Archive

Earlier today Alaska’s Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) announced it would open vaccine eligibility for Phase 1b Tier 2 beginning tomorrow at noon. This tier includes Alaskans age 50 and older who are at high risk of contracting COVID-19 due to existing medical conditions and frontline essential workers. Phase 2 also opens up the availability of the vaccine to pre-K, K-12, child care education staff and people living and working in some congregate settings. This will not affect eligibility for most UAA employees and students but may open up eligibility for some.

Do you know a graduating student who would make a great commencement speaker? Encourage them to apply! Please submit the provided form by Friday, Feb. 19. Please feel free to contact Zac Clark at zac@alaska.edu if you have any questions.

The University of Alaska Foundation has named six new members to its Board of Directors, each of whom was elected to serve a three-year term beginning in January 2021. The new directors include: Stephanie Erickson, Greater Prudhoe Area Manager, ConocoPhillips Alaska; Jason Gootee, Vice President, Strategic Market Development, Moda Partners, Inc.; Ella Goss, Chief Executive Officer, Providence Alaska Medical Center; Roald Helgesen, Chief Operating Officer, Central Council of Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska; Brian Holst, Executive Director, Juneau Economic Development Council; and, Tim Thompson, External Affairs Manager, Alaska Airlines.

An in-depth analysis of nine major Alaska industries captures the impact that university programs have in preparing its students for jobs in Alaska’s workforce. The reports answer key questions related to the largest and fastest growing occupations that require some postsecondary education and highlights important employment indicators such as average wages earned, where UA grads work in Alaska, what industries they work in, and how they help boost the Alaska hire rate.

As part of the Alaska Small Business Development Center’s commitment to collecting feedback from Alaska’s small business owners, the Alaska SBDC is proud to share its fourth annual Small Business Survey and Annual Report.

After one month as UAA’s interim chancellor, I remain impressed by our community’s dedication and professionalism. Effective leadership is demonstrated across all our campuses, at all levels. I am humbled by your support and grateful for the role that you play in propelling UAA forward, making necessary progress to ensure UAA meets its mission.

UAA’s website serves prospective and current students throughout their college journey and after graduation. Our website allows students to explore the college experience and see themselves succeeding at UAA. EAB (Education Advisory Board) research shows that students rank the university website as the most helpful information source in their experience searching for a college to attend.

UAA Dental Hygiene Program is accepting patients throughout the semester! Learn more and schedule an appointment at uaa.alaska.edu/dentalclinic.

I am pleased to share the new start date for UAA Shared Services is March 14, 2021. The original date in early January was postponed to allow for additional planning and preparation. While the launch date is a significant milestone in this transition, we do not anticipate any change or disruption in the unit’s provision of finance, travel, procurement and human resources services.