Indigenous and Rural Student Center

Indigenous and Rural Student Center

Find your community at the Indigenous and Rural Student Center (IRSC) at UAA. IRSC supports Alaska Native, Indigenous, Native American, and rural students through culturally grounded programming, academic support, and community connection. Visit us in Rasmuson Hall 108 to connect, belong, and thrive.

 

The Indigenous and Rural Student Center (IRSC) at UAA (formerly Native Student Services) is committed to centering and supporting Alaska Native, Indigenous, Native American, and rural students through programming and resources that foster a sense of community and belonging. The IRSC is located on the Chanshtnu Campus in Anchorage and offers culturally-grounded support throughout students' college experience. We offer a safe & brave space in Rasmuson Hall 108 where you can always find community connections, academic support, and cultural activities. The IRSC celebrates students' cultural heritages and works to build a campus community that highlights Indigenous history, culture, and current issues. We always recognize and give thanks to the Dena'ina, Ahtna, Alutiiq/Sugpiaq, and Eyak/dAXunhyuu Peoples on which UAA’s campuses are located.

 

IRSC bird logo.

  • Hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm 

  • Rasmuson Hall (RH), Room 108 (3416 Seawolf Dr)

    The IRSC is located in RH 108. Walk through the Multicultural Student Center (RH 106) and look for the IRSC entrance, or find the IRSC entrance outside of RH.

  • 907-786-4000
  • uaa.irsc@alaska.edu

 

IRSC Programs & Opportunities

At the IRSC, you’ll find a place to study, connect, and take part in programs that support your academic and cultural journey. We host workshops, community gatherings, and cultural activities throughout the semester, and we offer resources to help you stay grounded in who you are while navigating college. From scholarship support to drop-in tutoring and opportunities to join Native and Indigenous student clubs, the IRSC is here to help you succeed and feel at home at UAA.

Join our Newsletter

Scholarship & Funding Resources

Tutoring Schedule at IRSC

Explore Native Clubs

 

IRSC Events

Indigenous students are an essential part of the University of Alaska Anchorage community, making up more than 10% of the student body. The Indigenous and Rural Student Center (IRSC) is here to support you through culturally grounded programming, academic support, and meaningful community connection. IRSC is a welcoming space dedicated to helping Indigenous students feel seen, supported, and connected throughout their college experience.

 

Our Resources at the IRSC

  • Support and connection
  • Cultural support and gatherings
  • Community and connection
  • Community information and resources
  • Regular programming open to all UAA students
  • Private study rooms
  • Student organization meetings (Traditional Games Club, Native Student Council, etc.)
  • Low-stimulation, healing, and crafting room
  • Craft supplies and art materials
  • Affiliated club storage
  • Coffee maker, water kettle, refrigerator, and microwave
  • Computers and printers
  • Laptops for students to check out
  • Library books, including Alaska Native language and history texts
  • Snacks, school supplies, and basic resources

 

NET Program

The NET Program supports incoming/first-year Native, Indigenous, and rural students as they transition to being a college student and to the UAA campus through direct assistance with cultural support. We know that this is a big change for many of you, and we are here to be a resource alongside you, from before you even arrive at our UAA campus until the day you graduate! There are a lot of steps to navigate (financial aid/scholarships, placement testing, housing application, course registration, etc.) -- and we’re here to help you each step of the way to get ready!

There are 2-3 parts of the NET Program:

Getting ready for starting at UAA: We will help you complete every part of preparing yourself for your first semester by providing information and guidance on admissions, financial aid/finding scholarships, placement testing, housing applications, advising (helping you choose classes) and course registration. We’ll help ensure you are set up for success when you arrive!

NET Week orientation [Fall semester only, August 17-21]: All students attend NET Week, our week-long orientation program the week before Fall semester begins. NET students also move into residence halls earlier, and we will help facilitate that process throughout NET Week. We'll make sure you are ready for the first day of classes, introduced to technology and campus itself, while also building community with other NET students and NET Student Mentors

Ongoing NET Cohort : The NET Program continues during the semester with ongoing support for students. The cohort-based program provides students with NET mentors, academic guidance throughout the year, cultural support and connection to Native communities. We are here with ongoing support during all of your time here at UAA!

Applications Opening Soon!

  

 

Traditional Games Club members group photo