In last week’s issue we asked, “What can the university do to address Alaska Native concerns? Here is what two readers had to say:

“I was thrilled to see the latest Strategic Direction Update addressing Alaska Native concerns. This summer the Alaska Native Language Archive will host an intern from First Alaskans Institute, contributing to the development of capacity in the field of language archiving. UA has a unique opportunity to build on these efforts to take a leadership role in this field.” -- Gary Holton (UAF)

“I read the recent Strategic Direction Update published by your office with great interest. I wanted to let you know about two grant proposals that have recently been submitted to the US Dept. of Education. Both grants build on the success of the Second Language Acquisition and Teacher Education grant. As a result, in 2010, 15 Alaska Native teachers graduated with either a M.Ed. or an M.A. in Applied Linguistics from UAF. Additionally, three Alaska Native Ph.D.’s graduated, and one additional Ph.D. is expected to graduate next spring.” -- Sabine Siekmann, (UAF)

Just how important is distance learning to UA students?

·        The transfer of distance education is a big deal. We have pockets of excellent transmission, and then we have a lot of areas that cant transmit the classes because of a lack of pipe. The university should make transmission a priority so more programs can be taught online.

·        In my experience it’s paramount to continue building the distance delivery system. It’s how I got my degree, and how it led me to teaching. In the end I was teaching the grand kids of the children I was taught when I was a student teacher.

·        Integrate the distance education curriculums between the MAU’s.

·        The online catalog needs to be more dynamic. Let students search by any number of methods in order to maximize their ability to find the courses they need.

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”!