Student Conduct Expectations for HDFS Majors
The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM) exists for the pursuit of knowledge through teaching, learning, and research conducted in an atmosphere of physical and intellectual freedom. Moreover, members of the UH academic community are committed to engage in teaching, learning, research, and community service and to assist one another in the creation and maintenance of an environment which supports these activities. It is therefore the policy of the University that members of the academic community may not violate the rights of one another nor disrupt the basic activities of the institution. Students who are disruptive are, consequently, subject to a variety of academically related penalties which may include reprimand, probation, restitution, suspension, or expulsion.
It must be recognized that members of the academic community have the same privileges and responsibilities with respect to the law as do members of the larger society. As a result, members of the UHM campus community must acknowledge that when the interests of the University are violated by a student, the student is accountable to the institution and may also be held responsible to civil authorities. These interests of the University are described in the University’s Conduct Code. The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences will follow the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Campus Conduct Code policy.
PLAGIARISM, defined as “the act of passing off as one's own the ideas or writings of another” is unacceptable and will result in a failing (“F”) grade for the assignment. Work submitted to other instructors to fulfill other class requirements may NOT be submitted to meet requirements of this class.
It is a privilege to be a member of the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa community. This privilege provides students with the opportunity to learn and to participate in the many programs that are offered on campus. Along with this privilege, students are expected to be responsible in relationships with others and to respect the interests of the institution. These interests are fully set forth in the University’s Student Conduct Code.
Helpful Reminders
- Be sure to meet with any of the CTAHR academic advisors prior to registration.
- Prior to registering for classes, students should check the UHM catalog for complete information about prerequisites for courses in other departments.
- Take HDFS 230, 340, and 360 as early as possible (which are prerequisites for the Support Courses) as well as 380/380L. These courses must be completed with letter grades of C (not C-) or better.
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Students should take HDFS 492 Internship concurrently with HDFS 495 Capstone Portfolio in their final semester.
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Prior to registering for HDFS 492, students must attend the internship orientation meeting regarding the internship application process one semester before doing the internship. This meeting is usually scheduled in the first two weeks of every semester. E-mail reminders will be sent to students. [Students must complete all required courses prior to taking HDFS 492.]
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The Capstone Portfolio (HDFS 495) class is to be taken in their final semester. Students must complete all required courses prior to taking HDFS 495. In the HDFS 495 (writing intensive) class, students will be required to put together a portfolio to showcase the depth and breadth of their learning. Please be sure to keep your course syllabi and assignments because these documents will have to be included in the student’s portfolio
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Total credit requirements: 120 credits, including 45 upper division credits.
HDFS 492: Internship
All HDFS majors are required to complete a 180-hour internship in their final semester before graduation, or the summer before graduation. Enrollment is restricted to students who have officially been accepted into HDFS by the internship application deadline. Students must complete all of the HDFS major required courses with a C or better prior to starting their internship. These classes are:
- HDFS 230 – Human Development
- HDFS 340 – Intimacy, Marriages and Families
- HDFS 360 – Family Resource Management
- HDFS 380 – Research Methodology
- HDFS 380L – Research Methodology Laboratory
Students must apply for internship one semester prior to the semester in which they plan to do their internship. Orientation meetings for prospective internship students are held within the first two weeks of each semester. Students must attend this orientation meeting before submitting an application. An application, 3 copies of a resume, 3 copies of UH System grades, a self-assessment survey, and a copy of the applicant’s preliminary graduation check form must be submitted to the Internship Coordinator by the application deadline. Placement in a cooperating agency will be made by the Internship Coordinator.
As part of their internship, students are required to spend 12 hours per week for 15 weeks (180 hours) in an agency setting. Therefore, students are advised to arrange their schedule of courses to allow for blocks of time (e.g., two 6-hour or three 4-hour blocks) to fulfill their internship requirements. Student-athletes are advised to plan their curriculum to complete their internship requirement in their off-season. Students taking internship in the summer are required to spend 30 hours per week for 6 weeks.
