University Of Alaska Anchorage: 'Women's History Is Everyone's History,' Says UAA Chief Diversity Officer Jennifer ...

Press release from the University of Alaska Anchorage:

March 2, 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 Chief Diversity Officer Jennifer Booz answers questions about Women’s History
Month and discusses how women’s history interests with ongoing diversity, equity and
inclusion work at UAA and beyond.

On diversity, equity and inclusion:

In your words, what is the job of a chief diversity officer? The job of a chief diversity officer in higher education is to work with administrators,
faculty, staff, students, alumni and the community to ensure the university is diverse,
equitable and inclusive (DEI). DEI work encompasses recruitment, retention, hiring,
policy, procedure and programming. A typical day might include committee work on history
and heritage months, troubleshooting an individual inclusion issue, developing training,
presenting on a DEI topic to a work group and meeting with an external stakeholder
group about scholarships or donations.  

How did you get involved in this work?I have always been interested in social justice, even as a child. My educational background
includes degrees in psychology and sociology. As a socioIogist, my areas of academic
interest are race, class and gender, perhaps because these are the areas of so much
misunderstanding in our society. I also have 22 years of experience in higher education.
I started in academic services and student affairs. While serving as a dean of students,
I was able to work on issues around student belonging and cultural competency. This
all led me to seek out DEI positions in higher education, positions that have only
been readily available in the last seven to 10 years. 

As a campus community, how can we work to create a more equitable space for all? A concept that I am using in my office is that of Shared Equity Leadership, the idea
that equity is everyone's work. In this model, we can all take personal responsibility
to be as equity-minded as possible, questioning our assumptions, removing barriers
and closing equity gaps. Leadership for equity is shared amongst us all, building
on the strengths and interests we already have. This makes the load that much lighter
for all of us. The Chancellor's Cabinet is undertaking a deep dive into Shared Equity
Leadership this semester. Look for more information for faculty, staff and students
in upcoming semesters.

On Women’s History Month:

What gains have women made when it comes to equity and what work is still left to
do?Women have made huge strides in their equity journey. For example, women in the United
States have made gains in workforce representation, educational attainment and narrowing
the pay gap. However, there is still much work left to do to achieve gender parity
in this and other countries. In the United States, women still make less than their
male counterparts and are less likely to hold top leadership positions. All across
the globe, women still face disproportionate rates of economic hardship and subpar
medical care as well as interpersonal violence and human trafficking. There is a lot
left to do.

How does women's history intersect with other diversity, equity and inclusion work?Intersectionality is a very important concept that says none of our identities and
experiences of discrimination exist in isolation. All of them overlap in ways that
are unique to us. Think of each of our identities as a circle on a Venn diagram. Each
of us has a diagram of circles that overlap in a unique way to us, like our own diversity
fingerprint. So when we talk about DEI work and women's history, it’s multifaceted.
We may be talking about the experiences of BIPOC LGBTQ+ women in one context and the
experiences of women with disabilities in another context. Women's history is everyone's
history.

Explore the events and programming happening at UAA to celebrate Women's History Month.

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