UA Newsletter March 21, 2025

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"Cybersecurity" written on digital screen with pointer finger touching display

Update: State of Alaska Cybersecurity Issues Impacting Retirement Contributions Resolved

In early November, the Division of Retirement and Benefits (DRB) experienced a system outage. This affected the timely deposit of retirement contributions to your State of Alaska Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS).

view from above the UAF campus, looking out on a fall landscape at Mount Denali

Updates on Recent Federal Executive Actions & BOR Motion Implementation

This week, President Pitney shared updates with the UA Community on the changing federal landscape, as well as ongoing efforts to implement the Board of Regent's motion on DEI.

Google Photos Access Ends May 31, 2025

After May 31, 2025, any photos or photo backups to Google Photos accessed via your UA Google account will be lost.

Maximize Your Education Savings: Join Alaska 529 Fridays!

These quick, 30-minute sessions provide valuable insights on 529 plans, payroll direct deposit options, and other savings benefits available to UA employees.

Black and white photo of Mount Spurr, white snow capped open top of mountain

Learn how to prepare for a possible volcanic eruption

Recent volcanic activity at Mount Spurr, located about 75 miles west of Anchorage, has led the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) to raise the alert level. While an eruption is not guaranteed, it is prudent to prepare.

"UAOnline" written out with snowy Denali mountain in backgroun

Coming Soon: Upgrades to UAOnline Login and Student Experience

On April 14, UA will change the UAOnline login page to provide a more streamlined login experience for students and employees, as well as upgrading Student Self-Service to the latest version.

Join the Arctic Leadership Initiative: Application Deadline Extended

The Arctic Leadership Initiative (ALI) is now accepting applications for three exciting opportunities beginning in Fall 2025 for Arctic Engagement Awards, Early Career Faculty (ECF) Fellowships and our Student Cohort.

UA, United Adjuncts Ratify New Collective Bargaining Agreement

On Friday, the Board of Regents unanimously approved the tentative CBA a few moments after being advised that UNAD members had also ratified the contract.

Free 'All Access' Webinar: Unlock the Power of 'Helperbird' for Enhanced Reading and Accessibility

Join UA DS for a free webinar session exploring how Helperbird's powerful tools can make reading online easier and more enjoyable for everyone. Whether you're a student, educator, administrator or support staff, discover over 30 customizable features to improve accessibility, reading, writing, and productivity. Learn how to tailor the web to your needs and support students with diverse abilities in their learning journey.

Whale, Nook and Seawolf mascots in each corner of screen

UA Giving Day is Just Around the Corner!

The countdown begins... we have less than a week to go until the 49-hour UA Giving Day adventure begins.

Human Resources News

"University of Alaska. many traditions one Alaska"

Psychological Avoidance and Its Impact On Your Mental Health (Mar. 27th)

Psychological avoidance is a quick fix to anxiety. It offers immediate emotional relief, but it is fleeting and comes at a heavy cost. In this webinar, we will explore specific cognitive-behavioral strategies for managing avoidance and dealing with anxiety.

Reminder notated on yellow post it with a red pin

Spring is coming, and it's time for courtesy leave reminders!

Spring is coming, and it's time for courtesy leave reminders! Make sure to use your Annual Leave, Faculty Time Off, and Personal Holiday before your hours are forfeited!

FY26 Open Enrollment

Check here for all updates on Open Enrollment and our FY26 plan year including the new rates for FY26 and an explanation of the new co-insurance option.

TIAA YouTube Series

TIAA has created 12 short educational videos and posted them to their platform on YouTube.

March TIAA Webinars

Join TIAA for their scheduled webinars in the month of March. You do not need to be a TIAA participant to attend!

Upcoming UAOnline Change and Current Issue with W-4

UA HR Information Systems announces upcoming UAOnline Change and Current Issue with W-4

Help Us Share What Makes UA a Great Place to Work!

The UA HR Talent Acquisition & Development team is seeking employee testimonials to feature on our Careers at UA site.

Addressing Employee Performance Issues in a Supportive Way (Apr. 3rd)

When addressing performance issues, it can be hard to show employees that you care about and support them, while still being clear about problems and expectations. This session offers tools for having supportive conversations in these challenging situations.

April TIAA Webinars

Join TIAA for their scheduled webinars in the month of April. You do not need to be a TIAA participant to attend!

Almost there! Spend down your Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Reminder to all employees who are enrolled in a Health Care, Dependent Care, or Limited Purpose FSA: these funds will expire at the end of this plan year (June 30, 2025).

Personnel News

Twitchell, with black hair and a traditional robe stands on stage, holding an Emmy award and speaking into a microphone. An older woman with short brown hair stands behind him.

UAS Professor X̱'unei Lance Twitchell Wins Emmy Award

Dr. X̱'unei Lance Twitchell, Professor of Alaska Native Languages at the University of Alaska Southeast, won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Preschool Animated Series at the 2025 Children's & Family Emmy® Awards on March 15 in Los Angeles.

Staff Make Students Count nominations now open

Every year, Staff Alliance members partner with UAA, UAF, UAS, and System Office staff councils to honor staff who go above and beyond to support students in the university system. We need your help to learn who and how these hidden gems "Make Students Count."