University of Alaska Regents to celebrate academic strength, consider budget proposals at September Meeting

September 2, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2025

University of Alaska Regents to celebrate academic strength, consider budget proposals at September Meeting

Regents emphasise growing enrollments, increasing graduation rates, value of workforce programs in setting strategic, budget goals to Empower Alaska

(JUNEAU) - The University of Alaska (UA) Board of Regents will meet in Juneau this week as the UA System begins the 2025-2026 academic year with a projected enrollment increase of 4% over Fall 2024. Regents will meet on the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) Juneau campus for committee meetings on September 3-4 and a full board meeting on September 4-5.

"Across Alaska, more students are returning to our universities' academic and workforce programs, setting themselves up for success in Alaska's economy, and bringing a renewed sense of vitality to our campuses," said UA President Pat Pitney. "The strength of our programs, and unique ability to prepare students for Alaska's workforce, are attracting both in-state and out-of-state students to educational opportunities vital to Alaska's future. I'm pleased to welcome folks back to school, and wish all of our students, staff, and faculty success this academic year."

Regents will approve the official list of academic degree recipients for FY25. A total of 3,421 degrees and certificates were awarded across the UA system - an increase of 4.3% (141 awards) over FY24 - driven by short-term occupational endorsement certificate programs responding to Alaska workforce needs.

FY27 budget planning

During Friday's portion of the full board meeting, Regents will review the first draft of the UA's FY27 budget proposals and long-range capital plan. UA leadership is closely monitoring the tightening federal and state fiscal situation, which means that focus on innovation and process efficiency will continue to be critical. The proposed operating budget request includes a 3% across-the-board compensation increase for employees, estimated at $11M total cost, as well as fixed operating cost increases, federal funding reductions, and modest growth in tuition and fee revenue

"The FY27 budget supports key priorities while maintaining the strength of our high-quality academic programs," President Pitney said. "Through active financial management, we can leverage shared resources, and implement process improvements and automations to maintain our emphasis on improving the student experience and raising additional revenue through increased recruitment and retention."

The fiscally constrained budget emphasizes investment in recruitment, retention, and graduation. Regents will also consider a 3% tuition increase for academic year 2027, which would allow the universities to address rising costs while maintaining their level and quality of services.

Celebrating academic strength

The full board meeting will kick off on Thursday afternoon (~1 p.m.) with a presentation from UAS students sharing examples of the student experience. By request of the board, UAS Chancellor Aparna Palmer will lead the regents through a "deep-dive" into UAS, including an overview of their programs, faculty/student/staff profiles, revenue sources, opportunities, challenges and goals. Future meetings will feature similar presentations from each of the other chancellors.

All three university chancellors will be in attendance at the Board meeting. It will be the first meeting for interim University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Chancellor Ambassador Mike Sfraga (ret.). Sfraga has spent 31 years working at both UAF and the university system. The University of Alaska Anchorage's (UAA) interim chancellor, Cheryl Siemers began her tenure in May, continuing 20 years of service to UAA and its community campuses. UAS Chancellor Palmer is now the longest-serving current chancellor; she joined the UA system in 2023.

"All three chancellors are well prepared to advance the UA System's mission of workforce development, academic, and research excellence that is vital to Empower Alaska," said President Pitney.

Roadmap to Empower Alaska

Thursday afternoon, President Pitney will recognize the grand prize winners for the pilot Empower Alaska Incentive program: Jessica Salas from UAA, Ashley Munro from UAF, Bernard Yadao and Kolene James both from UAS. Almost 700 staff from across the system were nominated for recognition for innovative ideas that improve operations, exceptional student service and/or contributions aligned with the Roadmap to Empower Alaska. Each grand prize winner will receive a $5,000 award.

On Friday morning, the full board will receive an update on the Roadmap to Empower Alaska, a strategic guidance framework representing the board's long-term vision for the university system, and review several proposed revisions to university policy and regulations. That afternoon, Regents will approve a resolution of appreciation for retired UAF Chancellor Dan White, and hear an update on the UAF Geophysical Institute's partnership with Alaska Aerospace Corporation.

Board of Regents Committees

Committee meetings will be held prior to the full board meeting beginning Wednesday afternoon. The Ad Hoc Committee for Recruitment, Retention, and Graduation (2 p.m.) will review the Students-First Action Agenda as a part of the Systemwide Attainment Framework to grow enrollment, increase the number of graduates, enhance the reputation of the universities and system, and increase revenue.

The Academic and Student Affairs committee (~4 p.m.) will take a deep look at enrollment reports, specialized accreditations, and academic degree recipients.

The Facility and Land Management committee (8 a.m.) kicks off Thursday with a discussion of capital projects including the UAS Sitka new dock and mariculture laboratory, upgrades to UAF's Salisbury Theater, land disposal plans and a proposed subdivision in Cordova. Vice Chancellors from each university will provide an overview of existing and future student housing projects.

The Audit and Finance committee (~10:30 a.m.) will hear reports from external and internal auditors and compliance reports and begin a discussion on fund balance use for full board approval.

All meetings, except any executive sessions, are public and will be livestreamed.

The University of Alaska Board of Regents is an 11-member volunteer board, appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Alaska Legislature. Members serve an eight-year term, with the exception of the student regent, who serves a two-year term. The Board was established through the Alaska Constitution and is responsible for University of Alaska policy and management through the university president.

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For more information, contact Jonathon Taylor, director of public affairs at 907-350-0168 (cell), or via email at [email protected].