UH Mānoa briefs for Nov. 12: UH offers new training in autism evaluation, Shidler College celebrates scholarships, UH Athletics raises over $2 million

Registration open for autism evaluation training to help address long waits for families

Since families in Hawaiʻi often have to wait two to three years for an autism evaluation, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is now offering specialized training to help expand the number of local clinicians equipped to conduct these assessments.

The College of Education’s Center on Disability Studies will host an in-person introductory training Dec. 9 to 11 on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2), a widely used tool for evaluating autism. The training is designed for clinicians who already have experience in diagnostic assessments and testing individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions.

By building local expertise in autism evaluations, the training aims to strengthen clinical practice across Hawaiʻi and help address the workforce challenges that contribute to long waitlists for families seeking answers and support for their children.

“Behind every long wait for an autism evaluation is a family looking for answers and trying to connect their child with the right support,” said Center on Disability Studies Director Meghan Miller. “By investing in the skills of clinicians already working in our communities, we hope to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s capacity to provide autism evaluations and help more families access the services their children need.”

The three-day training will introduce participants to the basic principles of administering and scoring ADOS-2 modules for toddlers through older children and adults with different developmental levels and language abilities.

Instruction will include lectures and live demonstrations. The introductory course is also a prerequisite for professionals interested in pursuing advanced or research training in ADOS-2.

Registration is open until Friday, Nov. 13 for clinicians practicing in Hawaiʻi, which include:

• clinical and school psychologists
• psychiatrists
• developmental-behavioral pediatricians
• other physicians and pediatric specialists
• other licensed behavioral health or developmental specialists
• clinical trainees in these areas

Registration is also open for University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa clinical psychology PhD students and Hawaiʻi Maternal and Child Health Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (MCH-LEND) Program trainees.

The training will be at the John A. Burns School of Medicine, Medical Education Building, Room 304 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9 to Friday, Dec. 11. Registration is $500 for general participants and $200 for eligible University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa clinical psychology PhD students and Hawaiʻi MCH-LEND Program trainees.

Participants must register by Nov. 13 and must bring their own copies of the ADOS-2 toddler and Modules 1-4 protocols. Access to the ADOS-2 manual is also recommended.

These materials are not included in the registration fee, and participants who do not have the required protocols must defer their registration to a future training.

Eligible University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa clinical psychology PhD students and Hawaiʻi MCH-LEND trainees may request a discount code by emailing cdsados2@hawaii.edu with proof of current enrollment.

To register, visit the Center on Disability Studies website for training and registration information.

Shidler College celebrates over $1.4 million in student scholarships

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Shidler College of Business brought together approximately 300 scholarship donors, students and college supporters to celebrate the transformative impact of philanthropy on higher education during an annual Scholarship Luncheon on Nov. 2.

During the 2026–27 academic year, the college awarded more than $1.4 million in scholarships to more than 470 students, helping to alleviate financial barriers and create opportunities for academic achievement, professional development and experiential learning.

Established in 2005, the annual Scholarship Luncheon provides a special opportunity for donors to meet the students who benefit from their generosity, fostering meaningful connections between supporters and the next generation of business leaders.

“Scholarships do so much more than provide financial assistance. They open doors for students to fully engage in their education, pursue valuable learning experiences and prepare for successful careers,” said Jing Ai, Acting Dean of Shidler College of Business. “We are incredibly grateful to our donors, whose generosity continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of our students.”

The luncheon featured remarks from two scholarship recipients who shared their educational journeys, career aspirations and appreciation for the support they have received.

Undergraduate speaker Landon Momohara, a marketing and international business major, spoke about his experiences at Shidler and his aspirations to pursue an international career in digital marketing. He serves as president of the college’s International Business Organization and supports marketing and student mentorship initiatives through the Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship.

Graduate speaker Tyler Guard, a master of accounting student and associate at Accuity, shared his journey from a career in marine engineering to accounting. Recognized with the 2026 Business Night Award for Outstanding Master of Accounting Student, he hopes to apply his skills to support Hawaiʻi’s business community.

The event also featured a keynote address by alumnus Allan Ikawa, chairman and founder of Big Island Candies and a 2017 Shidler Hall of Honor inductee. He shared insights from his entrepreneurial journey, which began with the founding of Big Island Candies in Hilo in 1977 and grew into one of Hawaiʻi’s most recognized confectionery brands.

In addition to celebrating scholarship achievements, the luncheon highlighted the college’s continued momentum in academic excellence and its emphasis in career readiness and experiential learning.

According to Shidler, more than 450 students are gaining professional experience through internships in Hawaiʻi, across the continental U.S. and internationally.

Through the continued generosity of alumni, businesses and community partners, the Shidler College of Business remains committed to expanding educational opportunities and preparing the next generation of business leaders in Hawaiʻi and beyond.

University of Hawaiʻi Athletics Giving Week raises over $2 million for student athletes

More than 1,300 donors helped raise more than $2 million in funds to provide opportunities for student-athletes through scholarships, academic resources, nutrition, mental health services and facilities.

“This week truly showed that it is Our Team, Hawai‘i’s Team,” said Athletics Director Matt Elliott in a mahalo video message. “Your support and generosity are amazing. We can’t wait to get out there on the field and on the courts to represent you, and to thank you for everything you do.”

The campaign spanned from Oct. 9 to 19 and came at a pivotal moment in Hawaiʻi Athletics as the program entered a new era as a full member of the Mountain West Conference.

Over the past year, University of Hawaiʻi student-athletes achieved remarkable success, including a national championship, a March Madness appearance, a Sheraton Hawaiʻi Bowl victory, multiple conference titles and a historic combined student-athlete GPA of 3.33.

Donations across the 10 days came in from more than 32 states and nine countries, with all 21 teams receiving support through the Our Team. Hawai‘i’s Team and Boost the ‘Bows campaigns.

“The generosity we witnessed during Giving Week is a powerful reminder that the connections we cultivate today can have a lasting impact on generations to come. It reflects a belief in our students, our mission and the future of our university,” said Tim Dolan, CEO for the University of Hawaiʻi Foundation CEO and University of Hawaiʻi Vice President of Advancement.