UAA continues to build Alaska's health university

In fall 2011, UAA's newest facility, the Health Sciences Building, will open for use. To build on UAA's record of success in health education and research, UAA is reorganizing to integrate the bulk of UAA's health and health-related programs under one college. This new college will bring together programs and units from the College of Health and Social Welfare, the College of Arts and Sciences and the Community and Technical College, creating a supportive environment for the multi-disciplinary education so important to contemporary health practice. It will also create a critical mass of researchers and support staff to expand the research necessary to address Alaska's urban and rural health challenges.

UAA began its work toward this reorganization in October, meeting with faculty and staff in a series of preliminary consultations to identify key issues involved in such a reorganization. Later this month, UAA will hold a Health Conference at which five task-driven teams will address these issues involved. In addition, UAA will be consulting with students and an external advisory team whose members will consist of community partners and other Alaska health care stakeholders.

Following this important consultation work, UAA will produce a proposal to the University of Alaska Board of Regents in April, with an overall goal of launching the new college in July of 2011. This move will reinforce student success, improve operational efficiency, help to provide the framework for improved collaboration across health and health-related disciplines, and will provide the appropriate organization to support and work in concert with health programs at other universities and campuses in the UA system.

The formation this new college dedicated to building health-related programs is an example of how UAA is responding to industry demand and state need by striving to provide the best education and training for Alaska's future health care workforce.

For additional information, documentation and periodic updates about this reorganization, visit the Academic Affairs website.