Mission
The Vice President for Academics, Students & Research, directs a division of services including Academic Affairs, Research, Workforce Programs, Student Success, and Distance Education. The Vice President works with the UA campuses on academic and research initiatives and collaborations to promote research in Alaska. The University of Alaska is committed to working closely with all federal and state agencies and private enterprise to further develop collaboration and new exposures for future growth in all areas of science and technology.
Dr. Brian Smentkowski
Vice President and Chief Academic Officer
(907) 450-8019
bpsmentkowski@alaska.edu
System-level Coordination
ACEC facilitates inter-university coordination and communication to meet the goals
of UA's Schools of Education
Common Calendar 2018 - 2022
The Faculty Alliance Common Calendar Committee has developed a common calendar, coordinating
start dates and breaks throughout the system, and are further developing coordinated
course starting time alignment to facilitate cross-university instruction.
Information on Accreditation
All three universities, UAA, UAF, and UAS, and their respective Community Colleges
are fully accredited. In addition to institutional accreditation from the Northwest
Commission on Colleges and Universities, UA has more than 60 program/specialized accreditations
across the system.
July 08, 2025
Did you know you can now support all three UA universities with an Alaska license plate?
June 27, 2025
June 10, 2025
May 27, 2025
Webinar to show how plants can reduce stress, improve well-being
July 11, 2025
Join Stacey Shriner, education director with the Alaska Botanical Garden, to learn more about therapeutic horticulture and how plants can help individuals meet their social, physical and mental health goals. The free, statewide webinar is hosted by the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service.
Empower Alaska Incentive Program Update: Grand Prize Announcement Coming Soon
July 11, 2025
Grand Prize winners of the Empower Alaska Incentive Program are being selected! The 4 winners will be announced on July 21, and each will receive a $5,000 grand prize.
2025 Outside Activity Disclosure reminder
July 11, 2025
A final memo from Andy Harrington, UA Associate General Council, on compliance with the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act in regards to outside activity disclosure.
An Evening with Bill Nye, Aug. 21 at UAA
July 11, 2025
Bill Nye is a science educator, engineer, comedian, television presenter, inventor, keynote speaker and New York Times bestselling author. Best known for his Emmy-winning run as "Bill Nye the Science Guy," Bill Nye brings his love of science and flair for comedy to every appearance--deftly translating complex issues to help inspire audiences of all ages to engage with and improve our world.
Advanced Security Awareness Program (ASAP) Updates and June Raffle Winner
July 11, 2025
In the first quarter of ASAP, we've introduced the Phish Alert Button, completed a training campaign on phishing and social engineering and are announcing our latest raffle winner! We also have a preview of what to expect next quarter.
Enhanced Navigation in UAOnline Starting July 28
July 11, 2025
On July 28, the UAOnline login page will be enhanced to make Employee, Finance and Faculty and Advisor pages easier to find. These changes are made in conjunction with the upgrade to the Faculty and Advisor module.
Faculty and Advisor Upgrade in UAOnline
July 11, 2025
On July 28, 2025, the Faculty and Advisor menu and pages in UAOnline will be upgraded to the newest version. This change is part of a Board initiative to modernize UA's student information systems (SIS), business-critical processes, applications, and infrastructure.
Faculty and Advisor Menu in UAOnline Scheduled to Be Upgraded Late July
June 20, 2025
In late July, the Faculty and Advisor menu and pages in UAOnline will be upgraded to the newest version. This change is part of a board initiative to modernize UA's student information systems (SIS), business-critical processes, applications, and infrastructure.