If you are a student in the Applied Field-Based Program (link to Distance program), you are required to attend Rural Development Seminars (link to RD Seminar) (typically held in Anchorage or Fairbanks). These seminars are offered for academic credit (RD 492, 3 credits) and may be taken more than once. Most students are able to complete their RD elective credit requirements through these quarterly seminars.

As an Applied Field-Based Program student, you'll be expected to enroll in Rural Development seminars (RD 492) until certain degree requirements are fulfilled. RD 492 seminars consist of one week each semester: usually October in fall semester and April in spring. The sessions are typically held in Anchorage or Fairbanks (sometimes in other locations) and last about six days each. They can be taken repeatedly for credit toward your degree. You'll want to look closely at the dates for each session to arrange for this time away from work and family.

You will soon see that these seminars are an invaluable part of your degree program. They are not only important for their content but also for creating an exciting community of students and faculty supporting each other. We hope that the friendships you develop from all over Alaska through these seminars will stay with you for a lifetime.