Native Student Services

 

Native Student Services (NSS) provides a safe, affirming space on campus for Alaska Native, Native American, and Indigenous students. It is a gathering place where incoming and current students can find academic, advising, and cultural support; access resources; study with classmates; attend culturally empowering events, connect with community representatives; and interact with people who share similar experiences as Indigenous peoples.

NSS is the only place at UAA that serves all Native students, regardless of major, degree, or class standing. All Indigenous students are welcome! 

 

Three NSS staff outside in front of wooden carved Native Student Services sign

 

What you can find at NSS

  • Advising
  • Quiet study spaces
  • Maybe a cousin you've never met
  • Cultural events
  • People who speak your language
  • Printing Station
  • Advocacy
  • Native clubs
  • Drinks and snacks
  • Other Native folk
  • Beading corner
  • Scholarship resources

 

Scholarship and Funding Resources

Explore Native Clubs

 

NSS couches and tables with two students working on homework Students playing volleyball in the Seawolf Sports Center Students beading at a Native Student Service's table

 

NET Program

 The NET Program supports Native students as they transition to being a college student and to the UAA campus with preparatory, academic, and cultural support. There are a lot of steps to navigate (financial aid/scholarships, placement testing, housing application, course registration, etc.)-- we'll help each step of the way!

In the week before Fall semester starts, NET students living on campus can move into the residence halls early. Then all NET students can attend an orientation that week where they will make sure they are ready for the first day of classes while also building community with other NET students. The NET Program, for both Fall and Spring semesters, continues through students' first year at UAA with semester-long courses just for NET students that provide academic and cultural support, grounded in Alaska Native values. NET is open to all UAA and UAA community campus students.

If you are interested: Complete the short NET application, and Paula Jones (NSS Student Services Coordinator) will be in contact to talk to you more about it!

 

Fall 2023 NET Application

 

  Fall Semester 2022 NET class outside of Native Student Services

 NSS Staff

Valerie Svancara

Interim Director 

907-786-4001 / vsvancara@alaska.edu

Paula Jones

Student Services Coordinator

907-786-4008 / pfjones2@alaska.edu

Marissa Vinberg

Student Services Coordinator-Advisor

907-786-4002 / mvinberg@alaska.edu

Cheryl Turner

Office Manager

907-786-4003 / caturner4@alaska.edu