Tuition potentially on the rise By KIERAN POULSON-EDWARDS Staff Writer, UAS Whalesong  The University of Alaska Board of Regents has postponed its vote to approve a student tuition increase until January. At a meeting in Fairbanks on Nov. 8, student input pushed the board to delay the action. “The only justification they put out before the meeting, really, was that they were trying to make … Continue reading UA Tuition Meeting

UAS celebrates native cultures with a variety of events BAYLEE SCHNEIDER, Staff Writer, UAS Whalesong  November is Indigenous People’s Month and UAS hosted multiple events to celebrate.  Also known as Native American Indian Heritage Month, it was  first designated by Congress in 1990. The National Congress of American Indians recognizes Indigenous People’s Month as an “opportune time to educate the general public about tribes, to … Continue reading Indigenous People’s Month

Review of the brews By SIERRA LISSICK, Photographer, UAS Whalesong What was once the home to the UAS bookstore, Human Resource and Administration departments, now houses a new local brewery.  Forbidden Peak opened their doors in Auke Bay on Oct. 12. Owner Skye Stekoll chose this location because businesses in Auke Bay have been growing in recent years.  Due to the nature of brewery laws … Continue reading Bigfoot and Beer

Hope and respect a common thread By BAYLEE SCHNIEDER, Staff Writer, UAS Whalesong Hope was the common thread at the fourth annual UAS Power and Privilege Symposium on Nov. 12.  There were 327 participants involved in the event, with roughly additionally 60 presenters who were moderators, panel members, lecturers, and co-presenters according to Symposium Committee Chair and Student Activities Coordinator Juliette Allredge. Keynote speakers Forest … Continue reading Power and Privilege Symposium

Students have a splashing time at Sitka WhaleFest By MIKE FLUNKER, Staff Writer, UAS WHALESONG Bowhead whales can live to over 200 years old. “Think about what a single Bowhead has seen in its lifetime,” Dr. Michael Castellini told the group of whale watchers gathered in  Sitka for the 2019 WhaleFest.   In that 200 years, today’s whales have lived through  the Industrial Revolution, both World … Continue reading A Whale of a Festival

By Khrystl Brouillette-Janes Editor, UAS Whalesong The University of Alaska Board of Regents voted Monday to delay consideration of UA system consolidation. In an emergency meeting to discuss UA consolidation, the BOR voted 9-2 to “cease consideration of a single accreditation until such time as (the University of Alaska Fairbanks) secures its accreditation in 2021,” according to the approved motion read by Regent Karen Perdue, … Continue reading BOR VOTED 9-2 to DELAY CONSIDERATION

A survey of climate activism in Juneau By MIKE FLUNKER, Staff Writer, UAS WHALESONG Thousands of people across the United States left their schools and workplaces on Sept. 20 to protest climate change. The same was happening around the world, just ahead of the United Nations General Assembly and Climate Action Summit in New York City on Sept. 23.  Juneau beat them to it.  As … Continue reading Hot Topic

Future of UA system unclear By KIERAN POULSON-EDWARDS Staff Writer, UAS Whalesong  The University of Alaska in August narrowly avoided a 41% decrease in state funding by agreeing to a $70 million cut over the next three years. Gov. Mike Dunleavy in June vetoed $136 million from the UA operating budget for the current fiscal year.   “One of the biggest problems has been the … Continue reading UA Budget Uncertain

Devilfish showcases indigenous legends By ALYSSA MADRID, Staff Writer, UAS WHALESONG Traditional themes merge with the modern in Perseverance Theatre’s production of Devilfish.  Devilfish opened Sept. 20 at Perseverance Theatre. Devilfish is a play written by Alaskan local, Vera Starbard and directed by Leslie Ishii.  Starbard is orignally from Craig, Alaska and is Tlingit and and Dena’ina Athabascan. She is the playwright in residence this … Continue reading Tradition with a Twist

Trail Review of West Glacier Trail By TRYSTIN LUHR Ad Manager, UAS Whalesong Imagine traversing a pseudo-alien landscape devoid of life and scoured with frost, ice and dry stone. That is the finale of the awe-striking West Glacier Trail: A trail that will take you through thick wet forests, rolling craggy hills, and climaxing at the barren windswept glacier. The trail can be accessed from … Continue reading Glacial Adventure