January 24, 2013
The UAF Strategic Planning Committee is gathering feedback from faculty, staff, students and the public on the current draft of the Strategic Plan 2012. To review the plan or give feedback, visit www.uaf.edu/provost/.
Given the potential for higher incidences of seasonal flu, the Student Health and Counseling Center coordinated two vaccination clinics the second week of the spring semester. Students taking nine or more credits received free flu shots. Staff and faculty paid $25, but will be eligible for reimbursement with Premera Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alaska insurance.
The Fairbanks campus stayed open during the winter storm warning Jan. 16. The warning, based on forecast for warming temperatures and freezing rain, prompted Fairbanks area schools to close and borough bus service to shut down for a short time. As a residential campus it’s imperative that UAF make every effort to remain open. Employees were asked to use their discretion about safe travel and to work with supervisors for appropriate leave time. Facilities Services worked hard to keep the campus roads clear and walkways free of ice.
A number of UAF researchers participated in the Federal Advisory Committee Draft Climate Assessment released for public review. Following extensive review by the National Academy of Sciences and the public, the report will be revised, reviewed and submitted to the federal government for consideration in the Third National Climate Assessment Report. The public comment period is Jan. 14 - April 12, 2013.
The Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activity announced a new round of funding for undergraduate students. Students are eligible to apply for one of several summer undergraduate research awards of $5,000. URSA provides multiple funding opportunities for undergraduate students and faculty mentors throughout the year. Last year it awarded a total of $110,000 for student-centered research.
The Golden Valley Electric Association installed the meter on the new solar array at the University Fire Department’s off-campus fire station. The effort is a collaborative project involving the UAF Office of Sustainability, student RISE board, the Fairbanks North Star Borough, UFD and University Fire Service Area Commission.
INE researcher Philip Loring will present an Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy webinar Feb. 19 titled “Food Security in the Kenai Peninsula: A Report on Local Seafood Use, Consumer Preferences and Community Needs.”
Chancellor Rogers addressed the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce Jan. 22. He updated the Interior business community on UAF research, academic issues and facilities.
UAF is close to its fundraising goal for the United Way of the Tanana Valley. As of mid-January, the campus had raised more than $67,000 toward its $70,000 goal.
The Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarly activity will host its weekly research showcase in Fairbanks again this semester. The lectures take place each Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in Schaible Auditorium. More information is available at www.uaf.edu/ursa/.
The College of Rural and Community Development is offering a math hotline for students. Toll-free telephone math tutoring is available for any UAF student taking math courses by distance delivery (audioconferenced, web-based or correspondence).
The roofs will be replaced on the Chapman and Garden apartment buildings on the Fairbanks campus, and on the KM Rae Building at the Seward Marine Center. The work will take place between May and September.
The Community and Technical College aviation hangar renovation project provides a portion of the space required for the aviation program at the new hangar facility at the Fairbanks International Airport East Ramp. Construction is 60 percent complete and the project is on schedule for substantial completion February 2013.
Chancellor Brian Rogers and Sherry Modrow hosted a kick-off for the American Heart Association in January, featuring a talk by Dr. Christie Artuso about the risks, prevention, and treatment of heart attacks and strokes.
UAF is in the early stages of investigating electronic course evaluation options. School of Education Dean Eric Madsen will lead the effort at the direction of UAF Provost Susan Henrichs.