Student resources

Below is basic information about technology requirements, useful resources, support and links.

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The State Teacher Education and Certification Office works with school districts and universities to grant educator certifications, approve teacher preparation programs, and administer teacher recognition programs. It is committed to support the State Board of Education and Early Development's strategic priority to Ensure high-quality educators for Alaska's children.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks financial aid office provides a wealth of information for students and their families. You can begin by starting here (or visit the Financial Aid website):

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There are several different loans, grants and scholarships available for students. For a full listing of the opportunities available, students should visit the UAF Financial Aid web site.

If students are interested in pursuing a scholarship, an online application is available to submit for the Privately Funded Scholarships, as well as the University of Alaska Foundation Scholarships.

Through the privately funded scholarships, there are usually ten scholarships specifically for education students. Some of the scholarships have specific preferences, for example one who graduated from an Alaska high school, or are going into the internship year. The Financial Aid website that lists all the scholarships available.

The Alaska Legislature established the Teacher Education Loan (TEL) to encourage Alaska high school graduates to pursue teaching careers and to teach in Alaska rural elementary and secondary schools.

The Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program was created by Congress to encourage individuals to enter and continue in the teaching profession, specifically in schools serving low-income families. Under the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program, if an individual has a Federal Stafford loan(s) and in certain cases, a Federal Consolidation loan(s) and has taught full time for five consecutive, complete academic years in an eligible subject, at an eligible school (elementary or secondary), the individual may qualify for teacher loan forgiveness.

To view a list of eligible schools go to the Teacher Cancellation Low Income Directory.

For more information about Teacher Loan Forgiveness, please contact the Customer Service Center toll free at 1-800-441-2962 or 465-2962 in Juneau.

Need-based grant awarded to AK residents attending AK institutions. Priority is given to students pursuing degrees in Alaska workforce priority programs (e.g. allied health, social and community services, or teaching) or who have an ACT score of 25 or higher or SAT score 1180 or higher. Part-time awards range from $500 to $1000 per academic year. Full-time awards range from $1000 to $2000 per academic year.

The BIA offers federal grants to undergraduate full-time students. You must be at least one-quarter American Indian or Alaska Native to apply. These grants are based on financial need and supplement other financial aid. Grants range from $200 to $3,000 or more each year. The average grant at UAF is $1,600. Further information on BIA grants can be obtained from:

BIA Regional Office
1675 C Street
Anchorage, Alaska, 99501-5198
907-271-4115

Student Support Services offers grant aid to qualified program participants who have made use of the SSS academic support services and are receiving Pell Grant funds. To be eligible to participate in Student Support Services, you must be a (1) first generation college (student neither parent has a college degree), OR (2) have a documented learning or physical disability, OR (3) qualify as a low income student. Please go to the SSSP website for more information about our program.

Through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, Congress created the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program that provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. For more information, who qualifies and conditions, visit the TEACH Grant web site.

Jann Laiti
Academic Advisor
School of Education Office of Student Services
University of Alaska Fairbanks
907-474-6447
907-474-5451 fax

Rural Student Services (RSS) is an academic advising department with over 40 years of experience in working with students from all over the state of Alaska. We are here to assist you in achieving student success by linking you to current information pertinent to your education, lifestyle, and goals. RSS is known for its welcoming and friendly environment. Many students find a meaningful connection at UAF through RSS.

Find more information on the Rural Student Services website.

Student Support Services is a Federal TRiO program. TRiO Programs are outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRiO includes eight programs, including Student Support Services, Upward Bound, and Educational Talent Search. Individuals who have qualified for TRiO programs in the past will likely qualify for participation in Student Support Services. Other services include Disability Services, Rural Student Services, Academic Advising Center, Student Support Services and ASUAF Student Government.

There are many student groups on the UAF campus.  A comprehensive list and contact information can be found on the Wood Center's list of student groups and organizations

Most education majors are required to have a laptop and access to an iPad for their program at UAF. The tech requirements page will explain more about this requirement.

If you need some help setting up, configuring or repairing your laptop, check the help center page. The School of Education and Office of Information Technology can usually help you get up and running without charge. Other useful tools for collaboration are these tools (offered through OIT):

The School of Education maintains a staffed technology lab at Old University Park. It's a great place to work or get some extra help with projects. Check the OUP Lab Calendar for available times. Schedules can change from day to day.

The School of Education maintains a variety of technology tools (laptops, microscopes, probeware, MIDI keyboards, graphics tablets, scanners, digital video and still cameras, etc.) that SOE students can check out for use in projects. Visit the OUP Lab for more information.