Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to commonly asked questions about Middle College from parents/guardians and faculty, with links to resources included. Printable PDF documents with the FAQs are available to download and share. Information in the PDF documents is identical to information on the website. 

Parent/Guardian FAQs

• What is Middle College and how does it work?
  Middle College is a dual-enrollment program that provides high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to take courses on the university campus, alongside university students, at no cost, while still receiving full support from their school district. Alaska Middle College School (AMCS) is considered the “sponsoring” high school for Middle College participants and the primary high school in which a student is enrolled. 
• How can I best support my Middle College Student?

  Stay informed on important UAA Dates and Deadlines (add/drop period, withdrawal periods, final grades, school closures) and important ASD Dates and Deadlines (AK Choice enrollment deadline, holidays/breaks, parent/teacher conferences). Please keep in mind that ASD and UAA each have different days off such as ASD in-service days and holidays. Even if your Middle College student has a day off with ASD they are expected to still attend class at UAA.

  Stay informed about your Middle College students’ coursework and offer a supportive environment for their academic endeavors. We encourage parents/guardians to familiarize themselves with UAA Core Tools (BlackBoard, Google Workspace, UAOnline, Microsoft 365, Zoom) alongside their Middle College Students. 

• What resources are available to Middle College Students?
  Middle College students have access to advisory and seminar classes at AMCS. Advisory classes are supplemental learning classes that Middle College students are required to attend if it is their first time enrolling in a college-level MATH, WRTG, or SCI course. Students work with AMCS teachers/peers during advisory classes to navigate coursework. Junior and Senior seminar classes are held to assist Middle College students in the career exploration and college preparation process. Students are encouraged to access university resources, such as the Learning Commons, eWolf ePortfolio, Multicultural Student Services, Native Student Services, Career Services, and Disability Support Services, to enhance their learning experiences at UAA. 
• What challenges might Middle College students face, and how can we address them?

  The adjustment from high school to college can be overwhelming for some students. Middle College students may encounter challenges with time management, academic rigor, social integration, and college & career guidance.

  Encourage your Middle College Student to use planners or digital tools, prioritize tasks, and create a realistic schedule. Support your student by exploring available academic resources (AMCS Advisory Teachers, UAA Learning Commons, Live Homework Help). Encourage involvement in social events, clubs, or activities specifically for Middle College students. Alaska Middle College School has two student-led clubs (AMCS Speaks & Yearbook) that your students can join! Middle College students can join UAA clubs except Greek Life and or any club that requires travel (debate). Parents/guardians are more than welcome to join academic advising appointments discuss their interests and goals, and explore potential career paths.

  Maintaining open communication with your child, staying engaged in their educational journey, and seeking support from the Middle College program coordinators can help address any challenges effectively. Regular check-ins and a supportive home environment contribute significantly to their success in the Middle College program.

• How can I communicate with my child's Middle College instructors or coordinators?

  Establish communication channels through parent-teacher meetings and stay connected to the AMCS school counselor. It's essential to respect the communication policies of UAA faculty members. Middle College students are encouraged to communicate directly with their UAA instructors, while parents are advised to go through the Middle College Program for program-related matters.

• What should I do if my child is struggling academically in their Middle College courses?

  Encourage your child to seek help from AMCS/UAA instructors, tutors, or counselors. Stay actively engaged in identifying challenges and collaborate with the Middle College team to address any academic concerns.

• Are there financial considerations for Middle College, and how can we plan for them?

  The Anchorage School District covers tuition, fees, and textbook costs for approved fall and spring semester UAA courses. ASD does not cover personal use items, UAA parking permits, internet, summer courses, and specific electives. 

• How can I stay informed about Middle College program updates and events?

  Regularly check the Middle College website, subscribe to the AMCS Seawolf Soundbites newsletters, and attend Parent/Guardian check-in sessions. Stay connected to receive updates on program changes, events, and important dates.

Faculty FAQs

• What is Middle College?
  Middle College is a dual-enrollment program that provides high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to earn college credits while completing their high school education. The program allows students to take college-level courses, on the UAA campus, and gain a head start on their higher education. Middle College is one of many dual-enrollment options students in the community can take advantage of.
• What is the structure of the Middle College program at UAA?

  Middle College students undergo an extensive application/selection process. 

  1. Students apply to both Alaska Middle College School (AMCS) and the University of Alaska
     Anchorage.
  2. Students are vetted by the Anchorage School District. Students must have good
     behavioral and attendance records.
  3. Students are required to complete the ALEKS and Writing Sample placement. Students
     must be placed into college-level MATH or WRTG.
  4. Students are required to attend a mandatory initial advising appointment.
  5. Students are required to attend a mandatory orientation. 

   

  Middle College students’ academic progress is tracked throughout the semester with EAB alerts, a five-week check-in, and a mandatory submission of a midterm progress report. 

• Are there specific resources available to Middle College students?

  Middle College students have access to advisory and seminar classes at AMCS. Advisory classes are supplemental learning classes that Middle College students are required to attend if it is their first time enrolling in a college-level MATH, WRTG, or SCI course. Students work with AMCS teachers/peers during advisory classes to navigate coursework. Junior and Senior seminar classes are held to assist Middle College students in the career exploration and college preparation process. Students are encouraged to access university resources, such as  the Learning Commons, eWolf ePortfolio, Multicultural Student Services, Native Student Services, Career Services, and Disability Support Services, to enhance their learning experiences at UAA. 

• What accommodations have been made for Middle College students in the past?

  Middle College students can have unique scheduling constraints and academic challenges. Some students can be heavily involved in organized sports that require travel and/or have established 504 Plans/Individualized Education Plans that can be used to request accommodations at UAA. Students have worked closely with faculty in the past to establish flexible deadlines and/or alternative workloads to accommodate their needs.

  Faculty are not required to accommodate student-athletes travel obligations. Middle College students are encouraged to work with their professors during the first two weeks of the semester to plan for expected travel. If a faculty and or course structure does not allow for alternative learning contracts/flexibility, students are expected to work with Middle College advisors to swap out their sections, ensuring academic success for all students. This expectation is heavily relayed to students during initial advising appointments and orientation.

• How can I collaborate with the Middle College staff?
  If you ever need to get a hold of a Middle College staff member please do not hesitate to email us at uaa_middlecollege@alaska.edu. We can help provide valuable insights into the student’s progress, offer support, and help address any concerns or challenges that may arise.
• What is the process for grading Middle College students?
  Grading for Middle College students should align with your regular grading system. 
• How can I help Middle College students transition to a college learning environment?
  Have the same expectations for Middle College Students that you have for every student. Assist students in developing essential college-level skills such as time management, effective study habits, and navigating campus resources. Encourage them to seek guidance from advisors for future academic planning.
• What should I do if a Middle College student is struggling academically?
  If a Middle College Student is facing academic challenges, please utilize the EAB alert/referral system and offer additional support. We heavily rely on the faculty feedback to track the progress of our students. We don’t know if a student is struggling unless we are notified. We work closely with the AMCS staff to intervene early and get Middle College students back on track to succeed in their college courses. We encourage you all to collaborate with Middle College staff to ensure a coordinated effort in supporting students.
• How can faculty stay updated on Middle College program changes and updates at UAA?
  Faculty are welcome to reach out to Middle College Programs at uaa_middlecollege@alaska.edu with any questions or concerns.