Welcome to the Division of General Studies

Our mission is to foster an integrative and vibrant experience for undergraduate students that leads to a lifelong pursuit of learning and prepares UAF graduates for the Alaska workforce. We promote experiential learning opportunities, and we provide space and support to build equity, self-efficacy, resilience, and belonging among our students. We focus on high impact practices to empower students to reach their full potential and become active contributors to society.
Division of General Studies (DGS) students include those that:
  • need to create a unique path to complete your degree through the Interdisciplinary Studies program.
  • have not decided on or declared a major.
    • Being a DGS student satisfies the degree-seeking requirements for financial aid purposes.
  • are a pre-major student.
While you do not need to declare a major during your freshman year, it is wise to investigate and plan to do so during your sophomore year.  There may be courses you would like to take with prerequisites that are important to take early in the degree program.  Advisors are prepared to assist you at any time in helping make this decision.

We want to assist you in finding the most appropriate degree program best suited for your interests. If you are interested in pursuing an Interdisciplinary degree you should contact the Academic Advising Center at (907) 474-6396.

Offices within the Division of General Studies

Alexander Hirsch, Director
520 Copper Lane
(907) 474-7931
UAF Honors College
uaf.honors@alaska.edu
Victoria Smith, Director
512 Gruening Building
(907) 474-6844
Student Support Services
trio.sss@alaska.edu
Trent Sutton, Director
301 Bunnell Building
(907) 474-7285
URSA
ursa.uaf@alaska.edu