University Of Alaska Anchorage: Serving Those Who Serve: UAA Earns Silver Status As Military Friendly School

Anchorage AK

09 March, 2022

4:17 PM

Description

Press release from the University of Alaska Anchorage: March 9, 2022 About UAA About UAA UAA is the premier university in the heart of Alaska's largest city with campuses throughout Southcentral Alaska. Where culture, innovation and adventure converge, the unique locations provide unparalleled access to industry connections, Arctic research, outdoor recreation and more, facilitating once-in-a-lifetime experiences, groundbreaking education and impactful careers. Popular links UAA 2025: Strategic Plan Chancellor Equity, Compliance and Title IX About UAA Diversity and Inclusion Equity, Compliance and Title IX Green and Gold News Administration Chancellor Academic Affairs Administrative Services Advancement Student Affairs Campuses Kenai Peninsula Kodiak Matanuska Susitna Prince William Sound UAA 2025: Strategic Plan About UAA 2025 Putting Students First Embracing Diversity and Inclusion Community Partner Impact through Innovation Excellence Through Continuous Improvement Academics Academics UAA offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs that consistently prepare students for success after graduation. State-of-the-art classroom instruction and hands-on learning collide in UAA's innovative academic programs, which feature unique courses that train students to lead Alaska into the future. Popular links Academic Programs Advising Dates and Deadlines Academic Affairs Colleges and Schools Arts and Sciences Business and Public Policy Community and Technical Engineering Health School of Education Provost ANSEP Programs Apprenticeship Programs Continuing Education Graduate School Honors Middle College Programs Admissions and Financial Aid Admissions and Financial Aid Learn more about admissions processes, taking classes, tour UAA in-person or virtually, and find out more about Financial Aid available at UAA. Whether you are a new or continuing student, the Office of Financial Aid is available to offer support and advice so you can make informed decisions regarding college funding options. Get help at the Enrollment Services Center: offering virtual and walk-in appointments to help students apply to UAA; get help with financial aid, scholarships, and the FAFSA. Popular links Visit and Tour Academic Programs Transfer to UAA FAFSA, Aid and Scholarships Locations Enrollment Services Center Admissions How to Apply Transfer to UAA Academic Programs Visit and Tour Request more Info Contact Admissions Financial Aid FAFSA, Aid and Scholarships Additional Payment Options Check your Status Student Responsibilities Cost of Attendance, Aid Types and Planning Tools Military and Veteran Student Services Student Accounts and Refunds Athletics Athletics From 13 competitive NCAA teams to recreation and intramural and club sports, students have the opportunity to excel in athletics at every level. The Alaska Airlines Center and Seawolf Sports Complex offer recreation as well as hosting community events and concerts. Students can take advantage of cheering for SeawolfNation with free tickets to many games. Popular links Seawolf Online Store Recreation Intramurals Locations Alaska Airlines Center Seawolf Sports Complex Go Seawolves Upcoming Seawolves Games Tickets Staff Directory Women's Sports Basketball Cross Country Gymnastics Skiing Track and Field Volleyball Men's Sports Basketball Cross Country Hockey Skiing Track and Field Research Research UAA is a hub for cutting-edge theoretical and applied research in health, engineering, and the physical and social sciences. In nearly every discipline, undergraduate and graduate students have the opportunity to join research teams and collaborate with experienced faculty mentors. Research at UAA Sponsored Programs Research Integrity and Compliance Graduate School Student Services Student Services Explore the wide variety of services and resources available at UAA to help promote your academic and personal success and well-being. From academic advising to student clubs and residence life, we're here to help you have an amazing university experience. Popular links Advising Bookstore Dates and Deadlines Transcripts USUAA Student Governance Library Student Health and Counseling Center Locations Student Union Enrollment Services Center Student Health and Counseling Center Current Students Advising Bookstore Registration, Dates and Deadlines Military and Veteran Student Services Degree Progress Transfer Credit Graduation Career Services Student Account (Bursar) Dean of Students Disability Support Services Student Life Engage Organizations and Clubs Activities and Programs Student Union Multicultural Student Services Recreation Residence Life Housing Options Apply for Housing Current Residents Info for Parents/Guardians Contact Residence Life Student Leadership USUAA Student Governance