Tag: Strategic Pathways

Features, News

University of Alaska’s Future in Flux

erin-laughlinBY ERIN LAUGHLIN
Staff Writer, UAS Whalesong

The UA system employs 923 fewer people and has eliminated or suspended 50 academic programs due to a 53 million dollar decrease in funding over the past three years.

In the upcoming year the budget faces a daunting 20 percent decrease in funding. This is a larger decrease in one year than the system has seen over three years according to UA President Jim Johnsen during his annual State of the University address.

President Johnsen delivered his address to a packed house at the Alaska Chamber and the Juneau Chambers Business Roundtable lunch series in the Hangar Ballroom on Feb. 16.

In the address he also outlined the challenges facing the upcoming lean budget. The UA system faces a wide arrangement of short and long-term challenges. Continue reading “University of Alaska’s Future in Flux”

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News

Strategic Pathways Simplified (Part 2)

holly-fisher-1BY HOLLY FISHER
Staff Writer, UAS Whalesong

Phase 2 of the Strategic Pathways initiative is assessing the redesign of eight University of Alaska departments in order to reduce costs and streamline the system. The Academic Areas article last issue covered the first four departments.  This one sums up the suggested changes to four main Administrative Areas across the UA system.

Each area under consideration has an in-depth PDF that covers every area of review. The suggestions must streamline functions, decreasing overall costs, and meet the priorities of UA on a statewide level. Each suggestion has a pro/con list that details how it functions under the above parameters. Based on those lists, I have expanded on the top choice for each department. Continue reading “Strategic Pathways Simplified (Part 2)”

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Opinion

The University’s Forgotten Virtue

daniel-piscoya-1BY DANIEL PISCOYA
Managing Editor, UAS Whalesong

Staff Writer Erin Laughlin’s article about the 2017 Innovation Summit includes a quote from a short interview of Chancellor Caulfield. Caulfield states that UAS’s commitment to innovation can be seen “in terms of new, cutting-edge online degree programs, and high impact learning opportunities through internships, job shadowing, and field research opportunities.”

These innovations play to UAS’s strengths: our proximity to the capitol through internships, our proximity to the sea through field research opportunities, and our proximity to far-away students via online degree programs.

However, the interview itself is also a play towards UAS’s strengths. Erin’s conversation with the Chancellor was unscheduled – she simply walked over to the Hendrickson building and knocked on the door. Continue reading “The University’s Forgotten Virtue”

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Letters to the Editor, Opinion

The Strategic Path: Student Success

BY JOE NELSON
Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
For the UAS Whalesong

We are entering year four of significant budget cuts. When the largest budget item is the payroll, it is no wonder we are feeling a little stressed out. Budget reductions result in workforce reductions. We are also roughly half way through a cumbersome reorganization (aka, Strategic Pathways). Up to this point, the endgame has been vague and the logic behind some of the changes has been elusive. As a result, the appetite for change seems to be shrinking.

Reorgs are stressful, that is a given. Budget reductions are stressful, that is a given. To some, this might feel like a rock and a hard place. In this place of higher learning, we can find a constructive path forward if we focus on the one reason we are here – student learning. Continue reading “The Strategic Path: Student Success”

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Features, News

Strategic Pathways In Brief

holly-fisher-1BY HOLLY FISHER
Staff Writer, UAS Whalesong

Strategic Pathways Phase 2 is currently in full swing reviewing possible changes to numerous elements within the UA system. Preliminary reports have been submitted for consideration on eight areas, four academic and four administrative.

In this and the next issue, I will endeavor to provide a succinct summary of what is on the table for each of the affected departments. My hope is to keep you informed until such a time as the information is more accessible to students. Continue reading “Strategic Pathways In Brief”

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Opinion

The University’s Real Image Problem

daniel-piscoya-1BY DANIEL PISCOYA
Managing Editor, UAS Whalesong

According to the FY2017 Approved Operating and Capital Budgets, I have seen the University raise tuition by over 12% (Appendix B) since I arrived in Fall 2013, and then request an additional 5% increase in the FY2018 Operating and Capital Budget Requests.

As made clear in the titles of the documents above, the University’s Operating Budget (programs, staff salaries, tuition) and its Capital Budget (renovations and campus signs) are two very separate things. An increase in one does not necessarily offset the other. Continue reading “The University’s Real Image Problem”

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News

What’s Next for Strategic Pathways?

holly-fisher-1BY HOLLY FISHER
Staff  Writer, UAS Whalesong

As The University of Alaska system continues the long and complex journey of revamping to fit new budget constraints, new information is beginning to be released regarding Phase II of the Strategic Pathways.

So far some of the changes have been gradual while others have been more abrupt, with a lot of input coming from staff, students, and community members.

Strategic Pathways and Board of Regents agendas for 2017 are quite full. They intend, hopefully, to accomplish as much as possible this year, and to lay to rest a lot of uncertainty that has surrounded these proceedings from the beginning. Continue reading “What’s Next for Strategic Pathways?”

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Campus Life, News

UAS School of Ed. Lives! School to Become UA College of Education

holly-fisher-1BY HOLLY FISHER
Staff Writer, UAS Whalesong

In a follow up to my last article at the end of Fall semester, I am pleased to announce that the University of Alaska Southeast has been allowed to maintain the School of Education (SoE)! And what’s more, the entire multi-branched SoE system will be moved to base out of our Southeast campus. An implementation plan for the newly consolidated College of Education will go into effect no later than July 1, 2017, pending approval by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Continue reading “UAS School of Ed. Lives! School to Become UA College of Education”

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News, Opinion

Future of UAS School of Education Uncertain

holly-fisher-1BY HOLLY FISHER
Staff Writer, UAS Whalesong

Although the UAS School of Education has grown into an efficient, prolific, and diverse school, the Board of Regents may be putting its administration on the chopping block in 2017 and giving the reins to UAF. Continue reading “Future of UAS School of Education Uncertain”

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Campus Life, News

Strategic Pathways: What’s Next?

holly-fisher1BY HOLLY FISHER
For the UAS Whalesong

In light of Alaska’s budget deficit, the University of Alaska system has opted to adopt the Strategic Pathways plan to address current and upcoming budget cuts. The project caused a concerned reaction upon its initial introduction, but the University has made a concerted effort to maintain open communication and community involvement. UA President Jim Johnson and all those working on the Pathways project have been very open to commentary from faculty, students, and surrounding communities. At the recent Board of Regents meeting here in Juneau, the presentations attempted to take into account the considerations of interested parties. A casual meet-and-greet style open event Thursday, Sept. 15 was held to allow people to have a chance to talk to the Board members, President Johnson, and even Juneau Mayor Ken Koelsch. By providing these opportunities and making information readily available, they are working to acclimate the UA campuses to the large changes that are being considered for the coming years. Continue reading “Strategic Pathways: What’s Next?”

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