Navigating Admissions at Kapi'olani Community College: A Comprehensive Guide

Kapi'olani Community College (Kapi'olani CC), situated in a vibrant urban setting, offers a diverse range of academic programs and resources for students. With a total enrollment of 6,369 students and a student-faculty ratio of 17-to-1, Kapi'olani CC provides an environment conducive to learning and growth. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of the admission requirements, application process, and important considerations for prospective students.

Understanding Kapi'olani Community College

Kapi'olani Community College is a 2-year institution with an open admissions policy, meaning that it generally accepts all students who have a high school diploma or its equivalent. The college operates on a semester-based academic calendar and offers credit for life experiences, making it accessible to a wide range of learners. The highest degree offered at Kapi'olani Community College is an associate degree. Students can earn degrees and certificates in 21 different fields. Popular programs include: Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, Natural Sciences, and Hospitality Administration/Management, General.

Key Admission Statistics

Institution Type: Coed
Admission Policy: Open Admissions
Campus Setting: Major city
Level of Institution: 2 Year
Application Fee: \$25

Application Deadlines and Types

Kapi'olani Community College utilizes rolling admissions, which means applications are accepted throughout the year. While there isn't a strict application deadline, it's advisable to apply well in advance of the intended start date to allow ample time for processing and course registration.

Fall Regular Decision: August 1
Rolling Admissions: Applications accepted year-round

General Admission Requirements

While Kapi'olani Community College has an open admissions policy, prospective students must still complete an application and meet certain requirements. These may include:

Application Form: A completed application form, available through the Kekaulike Center (Admissions & Records) in ‘Ilima 102.
Transcripts: While the provided information indicates "Transcript No Important," it is generally expected that applicants will need to submit official transcripts from their high school or previous college(s).
Placement Tests: Depending on the chosen program of study, students may be required to take placement tests to assess their skills in math and English.

Admission for Specific Programs

Nursing Program Admission

The Associates Degree in Nursing program is a select admissions program; pre/corequisite courses, examinations, test scores, and/or other required documentation are submitted and reviewed during designated application periods. For students interested in pursuing a career in nursing, Kapi'olani CC offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. However, admission to this program is more competitive and requires specific prerequisites:

Prerequisite Courses: Completion of ADN prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or higher. The minimum of length of time will consist of three terms (e.g., Fall, Spring and Summer or a combination thereof), since the ZOOL/PHYL 141 (Human Anatomy and Physiology I), ZOOL/PHYL 142 (Human Anatomy and Physiology II) and PHRM 203 (General Pharmacology) courses must be completed in the proper sequence.
ATI-TEAS Exam: Passing the ATI-Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam. Effective May 31, 2022, the Kapiʻolani CC Nursing Department will NO longer allow the ATI TEAS to be proctored at home. The nursing department will grandfather in all exams taken since March 20, 2020 when UH officially mandated the “Stay at Home” order.
Application to the ADN Program: A separate application to the ADN program, typically submitted in the fall or spring. For the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, the Nursing Department at Kapi‘olani Community College receives approximately 175-200(+) applications each semester of which approximately eighteen (18) to twenty-four (24) students are accepted each semester. All students are welcome to apply regardless of their tuition status (i.e., resident or non-resident); however, the Nursing Department must first consider all qualified nursing applicants, who are deemed as Hawai‘i residents for tuition purposes.

The Kapi‘olani CC ADN Program prepares its graduates for the National Council of Licensure Examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN). Once the student has completed the Associate in Science Degree in Nursing program and has successfully obtained certification in Hawai‘i by the Hawaiʻi Board of Nursing, s/he will be eligible to obtain a state license, which will allow the licensee to practice nursing in the State of Hawaii. Kapiʻolani Community College (Kapiʻolani CC) may not be able to confirm whether a particular program meets the professional licensure requirements outside of the State of Hawaiʻi. The most recent accreditation decision made in 2021 by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Kapi‘olani CC Associate in Science Degree in Nursing program is Continuing Accreditation. The Kapiʻolani CC ADN Program is approved by the Hawai‘i State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) (formerly known as the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission).

Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN nursing examination (National Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse) to become a registered nurse. New students are admitted each semester and are given both theoretical instruction and an opportunity for clinical application of nursing skills as they prepare for entry-level practice as registered nurses. After graduates have passed the nursing licensure examination, they will be prepared to fill beginning level positions as Registered Nurses in hospitals, doctor’s offices, or other health-related institutions, and participate in the planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing care.

Early Admit Program

The Early Admit program provides an opportunity for high school students to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously.

Residency Requirements

If you are currently a nonresident but have established permanent residency in Hawai‘i, you may petition for a change in residence status of the second week of instruction.

Tuition and Fees

Understanding the costs associated with attending Kapi'olani Community College is crucial for financial planning. For the academic year 2020-2021, the in-state tuition and fees were \$3,284, while out-of-state tuition and fees were \$8,420. It is important to note that these figures are subject to change, so prospective students should consult the college's website for the most up-to-date information.

