HI HCR53

Requests the University of Hawaii Board of Regents to conduct a systemwide audit identifying current and former students who have accumulated enough credits for an associate degree but never received the credential.

Audit should specifically examine students who transferred from community colleges to four-year campuses before completing an associate degree, and those who stopped out of four-year programs with sufficient credits.

Board of Regents requested to develop recommendations for awarding earned associate degrees, including reverse transfer mechanisms, degree audit processes, residency requirements, and accreditation considerations.

Findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation must be submitted to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2027 Regular Session.