PACIFIC Atamai, meaning ‘knowledge’, is a rebranding of merging the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) core function of interdisciplinary, preservice preparation, and continuing education with American Samoa Community College motto “Saili Atamai” meaning “Seek Knowledge.”  The PACIFIC Atamai brings collaborative and collective innovations from academic disciplines and practitioners to enhance student success that will lead toward excellence:

1. Student transferability to a 4-year university;

2. Transition into the workforce; 

3. Awareness of the Pacific and Samoan culture; and

4. Research

Interdisciplinary Preservice Preparation Training

An instructional program offered by our Pacific Center that:

• Integrates knowledge and methods from two or more distinct disciplines;

• Integrates direct contributions to the field made by people with disabilities and family members;

• Examines and advances professional practice, scholarship, and policy that impact the lives of people with developmental and other disabilities and their families;

• Design to advance academic or professional credentials and

• Exist in an academic setting or program

Continuing Education

The Pacific Center also offers, through Amerian Samoa Community College and other partnering academic institutions, continuing education units that are seminar(s) or courses of instruction offered that: 

• Serve to maintain professional credentials;

• Encourage professionals to expand their knowledge base and stay up-to-date on new developments; and,

• Offer certificates of completion or CEUs (or equivalent)