ʻOhana Night simplifies the path to enrollment at Kauaʻi Community College

More than 77 incoming students and their families attended the 6th annual ʻOhana Night to help students prepare for the fall semester.

Last Tuesday, the Learning Resource Center was filled with excitement and activity as students completed enrollment steps, registered for classes, applied for financial aid, and connected with campus resources ahead of the fall semester.

Nursing staff provided free tuberculosis testing to help students fulfill campus health requirements, while members of the Student Government Association recruited future student leaders and activities board members.

Nearby, newly admitted Waiʻaleʻale students met their mentors for the first time, forming a line that stretched around a table filled with food and refreshments.

According to Admissions Specialist Keanna Pavao, ʻOhana Night was created to make the college enrollment process more accessible and welcoming for students and their support networks.

“ʻOhana Night turns what can be an intimidating, bureaucratic process into a welcoming, celebratory community event where we uplift our students and their families as they begin their academic journey,” Pavao said.

Designed as a one-stop enrollment event, ʻOhana Night provides incoming students with personalized support to complete the steps necessary to begin classes. Students who preregister receive individualized assistance, while walk-in attendees can also access direct support from college staff.

Throughout the evening, attendees participated in workshops on enrollment, financial aid, and on-campus employment opportunities. Students and family members also toured the campus and learned about support services available at Kauaʻi Community College, such as the Veteran Support Center and the on-campus food pantry and human needs resource center.

Pavao said what sets ʻOhana Night apart from traditional orientation events is its focus on the entire family. The event recognizes that enrolling in college is often a family milestone and aims to make the transition as smooth as possible for everyone involved.

During the 2025-26 academic year, nearly 48% of Kauaʻi Community College students were the first in their families to attend college.

Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Noʻeau Keopuhiwa said the event helps ensure students are prepared to begin the fall 2026 semester with confidence.

“This event is unique because it’s an opportunity to visit the college after hours and allows students to get all of their questions answered … and complete everything they need to enroll at Kauaʻi Community College,” Keopuhiwa said. “We encourage students to bring their parents, children, and anyone else in their family who wants to learn more about college and the opportunities available to them.”

By bringing students, families, faculty, and staff together in one place, ʻOhana Night continues to strengthen the sense of community that defines Kauaʻi Community College while helping new students take their first steps toward achieving their educational goals.

For those who still need assistance with enrollment or are interested in applying, more information can be found online.