Student Media Concert Board Green Fee Board Club Council Emerging Leaders Program Alaska Natives Alaska Natives Located in the ancestral homelands of the Dena'ina, Ahtna Dene, Alutiiq/Sugpiak, Chugachmiut and Eyak peoples, Alaska Native curriculum at UAA provides an in-depth perspective on contemporary Alaska Native societies, languages, cultures, history, politics, art, governments and corporations. Academic Programs Alaska Native Studies — Anchorage Campus Alaska Native Studies — Kenai Peninsula College Alutiiq Studies — Kodiak College Alaska Native Business Management Minor Student Support Native Student Services Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP) Alaska Native Community Advancement in Psychology (ANCAP) Alaska Native, Indigenous & Rural Outreach Program (ANIROP) Recruitment and Retention of Alaska Natives into Nursing (RRANN) About UAA UAA is the premier university in the heart of Alaska's largest city with campuses throughout Southcentral Alaska. Where culture, innovation and adventure converge, the unique locations provide unparalleled access to industry connections, Arctic research, outdoor recreation and more, facilitating once-in-a-lifetime experiences, groundbreaking education and impactful careers. Popular links UAA 2025: Strategic Plan Chancellor Equity, Compliance and Title IX About UAA Diversity and Inclusion Equity, Compliance and Title IX Green and Gold News Administration Chancellor Academic Affairs Administrative Services Advancement Student Affairs Campuses Kenai Peninsula Kodiak Matanuska Susitna Prince William Sound UAA 2025: Strategic Plan About UAA 2025 Putting Students First Embracing Diversity and Inclusion Community Partner Impact through Innovation Excellence Through Continuous Improvement UAA 2025: Strategic Plan Chancellor Equity, Compliance and Title IX Diversity and Inclusion Equity, Compliance and Title IX Green and Gold News Chancellor Academic Affairs Administrative Services Advancement Student Affairs Kenai Peninsula Kodiak Matanuska Susitna Prince William Sound About UAA 2025 Putting Students First Embracing Diversity and Inclusion Community Partner Impact through Innovation Excellence Through Continuous Improvement Academics UAA offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs that consistently prepare students for success after graduation. State-of-the-art classroom instruction and hands-on learning collide in UAA's innovative academic programs, which feature unique courses that train students to lead Alaska into the future. Popular links Academic Programs Advising Dates and Deadlines Academic Affairs Colleges and Schools Arts and Sciences Business and Public Policy Community and Technical Engineering Health School of Education Provost ANSEP Programs Apprenticeship Programs Continuing Education Graduate School Honors Middle College Programs Academic Programs Advising Dates and Deadlines Academic Affairs Arts and Sciences Business and Public Policy Community and Technical Engineering Health School of Education ANSEP Programs Apprenticeship Programs Continuing Education Graduate School Honors Middle College Programs Admissions and Financial Aid Learn more about admissions processes, taking classes, tour UAA in-person or virtually, and find out more about Financial Aid available at UAA. Whether you are a new or continuing student, the Office of Financial Aid is available to offer support and advice so you can make informed decisions regarding college funding options. Get help at the Enrollment Services Center: offering virtual and walk-in appointments to help students apply to UAA; get help with financial aid, scholarships, and the FAFSA. Popular links Visit and Tour Academic Programs Transfer to UAA FAFSA, Aid and Scholarships Locations Enrollment Services Center Admissions How to Apply Transfer to UAA Academic Programs Visit and Tour Request more Info Contact Admissions Financial Aid FAFSA, Aid and Scholarships Additional Payment Options Check your Status Student Responsibilities Cost of Attendance, Aid Types and Planning Tools Military and Veteran Student Services Student Accounts and Refunds Visit and Tour Academic Programs Transfer to UAA FAFSA, Aid and Scholarships Enrollment Services Center How to Apply Transfer to UAA Academic Programs Visit and Tour Request more Info Contact Admissions FAFSA, Aid and Scholarships Additional Payment Options Check your Status Student Responsibilities Cost of Attendance, Aid Types and Planning Tools Military and Veteran Student Services Student Accounts and Refunds Athletics From 13 competitive NCAA teams to recreation and intramural and club sports, students have the opportunity to excel in athletics at every level. The Alaska Airlines Center and Seawolf Sports Complex offer recreation as well as hosting community events and concerts. Students can take advantage of cheering for SeawolfNation with free tickets to many games. Popular links Seawolf Online Store Recreation