Rural Student Services began in 1969 and was previously called Student Orientation Services. Students lobbied for a program that could assist Native students of the University of Alaska Fairbanks community. As a result, the 1969 Alaska State Legislature passed House Concurrent Resolution No. 56 and requested that the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska institute a comprehensive plan to provide services to Alaska Native students whose goal was to receive a college education.

Troth Yeddha'
The land now occupied by the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus was called Troth Yeddha' ("wild potato") by the Tanana Athabascans. The late traditional Chief, Peter John, of Tanana Chiefs Conference said, "Our people used to come to this hill to pick Troth.  They would paddle up the creek, Troth Yeddh No and camp by the Lake Troth Yeddh Mena. Troth Yeddha' was important, a meeting place. The grandfathers used to come to talk and give advice to one another about what they were going to do. When they learned this place would be used for a school, the university, they came here one last time to decide what they should do. They decided that the school would be good and would carry on a very similar traditional use of this hill (a place where good thinking and working together would happen). They placed an eagle feather on a pole. This was to let all the people know that the Dena would no longer be using the ridge for a meeting place or to pick wild potatoes. They were also giving a blessing so their grandchildren would be part of the new school."

The late, Chief Peter John, described himself as "Bedzeyh te xwt'ana", Caribou clan. My wife is "Taneedzo gheltseel na", middle clan. I am proud of it. I am an Indian. What does it mean to put an eagle feather with the United States flag? The eagle feather is connected with the clan.  It is a symbol of us. We are part of this new Nation. People from all over the world come to the university to go to school and teach. We have something in common. Something all American people can share in.  Be proud of it. Make it all the way, not just part way. "

General Information The RSS program has continued to meet the ever changing needs of rural students by acknowledging and incorporating a strong cross-cultural counseling base and involving rural communities in forging new directions.  The primary objective for these efforts is the retention and matriculation of rural students in the many degree programs offered through UAF.

RSS provides a vital link between the rural communities and the University. While RSS works in cooperation with other UAF departments and programs, we also provide an atmosphere which allows students to comfortably exercise their traditions on campus. UAF's Native and rural students use RSS as a forum for their concerns and as a gathering place for Native feasts offered in cooperation with the Alaska Native Studies (ANS) Elders-in-Residence program.

At UAF, there are many opportunities to grow and develop, both academically and personally. We are ready to work with any student whether a new freshman is just beginning an undergraduate degree program, a transfer student is continuing his/her education or a student is returning to school after several years of absence. RSS offers a variety of activities and programs ranging from pre-arrival services to cultural events, all of which are designed to meet individual needs. Every student is important to us. This attitude is reflected in all that we do, especially when assisting students in making choices regarding any aspect of their university experience.

Please feel free to contact us if we can be of assistance to you or any student you know. We appreciate your input in helping us implement our mission statement.