Mission
The Vice President for Academics, Students & Research, directs a division of services including Academic Affairs, Research, Workforce Programs, Student Success, and Distance Education. The Vice President works with the UA campuses on academic and research initiatives and collaborations to promote research in Alaska. The University of Alaska is committed to working closely with all federal and state agencies and private enterprise to further develop collaboration and new exposures for future growth in all areas of science and technology.
Dr. Brian Smentkowski
Vice President and Chief Academic Officer
(907) 450-8019
bpsmentkowski@alaska.edu
System-level Coordination
ACEC facilitates inter-university coordination and communication to meet the goals
of UA's Schools of Education
Common Calendar 2018 - 2022
The Faculty Alliance Common Calendar Committee has developed a common calendar, coordinating
start dates and breaks throughout the system, and are further developing coordinated
course starting time alignment to facilitate cross-university instruction.
Information on Accreditation
All three universities, UAA, UAF, and UAS, and their respective Community Colleges
are fully accredited. In addition to institutional accreditation from the Northwest
Commission on Colleges and Universities, UA has more than 60 program/specialized accreditations
across the system.
Did you know UAF just released a feature documentary celebrating 100 years of Nanooks hockey?
September 30, 2025
Did you know T3 Alaska is bringing maritime career pathways to 10 coastal communities this year?
September 10, 2025
August 26, 2025
Did You Know UAA Course Takes Students to Crime Lab
August 12, 2025
Save the date: systemwide town hall, Monday, October 13, 2025
October 03, 2025
University of Alaska systemwide staff, students and faculty are invited to a virtual Town Hall with UA President Pat Pitney and other university leaders on Monday, October 13 from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. via Zoom and livestream.
October 03, 2025
The purpose of both acts is to inform students and employees of the incidents of crime and fire and the policies and procedures to prevent crime and fire or to report occurrences of crime or fire at institutions of higher education.
New Financial Aid and Student Account Pages in UAOnline
October 03, 2025
On October 6, 2025, the Financial Aid and Student Accounts menu and pages in UAOnline will be upgraded to the newest version. To help with the transition, we have created and posted new resources, including a video on how to navigate the new pages.
Title IX training due October 31
October 03, 2025
UA Safe Title IX Training is required, and must be completed by October 31, 2025. UA/UAA/UAS employees must access the training through Blackboard, while UAF employees should do so through Canvas.
New University GenAI policies and guidelines now available
October 03, 2025
The University of Alaska's Office of Information Technology has released new Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) policies and resources to help employees navigate this fast-moving technology.
Remember to Check Your Contact Information
September 05, 2025
To help us keep accurate records and follow federal rules, please review your personal information in UAOnline each fall and spring semester.
Notice: Delayed access to employee timesheets due to BSS9 transition
September 05, 2025
In support of the University's ongoing transition to Banner Self Service 9 (BSS9), employees will have delayed access to their R21, R22, and R23 timesheets. Beginning with R21, the automated overtime process will become available.
Annual Security Awareness Training Announcement
August 22, 2025
It's Security Awareness Training season again! This year we are pleased to announce that our training will be delivered via our new training platform, KnowBe4.