January 14, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 14, 2021

Racial justice initiative, land grant, UAA Alpine Ski Team on the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±appBoard of Regents agenda for Friday meeting 

The University of Alaska Board of Regents will convene a full board meeting Friday, Jan. 15 to discuss the university’s next steps to advance the success of UA’s Alaska Native students, faculty and staff, hear updates from leadership, and consider reinstating the UAA alpine ski team.

Last November, the board approved a motion highlighting racial justice and equity as a board priority. The board directed °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±appPresident Pat Pitney to take steps to better understand the university climate and programming and address Alaska Native and Indigenous student and faculty recruitment. Pitney has established a steering committee including Alaska Native community leaders and the chancellors to work with faculty and staff on university-based action teams to develop solutions for addressing Alaska Native recruitment, retention and success throughout the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±appsystem. The work resulting from this process will inform efforts to increase equity, diversity and inclusion throughout the university’s programs and operations. 

"We want the university system to be a better reflection of Alaska's population, and for all to feel that they belong on our campuses," Pitney said. "This effort will build on work at our three universities to develop a system-wide plan to improve the university climate for Alaska Natives and people of color."

In addition to discussing this initiative, regents will discuss reinstating the UAA Alpine ski program, which has raised enough money from community supporters to be self-sustaining for the next two years. 

Pitney will update the board on the UAA Chancellor search, and the board also will discuss advocacy efforts for the upcoming legislative session, a resolution of support for °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±appland grant fulfillment, and be briefed on a report on °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±appteacher preparation. 

Friday’s meeting will begin at 9 a.m. and is scheduled to conclude by 3 p.m. With the exception of executive sessions, the meeting will be livestreamed at . 

The full meeting agenda is available to view at . 

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For more information, contact Roberta Graham, associate vice president of public affairs at 907-360-2416 (cell).