and Music

Cluster Leaders: Renita Cole (734-9326, rcole@hawaii.edu)
Anne Craig (734-9182, anne@hawaii.edu)

Designed to help international students adjust to American college life. While learning piano and English, students will discover how these two disciplines are interrelated.

32434 ESOL 92F MTRF 7:30-9:35 Cole Iliahi 205
32435 ESOL 92LF W 7:30-9:35 Cole Iliahi 205
32436 MUS 121C MW 10:45-12:00 Lum Olona 109
32433 Seminar W 12:30-1:30 TBA

Pathways in Art

Cluster Leaders: Sarah Bremser (734-9377, sem@hawaii.edu)
Sheldon Tawata (734-9247, sheldont@hawaii.edu)

Designed for pre-art or art majors who need to take these core art courses to build on as they continue their art studies.

32442 ART 101 MW 7:45-9:00 Souza Kalia 202
32443 ART 113 TR 10:45-1:15 Sunabe Koa 204
32444 ENG 100 TR 9:15-10:30 Harada Kalia 109
32445 Seminar W 9:15-10:15 TBA

Single Parents

Cluster Leaders: Jill Abbott (734-9450, jmabbott@hawaii.edu)
Cathy Wehrman (734-9504, cwehrman@hawaii.edu)

Designed to help single parents adjust to college life and juggle their academic and family responsibilities.

32450 ENG 100 MW 9:15-10:30 Abbott Iliahi 210
32451 FAMR 230 MW 10:45-12:00 Ogata Olona 201
32453 Seminar W 12:15-1:15 TBA