Intramurals Locations Alaska Airlines Center Seawolf Sports Complex Go Seawolves Upcoming Seawolves Games Tickets Staff Directory Women's Sports Basketball Cross Country Gymnastics Skiing Track and Field Volleyball Men's Sports Basketball Cross Country Hockey Skiing Track and Field Seawolf Online Store Recreation Intramurals Alaska Airlines Center Seawolf Sports Complex Upcoming Seawolves Games Tickets Staff Directory Basketball Cross Country Gymnastics Skiing Track and Field Volleyball Basketball Cross Country Hockey Skiing Track and Field Research UAA is a hub for cutting-edge theoretical and applied research in health, engineering, and the physical and social sciences. In nearly every discipline, undergraduate and graduate students have the opportunity to join research teams and collaborate with experienced faculty mentors. Research at UAA Sponsored Programs Research Integrity and Compliance Graduate School Sponsored Programs Research Integrity and Compliance Graduate School Student Services Explore the wide variety of services and resources available at UAA to help promote your academic and personal success and well-being. From academic advising to student clubs and residence life, we're here to help you have an amazing university experience. Popular links Advising Bookstore Dates and Deadlines Transcripts USUAA Student Governance Library Student Health and Counseling Center Locations Student Union Enrollment Services Center Student Health and Counseling Center Current Students Advising Bookstore Registration, Dates and Deadlines Military and Veteran Student Services Degree Progress Transfer Credit Graduation Career Services Student Account (Bursar) Dean of Students Disability Support Services Student Life Engage Organizations and Clubs Activities and Programs Student Union Multicultural Student Services Recreation Residence Life Housing Options Apply for Housing Current Residents Info for Parents/Guardians Contact Residence Life Student Leadership USUAA Student Governance Student Media Concert Board Green Fee Board Club Council Emerging Leaders Program Advising Bookstore Dates and Deadlines Transcripts USUAA Student Governance Library Student Health and Counseling Center Student Union Enrollment Services Center Student Health and Counseling Center Advising Bookstore Registration, Dates and Deadlines Military and Veteran Student Services Degree Progress Transfer Credit Graduation Career Services Student Account (Bursar) Dean of Students Disability Support Services Engage Organizations and Clubs Activities and Programs Student Union Multicultural Student Services Recreation Housing Options Apply for Housing Current Residents Info for Parents/Guardians Contact Residence Life USUAA Student Governance Student Media Concert Board Green Fee Board Club Council Emerging Leaders Program Alaska Natives Located in the ancestral homelands of the Dena'ina, Ahtna Dene, Alutiiq/Sugpiak, Chugachmiut and Eyak peoples, Alaska Native curriculum at UAA provides an in-depth perspective on contemporary Alaska Native societies, languages, cultures, history, politics, art, governments and corporations. Academic Programs Alaska Native Studies — Anchorage Campus Alaska Native Studies — Kenai Peninsula College Alutiiq Studies — Kodiak College Alaska Native Business Management Minor Student Support Native Student Services Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP) Alaska Native Community Advancement in Psychology (ANCAP) Alaska Native, Indigenous & Rural Outreach Program (ANIROP) Recruitment and Retention of Alaska Natives into Nursing (RRANN) Alaska Native Studies — Anchorage Campus Alaska Native Studies — Kenai Peninsula College Alutiiq Studies — Kodiak College Alaska Native Business Management Minor Native Student Services Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP) Alaska Native Community Advancement in Psychology (ANCAP) Alaska Native, Indigenous & Rural Outreach Program (ANIROP) Recruitment and Retention of Alaska Natives into Nursing (RRANN) UAA has been recognized for the 14th consecutive year as a Military Friendly School, earning silver status for the first time. UAA's elevation from bronze status last year is a reflection of its ongoing efforts to develop and maintain a culture of serving those who serve. This culture centers on good policies and practices, meaningful investments in benefits, and resources and services for military and veteran students. "To me, this shows that UAA is dedicated to this specific student population. We're making informed decisions and policies to help students be successful and achieve graduation," said Peter Clemens, UAA's Military and Veteran Student Services program director. Affordability for military students UAA recently created a flat-rate tuition for students who are active duty, reserves or national guard members. Tuition is now capped at $250 per undergraduate credit hour, and most fees are waived, ensuring