University Of Alaska Anchorage: Serving Those Who Serve: UAA Earns Silver Status As Military Friendly School

Press release from the University of Alaska Anchorage:

March 9, 2022

1. About UAA

   1. 
      About UAA
      
      

      UAA is the premier university in the heart of Alaska's largest city with campuses throughout
      Southcentral Alaska. Where culture, innovation and adventure converge, the unique
      locations provide unparalleled access to industry connections, Arctic research, outdoor
      recreation and more, facilitating once-in-a-lifetime experiences, groundbreaking education and
      impactful careers.

Popular links

1. UAA 2025: Strategic Plan
2. Chancellor
3. Equity, Compliance and Title IX

Popular links

1. Visit and Tour
2. Academic Programs
3. Transfer to UAA
4. FAFSA, Aid and Scholarships

Locations

1. Enrollment Services Center

1. 
   About UAA
   
   

   UAA is the premier university in the heart of Alaska's largest city with campuses throughout
   Southcentral Alaska. Where culture, innovation and adventure converge, the unique
   locations provide unparalleled access to industry connections, Arctic research, outdoor
   recreation and more, facilitating once-in-a-lifetime experiences, groundbreaking education and
   impactful careers.

   Popular links

   1. UAA 2025: Strategic Plan
   2. Chancellor
   3. Equity, Compliance and Title IX

2. About UAA

   ---

   1. Diversity and Inclusion
   2. Equity, Compliance and Title IX
   3. Green and Gold News

3. Administration

   ---

   1. Chancellor
   2. Academic Affairs
   3. Administrative Services
   4. Advancement
   5. Student Affairs

4. Campuses

   ---

   1. Kenai Peninsula
   2. Kodiak
   3. Matanuska Susitna
   4. Prince William Sound

5. UAA 2025: Strategic Plan
   

   ---

   1. About UAA 2025
   2. Putting Students First
   3. 
      Embracing Diversity and
      Inclusion
      
   4. Community Partner
   5. Impact through Innovation
   6. 
      Excellence Through
      Continuous Improvement
      

1. UAA 2025: Strategic Plan
2. Chancellor
3. Equity, Compliance and Title IX

1. Diversity and Inclusion
2. Equity, Compliance and Title IX
3. Green and Gold News

1. Chancellor
2. Academic Affairs
3. Administrative Services
4. Advancement
5. Student Affairs

1. Kenai Peninsula
2. Kodiak
3. Matanuska Susitna
4. Prince William Sound

1. About UAA 2025
2. Putting Students First
3. 
   Embracing Diversity and
   Inclusion
   
4. Community Partner
5. Impact through Innovation
6. 
   Excellence Through
   Continuous Improvement
   

1. 
   Academics
   
   

   UAA offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs that consistently prepare students for success after
   graduation. State-of-the-art classroom instruction and hands-on learning collide in UAA's innovative academic
   programs, which feature unique courses that train students to lead Alaska into the future.

   Popular links

   1. Academic Programs
   2. Advising
   3. Dates and Deadlines
   4. Academic Affairs

2. Colleges and Schools

   ---

   1. Arts and Sciences
   2. Business and Public Policy
   3. Community and Technical
   4. Engineering
   5. Health
   6. School of Education

3. Provost

   ---

   1. ANSEP Programs
   2. Apprenticeship Programs
   3. Continuing Education
   4. Graduate School
   5. Honors
   6. Middle College Programs

1. Academic Programs
2. Advising
3. Dates and Deadlines
4. Academic Affairs

1. Arts and Sciences
2. Business and Public Policy
3. Community and Technical
4. Engineering
5. Health
6. School of Education

1. ANSEP Programs
2. Apprenticeship Programs
3. Continuing Education
4. Graduate School
5. Honors
6. Middle College Programs

1. 
   Admissions and Financial Aid
   
   

   Learn more about admissions processes, taking
   classes, tour UAA in-person or virtually, and find out more about Financial Aid available at UAA. Whether you are a new or continuing student,
   the Office of Financial Aid is available to offer support and advice so you can make informed decisions regarding
   college funding options. Get help at the Enrollment Services Center: offering virtual and walk-in appointments to
   help students apply to UAA; get help with financial aid, scholarships, and the FAFSA.

