February 27, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 26, 2018
UA Board of Regents to discuss plans for the Ӱԭ College of Education, the university budget and other topics at March 1-2 meeting
FAIRBANKS – The University of Ӱԭ Board of Regents will discuss the proposed framework for establishing the Ӱԭ College of Education and hear an update on the university’s FY19 budget when it meets in Fairbanks March 1-2.
The revised structure for the Ӱԭ College of Education, with administrative leadership from the University of Ӱԭ Southeast, will feature Schools of Education at UAA and Ӱԭ. Students will continue to earn their degree from any of the three universities. The action will eliminate two dean positions and place the UAA and Ӱԭ programs inside existing colleges. The College of Education at UAA will become the School of Education and be part of the College of Arts & Sciences; the School of Education at Ӱԭ will become part of the College of Natural Science & Mathematics. These Schools of Education will be led by directors.
UAS is nearing completion of the search process for the Ӱԭ College of Education Executive Dean, who will chair the new UA Teacher Education Council with representatives from all three universities. The Council’s charge is to promote coordination, alignment, and innovation across the UA system.
As designed, the college will provide coordinated teaching programs across the university system, taking into consideration both student interests and school district needs. The university’s goal is to fill 90 percent of new teacher hires in Ӱԭ by 2025 with UA-educated teachers. Currently only 30 percent of new teachers hired in our schools each year are UA-educated.
“We are making good progress toward establishing a single college of education, a change that’s crucial as we look to create a culture in Ӱԭ that encourages education and promotes the value of the teaching profession,” said UA President Jim Johnsen. “We have to attract more students into the profession and graduate more UA-educated teachers if we are going to meet the needs of our state.”
The board also will discuss the university’s FY19 budget. Regents approved an FY19 state operating request of $341 million and a capital request of $50 million at the November board meeting. These requests currently are being considered by the Ӱԭ Legislature.
Regents also will receive an update on development plans for the Troth Yeddha’ Indigenous Studies Center and Park at Ӱԭ, updates on Strategic Pathways implementation and Title IX compliance process, and will discuss the university’s alcohol policies and regulations.
The Board of Regents will hold a public gathering from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 1 in the Globe Room, 215 Elvey Building on the University of Ӱԭ Fairbanks campus. All Board of Regents agendas and documents are available at . The meeting livestream is available at with the exception of any executive session.
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