affordability for military students. This policy was introduced to bring UAA's costs in line with tuition benefits offered by the military. "There is a real commitment to providing resources to military and veteran students," Clemens said. "That means investing in the new policy on flat-rate tuition. It means investing in staff who are subject matter experts on the processes these students must navigate — staff whose entire jobs are focused on serving military and veteran students." Navigating complexities Clemens' office is dedicated to staying up to date with ever-changing federal processes that affect members of the military. For example, Clemens said Veterans Affairs (VA) recently began requiring students who use post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to verify their attendance each semester in order to receive a housing allowance. Without UAA's specialized support, it's likely important details would fall through the cracks — and many military and veteran students would fall through, too. Bekky Virgil, a male-to-female transgender U.S. Army veteran (2011-2015) and political science student at UAA, said the university helped navigate challenges during the pandemic. She currently serves on a national board to advocate for high-quality medical treatment for all veterans through the VA, and she hopes to one day leverage her military experience, especially her experience as a transgender service member, to run for political office. "When the pandemic hit, it was a mess," she said. "With the transition to online learning, it looked like we could lose a lot of our education benefits from the VA. But when UAA got word of this, they acted really quickly. They emailed the whole student body to say they were aware of the situation, that they were working with the VA to ensure that students got their benefits, and that they would take care of us if anything happened." Virgil added, "In the middle of so much else stressful going on, it was a relief to know that UAA was looking out for us." Ramping up an on-base presence at JBER In the past couple of semesters, UAA has also renewed its relationship with Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson (JBER). Between the $100 million in budget cuts to the UA system since 2014 and the onset of the pandemic in 2020, for years there had not been adequate capacity to support face-to-face services on JBER. But UAA is ramping up its on-base presence. Clemens said that UAA's offices in the Elmendorf and Richardson Education Centers are now staffed at least a few days a week, which gives service members a reliable place to seek information and ask for help. He also pointed to the growing number of classes taught on JBER. Support from faculty However, for many military and veteran students the most important support they receive is from their professors. Steve Cherry, an Air Force veteran (1999-2004) and current member of the Alaska Air National Guard, moved to Alaska in 2002 when he was assigned to Elmendorf. He is a student in UAA's Kinesiology program and he intends to obtain a doctorate in physical therapy. He wants to work for the VA to help vets rehabilitate after serious injuries. "It's never been easy to be a student and serve at the same time," he said. "Throughout my college career, I was called up for duty multiple times. But my faculty members at UAA were always flexible. I was even able to continue with a nine-credit load from Afghanistan in 2006. The professors worked with the military's test proctoring service so I didn't miss exams." Maria Canon, a current Legal Studies major who plans to go on to law school after graduating this semester, has served in the Army for nearly 12 years. She was born in Colombia and moved to Virginia when she was 11 years old. She and her husband, who is in the Army's Airborne Infantry, transferred to Alaska in 2019. "My degree has taken me nearly 10 years to obtain," she said. "I started at other schools, where professors gave me a hard time whenever I was called up for training or service. Since coming to UAA, though, it's been totally different. Now if I need to miss class because of my career with the Army, which happens at least once per semester, I'm not worried about it. I know my professors understand, and I know they'll work with me to get things done. UAA just has this culture of respect for military service." While Clemens, Virgil, Cherry and Canon all believe UAA rightly earned recognition as a Military Friendly School, they also pointed out there is always more UAA can do to support its military and veteran students, and that there is always room for growth. For Clemens, his team and the entire UAA community, this gives UAA a target — and the aspiration to achieve gold status in future years. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. This press release was produced by the University of Alaska Anchorage. The views expressed here are the author's own.