   Popular links

   1. Visit and Tour
   2. Academic Programs
   3. Transfer to UAA
   4. FAFSA, Aid and Scholarships

   Locations

   1. Enrollment Services Center

2. Admissions

   ---

   1. How to Apply
   2. Transfer to UAA
   3. Academic Programs
   4. Visit and Tour
   5. Request more Info
   6. Contact Admissions

3. Financial Aid

   ---

   1. FAFSA, Aid and Scholarships
   2. Additional Payment Options
   3. Check your Status
   4. Student Responsibilities
   5. 
      Cost of Attendance, Aid Types and Planning Tools
      
   6. Military and Veteran Student Services
   7. Student Accounts and Refunds

1. Visit and Tour
2. Academic Programs
3. Transfer to UAA
4. FAFSA, Aid and Scholarships

1. Enrollment Services Center

1. How to Apply
2. Transfer to UAA
3. Academic Programs
4. Visit and Tour
5. Request more Info
6. Contact Admissions

1. FAFSA, Aid and Scholarships
2. Additional Payment Options
3. Check your Status
4. Student Responsibilities
5. 
   Cost of Attendance, Aid Types and Planning Tools
   
6. Military and Veteran Student Services
7. Student Accounts and Refunds

1. 
   Athletics
   
   

   From 13 competitive NCAA teams to recreation and intramural and club sports, students have the opportunity to
   excel in athletics at every level. The Alaska Airlines Center and Seawolf Sports Complex offer recreation as well
   as hosting community events and concerts. Students can take advantage of cheering for SeawolfNation with free
   tickets to many games.

   Popular links

   1. Seawolf Online Store
   2. Recreation
   3. Intramurals

   Locations

   1. Alaska Airlines Center
   2. Seawolf Sports Complex

2. Go Seawolves

   ---

   1. Upcoming Seawolves Games
   2. Tickets
   3. Staff Directory

3. Women's Sports

   ---

   1. Basketball
   2. Cross Country
   3. Gymnastics
   4. Skiing
   5. Track and Field
   6. Volleyball

4. Men's Sports

   ---

   1. Basketball
   2. Cross Country
   3. Hockey
   4. Skiing
   5. Track and Field

1. Seawolf Online Store
2. Recreation
3. Intramurals

1. Alaska Airlines Center
2. Seawolf Sports Complex

1. Upcoming Seawolves Games
2. Tickets
3. Staff Directory

1. Basketball
2. Cross Country
3. Gymnastics
4. Skiing
5. Track and Field
6. Volleyball

1. Basketball
2. Cross Country
3. Hockey
4. Skiing
5. Track and Field

1. 
   Research
   
   

   UAA is a hub for cutting-edge theoretical and applied research in health, engineering, and the physical and
   social sciences. In nearly every discipline, undergraduate and graduate students have the opportunity to join
   research teams and collaborate with experienced faculty mentors.

1. Sponsored Programs
2. Research Integrity and Compliance
3. Graduate School

1. 
   Student Services
   
   

   Explore the wide variety of services and resources available at UAA to help promote your
   academic and personal
   success and well-being. From academic advising to student clubs and residence life, we're
   here to help you have an
   amazing university experience.

