UAA February Board of Regents Recap: Investing in the UAA experience

The University of Alaska Board of Regents (BOR) convened in Dillingham on the University of Alaska Fairbanks Bristol Bay campus, February 19-20. In addition to routine governance discussions, this February's BOR meeting spotlighted the vital role community campuses serve in the UA System. As a dual mission university, UAA's community campuses serve as more than just satellite locations - they are the frontlines of accessible education in Southcentral Alaska and critical to workforce development across the state. Furthermore, this month's BOR discussions centered on a renewed commitment to tuition transparency and the critical need for developing new housing, particularly on UAA's Anchorage campus.

While increasing overall student investment was at the forefront of February's BOR discussions, for UAA, this means a deeper look at three key areas: increasing tuition transparency, expanding student housing and strengthening workforce development. Prioritizing our student-first approach, UAA continues to honor our dual mission by creating degree and program pathways that not only secure jobs for our graduates but also continue to fuel Alaska's workforce.

Tuition transparency

In November, the BOR unanimously approved a 4% tuition increase for the 2026-27 academic year across all three universities, which translates to roughly $10 to $12 more per credit for undergraduate classes. For UAA, the most significant change is the 1% earmarked for mental health services. This specific portion is a direct result of student advocacy and ensures that UAA can hire more counselors and maintain essential mental health and wellness services across all our campuses. Additionally, this increase isn't just a price adjustment; it's about accountability.

Housing: A place to grow and learn

With increased enrollment at UAA and the demand for on-campus living increases each semester, the university is prioritizing the construction of additional student housing on the Anchorage campus. During the February meeting, the BOR emphasized that on-campus living was not only a major part of the student experience but also strongly correlated with overall student success and completion of undergraduate programs. At UAA, we're prioritizing much-needed maintenance to keep our current on-campus housing in top shape while also looking ahead strategically to build additional apartment-style housing that serves students in undergraduate and graduate programs who desire to be in close proximity to campus and all of the resources available. Additionally, UAA continues to offer the "Live and Learn in Alaska" initiative, which offers in-state tuition rates to out-of-state students who choose to live in the residence halls.

Driving Alaska's homegrown workforce

By continuing to put students at the center of everything we do, these investments in tuition transparency, increased student housing and our role as a dual mission university serves as a cornerstone for the singular goal: to prepare UAA students, no matter their degree path, to lead Alaska's future economy. As the state's designated health campus, UAA remains the primary engine for the healthcare workforce, graduating over 650 professionals annually to meet the state's most urgent needs. Yet, UAA's impact extends far beyond healthcare. Through our dual mission, we continue to bridge the gap between traditional undergraduate and graduate degree programs along with technical education and training, which offers students, no matter what stage of their education journey they're in, the opportunity to earn short-term certifications in industries like welding and aviation to more advanced degrees, like engineering and business. By continuing to focus on these "homegrown" career pathways, UAA isn't just granting degrees; we're developing a skilled and trained workforce ready to meet our state's needs and drive Alaska's economy for decades to come.

UAA sets the gold standard for serving Alaskan communities

UAA's 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement emphasizes the impact of being Alaska's dual mission university, where teaching and learning are integrated into how we serve our communities. Our approach relies on collaboration and partnerships with organizations, agencies and individuals across the state. Through service-learning, community-based research and hands-on civic experiences, UAA students connect academic study to real-world challenges that prepare them for careers and community-centered lives, often right here in Alaska. As the Center for Community Engagement and Learning celebrates its 25th anniversary, this national recognition affirms UAA's longstanding commitment to strengthening the civic and social fabric of Alaska and reinforces that community engagement remains central to how our university fulfills its mission to both educate students and serve the state.