HARVEST CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY ACADEMICS

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 Academics at Harvest Christian University

I. Introduction

Brief overview of Harvest Christian University as a post-secondary institution
Emphasis on serving Indigenous communities and integrating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives

II. Academic Philosophy and Mission

Commitment to academic excellence and cultural relevance
Focus on empowering Indigenous students and honoring Indigenous traditions, languages, and worldviews
Promotion of inclusivity, respect, and lifelong learning

Harvest Christian University is a post-secondary institution dedicated to advancing academic excellence and empowerment for Indigenous communities. 

Our mission is to foster transformative education that honors Indigenous knowledge, languages, and traditions, while preparing students to lead and serve with integrity in a diverse and evolving world. We are committed to providing accessible, culturally relevant programs that support student success, promote community well-being, and uphold the values of respect, inclusivity, and lifelong learning. 

Harvest Christian University offers a range of academic programs focused on practical and professional development across multiple disciplines. The university provides certificate programs in areas such as Hospitality Management, Entrepreneurship, Executive MBA, Mini MBA, Civics & Leadership, and Makeup Artistry. 

These programs emphasize hands-on learning, leadership, business fundamentals, and industry-specific skills, equipping students to pursue careers in fields like hospitality management, business leadership, civic engagement, and personal care services.

​Academic courses in indigenous education provide an introduction to the study of American Indians from a cultural and academic perspective, emphasizing the development of indigenous knowledge, critical thinking, and analytical skill.

They also offer a larger picture perspective of global indigenous issues and investigate present-day global political, economic, social, and technological issues related to indigenous views. 

These aspects collectively contribute to the rich and diverse landscape of indigenous education, emphasizing holistic learning, cultural preservation, and the integration of traditional knowledge with contemporary academic perspectives.

 Attending an accredited Indigenous university such as Harvest Christian University provides students with a distinctive and empowering educational experience. Students benefit from a culturally relevant and academically rigorous curriculum that integrates Indigenous values, traditions, and perspectives with high-quality educational standards.

 The integration of traditional knowledge with modern skills equips students to thrive in both Indigenous and mainstream professional settings, making their education not only a personal achievement but also a meaningful asset for their families and communities 

Indigenous teaching and learning revolve around cultivating human capacities such as listening, observing, and experiencing with all senses, as well as developing intuitive understanding and respecting time-tested traditions of learning.

Indigenous educational processes are characterized by a sacred view of nature, integration, and interconnectedness as universal traits.

Indigenous education differs from traditional education in several key aspects:

It is predicated on flexibility, viability, and effectiveness, honoring the psychological and transformational process, and facilitating deep levels of learning and understanding. 

It is clear that the Kingdom of Hawaii had systems and institutions focused on indigenous education and accreditation: 

The Kingdom of Hawaii established the Kuhina A'o - Royal Ministry of Education under King Edmund K. Silva in the early 2000s as part of reviving the full ministries of the Hawaiian Kingdom government .

 In 2018, King Silva formed the Kingdom of Hawaii Royal Accreditation Commission (KOHRAC) to provide accreditation specifically for indigenous education programs and institutions . 

. KOHRAC's accreditation recognizes and validates indigenous ways of knowing, methodologies, progress measurement, and testing aligned with Hawaiian cultural values and traditions . 

Hawaiian Kingdom government under King Silva prioritized reviving indigenous education through the Royal Ministry of Education and establishing KOHRAC as an indigenous accreditation authority. 

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King Kelii Silva’s royal charter and the resulting accreditation from the Kingdom of Hawai‘i Royal Accreditation Commission (KOHRAC) had a transformative impact on Harvest Christian University’s academic programs. 

The royal charter recognized HCU as a sovereign indigenous educational entity, granting it educational sovereignty and legal autonomy to develop curricula that reflect indigenous knowledge, languages, and cultural practices

Under King Silva’s leadership as Royal Chancellor, the university’s programs were further shaped by his own philosophies and extensive academic background, which emphasize indigenous intuitive education models and the integration of First Nations’ cultural traditions into higher learning. 

The royal charter empowered HCU to operate independently of state and federal regulatory oversight, enabling the institution to focus on culturally relevant and globally recognized education. 

Globally, HCU’s reach is reflected in its diverse student body, international accreditations, and the involvement of faculty and board members with worldwide influence in business, entertainment, and entrepreneurship. 

The university has attracted attention from business leaders, startups, and creatives across the US, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, and its alumni and honorary graduates include notable figures in various industries.

HCU’s academic credentials are acknowledged by international accrediting bodies and educational networks. Its programs are accepted by institutions and ministries worldwide, and it is a member of respected organizations such as the International Association of Transnational Universities and the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education. These affiliations ensure that HCU’s degrees are recognized by universities, ministries of education, and professional organizations in multiple countries.