   Popular links

   1. Advising
   2. Bookstore
   3. Dates and Deadlines
   4. Transcripts
   5. USUAA Student Governance
   6. Library
   7. 
      Student Health and
      Counseling Center
      

   Locations

   1. Student Union
   2. Enrollment Services Center
   3. Student Health and Counseling Center

2. Current Students

   ---

   1. Advising
   2. Bookstore
   3. Registration, Dates and Deadlines
   4. Military and Veteran Student Services
   5. Degree Progress
   6. Transfer Credit
   7. Graduation
   8. Career Services
   9. Student Account (Bursar)
   10. Dean of Students
   11. Disability Support Services

3. Student Life

   ---

   1. Engage
   2. Organizations and Clubs
   3. Activities and Programs
   4. Student Union
   5. Multicultural Student Services
   6. Recreation

4. Residence Life

   ---

   1. Housing Options
   2. Apply for Housing
   3. Current Residents
   4. Info for Parents/Guardians
   5. Contact Residence Life

5. Student Leadership
   

   ---

   1. USUAA Student Governance
   2. Student Media
   3. Concert Board
   4. Green Fee Board
   5. Club Council
   6. Emerging Leaders Program

1. Advising
2. Bookstore
3. Dates and Deadlines
4. Transcripts
5. USUAA Student Governance
6. Library
7. 
   Student Health and
   Counseling Center
   

1. Student Union
2. Enrollment Services Center
3. Student Health and Counseling Center

1. Advising
2. Bookstore
3. Registration, Dates and Deadlines
4. Military and Veteran Student Services
5. Degree Progress
6. Transfer Credit
7. Graduation
8. Career Services
9. Student Account (Bursar)
10. Dean of Students
11. Disability Support Services

1. Engage
2. Organizations and Clubs
3. Activities and Programs
4. Student Union
5. Multicultural Student Services
6. Recreation

1. Housing Options
2. Apply for Housing
3. Current Residents
4. Info for Parents/Guardians
5. Contact Residence Life

1. USUAA Student Governance
2. Student Media
3. Concert Board
4. Green Fee Board
5. Club Council
6. Emerging Leaders Program

1. 
   Alaska Natives
   
   

   Located in the ancestral homelands of the Dena'ina, Ahtna Dene, Alutiiq/Sugpiak, Chugachmiut and Eyak peoples,
   Alaska Native curriculum at UAA provides an in-depth perspective on contemporary Alaska Native societies,
   languages, cultures, history, politics, art, governments and corporations.

2. Academic Programs

   ---

   1. 
      Alaska Native Studies
      — Anchorage Campus
      
   2. 
      Alaska Native Studies
      — Kenai Peninsula College
      
   3. 
      Alutiiq Studies — Kodiak
      College
      
   4. Alaska Native Business Management Minor

3. Student Support

   ---

   1. Native Student Services
   2. Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP)
   3. 
      Alaska Native
      Community Advancement in Psychology (ANCAP)
      
   4. 
      Alaska Native, Indigenous & Rural Outreach
      Program (ANIROP)
      
   5. 
      Recruitment and Retention of
      Alaska Natives into Nursing (RRANN)
      

1. 
   Alaska Native Studies
   — Anchorage Campus
   
2. 
   Alaska Native Studies
   — Kenai Peninsula College
   
3. 
   Alutiiq Studies — Kodiak
   College
   
4. Alaska Native Business Management Minor

1. Native Student Services
2. Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP)
3. 
   Alaska Native
   Community Advancement in Psychology (ANCAP)
   
4. 
   Alaska Native, Indigenous & Rural Outreach
   Program (ANIROP)
   
5. 
   Recruitment and Retention of
   Alaska Natives into Nursing (RRANN)
   

UAA has been recognized for the 14th consecutive year as a Military Friendly School,
earning silver status for the first time. UAA’s elevation from bronze status last
year is a reflection of its ongoing efforts to develop and maintain a culture of serving
those who serve. This culture centers on good policies and practices, meaningful investments
in benefits, and resources and services for military and veteran students.

“To me, this shows that UAA is dedicated to this specific student population. We’re
making informed decisions and policies to help students be successful and achieve
graduation,” said Peter Clemens, UAA’s Military and Veteran Student Services program
director.

Affordability for military students

UAA recently created a flat-rate tuition for students who are active duty, reserves or national guard members. Tuition is
now capped at $250 per undergraduate credit hour, and most fees are waived, ensuring
affordability for military students. This policy was introduced to bring UAA’s costs
in line with tuition benefits offered by the military.

