Chancellor update on budget and School of Education

Dear UAA Community,

Last week was an important one for UAA. Before I bring you up to speed on what is happening with the proposed budget, I'd like to share just a couple of highlights from the many good things that continue to happen at UAA.

First, I'm very excited to share that our applications for admission in the fall semester are up. Not just up, but way up! Applications have jumped more than 27 percent compared to this time last year, and we've seen significant increases in applications from high school students in Anchorage and Mat-Su.

Seawolf Tracks, the smartphone advising app, continues to be a huge success since it launched last fall. More than 1,500 students have downloaded the app, and advisors have used the app to schedule 8,300 appointments. This tool provides students with timely information that helps them navigate their individual paths to success at UAA.

The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) reaffirmed our institutional accreditation in January. We received four commendations - a tribute to our university's excellence!

These and many other positive developments are happening all around us this semester. I hope it encourages you too.

Governor Dunleavy's Proposed Budget The University of Alaska Board of Regents (BOR) held their full board meeting on campus last Thursday and Friday. I want to briefly recap what happened for you, especially regarding the budget and the School of Education accreditation matter.

Since Gov. Dunleavy announced his budget on Feb. 13, university leaders have discussed the implications of the $134 million proposed budget cut to the university system with campus and local community members. This morning, President Johnsen sent a letter to the university community from Gov. Dunleavy at the governor's request.

BOR considered broad options about how to move forward if the governor's budget is approved. These ranged from elimination of programs to consolidation of administrative functions, community campuses and other academic and administrative programs and services. It's important to note the governor's proposed budget is not final and requires the approval of the Alaska State Legislature. Legislators have been holding town halls and other listening sessions to gather feedback from Alaskans about the budget.

What can you do? Advocate! Many of you have been asking what you can do to help. Visit our Advocacy Resources page, which provides facts, answers to questions and tips on how to make your voice heard. Thank you for your ideas and for your support regarding the guiding principles document I shared in my last budget email update. I want to say kudos to our student leaders who have launched their own advocacy campaign for public education.

UAA School of Education The board of regents also discussed the UAA School of Education and concluded it requires more information to determine the best path forward for students in initial teacher preparation programs. UAA will provide an expedited program review to President Johnsen and the board by the end of March. The board will then vote on the path forward at its next meeting on April 8. At this time, admissions to initial licensure programs are suspended. For more information, please visit the School of Education website.

We will continue to keep you informed regarding the budget and School of Education. Take heart, Seawolves. The start of the Iditarod reminds me that we are running a race here as well. Let's run it with endurance and optimism.

Sincerely, Cathy Sandeen UAA Chancellor

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For an additional update on the budget, please see Governor Dunleavy's letter to the University of Alaska and President Jim Johnsen's response to the Governor's letter.

March Archive