Academic classes and field safety courses
Summer and Fall 2023 academic classes
Outdoor Adventures will be offering a 6 week SOLO Wilderness First Responder Course late in the Fall Semester. This class is not a listed UAF course with credits. Registration and payment will be done directly through Outdoor Adventures and registration will open on August 28th at Noon on the Outdoor Adventures MyNookRec page.
Earn credits with Outdoor Adventures!
Outdoor Adventures offers academic and recreational courses throughout the year. These courses are a great way to develop your wilderness leadership skills and expand your resume. The RECR and NRM classes allow you to learn a new sport, travel into Alaska's backcountry and gain the experience and confidence to do these sports on your own or with friends in the future.
Not for credit. Register through MyNookRec or at the OA office begining on 8/28 @ Noon
Cost: $900
Instructor: Fred Harbison
Location: UAF, Room TBD
Tuesday and Thursday Evening Classroom Sessions: 6-9 pm. 11/2, 11/7, 11/9, 11/14, 11/16, 11/21, 11/28, 11/30, 12/5, 12/7
Weekend Clinic Sessions: 8 am - 6 pm. 11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 12/2, 12/9
The WFR is 72+ hours long, and is a comprehensive and in-depth look at the standards and skills of dealing with: Response and Assessment, Musculoskeletal Injuries, Environmental Emergencies and Survival Skills, Soft Tissue Injuries, and Medical Emergencies. Although these appear to be the same basic topics covered in our two-day WFA course, they are covered far more extensively, and there is much more hands-on practice. Additional topics, such as CPR, are also included.
1 Credit
Instructor: Frank Olive
Location: Outdoor Adventures Office
Classroom/Trip Prep: 6/13 and 6/14 9am-5pm
Field Session: 6/15-6/21 Backpacking in Gates of the Arctic National Park
This course is designed to introduce students to the art of backpacking the Arctic. We will cover a wide range of topics during the course. We will go over route planning, food preparation, bear safety, gear choices, and emergency preparedness here in Fairbanks. We will then head out for a week-long backpacking trip in the Brooks Range. This environment will provide many opportunities for instruction and learning moments. We will specifically discuss navigation, river crossings, camp selection, safe bear practices in the field and many of the Leave No Trace camping ethics that are important while backpacking in the Arctic.
1 Credit
Instructor: Frank Olive
Location: Outdoor Adventures Office
Classroom/Trip Prep: 5/30 and 5/31 8am-7pm
Field Session: 6/1-6/8 Floating on the Yukon from Eagle to Circle through the Yukon Charley National Preserve
This course is designed to introduce students to the art of expedition tripping with inflatable kayaks. We will float down the Yukon River as it flows from Eagle to Circle through the Yukon Charley National Preserve. This float is 158 miles of mostly Class I water. This stretch of river has a long history of life and use and is home to a plethora of Alaska wildlife. The river generally travels at 5-8 mph in this section and we will cover between 20-30 miles per day. The students will be involved with all aspects of planning and executing this awesome wilderness trip. Food, gear, and transportation are included in the field fee.
1 Credit
Instructor: Tristan Odonoghue
Location: SRC Climbing Gym
Classroom: 5/9, 5/16, 5/23 5:30-7:30pm
Field Sessions: 5/14, 5/20, 5/21, 5/28 9am-5pm Outdoor Climbing at Grapefruit Rocks and possibly other outdoor sites.
This course is designed to take the student who is interested in technical rock climbing and introduce them to the basics of the sport. The course is designed to equip aspiring climbers with the necessary skills to accomplish technical top-rope rock climbs. Course content includes movement on rock, rope work, anchor systems, and climbing ethics. The UAF climbing gym (at the SRC) and local climbing areas will be used for instructional sessions.
1 Credit
Instructor: Tristan Odonoghue
Location: Outdoor Adventures Office
Classroom: 7/8 and 7/9 10am - 4pm
Field Session: 7/10-14 Rock Climbing and camping at Hatcher Pass
This course is designed to take the student who has a basic background in sport climbing and introduce them to the art of placing traditional rock protection. The students will learn to place a variety of active and passive trad gear in the Hatcher Pass area. Gear, transport, food and logistics are included in the price of the course. Sport leading is a prerequisite for this course so please contact Tristan for permission to register. trodonoghue@alaska.edu
1 Credit
Instructor: Frank Olive
Location: Outdoor Adventures Office (SRC 105)
Classroom: 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/1, 11/8, 11/15, 5:30-7:30pm
Field Session: 10/21-22, 11/4, 11/11-12
This class focuses on providing students with hands on experience with camping out in the winter in Alaska. Students will gain experience with clothing, gear, food and transportation methods that make being out in the winter more comfortable and enjoyable. As a part of this students will get a chance to travel on XC skis and snowshoes, use different stove systems to cook food and make water from snow, practice navigation, use different winter tents and shelters, and figure out clothing systems to keep themselves comfortable while out in the winter.