Students are also advised to take a lighter course load when enrolled in internship.
Students who generally work during the school semester or summer should note that their work hours may be significantly affected, and they will need to make appropriate plans to handle their financial situation. Internships are not paid. Students are required to purchase professional liability insurance during the internship semester.
HDFS 495: Capstone Portfolio Development
In addition to internship, all HDFS students must take HDFS 495 (Capstone Portfolio) in their final semester. In this capstone course, students will develop a professional portfolio that will document the breadth and depth of their learning, and offer an opportunity to consider where they have been, are at present, and would like to go in their professional development. HDFS students should save all their course syllabi, papers and other scholarly products (such as brochures, presentations, literature reviews, bibliographies, and research projects) from HDFS and other related courses for review and possible use in the development of the Capstone portfolio.
Graduate Education
The Human Development and Family Studies curriculum provides a strong foundation for graduate study. For those interested in doing graduate work in our discipline, there are many HDFS-related graduate programs on the mainland. Graduates who pursue their graduate education in Hawai‘i can choose from a number of different options depending upon their career goals and personal interests. Some examples are: Counseling, Early Childhood Education, Education, Public Administration, Public Health, Social Work, and Family Law. A 3.0 GPA is usually the minimum acceptable for consideration for graduate school.
Planning ahead is critical to successful applications to graduate school. It is best to begin researching programs at least a year before you plan to apply. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and other required tests (these vary by program) should be taken the fall prior to your anticipated application period. Applications are usually due in January or February. Check with your desired program for specific prerequisites or admission requirements.
Master’s of Education in Early Childhood Education
The MEd – Early Childhood Education is a statewide, interdisciplinary graduate program designed to address the statewide need for Birth – 8 years leadership. This interdisciplinary degree is a collaboration between Curriculum Studies, Special Education, and Human Development & Family Studies.
This program provides format delivery and licensure-related track options to support a range of candidate needs. Program candidates can select one option from each category.
The Masters in Early Childhood Education prepares graduates for various teaching and leadership positions in programs that support the development, learning and well-being of children together with their families and communities.
For more information or the most up-to-date application requirements, please visit their website: https://coe.hawaii.edu/cs/programs/ece/.
Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) Curriculum
The National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) provides the Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) credential, which is recognized in the U.S. and Canada for Family Life Education professions.
The program encourages applications from professionals who have preparation and experience in Family Life Education settings, including formal teaching, research/scholarship, community education, public information and education, curriculum and resource development, health care, military family support, and ministry. CFLEs have a minimum of a bachelor's degree, and many have advanced degrees.
Learn more about Family Life Education, and CFLE certification here: https://www.ncfr.org/cfle-certification.
Schedule a meeting with a career counselor in Mānoa’s Career Center for more information on other professions to enter after graduation.
Student Organizations
- Friends of the Family is a student-led organization open to anyone who has an interest in families.
- Phi Upsilon Omicron is a National Honor Society in Family and Consumer Sciences to which students who meet certain academic criteria may be invited.
Both student organizations participate in numerous service projects and fundraising throughout the year. For more information on either organization, contact a HDFS faculty member.
Useful Websites for Students Entering into the University of Hawai'i
All information for students covering how to apply, academic calendar, financial aid, catalog, transfer credit search, new database, on-campus activities, housing (dorms), parking, etc., can be found on the following websites:
MyUH Services is a mobile-optimized, one stop shop for UH business tasks, form, apps and more. It includes one-click access to services customized for students, faculty and staff across our 10-campus system.
STAR for students is the online degree tracking system for UH. You can view your degree requirements, register for classes, search for scholarships, and view your transcripts through STAR.
Use this website to make an appointment with our academic advisors. Advisors can assist you with developing a degree plan and making sure you’re taking the appropriate classes for graduation.
This website offers information about the world of CTAHR, including undergraduate and graduate programs, financial aid and scholarships, course requirements, publications, research projects, student council, faculty, and staff.
