Expedited Review Recommendations and next steps

March 24, 2020

Today, the chancellors provided me with their recommendations for academic program reductions and discontinuation. As you know, the state's reduction to the UA budget means that we must reduce our costs by $45 million - $25 million for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020 and an additional $20 million beginning July 1, 2021. Due to notice and "teach out" requirements, decisions need to be made by the Board of Regents in June 2020. The added costs and reduced revenues caused by the COVID-19 virus make these decisions even more critical and urgent.

COVID-19 message

March 24, 2020

Tomorrow morning, we will end our extended spring break. When students return to classes, things will look much different than they did less than three short weeks ago. As we restart the spring semester, our university communities, like those throughout our state, now must study, work, live and play differently. These new conditions bring new responsibilities for all of us, and a new way to serve our friends, neighbors and colleagues.

Capitol Report for March 23

March 24, 2020

On Saturday, the Senate Finance Committee amended its version of HB 205, the FY21 Operating Budget. The House has already passed its version of the budget, and the Senate has been working on modifications since March 4. Earlier this week, the committee introduced initial recommendations in a substitute bill, which incorporated a significant portion of the Governor's FY21 Capital Budget (SB 154).

Expedited Academic Review process enters next phase on March 23

March 21, 2020

On Monday, March 23, each of the three University of Alaska chancellors will submit recommendations to President Jim Johnsen and Vice President of Academics, Students and Research Paul Layer on possible reductions in or discontinuations of academic programs.

Coronavirus information website

March 20, 2020

The University of Alaska has created a comprehensive website with everything you need to know about the university's response to the coronavirus pandemic. Information on this page will be updated, as necessary, as the situation changes.

University of Alaska COVID-19 update

March 20, 2020

Please see below for news and information about the university's COVID-19 response.

UAF honored for commitment to first-gen students

March 16, 2020

The University of Alaska Fairbanks has been recognized by the Center for First-generation Student Success for the university's work with students who are the first in their family to graduate with a bachelor's degree.

Clarification regarding travel/community restrictions

March 15, 2020

Since my message yesterday, there have been questions about whether the requirement to stay home and self-observe applies if you returned to Alaska within the 14 day period prior to yesterday's update. The short answer is "yes, based on guidance from CDC and the State of Alaska.

Updates to travel and community restrictions

March 14, 2020

Since late last week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its travel guidance, as the situation with COVID-19 in the United States and worldwide has evolved. Due to those changes, I am updating our travel and community restrictions policy. Major changes include:

Major Updates to UA's COVID-19 Response

March 12, 2020

This week has brought major changes in the international, national and state response and characterization of the COVID-19 situation. The World Health Organization has officially characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic. President Trump has restricted travel to the U.S. from much of Europe, and Gov. Dunleavy has declared a public health emergency.