Briefing Paper

One of UA's primary functions is to provide trained workers for the Alaska job market.
Unfortunately, Alaska has always had a comparatively low graduation rate at the postsecondary level. One reason is the shortage of state-supported financial aid – students tend to drop out to avoid debt. Another is Alaska has always had a large population of older, part-time students who tend to resist accumulating debt for their education. It often takes these students longer to graduate, and many don't.

Demographic trends will only  exacerbate the issue. The state's number of high school students peaked in 2008 and are expected to decline over the next decade. Consequently, as the number of candidates available for postsecondary degrees and training declines, it will become even more challenging for UA to produce a trained workforce for key Alaska jobs.

There's another, signifcant challenge: Many of Alaska’s high school graduates are not prepared for the rigors of either vocational programs or baccalaureate degrees provided by UA. 

To meet this challenge, UA must expand current efforts to ensure students who enter the institution accomplish what they set out to do, and in a timely manner. Helping students early is a key step.

UA’s budget request includes funding for supplemental instruction for “gateway” courses, undergraduate research, early alert programs and increased remediation.

Bottom Line: UA needs more resources to help students succeed.

Click here for printable pdf copy.

For Information Contact:        
Pete Kelly, Director, State Relations                   
450-8006/463-3086