3 Credits
Instructor: Danielle Bessent
Location: Reichardt 204
Classroom: Tuesday and Thursday 2-3:30pm, 8/28-11/16
Field Session: 9/16-17, 10/14-15, 10/28-29
This course introduces students to many of the hard and soft skills necessary to be an effective outdoor leader and educator. These foundational of skill are developed through classroom learning, readings and hands-on experience in the field. Students will learn to minimize risk, and impact while maximizing enjoyment and learning.
1 Credit
Instructor: Christian Mogensen
Location:SRC climbing wall
Classroom Gym Sessions: Wednesday and Friday 9:45-11:15am
Introduction to rock climbing technique, top rope and lead climbing, lead belaying, knots, risk evaluation, gear, basic anchor building, rappelling. No experience required.
1 Credit
Instructor: Andy Sterns
Location:SRC climbing wall
Classroom Gym Sessions: Tuesday and Thursday 9:45-11:15am
Introduction to rock climbing technique, top rope and lead climbing, lead belaying, knots, risk evaluation, gear, basic anchor building, rappelling. No experience required.
1 Credit
Instructor: Christian Mogensen
Location:SRC climbing wall
Classroom Gym Sessions: Tuesday and Thursday 11:30am-1pm
This class builds on the skills learned in the Beginning Rock Climbing class. Topics covered include: multipith climbing, rescue systems, hauling and lowering systems, more advanced anchor building, intro to trad climbing technique and protection, rope ascending, and more advanced rappelling techniques.
Prerequisites: Beginning Rock Climbing, or similar skillset. Contact Christian with any questions or registration permission. Cgmogensen@alaska.edu
Spring 2023 Field Safety classes
Course fees covered for UAF Researchers by UAF VC La Belle-Hamer, but have your Fund-Org ready as it is required for registraion.
Working in the field has a unique set of challenges and risks. At Outdoor Adventures
we recognize those hazards and have worked with researchers on campus to compile a
menu of training's that will give you the tools, tips and tricks to help mitigate
some of the risk associated with field work.
We have been doing a concentration of courses in February, March, April and May each year, funded by UAF Vice Chancellor for Research. Outside of those offerings, we are able to provide the same material (season dependent) for a fee.
If you are looking for training for your team, please see our courses listed below
and pricing. Please contact us if you are interested in coordinating a course for
your group. Mark Oldmixon - mtoldmixon@alaska.edu or 907-474-6709
Complete this GOOGLE Form with your information, including Fund-Org Accounting info. The Google Form will go LIVE January 10th at Noon. First-come, First-serve.
If you have a question contact Mark Oldmixon by email or calling 907-474-6709.
Cost: Course fees covered for UAF Researchers by UAF VC La Belle-Hamer
$275 for public (Call 907-474-6027 to sign-up)
Date: 2/25 and 2/26
Time: 8am-6pm both days
Where: UAF. GRUE 413
Instructor: Deb Ajango
Space: Limited to 9 researchers, 9 community members
20-hour wilderness first aid course. During this course you will get information about first aid in a wilderness context. This includes assessing how serious a medical problem is, if it is fixable in the field, and what kind of evacuation, help or resources are needed to resolve the problem. This course curriculum is provided by WMA. (CPR/AED not included in this clinic)
Cost: Course fees covered for UAF Researchers by UAF VC La Belle-Hamer
Date: 2/27 and 2/28
Time: 8am-6pm both days
Where: UAF Wood Center E/F
Instructor: Deb Ajango
Space: Limited to 9 researchers, 9 community members ($275: Call 907-474-6027 to sign-up)
20-hour wilderness first aid course. During this course you will get information about first aid in a wilderness context. This includes assessing how serious a medical problem is, if it is fixable in the field, and what kind of evacuation, help or resources are needed to resolve the problem. This course curriculum is provided by WMA. (CPR/AED not included in this clinic)
Cost: Course fees covered for UAF Researchers by UAF VC La Belle-Hamer
UAF places a strong focus on safety every day with regards to injury, but we also prioritize creating a safe and respectful environment for everyone in our community. This year we have partnered with employees from Student Affairs to offer three different courses to help everyone have a great season in the field.