This website shows the different programs, courses, and resources available within the FCS department.
UH Core requirements and class listings can be found at this site.
This website shows information on how your credits transfer into UH Mānoa.
Student Academic Support Services
Access to student academic support services is important to ensure your success while a student at the University of Hawaiʻi. Below is a listing of some of these services that can also be found in the UH Manoa Catalog along with appropriate contact information:
- The Office of Civic and Community Engagement assists UH Manoa students and community organizations find ways to partner together to tackle important issues in the community by matching students’ passions and interests with the needs of community non-profit organizations through service.
- First Year Programs and ACE ease the transition of new students into the academic and social communities at UH Manoa. First-Year Programs provide the opportunity to develop personal relationships with faculty and other students, enhance active involvement in the educational process, and build connections to UH Manoa. In addition, First-Year Programs familiarize students with the array of resources and programs available at UH Manoa.
- Honors Program provides opportunities for talented and motivated undergraduates to excel in their academic studies. Students complete a challenging inquiry-based curriculum that encourages learning through independent research and creative expression. They enjoy intimate and personalized educational experiences within the setting of a large research university through small classes, dedicated advising, peer mentorship, and faculty guided projects.
- International Student Services has the responsibility for meeting University federal compliance with regard to international students. ISS strives to support international student success through the following endeavors:
- Advising students on immigration regulations that affect their status in the U.S.
- Providing programs that help promote cross-cultural adjustment
- Serving as a resource to the campus and international student communities
- Advocating for international students and international education
- Kokua Program (Disability Access Services) is UH Mānoa’s primary campus unit responsible for providing disability access services to students with disabilities toward equal opportunity.
- Learning Assistance Center provides tutoring, workshops, Supplemental Instruction (SI), and one-on-one appointments in which students learn appropriate study strategies and problem solving skills to achieve their academic goals.
- Mānoa Advising Center is an advising office for exploratory students who have not yet declared a major. MAC assists exploratory students with their major selection process by presenting options and providing general education advising.
- Mānoa Transfer Coordination Center is to help students transfer smoothly from a UH community college to UH Manoa and provide advising support throughout the transfer process, including the Ka‘ie‘ie Degree Pathway Program.
- Pre-Health/Pre-Law Advising Center is a walk-in resource for students interested in law, medicine, and other health fields (dentistry, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physician assistant, physical therapy, etc.). PAC advisors help students explore and clarify their career goals, plan appropriate course work, find opportunities to gain experience, apply to professional programs, review personal statements and résumés, provide mock interviews, and hold workshops throughout the year.
- Student Athlete Academic Services is the academic support program for student-athletes at UH Manoa. Working closely with instructional faculty, coaches, and campus resources, academic advisors assist students in formulating and meeting their academic goals while participating in intercollegiate athletics.
- Student Success Center in Sinclair Library offers students a welcoming and convivial place to study and to learn, and provides them the information and skills they need to be successful in their academic career and beyond. The center provides seating that facilitates collaborative learning, is open long hours, and permits students to bring their own snacks, all in a space that has natural light and air.
- Student Support Services is a federally funded TRIO program that provides academic advising and planning, special courses, financial aid advice, graduate and professional school advising, tutoring, mentoring, and academic enrichment activities to program students enrolled at UH Manoa. Students are selected to participate based on a combination of income and financial aid eligibility, parents’ level of education, and potential to benefit from program services.
- Mānoa Writing Center is a pedagogical space that supports writing and research at UHM. Our primary service is one-to-one writing consultations provided free of charge to all students, faculty, and staff affiliated with the University of Hawai`i at Mānoa. Our writing consultants are trained to help writers working in different disciplines at every stage of the writing process and with various writing projects (i.e., essays, research papers, resumes, letters, creative work).
Do not hesitate to discuss your needs with your academic degree advisor who can help refer you to the appropriate resource.
Human Development and Family Studies Course Descriptions
Viewable online at the University of Hawaiʻi catalog.