The Department consists of teachers who have been trained in group and individual counseling, the deans, and the professional counselors, currently a social worker and a psychologist. In addition, about 70 students are trained as peer counselors, receiving academic credit for this rigorous program and helping to facilitate freshman groups and Camp Paumalu. Students can and do seek help from anyone in the Department, either on their own volition or through referral from a faculty member, parent, or student. The professional counselors often provide assessment and, like the deans, will refer students needing more extensive assistance to appropriate community resources. College Counseling See also Schedule of Visits by College Representatives Punahou seeks to provide both students and parents with the best information on college choices and admission requirements to aid in the application process.
Juniors spend the first semester attending college guidance classes.
Our intent is to make the student as knowledgeable about post-secondary educational opportunities as possible. An extensive exploratory college conference is scheduled second semester for each junior. While a comprehensive report is sent home to parents following the conference, we encourage parents to attend the individual college conferences. Early in the senior year a follow-up conference may be held to expedite college planning and application procedures. Punahou maintains a cordial relationship with the administrative and admission authorities of mainland colleges and universities.