WCC’s Aloha Bar is open for business. But it’s not a place to order drinks. Instead it’s a place that serves up information.
Curious about how to apply for certain scholarships? Do you have questions about what TRiO is? Do you want to get more involved on campus?
Sometimes it can be awkward or embarrassing to ask about tutoring, resource labs or financial aid. The goal of Aloha Bar is to provide information to students while highlighting some of the unique opportunities at WCC.
The “bar” happens Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m inside the library across the information desk.
The theme for September is the Arts and Creative Media, so instructors teaching drawing, ceramics, painting, photography, gallery management, music, theatre, video journalism and cinema studies will be on hand to talk about their courses and career opportunities in their fields.
Subsequent months will focus on such topics as scholarships, financial aid and study abroad. There will also be information about the learning labs on campus that help students with math, writing and speech as well as general advice on helping students prepare for midterms or improve their study skills. A detailed list of events will be posted on the WCC homepage.
According to counselor Heipua Ka‘ōpua who helped create the initiative, a member of WCC’s counseling staff will be at the bar at all times to answer questions and to support the rotating “Aloha Bartenders.”
After asking Ka‘ōpua why and how Windward came up with the Aloha Bar, she said, “The goal is to create a space for students to engage with faculty and staff face to face, to spread the word about the many programs and support services available at WCC.”
As the project aims to be convenient for the busy student rushing to and from class, handouts will be available to pick up at the bar as well.
“I look forward to learning how to utilize resources with the ease of use the Aloha Bar provides and the opportunity to learn about a class before meeting with my counselor,” said student Ray Aivasian. “It should be very beneficial in helping spread the word around the WCC campus.”
The formalities of college can be complicated. The Aloha Bar aims to make it easier. Stop by and learn something new.
by Louis Krahe, Ka ‘Ohana Staff Reporter
