Geography Department will switch schools July 1
April 22, 2014
The Geography Department, which has been housed within the School of Natural Resources
and Agricultural Sciences for 15 years, will move to the College of Natural Science
and Mathematics on July 1. Geography will become part of the Geology and Geophysics
Department.
UAF offers a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of science in geography. The program
has 30 undergraduate students.
“This is best for the geography program in the long run,” said department Chair Cary
de Wit. “It’s difficult to break formal ties with people I respect and have enjoyed
working with. I hope we will continue to work together in various ways.”
Eventually, the geography professors will relocate from the O’Neill Building to the Reichardt Building. “We are working toward a smooth transition for the students,” de Wit said.
“We hate to see our geography colleagues leave, but we wish them the best," said Stephen Sparrow, interim dean of the recently renamed School of Natural Resources and Extension.
CNSM Dean Paul Layer said, "We are excited to have the geography program join our Geosciences Department and expand the degree options for our students. This program will allow students to study the vital links between the physical, political and human aspects of the Earth. The program also brings with it a strong outreach component that connects people all over Alaska to geography."
Students who have questions about geography degrees or classes should contact de Wit at c.dewit@alaska.edu or 907-474-7141.