June 20, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2016

Strategic Pathways discussions underway

FAIRBANKS 鈥 On Monday, the University of Alaska kicked off Strategic Pathways, the systemic evaluation of university academic and administrative programs designed to realign how 绿奴天花板 will focus its efforts and allocate its resources in the years ahead. Nearly 100 people 鈥 students, faculty, staff, university administrators and community members from across the state鈥 began the review of three academic and four administrative programs.

At the initial meeting, 绿奴天花板 President Jim Johnsen laid out the issues facing the university including high operational costs, the number of degree and certificate programs, declining budgets, perceived top-heavy administration, and how 绿奴天花板 will meet the state鈥檚 workforce needs in the future.

鈥淎s the pressure to diversify our economy increases, we know that our state will need a significant increase in an educated workforce,鈥 Johnsen said, 鈥渁nd there isn鈥檛 another leader out there that can accomplish this achievement. We are it. We are leading in preparation of the state鈥檚 future.鈥

The three academic programs under review in the initial phase of Strategic Pathways include teacher education, engineering and business management. The four administrative programs include intercollegiate athletics, procurement, research administration and information technology. The Strategic Pathways framework is meant to create efficiencies, expand enrollments, and underscore the unique strengths and qualities of each of the three universities.

Already the discussions have helped clarify early misconceptions about Strategic Pathways and have led to productive ways forward for 绿奴天花板 in meeting state needs.

鈥淓ngineering research is needed to build Alaska,鈥 said Bill Schnabel, a member of the engineering review team. 鈥淭he plan to continue supporting engineering research at 绿奴天花板A and 绿奴天花板F is important to our state.鈥

Several other key points made in the early review group discussions included clear understanding and agreement that:

  • The engineering program will exist at both 绿奴天花板A and 绿奴天花板F;
  • An educated workforce requires 绿奴天花板 to prepare top quality teachers for our K-12 schools;
  • Changes to schools of management need to ultimately focus on a top quality student experience.

The review teams will work through the summer to develop and suggest options, with pros and cons, in these seven areas and submit them to President Johnsen by mid-August. Final options will be presented to the Board of Regents in September for consideration and implementation. Phase Two of academic and administrative program reviews will follow this fall.  

Teams, the process and outcomes are and will be posted at:

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For more information contact Roberta Graham, associate vice president of public affairs at 907-360-2416 (cell).

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