The Strategic Direction team would like to congratulate the nearly 4,000 students on University of Alaska campuses throughout the state who graduate this month. Many UA students shared their thoughts about what they would like to see in their University of Alaska System during strategic direction listening sessions this spring. The importance of student advising, student services, greater access to technology and more streamlined efforts in transferring of credits were just a few of the topics that were brought up at student sessions. 

The Content Assessment of all Strategic Direction Initiative listening sessions conducted over the last six months continues this week. Members of the Statewide Academic Council (SAC), chancellors, provosts, the president’s cabinet and UA consultant Terry MacTaggart will begin the process of identifying the inputs and ideas that came from the listening sessions on July 23. They will also provide input into the Strategic Direction Initiative plan .

What UA campus issues are UA stakeholders talking about ? Here are some recent comments:

·        A growing concern is trying to graduate from the university within a certain amount of years. Sometimes you have take courses over because they won’t transfer from one MAU to another, sometimes you have to wait a semester, or longer, to take a class that is required in your field. It’s difficult and expensive to get a four-year degree in five or six years.

·        Due to the recent cuts made by UAA ’ s Business Services, students are now left without viable opportunities for outdoor recreation. The presence of an outdoor program is of vital importance to the campus community, and every effort should be made to ensure the survival of a long-term, all-inclusive outdoor program.

·        At Bristol Bay Campus an Advisory Council member noted that the current demographic is comprised of 92% part time students. Providing distance learning education at times when students can attend could lower that statistic.

If you haven’t had a chance to take part in a listening session, there is still time. Listening session questionnaires for the community, students, staff, faculty and alumni are all available online. All you have to do is click here ! Your comments are important to us. Be a part of the dialogue that’s happening throughout the University of Alaska System. Let us know what you would like to see in your University of Alaska and be a part of “Shaping Alaska’s Future 2017”!