“There is a real commitment to providing resources to military and veteran students,”
Clemens said. “That means investing in the new policy on flat-rate tuition. It means
investing in staff who are subject matter experts on the processes these students
must navigate — staff whose entire jobs are focused on serving military and veteran
students.”

Navigating complexities

Clemens’ office is dedicated to staying up to date with ever-changing federal processes
that affect members of the military. For example, Clemens said Veterans Affairs (VA)
recently began requiring students who use post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to verify their
attendance each semester in order to receive a housing allowance. Without UAA’s specialized
support, it’s likely important details would fall through the cracks — and many military
and veteran students would fall through, too.

Bekky Virgil, a male-to-female transgender U.S. Army veteran (2011-2015) and political
science student at UAA, said the university helped navigate challenges during the
pandemic. She currently serves on a national board to advocate for high-quality medical
treatment for all veterans through the VA, and she hopes to one day leverage her military
experience, especially her experience as a transgender service member, to run for
political office.

“When the pandemic hit, it was a mess,” she said. “With the transition to online learning,
it looked like we could lose a lot of our education benefits from the VA. But when
UAA got word of this, they acted really quickly. They emailed the whole student body
to say they were aware of the situation, that they were working with the VA to ensure
that students got their benefits, and that they would take care of us if anything
happened.”

Virgil added, “In the middle of so much else stressful going on, it was a relief to
know that UAA was looking out for us.”

Ramping up an on-base presence at JBER

In the past couple of semesters, UAA has also renewed its relationship with Joint
Base Elmendorf Richardson (JBER). Between the $100 million in budget cuts to the UA
system since 2014 and the onset of the pandemic in 2020, for years there had not been
adequate capacity to support face-to-face services on JBER. But UAA is ramping up
its on-base presence. Clemens said that UAA’s offices in the Elmendorf and Richardson
Education Centers are now staffed at least a few days a week, which gives service
members a reliable place to seek information and ask for help. He also pointed to
the growing number of classes taught on JBER.

Support from faculty

However, for many military and veteran students the most important support they receive
is from their professors.

Steve Cherry, an Air Force veteran (1999-2004) and current member of the Alaska Air
National Guard, moved to Alaska in 2002 when he was assigned to Elmendorf. He is a
student in UAA’s Kinesiology program and he intends to obtain a doctorate in physical
therapy. He wants to work for the VA to help vets rehabilitate after serious injuries.

“It’s never been easy to be a student and serve at the same time,” he said. “Throughout
my college career, I was called up for duty multiple times. But my faculty members
at UAA were always flexible. I was even able to continue with a nine-credit load from
Afghanistan in 2006. The professors worked with the military’s test proctoring service
so I didn’t miss exams.”

Maria Canon, a current Legal Studies major who plans to go on to law school after
graduating this semester, has served in the Army for nearly 12 years. She was born
in Colombia and moved to Virginia when she was 11 years old. She and her husband,
who is in the Army’s Airborne Infantry, transferred to Alaska in 2019.

“My degree has taken me nearly 10 years to obtain,” she said. “I started at other
schools, where professors gave me a hard time whenever I was called up for training
or service. Since coming to UAA, though, it’s been totally different. Now if I need
to miss class because of my career with the Army, which happens at least once per
semester, I’m not worried about it. I know my professors understand, and I know they’ll
work with me to get things done. UAA just has this culture of respect for military
service.”

While Clemens, Virgil, Cherry and Canon all believe UAA rightly earned recognition
as a Military Friendly School, they also pointed out there is always more UAA can
do to support its military and veteran students, and that there is always room for
growth. For Clemens, his team and the entire UAA community, this gives UAA a target
— and the aspiration to achieve gold status in future years.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official
U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

This press release was produced by the University of Alaska Anchorage. The views expressed here are the author’s own.