Leeward Community College - Pearl City, HI

Pauwilo L.

Leeward Community College (LCC) is a "best value for your dollar" if you are seeking to pursue higher education. It's conveniently located near central and leeward Oʻahu with accessibility via public transportation. For commuters free parking is available, however the lot fills quickly most mornings, so it's early bird gets the stall on this one.

This four-year college provides degree programs in a variety of disciplines including culinary arts, education, health, communications, and technology, among others. LCC offers robust distance learning options, programs for non-traditional students, and a head start program for high school students.

LCC is a firm stepping stone toward an advanced degree and a terrific environment to hone current skills or retrain in a new industry.

Those who are considering transferring from another institution should careful check your transcript to ensure that your credits are transferable. Even if a class has the same course title, syllabus information may be valuable for approval. Keep in mind that transferred credits are at the discretion of the institution and may vary from program to program.

Bill F.

It was a great experience attending this local college when I lived on Oahu. I still cherish the lessons learned and the great instructors, who taught well. This college was a great way for me to start my college journey. The campus is isolated from the main community but it was worth the effort to attend it. After a few semesters as a student, I graduated. I am joyful, and still proud, of my first college degree which I earned from this college.

Veronica

I like to share that my previous professors are very supportive and challenging at the same time I like to point at two people that made me feel disgusted with my career back in 2020

1. SANDRA (SANDY) CAMELI is a person who I achieved less college ethnical standards morals and dignity. She treated me and my ability with the assignments for Special ED class stopped me to achieve being a special education teacher. Not only did I tried to do the assignments in her class but it was difficult to handle the academic schedule and it was ridiculous. Do you expect your students to submit their work even if they need to also do field experience in the classroom? What about our life? Can’t we have an easier grading structure due to other complications like mental health and physical health?

2. Christina Keaulana

I reached out for help in regarding the class I was taking with Sandra, worst of all calling me “plagiarism” over a form that tell you to read the exact article and reflect on it? Are you saying I am lying about what I wrote? She was very rude and unhelpful in the situation I was in, but they should not be treating their students this way and it’s very sad to find out that I left this college because of this issue. She asked me if I offended the professor and I did not, because I only told her what was the problem and then she makes this scene of me being unethical towards the professor. This so called gaslighting really affected my motivation to achieve my education in this college, never again I’ll be going back.

Now today, I reflect that no one should let you down over what they think is not legitimate proof of the reading. I went to University of Phoenix to transfer there to find my true happiness was to be set free from toxic professors who are a narcissistic. My advice to you is to not come to this school for special education degree because you will end up with the same professor that won’t let you pass to the next class.

Shy W.

Two stars because of two of my professors being incredibly kind and understanding regarding my severe medical issues.

The rail system is now complete, which means that the bus no longer goes to the school itself. I'm physically disabled and often left sweating and in pain while walking to and from the rail, which sometimes means that I'm late to class. Attendance is now mandatory for a lot of classes and my grade has suffered severely for it, both in regards to tardiness and not being able to come to school. I've had a professor kick me out for leaving class for all of five minutes to get food because I was on the verge of passing out. Yes, he did give me the OK to do so. Multiple people confirmed this. I did not go to anyone about this out of fear that he would fail me.

The school is literally falling apart, and the construction made everything difficult for everyone. They have/had several parking lots closed off for the majority of the summer and fall semesters, and a lot of my classmates opted not to come at the risk of failing due to how awful everything was during this time.

The disability services center isn't really useful. I've had several professors who completely ignored the mandatory emails I've sent them regarding the service, and don't honor the extensions I've requested. I was made to feel incredibly shameful and irresponsible for having my parents speak for me when I was going through a nonverbal episode, which the individual I was talking to regarding the service was very much aware that I suffer from.

While I understand that Da Spot had no control over their funding, Leeward has not provided any alternative food services outside of two food trucks that come for an EXTREMELY limited time and not every day, and Subway, which many students do not like, myself included. I am not blaming the food trucks nor Subway for this, but it's incredibly difficult to get through the week as I rely on food that was served at Leeward. The food pantry is available and I'm extremely grateful for them, but a lot of the things they've had I've either been allergic to, or they require cooking at home.

My friend was assaulted and they sent out an email about it to THE WHOLE SCHOOL without asking her first. She was extremely upset over this, and rightfully so. I myself am a survivor, and wouldn't feel comfortable coming forward about anything that happened to me, especially since I've had a professor tell me to "just go to security" and completely brushed me off when I told her that a man was making me uncomfortable, and that I'd like to wait in her classroom rather than outside, shortly after the incident. She's also shamed me multiple times for my health issues. Fortunately, the man in question no longer goes here. Unfortunately, I don't feel safe nor comfortable going to faculty regarding things like this for previously mentioned reasons.

My friend (40) went to Leeward when she was my age (20) and she says that it was nothing like this now. She's made the decision to send her children to a Mainland school because things have gotten so bad. I no longer want to go to this school, and any and all faith I've had in college has been crushed by my experiences at this school.

Satin L.

Local community college, easy to access via car, bus or train (near future). College offers financial aid, resource centers, rolling admissions, counselors (advisor and psychologist)and veteran support. Applying for enrollment is very easy and can be done online via their website.

Michelle A.

Enjoyed most of my experience as a distance education student. I often came across helpful and caring faculty and staff. However, the process for distance education students are unclear and I spent lots of time and money figuring out the process and trying to minimize delay. This included: 1.) Several semesters waiting for a class to be available online so I could fulfill the requirements of my degree, only to find that accommodations are made only for students who ask. 2.) I was required to travel to LCC on multiple occasions for two classes, when the distance education pathway for my degree specifically stated "completely online". 3) Graduation application processing for distance education students are unclear. You have to mail in the application and payment which means you have to do it well before the deadline in order for it to be processed at all and avoid having to redo it and submit it in the next semester. I also found that this is unnecessary - payment could be processed in the cashiers office at the campus nearest you if LCC would just put the charges in - when seeking help and direction from the LCC Admissions & Records office they just seemed bothered, terse and abrupt.

Overall, I enjoyed the learning experience but I am sorely disappointed in the delays, costs, and unclear guidance of the distance education program. I hope others have a better experience.

Sarah D.

I am giving this two stars because the staff that did help were awesome. I was a transfer student, have always had the same major all my years of college. My classes that I had taken at another school had the same name as the required class at this school, why wouldn't that transfer in? ( Feel like I have asked that question 100 times with no answer) Exact same science classes!! Very sad that the process took over a year to try and figure out. Felt like I was always getting tossed from person to person and they were blowing me off so they could get me to take more classes and get more money. SO SAD.. The professors are incredible to end on a positive note.

Saini S.

Leeward Community College is a great school. The professors are awesome because they are very supportive and care about your progress. Also their administration from academic advisors to financial aid department are professional people that will help or guide you towards your goal. Overall, Leeward Community College get a FIVE STAR rating from me because my experience over there before transferring to UH Manoa was very positive and empowering.