New 2 + 2 articulation between the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management at Northern Arizona University and the University of Hawaii - Maui
The Northern Arizona University School of Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) has announced a new articulation with the University of Hawaii – Maui (UH – Maui) to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in HRM to UH-Maui students. Students can come from Maui, Hawaii to Arizona or complete their degree online or do both as a hybrid.
UH – Maui students will complete their associate degree in Maui, taking courses in hospitality operations and management, accounting, marketing, food and beverage management, and other hospitality management courses, before transferring these credits into the NAU HRM Bachelor of Science degree in the W.A. Franke College of Business in Flagstaff, Arizona.
“At NAU, students will take classes in such subjects as hospitality marketing and sales, innovative technology, beverage management, financial management, hospitality design, cruise ship management, and other classes. The NAU School of Hotel and Restaurant Management receives the greatest number of students from Hawaii than any other major on the NAU campus,” - According to Dr. Fred DeMicco, executive director and professor in the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management.
In addition, there are sizable tuition cost savings through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Program, giving out-of-state students a price within reach at NAU and out-of-state students from Hawaii are eligible to receive a reduced tuition rate at Northern Arizona University.
With the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Program, Hawaii students who meet the university’s admission criteria and live in one of 14 Western states can receive a tuition rate that is about 40% less than NAU’s out-of-state tuition. This is a reciprocal arrangement between WUE states designed to allow students access to programs.
According to Professor Lorelle A.S. Peros, “This articulation agreement provides a tremendous opportunity for our students to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management after completing the 2-year Hospitality & Tourism program at UHMC. The online or hybrid model at Northern Arizona University (NAU) provides our UHMC students with the flexibility to complete degree requirements within an innovative academic environment."
"During my years as an undergraduate, I spent a year at Northern Arizona University through the National Exchange Program and learned more about hospitality operations from top-notch faculty in the Hotel & Restaurant Management Program For me personally, this educational experience was life-changing and I am excited that we have developed a 2+2 articulation with NAU so our students here on Maui can continue to explore additional opportunities on the Mainland if they so choose. NAU’s rigorous academic program, combined with its values of innovation and creativity as well as student success, positions our students to succeed in the hospitality industry."
"We look forward to continuing to collaborate with Dr. DeMicco and his team at NAU!”
According to Precilla Ann Comesario Cox Academic Advisor, and director for the NAU Hawaii Club on campus: “I grew up in Hawai’i and moved to Flagstaff to attend NAU and it has been one of the greatest experiences in my life. Having this route available to students in Hawai’i will allow them to further their education with an accredited program and explore other opportunities on the mainland. It is a distinct experience, but students will learn so much inside and outside of the classroom and connect with a diverse group of people. It is so rewarding to connect with our Hawai’i students at NAU and watch them grow, thrive, and figure out how they can be of service to others.”
Many graduates and alumni of the School of HRM are working at such places as the Four Seasons Maui, the Ritz Carlton Maui, Marriott International, Vacation Club, etc.
From Alumna Racine Robson a recent Hotel & Restaurant Management graduate (NAU HRM 2021):
“I started my career journey at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua in August 2021. I currently am a front desk agent, night auditor, and hotel operator."
"The Ritz Carlton has an amazing orientation, education, and training program to ensure our ladies and gentlemen are well prepared in applying principles of honesty, respect, and integrity. We are empowered and encouraged to maximize our individual talents to the best of our abilities. The Ritz Carlton fosters a diverse, valued, and enhanced environment where individual needs, wants, and unexpressed wishes are fulfilled. I am honored to be part of such a wonderful company where employees are empowered to make everyday decisions and create Ritz Carlton guests for life."
"Overall, the quality of life here in Hawaii is enhanced by Ohana culture, land beauty, and aloha spirit."
"Please feel free to contact me anytime for more information and career opportunities; [email protected]."
"I will be happy to assist and provide you with the necessary information to move forward if interested in a position here at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua."
"Mahalo” ~ Racine Robson (NAU HRM Class of 2021).
For additional information about the UH- Maui to NAU School of HRM program, please contact:
- Lorelle A.S. Peros, CHE, Faculty, Professor, Hospitality & Tourism Program - Department Chair, Business & Hospitality the University of Hawaii – Maui at [email protected]
- Precilla Cox, M.Ed. - Academic Advisor, Sr. | The W.A. Franke College of Business, School of Hotel & Restaurant Management Northern Arizona University [email protected]
- or Frederick DeMicco, Ph.D. Executive Director and Professor, the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management at NAU [email protected]
About Northern Arizona University – School of Hospitality and Restaurant Management
Northern Arizona University is a higher-research institution providing exceptional educational opportunities in Arizona and beyond. NAU delivers a student-centered experience to its nearly 30,000 students in Flagstaff, statewide and online through rigorous academic programs in a supportive, inclusive, and diverse environment
The School of Hotel and Restaurant Management, which resides in The W. A. Franke College of Business, aspires to be the premier hospitality leadership school providing innovative, multiculturally-focused, student-centered learning experiences, both in-person and through distance-learning programs.
The W. A. Franke College of Business provides a diverse, close-knit class experience for students from varied backgrounds, including first-generation, veteran, out-of-state, urban and rural. Businessman and entrepreneur, Bill Franke, provided a transformative $25 million gift because he recognized one of our key values: opportunity is for everyone. The support and business education our students receive directly impacts the well-being of NAU and all of Arizona. At Franke, you will become a force for change no matter where you go.