Come for one, come for all. Your choice.
Thursday, Feb 16 from 1-3PM: QPR - Suicide Prevention - In-person Location Wood Center Conference Room G (in WC offices)
QPR Provides three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide. A trained QPR Gatekeeper can help prevent suicide by understanding how to recognize warning signs, ask questions, provide hope, and get help. QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide.
Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. Each year thousands of Americans, like you, are saying "Yes" to saving the life of a friend, colleague, sibling, or neighbor.
Thursday March 2 from 1-3PM:Bystander Intervention Training - In-Person Location TBD
Bringing in the Bystander (BITB) is a prevention program based on the concept that all community members have a role to play in ending incivility, harassment, violence and discrimination. The important role that a bystander has in intervention is the basis for this unique and effective program. The program helps participants gain the knowledge and skills needed to identify and safely intervene before, during, and after instances of risky behaviors.
Thursday, March 23 from 1PM-3PM: Department of Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility - Virtual
DEIA Field Safety Training will explore how the unique nature of fieldwork necessitates a focus on fostering a safe and inclusive environment. Participants will learn about the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the field, how to identify and respond to problematic behaviors, and what they can do to create a safe and positive environment for all.
For more information, or to make an accommodation request at least five days in advance of this event, please contact the Department of Equity and Compliance by phone at 907-474-7300 or by email at uaf-deo@alaska.edu for assistance.
Thursday, April 6 from 1-3PM: Gender Inclusivity - Virtual
Gender Inclusion 101 will introduce participants to gender diversity and inclusivity, explore why it's important for our campuses and communities to be safe and welcoming places for people of all genders, and share how participants can be active allies to the LGBTQ2IA+ community.
This workshop is hosted by the UAF Department of Equity and Compliance and the UAF Nanook Diversity and Action Center.
For more information, or to make an accommodation request at least five days in advance
of this event, please contact the Department of Equity and Compliance by phone at
907-474-7300 or by email at uaf-deo@alaska.edu for assistance.
Zoom Registration available here: https://alaska.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMvduGhpzMiGtQ1Xy3E9b4nFEEBmV8sd5R6
Thursday, April 20 from 1-4PM:Implicit Bias workshop - Virtual
The Introduction to Implicit Bias Workshop will provide an introduction to different forms of implicit bias and their impacts. Trainers will share tools and methods participants can use to interrupt and mitigate bias in the moment and in the long term. Participants will also have the opportunity to practice what they've learned and identify actionable steps they can take within their role in higher education, and in their personal lives.
This workshop is hosted by the UAF Department of Equity and Compliance and the UAF Nanook Diversity and Action Center.
For more information, or to make an accommodation request at least five days in advance of this event, please contact the Department of Equity and Compliance by phone at 907-474-7300 or by email at uaf-deo@alaska.edu for assistance.
Zoom registration available here: https://alaska.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIkd-mgrj0pG9IuUvZ6BRtu8Go051pimiYh
Instructor: Employees from the Nanook Diversity and Action Center and Department of Equity and Compliance
Cost: Course fees covered for UAF Researchers by UAF VC La Belle-Hamer
(Additional courses can be arranged for $210/student with 4 student minimum)
Date: April 12th, 9am - 6pm
Where: UAF Outdoor Adventures Office (SRC Room 105); classroom and outside
Space: Limited to 8 students
Instructor: Frank Olive
This clinic will be a introduction to the concepts and techniques of safely traveling on a glacier. The course will present the general principles of glacier travel including; route choices, the anatomy of crevasses, safety and rescue gear, rope work and knots, self-rescue, partner rescue, anchor basics, haul systems, camp selection, and gear management. The course will be presented as a mixture of indoor and outdoor time with mostly hands-on learning.
Cost: Course fees covered for UAF Researchers by UAF VC La Belle-Hamer
When: February 7th, 2023, 9AM-4PM
Where: UAF. Room TBD
Space: Limited to 10
Instructor: Mark Oldmixon
This awareness level course is important for anyone heading into the mountains during seasons in which snow is likely. Learn to identify avalanche slopes and hazards. Understand red flag situations and scenarios. Learn how to use critical rescue gear in the event of a burial. This course will be both inside and outside, dress appropriately. Roughly 7 hours.
