ASUAF November 19 Recap

By Britany Adorno-Alicea

ASUAF had their hands full this week covering their usual agenda, but also with discussions over lack of proper communication from UAF leader’s decisions regarding recent job cuts, and drawn out discourse and tension over the confirmation of one of their newest senators.

The first guest speakers were Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor Charlene Stern, who was joined by Interim Chancellor Mike Sfraga, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Owen Guthrie, and Director of Signers Hall Bradley Lobland, to discuss the rumors and concerns from staff about the reorganization of the Center for Teaching and Learning, or CTL.

During the meeting it was explained that the CTL has become too large and no longer aligns with the university’s needs, thus prompting its reorganization.

The primary goal with this re-organization is to streamline operations and shift some responsibilities to the Community and Technical College among other departments as well as create more opportunities for staff and students. The changes are estimated to generate over $1.2 million in savings, though administration is still deciding how those funds should be used. This decision was made to improve the services provided to students, especially to the eCampus and online students. However, it has resulted in the elimination of 14 positions, with 17 others being relocated to other departments. Leadership made it known that the intention with this reorganization is to “right-size” the organization for future needs, and not simply make cuts.

ASUAF President Jackson Nelson had raised concerns about the lack of communication on this decision and had personally brought these leaders to speak on these decisions. The chancellor, provost, and members of the cabinet made clear understanding the communication improvements that need to be made going forward and have committed to doing better moving forward.

The first readings of legislation covered the travel funds for Dishi Pandisalack who has been asked to present both a poster and oral presentation at the 106th American Meteorological Society AMS Annual Meeting; travel funds for Shaheena Shahid to participate in the Free Law Immersion Program in Juneau; and travel funds for Taylor Kane to present at both the Entomology Collections Network meeting and the Entomological Society of America’s annual meeting.

The travel funds for Vassily Myers, Sarah Suarez, and Angeluna Shannon are now officially dead upon senate voting. Their travel funds had been tabled twice. Students can choose to reapply for travel funding.

A bill was considered where the Associated Students of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, seek to support students during final weeks by providing accessible community building events during the finals season. Offering a relaxed space for students to study, recharge, and spend time with their peers will help to promote mental well-being, academic success, and a sense of campus community. This “Finals Fuel Up” will be scheduled for December 7, from 6 to 10 p.m. in the Hess Recreation Center.

The student support for the Advancement of Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Scholars and Communities Bill was considered to emphasize the circumpolar North and its diverse people and to integrate teaching, research, and public services that can serve to educate students for active citizenship and prepare them for lifelong learning and careers. The Troth Yeddha’ Indigenous Studies Center aims to create Alaska’s first major facility dedicated specifically to Indigenous studies, language revitalization, research, community gathering, and Indigenous-led scholarships.

The senate read a resolution against the “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education,” in which the U.S. Secretary of Education Linda E. McMahon had presented 10 conditions on federal funding to nine of UAF’s peer universities. These 10 requirements include but are not limited to non-discrimination in admissions, mandatory standardized testing, merit based hiring, and political neutrality. The requirements outlined in the compact must be adhered to in order for universities to receive federal benefits. This resolution will go to the UAF external affairs committee and then back to senate for a second reading.

So far, 18 other universities in the U.S. have already refused to sign the compact as well as five professional organizations of higher education, including but not limited to the American Association of University Professors, the Association of American Universities, and the National Association of Colleges and Universities.

During the second reading of legislation, the senate adopted the travel funds for Rafaela Sophie Hertkorn-Haas, the club funds for the Biology Graduate Student Association, the Alaska Alpine Club, the Arctic and Northern Studies Club, UAF Model UN, and the Snack and Study Night in support of students during finals season.

Alex Burgess was appointed as a senator to the ASUAF Senate. He is a sophomore majoring in Homeland Security. He said he cares deeply about our student community and academic environment. Burgess is involved in ROTC and is the president of the cadet club, where he shows his involvement and leadership. He hopes to share his leadership skills and connections he’s gained from being a member of ROTC and campus involvement to better our community, especially when it comes to supporting our military affiliated students, and he seeks to enhance and improve the UAF experience for all students.

The senate was at an impasse when making the decision to appoint Oscar Smedley into the senate. A civil discussion was had between Smedley and the other senators as they talked through their worries on Smedley’s views and beliefs and asked questions about what he aims to accomplish as a senator.

With seven votes yes, four votes no and one senator abstaining, Oscar Smedley was appointed as a senator. 

Smedley is a political science major who cares deeply about the community here at UAF. He is actively engaging in his department and with Turning Point USA, and is always looking for ways to bring what he’s learned here to strengthen campus. He said he cares deeply about wanting to make our campus better and wants to put in the work to make that happen, such as being involved in the club council and wanting to bring more opportunities for students to engage in campus life through tabling and events.

Senate Chair Sammy Bass will be resigning from the Senate, and has trained Senator Bonnie Brennan to become the new Senate Chair upon his leave. He hopes the senate will vote on this decision to appoint her in his place and is leaving the ASUAF Senate with high praise of the work they have put in.

The ASUAF meeting for November 26 has been cancelled due to Thanksgiving break. 

This meeting highlighted significant administrative updates, new leadership decisions, and major funding decisions heading into these final weeks. The senate continues to emphasize their focus on transparency and strengthening student support as the semester winds down.

ASUAF meets every Wednesday at 5:15 p.m. in the Senate Chambers in the Wood Center. Students are welcome to join and voice concerns to the members of the senate. For students not attending in-person, zoom links are available at www.uaf.edu/asuaf/meetings.