Investing in our Student Union — fee approved for fall

Dear Seawolves,

I'm writing to share an important update about the UAA Student Union and how students are helping to shape its future.

USUAA brought forward a resolution in support of the Student Union Fee, and student feedback was clear that students want more robust offerings at the UAA Student Union. Based on that input, my Executive Council and I approved a $3.50 per credit hour fee, which will be included beginning with this fall's registration. Nearly 75% of students surveyed were neutral or in favor of this fee, reflecting strong student engagement and a shared commitment to enhancing student-focused spaces and services at UAA.

The Student Union Fee will be for Anchorage campus students. This means that a full-time student taking 12 credit hours will realize an increase of $40 per semester. The fee will directly support the operation, staffing and improvement of the Student Union, including:

• Free room reservations in the Student Union for recognized student clubs and organizations
• More student employees and extended hours so the building can better serve as a place to study, gather and connect
• Continued and partially funded UAA Esports staffing and operations, with free Esports Lounge access for students who pay the consolidated fee
• Annual student-focused upgrades, such as furniture replacement, technology improvements, charging stations and other small-scale enhancements
• Funding for Student Union staff to allow Student Activities dollars to support programming and events

The Student Union Fee will also establish a Student Union Advisory Board that will gather ongoing student feedback, provide input on spending priorities and ensure that there is transparency and accountability through regular reporting. This will also ensure that students have a continued voice in how this fee improves their campus experience.

Thank you for being part of the process and for helping shape the future of the UAA Student Union. This fee will help support the Student Union as a student-first space where campus life, leadership and community thrive.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Siemers
UAA Chancellor