Record Number of UAF Students on Campus This Weekend

Submitted by Carla Browning
Phone: (907) 474-7778
08/26/03

Fairbanks, Alaska A record number of students will participate in orientation activities at the University of Alaska Fairbanks this weekend due in part to an increase in enrollment for the fourth year in a row. "I’m confident that we’ll see another 5 percent increase this year and expect that it will be closer to 8 percent," said Claudia Clark, dean of enrollment management. "This is confirmation that we’re headed in the right direction with programs and services."

Nearly 600 students are expected to participate in activities this weekend. Open houses for orientation students and parents are scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 31. Other student-centered offices will be open for essential services on Labor Day, Monday Sept. 1 from 10 a.m - 2 p.m.

"Students participating in orientation activities get a jump start on the semester," said Carrie Dershin, orientation coordinator. "They get acquainted with all the programs offered at UAF and end up having a better college experience."

This year there will be more than 1,300 students living on the Fairbanks campus. Returning students will notice a few changes. Marine science professor Susan Henrichs has been hired as dean of the Graduate School and vice provost for instructional affairs and Tim Barnett is the new dean of student affairs. As a result of a busy construction season, some departments have relocated and several of the programs offered through UAF’s Tanana Valley Campus are now located at 604 Barnette Street in what used to be the state courthouse. The building will house a satellite location of the UAF Bookstore and a "one-stop" Student Assistance Center, where students can receive academic advising and register and pay for classes.

Classes start Sept. 4, but students can register through Sept. 12, either on the Fairbanks campus or at the Tanana Valley Campus. The fall class schedule and instructions for registration can be found online. In addition, students can use the Internet to purchase textbooks, view grades and check the status of their financial aid. A complete list of online student services is available at www.uaf.edu.

Note to editors: Many students are expected to move in to residence halls Sunday, Aug. 31, beginning at 8 a.m. "Rev It Up" activities coinciding with the move will take place in the Hess Recreation Center in the Moore-Bartlett-Skarland complex.

CONTACT: UAF Orientation Coordinator Carrie Dershin at (907) 474-7037 or visit http://www.uaf.edu/orientation/ for more information.