Following a national search, Dr. Steve Atwater has been selected as Executive Dean of new Alaska College of Education (AKCOE) at the University of Alaska Southeast. Atwater begins his new position on July 1, 2018. He will have direct administrative responsibility for Education programs at UAS along with statewide responsibility for enhancing coordination and alignment of all UA Education programs and expanding partnerships with K-12 districts and education leaders across the state.

The selection of executive dean represents a major milestone in UA’s plan to greatly increase its preparation of quality Alaskan teachers, principals, and superintendents. Currently Alaska imports nearly two-thirds of all new teachers hired each year. The UA Board of Regents last year asked UAS to lead in meeting this goal.� READ MORE....

The University of Alaska Board of Regents approved next steps toward establishing the Alaska College of Education (AKCOE), heard an update on the university’s FY19 budget planning scenarios and reviewed progress on campus Title IX compliance at its March 1-2 meeting in Fairbanks.� READ FULL STORY

April is National Sexual Assault Awareness month. Throughout the year University of Alaska students, staff and faculty participate in education and awareness events that focus on healthy relationships, learning what is and is not consent, understanding appropriate boundaries and violence prevention. Additionally, the university brings in national experts, provides panel discussions, and participates in national awareness campaigns such as It’s On Us that “asks everyone – students, community leaders, parents, organizations, and companies – to step up and realize that the conversation changes with us. It’s a rallying cry to be a part of the solution.” There are presentation and small group discussions related to bystander training, mental health, suicide, sexual assault awareness and prevention, dating and domestic violence programs, and related resources available for students.�

Our goal is culture change, at UA and throughout Alaska. Our state's rates of sexual violence and harassment are too high. Boldness is required to change the statistics, and the participation of every member of our campus communities is essential for meaningful culture change to occur. Sexual assault awareness events are an important part of how the University of Alaska will gain broad awareness of the issues and understanding of prevention strategies to help affect this needed culture change. ����

In April, special events highlight UA’s Sexual Assault Awareness month. MORE...

Beginning this fall, the University of Alaska will offer a 25 percent tuition discount on selected career and technical education (CTE) courses. The discount will apply to 50 programs and more than 300 courses at the University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks, and University of Alaska Southeast including community campuses. Eligible programs range from pharmacy technology to welding, and many courses can be taken online to accommodate the needs of working Alaskans.

In providing a discount for courses in many high-demand workforce areas, more Alaskans will have the opportunity to build the skills they will need for their advancement in Alaska’s future workforce. These skill-based programs also are ideal for employers looking to affordably develop employees’ skills or for individuals looking to change careers or increase their credentials.� READ MORE...

The University of Alaska is now accepting applications for the President’s Teach for Alaska Scholarship. The scholarship is in its second year and is open to any incoming undergraduate student who plans to major in education at any University of Alaska campus.

“Teachers have an immeasurable impact on the lives of our young people and we want to help the career goals of an aspiring future educator,” said UA President Jim Johnsen. “The scholarship is an important component of our emphasis on teacher education.”� READ MORE....

The Division of Forestry, the University of Alaska Land Office, and the Mental Health Trust Land Office are working together to provide a 10-year timber supply in the Haines area.

The three parties will coordinate their individual efforts to provide a combined target volume of 150 million board feet over a 10-year period. Most of the timber sales would occur on the University of Alaska’s Trust lands but additional timber could be proposed on adjacent state forest and Mental Health Trust lands, according to an agreement signed by the parties earlier this year.

The parties intend to schedule an open house in Haines together within the next couple months to discuss the preliminary scope of work and will seek creation of a local working group to provide input.� MORE...

Operating Budget Update:
At time of publication, the House is on the floor working to complete� its work on the FY19 Operating Budget (HB 286). In anticipation of the budget passing the House this weekend, the Senate Finance Committee has tentatively scheduled public testimony on the budget.

It’s important that legislators hear your story about why the university matters to you, your family and our communities. If you’re wondering what to say, you can start by thanking legislators for their support of the University of Alaska. When contacting legislators, avoid using university email or other resources, and do so on your own time, such as lunchtime or after work.� READ MORE.....