Chancellor Update, Week of Sept. 15

Dear UAA Community,

As we move through the fall semester together, I am sharing important updates and reminders to keep our campus community informed, aligned and prepared for the months ahead.

We are entering a period of significant activity and transition, with several developments that will shape our university's trajectory. We are preparing for a new chancellor, a milestone that will influence our strategic direction. In October, we will host our accreditors from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, providing an opportunity to demonstrate our institutional strength and commitment to student success. We will continue to monitor and respond to evolving federal financial challenges affecting higher education. We will remain committed to campus safety, communication and community resilience.

UAA's momentum recognized by Board of Regents

At the September Board of Regents meeting, I had the opportunity to share UAA's strong progress in advancing student success across recruitment, retention and graduation - the key pillars of the UA Systemwide Attainment Framework.

Thanks to your dedication, UAA is seeing real results! Our enrollment is up, with over 10,000 students enrolled this fall, representing a 5% increase in headcount and 8% in credit hours. First-time undergraduates rose 7%, and new graduate student enrollment jumped 41%.

• Recruitment is more strategic. With EAB Enroll360, we're reaching students with targeted, customized messaging that highlights our value proposition as Alaska's dual mission university.
• Retention is stronger. Initiatives like Seawolf Start, 49th Finishers, centralizing advising and faculty-led teaching innovations are helping students stay on track. Navigate360 has supported over 22,000 advising appointments.
• Graduation is rising. Foundational course completion rates have improved and stacked credentials are helping students build momentum toward degrees.

Access is expanding. Reduced course fees, improved financial aid communications and new support services are making UAA more affordable and accessible. Our partnerships with industry are developing workforce programs that build a foundation where every student can thrive.

Thank you. This progress is only possible because of our faculty, staff and students who live out our mission every day. Your commitment to putting students first is transforming lives and shaping Alaska's future. Let's keep the momentum going, together.

ANSI listening session

I welcome you to join us Friday, Sept. 19, from 9-11 a.m. in the ANSEP Building (2929 Spirit Way) Community Room or on Zoom, for UAA's Alaska Native Success Initiative (ANSI) listening session. This new series is open to students, faculty and staff across the UA system and is intended to foster open dialogue around ways to support Alaska Native student success at UA and strengthen our university community. Discussion topics may include student success, hiring practices, curriculum development, leadership opportunities and cultural representation. Feedback gathered will inform both campus-specific and system-wide strategies to close equity gaps, increase Alaska Native representation among students, faculty, staff and leadership, and cultivate a welcoming environment for all.

Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions funds

Last week, the U.S. Department of Education announced it will discontinue funding for Title III, Part A grants under the Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions program. UAA does not currently receive funding under this designation, so no existing funds are affected at this time.

Importantly, UAA continues to receive funding under Title III, Part F, which supports the Strengthening Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions program. This funding remains in place as appropriated by Congress and continues to support our efforts to serve Alaska Native students and communities.

We are actively monitoring the situation and evaluating any potential impacts on student services. Should any changes arise, we will communicate with students, staff and faculty who may be affected.

Safety efforts and resources at UAA

At UAA, the safety and well-being of our campus community are our highest priority. We remain committed to an academic space that fosters open dialogue, learning and connection, and creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed and supported.

To ensure the safety of all who visit our Anchorage and community campuses, we have developed comprehensive university-wide programs that address a wide variety of safety policies and emergency preparedness.

I encourage all students and employees to visit the University of Alaska Police Department web page and download the Rave Guardian app on your smartphone to keep up to date with campus alerts and messaging - from inclement weather and campus closures to emergencies such as earthquakes - to a more serious event such as an active aggressor. Additional safety resources include the Environmental Health & Safety and Risk Management web page, which offers students and employees guidance on navigating campus closures and responding to emergencies on campus.

University leadership remains deeply committed to cultivating a welcoming environment where all students can thrive and succeed, including Alaska Native students. As we move forward, I encourage you to stay engaged, support one another and take advantage of the many resources available at UAA.

We are resilient. Together, we will continue to build a community where everyone has an opportunity to learn, grow and create meaningful work. Thank you for all that you do for our university.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Siemers
Interim Chancellor
University of Alaska Anchorage