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

 

NET Program

The NET Program supports typically incoming/first year Native students as they transition to being a college student and to the UAA campus with transition support as well as ongoing 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 to get ready!

There are 2-3 parts of the NET Program:

Getting ready for starting at UAA: We will help you every step of the way prior to the semester you plan to attend-- through Admissions, financial aid/finding scholarships, placement testing, housing application, advising and course registration.

NET Week orientation [Fall semester only]: All students attend NET Week, our week-long orientation program the week before Fall semester begins; NET students living on campus move into the residence halls early. 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.

NET Course: The NET Program continues with the NET Program course for college credit and just for NET students. The course provides guidance on navigating college with academic and cultural support, grounded in Alaska Native values and with visits from Native community members and Elders. 

Complete the Spring 2025 NET Application using the link below, and we'll be in touch with your next steps!

 

Apply for Spring 2025 NET Program

 

  NSS wooden sign outside of NSS door

 NSS Staff

Valerie Svancara

Assistant Director 

907-786-4001 / vsvancara@alaska.edu

Nasgauk Jones

Student Services Coordinator

907-786-4008 / pfjones2@alaska.edu