University of Alaska Southeast to Offer Free Alaska Native Language Courses
The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) announced Monday that they will offer non-credit classes in Alaska Native languages this fall with no tuition or fees required. Students can pay tuition for the classes to receive credit.
“The University of Alaska Southeast is committed to recognizing and acknowledging historical wrongs endured by Alaska Native Communities,” Carin Silkaitis, Dean of UAS’s School of Arts and Sciences, said in a statement via email. “We are making sure Indigenous people don't have to pay to learn their own language. It's so important in the work towards language revitalization and overall healing.”
The university said it will offer classes in Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Students can take free classes without credit, or pay tuition and fees to receive credit. The classes will run from August 29 to December 17, according to course listings [subject code: "AKLA"]. They take place in the late afternoon and evening, and most are in session twice a week.
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The growing need for skilled leadership in outdoor and adventure settings.
As ecotourism grows in popularity, so does the demand for outdoor leadership skills.
Forest Wagner, who teaches Outdoor Studies at UAS, says these skills have applications in a variety of careers.
From risk management to an intimate understanding of the relationship between humans and the natural world, students in the University of Alaska Southeast’s Outdoor Studies program are also trained to develop good judgment, a lifelong skill.
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Ketchikan city mayor receives honorary doctorate
Ketchikan City Mayor Dave Kiffer was awarded an honorary doctorate at UAS Ketchikan’s 2022 graduation ceremony held at the Ted Ferry Civic Center.
Dr. Dave Kiffer speaking at the 2022 UAS Ketchikan commencement ceremony (photo courtesy of UAS Ketchikan professor Barbara Morgan).
UAS Chancellor Karen Carey said Kiffer has served his community in a wide variety of roles, including journalist, historian, teacher, poet, musician and elected official. Currently the mayor of the city of Ketchikan, Kiffer previously served as a Ketchikan City Council member, borough mayor, and member of the borough assembly. He has also been an adjunct professor at UAS Ketchikan for 25 years. In other words, he’s worn a lot of hats – and Carey said she was glad to bestow upon Kiffer a ceremonial hood signifying the honorary degree.
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