Welcome to Alaska and UAA!

Congratulations on taking the first step of what is sure to be an amazing, inspiring journey. We are delighted that you have chosen to pursue a higher education with UAA and look forward to seeing you on campus soon. If you have recently applied or been admitted to UAA, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the following information. Doing so will better ensure a smooth transition from your home country or school to the US and UAA.
 
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Receiving Your I-20 or DS-2019

Shortly following your admission to a degree program, you will receive written instructions via email regarding the shipment of your I-20 or DS-2019. Read this email carefully as it contains very important, time-sensitive information. You may request to have your I-20 or DS-2019 delivered via the following services:

  • United States Postal Service Express
  • FedEx

Courier service fees may vary by country. Detailed cost information will be sent along with payment instructions as soon as your documents are ready to ship. Payment must be made before documents will be shipped. You can find instructions on how to pay your account online here.

Paying SEVIS I-901 Fee

Every international student (F-1) and exchange visitor (J-1) must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before applying for a visa or entering the US. Proof of payment will need to be provided when visiting the US Embassy and/or when entering the US. For more information, please refer to the appropriate SEVIS Information Sheet:

Obtaining a US Visa

In order to obtain a US visa, most students will need to schedule a visa interview at the nearest US Embassy. Please be aware that it may take several weeks to get an appointment at some US Embassies. Find out early how far in advance you should book your appointment and plan accordingly. If you are unable to obtain all necessary documentation and pay the SEVIS I-901 fee (detailed above) prior to your visa interview, your application for a visa may be denied. 

For information on visa interviews and processing at your local US Embassy or consulate, go to the Bureau of Consular Affairs website. 

 

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Placement Testing

UAA requires two different types of placement/entrance exams as part of the admissions process:

  • English Proficiency
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
    • English proficiency test requirement may be waived for students coming from countries wherein English is the predominate or official language, or where official state education is conducted in English (must be documented). Test requirement waiver is granted at the discretion of the International Student Advisor or Admissions Officer.
  • College Entrance/Placement Exams

For international applicants, taking the SAT or ACT prior to arrival in the US is highly advised. By completing all required testing prior to arrival, students may better insure proper course placement and seat availability. In some cases, the ACCUPLACER may be required as an additional placement tool following arrival on campus (example: ESL placement).

 

UAA Student ID, Username & Email

Shortly after you apply for admission at UAA, you will be given a unique eight-digit Student ID. This numeric ID may be used to login to your UAOnline account and access your records at UAA. This ID number, once assigned, will never change. 

Your username and email will be created once you have registered for courses at UAA. Usernames are typically a combination of your first initial, second initial (if applicable), and family name. In some cases, usernames may end in a number. See the two examples below:

  • Sample Student Name: Spirit T. Seawolf
  • Sample Username Possibilities: stseawolf -or- stseawolf1
Your email will begin with your username (i.e. "stseawolf") and end with "@alaska.edu." You will use this username/email combination for:

  1. Checking your personal UAA email account

  2. Using computers and printers on campus

  3. Log in to the wireless network on campus

  4. Access Blackboard, UAA's online course platform

If you have problems logging in to your email account, or Blackboard, please go over the Accessing E-Mail and Blackboard.

 

Resetting Your PIN
Should you find yourself locked out of your UAOnline account, you may reset your PIN online by clicking the link below and selecting Option 3. Enter your date of birth, your last (family) name, and the last four digits of your US Social Security Number (SSN). If you do not have a SSN, leave the field blank and click "GO ELMO!" You will then be presented with a variety of security questions of which only five (5) need to be answered correctly. Answering these questions correctly will allow you to reset your PIN and obtain your Username and Student ID.

Reset My PIN

If you are unable to access your information using ELMO, please call International Student Services at (907) 786-1573 and speak with the International Student Advisor. Please note that UAA Student IDs and Usernames may not be released over the phone.