January 14, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 14, 2021

Racial justice initiative, land grant, ÁùºÏ²Ê»ãA Alpine Ski Team on the ÁùºÏ²Ê»ã Board 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 ÁùºÏ²Ê»ã’s Alaska Native students, faculty and staff, hear updates from leadership, and consider reinstating the ÁùºÏ²Ê»ãA alpine ski team.

Last November, the board approved a motion highlighting racial justice and equity as a board priority. The board directed ÁùºÏ²Ê»ã President 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 ÁùºÏ²Ê»ã system. 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 ÁùºÏ²Ê»ãA 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 ÁùºÏ²Ê»ãA Chancellor search, and the board also will discuss advocacy efforts for the upcoming legislative session, a resolution of support for ÁùºÏ²Ê»ã land grant fulfillment, and be briefed on a report on ÁùºÏ²Ê»ã teacher 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).