Welcome back message from UA President Jim Johnsen

Dear Colleagues -

Welcome back to campus for what I am confident will be an exciting and productive year for all of us. Mary and I had a wonderful couple of weeks traveling this summer, and the time away allowed me to reflect on the university's many accomplishments and our future opportunities.

In the year ahead, the opportunities to lead change for Alaska and to promote the university's many contributions to Alaska have never been more imperative. One of our most important attributes remains our inclusiveness and tolerance. In light of what transpired at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville this past weekend, let me reiterate that the University of Alaska is committed to the values of opportunity, equity, the peaceful freedom of expression, diversity, and non-violence on all our campuses. As we prepare for a new academic year, we will continue efforts to make our university welcoming to all, including those of different ethnicities, races, religions, sexual orientations and gender identities. While discourse on important values and difficult issues may not always be polite, it must always be non-violent. I ask you to join me in enhancing civil discourse and ensuring that UA is a welcoming and inclusive university that honors diverse viewpoints.

We will need to pull together to increase enrollment, advocate for our state funding, continue to address campus sexual assault, and increase our philanthropic endeavors. Our ability to work together is strengthened this year by our shared values, goals, and sacrifices. It is also strengthened by the contributions from able leaders from across the system and our constituencies, and the relationships built during our efforts to focus and streamline university operations and services.

Let's also take the time to celebrate our accomplishments -- the research we effectively conduct and use to solve our state's problems; the successes of our students as they engage in their studies; and, our alumni as they put their education to work in our communities. We are a community and you can rightfully be proud of all that you accomplish.

In the weeks ahead, there are important opportunities to help shape the future direction of the university, so please take note of the following important meetings on your respective campuses.

Strategic Pathways Phase 3 Meetings

Broad consultation on Strategic Pathways Phase 3 will begin this month. Forums are scheduled to discuss options for arts and humanities, social and natural sciences, mine training, finance, land management, risk management, and facilities. Chancellors will be issuing invitations to affected units to meet on the following dates:

• UAF: Aug. 28, 1-4 p.m. Akasofu 401 and Aug. 30, 8 a.m.-noon Elvey Building Globe Room
• UAA: Aug. 31, 8:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and 1-3:45 p.m. Student Union South Cafeteria
• UAS: Sept. 1, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 12:45-1:45 p.m. Egan 223
• Statewide: Aug. 29, 1:30-4:15 p.m. Butrovich 204/Bragaw 205

Strategic Pathways Phase 3 information and feedback forms are available at alaska.edu/pathways.

Board of Regents Meetings, Statewide Call-in & Public Gathering

The Board of Regents will be holding committee meetings Sept. 7-8 in advance of its full board meeting in Juneau Sept. 14-15. Agendas are available one week prior to meetings.

It is important for the university community to provide input to regents as they face important decisions. Please note the following opportunities to talk to the regents:

• Board of Regents Call-in Public Testimony Session: Sept. 5, 4-6 p.m. (call: 1-866-726-0757)
• Board of Regents Public Gathering: Sept. 14, 4:30-6 p.m., Juneau (location TBD)

Written testimony is accepted at any time. Please submit to ua-bor@alaska.edu. More information about the public testimony session and public gathering is available at alaska.edu/bor/public-testimony.

Finally, as we welcome students back to campus, let's be mindful of the need to stay current on our Title IX training. We are dedicated to continuing education about sexual assault and harassment prevention, and will be requiring all degree-seeking students, national/international exchange students, those living on campus, as well as employees to complete annual Title IX training. Please fulfill your Title IX Sex and Gender Based Discrimination training via UAOnline and make sure you are aware of your duties as a responsible employee.

I hope you, too, enjoyed time with your family and friends this summer to recharge and that you join me in looking forward to a year of continued success and opportunity. I am most thankful to be part of this community and I thank you for all you do for our great university.

With thanks, Jim Johnsen

August Archive