In-state tuition and fees (2020-2021): \$3,284
Out-of-state tuition and fees (2020-2021): \$8,420
Books and supplies: \$1,350

Financial Aid

At Kapi'olani Community College, 27 percent of undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid and the average scholarship or grant award is $4,072.

Registration and Enrollment

Adding and Dropping Classes

Adding and dropping of classes can ONLY be done in STAR during the appropriate periods. Adding classes is done online via STAR. Give your instructor your UH ID. Your instructor can provide an override. Once faculty approval is secured, you must still register for the course via STAR. Dropping classes is also accomplished via STAR. If you know you will not be attending a class, you should officially drop it so that you won’t receive a failing grade. A grade of “F” may be issued to students for courses they are no longer attending but have not officially dropped. Make sure you know what dropping your classes entails. You may wish to review available sections and register for another class.

Waitlists

Closed classes are those that are already filled to capacity. Some classes offer a Wait List. If the class is closed when you register but has the WAITLIST designation, you may select “Waitlist This Class” to be added to that class’s Waitlist.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend all sessions of the classes for which they are registered. It is the student’s responsibility to contact instructors regarding any absence. Class attendance by persons not properly registered is prohibited. Your academic success is greatly dependent on your participation in class. The University of Hawai’i supports student success by requiring faculty to identify the initial attendance of all students enrolled in their classes. Effective fall 2021, students who fail to participate by the late registration period for a class will be administratively dropped from that class (Executive Policy 7.209). Students may also be dropped from dependent prerequisite and/or corequisite classes if participation is not established in both courses. Classes dropped during the erase period will not appear on the student’s permanent academic record. Deadlines for the erase period (drop without “W”) are listed on the Academic Calendar.

Withdrawals

Students are advised to officially withdraw from the classes they do not plan to attend. Failure to withdraw may result in a financial obligation and a failing grade. Complete withdrawal from the college can now be done through STAR GPS Registration.

Read also: Unlock Junior Scholarships

Payment

To pay, go to MyUH Services and select “Pay Tuition and Fees” to pay your account balances. Students who register at more than one UH campus should pay particular attention to payment deadlines as they may vary from campus to campus. If you are using your Chapter 33 or 31 VA Educational Benefits or a Tuition Assistance program to pay for your tuition (and are eligible for 100% tuition payment), it is not necessary to advance pay for your tuition. The college will wait for the tuition payment from your supporting education benefit program.

Other Important Information

To check if you are in the right major, log into your STAR. Change of Major requests will be processed within 3-5 business days and you may view your new major requirements in STAR. Change of name, change of major, or permanent change of address forms can be found below.
Faculty and staff may be eligible for tuition waivers for credit courses, in accordance with Board of Regents Policy, Chapter 6, Section 6-7. Employees must be employed on a half time basis or more to be eligible for tuition waivers at any campus for a maximum of six credits per semester. Registration must be completed during the LATE REGISTRATION period as designated for faculty/staff.
Late registration is accepted at the Kekaulike Center (Admissions & Records) in ‘Ilima 102. If it’s a closed class, instructors must input the capacity override approval online first.

Student Resources and Advice

Kapi'olani Community College provides a range of resources to support student success, including:

Academic/career counseling services: Guidance and support for academic and career planning.
Employment services for students: Assistance with finding employment opportunities.
On-campus day care for students' children: Childcare services for students with children.

Here's some advice from current students:

Plan out your semesters early with dedicated study time for each class, buy your books before the semester starts, and read ahead. This makes the whole semester easier.
Don't be afraid to get involved. There are so many clubs and activities with all sorts of people from all walks of life participating.
Choose your classes soon, because if you wait to late you might have a schedule that can interfere with your life.
Speak with your teachers, many of the teachers at Kapiolani are very interactive and tend to build a connection with their students. knowing your teachers can help one alot if they are confused.
Get your student I.D., the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Kapiolani hold many events such as concerts and other events, and bringing your student I.D. can get you in for free!
KCC is a great college, with lots of resources for student that helps in academics, would definitely recommend it to other students.
TALK TO YOUR TEACHERS! You'll be glad you did :) Asking for help does not mean you're dumb, and becoming friends with the teacher does not mean you're a brown-noser. When it comes time for recommendation letters to be written, you'll understand why it is so important to create good relationships with your teachers (so don't forget to make a good impression!).

Making Changes to Your Record

Welcome to Admissions and Records at the Kekaulike Center. We process your student application, maintain your student record and can assist you if official changes need to be made. Admission steps can be slightly different depending on your situation. They say that life starts at 60. Required to change your designated “home” institution, deadline to submit this form is December 15th for Spring, August 1st for Fall. Required by the Hawai‘i Department of Health (HAR Chapter 11-157) for certain health requirements to be cleared before students can enter into post-secondary institutions. Request manual registration changes for Kapi‘olani CC. Request a copy of your permanent academic record from Kapi‘olani CC.

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