The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo has been selected by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) to participate in the newly launched Transformation Accelerator Cohort (TAC). The program is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and designed to help institutions eliminate race, ethnicity, and income as predictors of student success.
The inaugural TAC cohort, which was selected through a competitive application process, includes the following AASCU institutions:
• Albany State University (GA)
• California State University-Fresno
• Central Connecticut State University
• College of Staten Island CUNY
• Metropolitan State University of Denver
• PASSHE/Bloomsburg University, Lockhaven University, Mansfield University (PA)
• SUNY College at Oswego
• Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
• Texas A&M Kingsville
• Prairie View A&M University (TX)
• Texas A&M University System
• Texas A&M University-San Antonio
• University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
• University of Maryland Eastern Shore
• William Paterson University (NJ)
Among the participants are seven Hispanic-serving institutions, three historically Black colleges and universities and Predominately Black Institutions, and three Asian American and Native American Pacific-Islander serving institutions.
The TAC cohort involves peer-to-peer learning across institutions in-person and virtually. Participants will have access to resources, including online modules and webinars, and receive support from subject matter experts in data analytics, equity, student success, advising, institutional transformation, and strategic and systems planning.
“UH Hilo is thrilled to partner with AASCU and an extraordinary, diverse group of minority-serving campuses, all of whom share in our commitment to advancing student success and eliminating equity gaps in completion,” noted Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Kris Roney.
“Having personally witnessed the transformations that come from AASCU projects like this one and knowing the successes of some of our partner campuses, I know UH Hilo's communities will benefit from these challenging conversations and spaces for innovative projects designed with equity for our students and communities in mind.”