August 15, 2019

Alumni input needed

A message from the UAF Alumni Association

On July 30, the University of Alaska Board of Regents debated the best structure for the University of Alaska in the wake of severe budget cuts to the university's state appropriation. They voted 8 to 3 on a motion authorizing a regent subcommittee to provide interim oversight for a revised organizational structure that would transition the University of Alaska to a single institutional accreditation over the 2019-2020 academic year. This subcommittee will present the restructuring plan at the BOR meeting Sept. 12-13. In their discussion, regents emphasized the importance of keeping students at the heart of all decisions.

We are in need of your input on a survey that will help the Board of Regents develop plans for the future of the University of Alaska. With this survey, the university is reaching out to you and a diverse mix of Alaska stakeholders – all with an interest in Alaska’s only public higher education system. No matter where you live, as an alumnus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, your voice should be heard. Data from the survey will serve an important role in the Board’s consideration of how the university will continue meeting the state’s needs for higher education and in making decisions on university structure and programs at its meeting in September.

Your participation is voluntary and all responses will be kept confidential -- only combined results without identifying information will be reported. The survey should take approximately 15 minutes to complete.

The regents will also hold a public testimony call-in Sept. 9 to allow constituents to share their concerns on the matter. The number to call 866-726-0757 from 4-6 p.m. Sept. 9. Testimony will be limited to two minutes per person. Here is a link to the University of Alaska's website with updates to the university's response to the FY20 budget so you can keep track.

Thank you in advance for your ideas, your support and all you do for Alaska. As the university faces new changes in the weeks and months ahead, please know that our alumni carry forward the best of our university -- the skills you learned in our classrooms and labs, the experiences you shared with friends and the life changing opportunities you have created since your graduation.

If you have any questions, please contact us at: