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The University of Alaska is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution. The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

UAS is committed to providing accessible websites: www.uas.alaska.edu/policies/accessibility.html

Chancellors Advisory Committee on Belonging, Empowerment, Access, Representation and Safety (BEARS)

UAS BEARS Commitment Statement*

At the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS), we are committed to providing students with a rich learning experience defined by belonging, empowerment, access, representation, and safety (BEARS). We believe that academic excellence and university success are only possible in a teaching and learning environment that values diverse ways of thinking and uplifts each individual for their own personal identities and experiences. As a result, UAS promotes continuous learning and self-reflection to help every member of our university community feel a sense of belonging in which they can truly thrive as their authentic selves.

*This committee was formerly known as the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Cultural Safety (DEICS) committee; the name was changed in accordance with the UA Board of Regents (BOR) DEI Motion dated February 21, 2025.

Accountability Statement

UAS strives to create a supportive environment for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors, inclusive of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, physical or mental disability, status as a protected veteran, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, parenthood, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, or other legally protected status.

All UAS employees and students are equally responsible for making our campus a welcoming space. To uphold its commitment to Belonging, Empowerment, Access, Representation, and Safety, UAS promotes accountability by maintaining clear and effective pathways for reporting instances of discrimination, harassment, or inaccessibility that may violate UA policies. The Office of Rights, Compliance, and Accountability reviews those reports, provides resources and supportive measures, and investigates potential violations of UA policies that prohibit discrimination and harassment, including sexual misconduct.

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Collaborative Committees and Groups

BEARS Supports the UAS Faculty Senate's Resolution

This draft resolution from the UAS Faculty Senate expresses concern about the federal government’s proposed “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education”, which would tie funding to a set of mandated conditions that institutions are being encouraged to adopt. The resolution argues that these conditions would undermine core academic principles such as merit, intellectual diversity, open inquiry, academic freedom, and competition by allowing federal mandates to predetermine what kinds of research questions, discoveries, or expressions are considered acceptable. Faculty warn that shifting academic review and standards to external political authorities could weaken scientific integrity and limit universities’ ability to develop solutions to economic, environmental, and social challenges that affect Alaska and the broader United States.

In response, the Faculty Senate reaffirms its commitment to academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and student-centered education grounded in free inquiry and sound pedagogy. The resolution emphasizes the university’s role in serving Alaska’s communities and coastal environments, as well as its responsibility to honor the cultures of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. Ultimately, the Senate formally opposes the adoption of the Compact and rejects any agreement between the University of Alaska Board of Regents and the federal government that would compromise the university’s values, restrict academic freedom or free speech, or impose external limitations on its educational mission.

Committee Membership

Faculty Co-chair (1)

Staff Co-chair (1)

UAS Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management (1)

Faculty (3): one each from Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka

Staff Council appointees (3): one each Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka

Student Government appointees (3): one each from Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka

UAS Disability Services (1)

UAS Dean of Arts & Sciences (1)

UAS Student Affairs (1)

UAS Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Alaska Native Education (1)

UAS Human Resources representative (non-voting, ex officio) (1)

Current Membership

Corrine E. Marks, M.A.T. (she/her)

Assistant Professor, Secondary Education

Outside of teaching, Corrine spends her time traveling, kayaking, hiking, reading, and enjoying time with her family. During the summer you can find her relaxing in Gustavus, AK, the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park, where she fell in love with Alaska.

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Michael O. Navarro, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Marine Fisheries

Dr. Michael Navarro is a biological and fisheries oceanographer, and studies chemical, physical, geological and human effects on coastal fishery species and food webs.

View profile and contact info