Senate higher education panels order audits, back nursing program and study veterinary school

The Senate Committee on Higher Education met March 20 and voted to request performance or management audits, approve a new nursing program on Maui and direct systemwide reviews of workforce-aligned degrees and veterinary training.

Committee members advanced or adopted a series of resolutions after testimony from university officials, auditors, and foundation leaders. The committee recorded votes to pass the resolutions either “as is” or “with amendments,” and several measures were amended to narrow audit scope or broaden study scope.

Major actions taken - SR 32 / SCR 50: The committee recommended passage urging the University of Hawaii president and Board of Regents to establish a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the University of Hawaii Maui campus. Committee action: pass as is. Chair Kim, Vice Chair Kidani and Senator Hashimoto recorded aye votes; two members were recorded as excused.

- SR 160 / SCR 142: The committee requested a management/performance audit of UH Manoa athletics. Members narrowed the audit scope in committee: the auditor will focus on the athletics department’s use and management of funds and whether expenditures were consistent with policies and procedures. Committee action: pass with amendments.

- SR 155 / SCR 138: The committee requested a management and performance audit of the Office of the…