Chancellor update: Nov. 7-8 BOR meeting

Dear UAA Community,

I just wanted to provide a quick update on the Nov. 7-8 Board of Regents' meeting.

First, please join me in congratulating Regent Sheri Buretta as the new chair of the University of Alaska Board of Regents. Regent Buretta is chair of the Chugach Alaska Corporation and director of the Native American Contractors Association, serves on the board of directors for the Alaska Federation of Natives and holds an associate degree in accounting from UAA. She assumed the role from John Davies, who served as chair since November 2018.

Regarding last week's reassuring letter from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, at the Nov. 7 session, the board approved a motion to conduct a policy audit as a first step to more clearly define the roles and authority between the UA statewide office and the UAA, UAF and UAS chancellors as chief executives of separately accredited universities. This was the first of many potential next steps identified on Nov. 7 to address NWCCU concerns.

Looking ahead to next year, I am pleased to announce the 2020-21 athletic season will continue as planned. I hope you're ready for another year to howl for the home team!

Largely in response to UAA students' public testimony on Nov. 8, the board voted to delay its tuition decision for academic year 2020-21 until January 2020. This will provide a period of time to consult with students and analyze the impact of a tuition increase.

On a personal note, Regent Lisa Parker gave a touching tribute to anthropology professor Alan Boraas, the longest-serving professor at Kenai Peninsula College. His work with Alaska Native communities on the peninsula will have a lasting impact on the state of Alaska. Additionally, after 35 years of exemplary service and leadership, UAS Chancellor Rick Caulfield announced he will retire in June 2020. Congratulations, Chancellor Caulfield! We will miss you.

There is no doubt Green and Gold was front and center at this latest Board of Regents' meeting. Thank you to the whole UAA community for your interest and participation. Thanks to faculty and staff, and especially to the students who funded their own travel to attend the meeting, and for everyone who provided public testimony at the meeting.

Sincerely, Cathy Sandeen UAA Chancellor

November Archive