Cost: Course fees covered for UAF Researchers by UAF VC La Belle-Hamer
When: February 15 at 9AM
Where: UAF Room TBD
Space: limited to 12
Learn this simple skill that has been proven to save lives when done quickly and correctly. Taught by - Thadd Williamson with UAF EHS&RM. Includes Adult/Child CPR, AED as well as Epi-Pin autoinjector.
Cost: Course fees covered for UAF Researchers by UAF VC La Belle-Hamer
When: April 26th, 9am - 4pm
Where: UAF Outdoor Adventures Office (SRC 105)
Space: Limited to 8 students
Instructor: Frank Olive
This clinic will give folks an introduction to the concepts and techniques of being comfortable and safe in the backcountry. We will cover clothing systems, tents, stoves, water treatment, minimizing impact, student rights in the field, communication, risk management, decision making, and other topics for maintaining comfort and safety in the backcountry. The course will be presented as a mixture of lectures and hands-on activities happening both inside and outside.
Cost: Course fees covered for UAF Researchers by UAF VC La Belle-Hamer-
When: March 22 9am-Noon
Where: UAF- Room TBD
Space: Limit 25 seats - sign-up in advance.
UAF Risk Management will be providing instruction to help you better understand UAF policies and procedures. Did you know the Chancellor needs to approve you having a gun in the field? Do you know what to do if you are bringing a minor in the field or hosting a group a school kids? Are you allowed to have alcohol in the field? How do you explain vehicle insurance to another driver or the police if you are in an accident?
Each participant will be given some great safety equipment for attending. Last year everyone got Bear Spray. This year...we will surprise you
Cost: Course fees covered for UAF Researchers by UAF VC La Belle-Hamer
When: April 12 9 to Noon
Where: UAF- Room TBD
Space: Limited to 20 seats
Instructor: Tim Craig
A refresher course in bear safety. Bear awareness, encounter prevention and appropriate response scenarios discussed. Tim is a career wildlife biologist with BLM and Fish and Wildlife.
Cost: Course fees covered for UAF Researchers by UAF VC La Belle-Hamer
When: April 19th
Where: UAF- Room TBD
(Additional Classes can be scheduled with Outdoor Adventures)
Space: Limited to 12 spots
Instructor: Tim Craig
A more in-depth course on bear safety. Bear awareness, encounter prevention and appropriate response scenarios discussed. This course goes more in depth and includes practice bear spray scenarios, multi media presentation. Inert Bear spray provided for practice. Tim is a career wildlife biologist with BLM and Fish and Wildlife.
Cost: Course fees covered for UAF Researchers by UAF VC La Belle-Hamer
Participation: Must be a UAF affiliated researcher to participate
When:
Long Gun - April 7
Pistol - April 14
Pistol- May 5
Long Gun - May 12
These are full day courses 9AM-4PM.
Guns and ammunition must be provided by the participant.
Where: Fox Range in Fox, Alaska. Transportation not included
Instructor: Craig Lewis
Space: Limited to 6 student per session
Information for review prior to course time: Planning Document
Cost: Course fees covered for UAF Researchers by UAF VC La Belle-Hamer
When: January 16th 9am-3pm
Where: TBD
Space: Limited to 10 spots
Instructor: Brent Culleton
Gain an introductory experience of motorized travel. We start the course in the Facilities garage going over basic function and field repairs. After our hands are dirty, we'll meet back the sledding hill and do some simple riding techniques on a variety of machines.
Cost: Course fees covered for UAF Researchers by UAF VC La Belle-Hamer
Date: May 10 and 11
Instructor: Rocky Weber - Arctic Incident Response
Where: UAF and Chena River
Space: Limited to 9 folks
This two day water rescue course will cover the basics of staying safe in the river environment. This will include hazard assessment and river dynamics in a classroom setting. We will also spend two days in the field practicing the skills to both stay safe and be able to help if there is an accident in the field. We will be swimming in moving water, getting in and out of boats on the water, using throwbags and practicing haul systems while in the field. (Transportation, drysuits, helmets, PDF's, throwbags and other technical equipment are provided as a part of this training)
Cost: Course fees covered for UAF Researchers by UAF VC La Belle-Hamer
When: May 15 and 16
Where: UAF Classroom TBD, Tanana Lakes Motorized Boat Launch for hands-on practice
Space: Limited to 9 spots
Instructors: Stephanie Fisher, Noelle Helder and Leo Faro
Gain an introductory experience of motorized boat travel; jets and props.