University Of Alaska Anchorage: Update On FY22 Budget And Legislative Progress

Press release from the University of Alaska Anchorage:

July 7, 2021

Dear UAA Community,

Welcome back from the holiday weekend. I hope you took time to celebrate, relax and
enjoy time with your loved ones. Over the past week or so, a lot of news has circulated
regarding Alaska’s state budget. I want to follow up regarding what these announcements
mean for UAA.

First, I hope you all saw UA President Pitney’s message last Thursday, which announced the university will honor the Alaska Performance Scholarship and
Alaska Education Grant awards for new and continuing students this fall and assume
delayed payment from the state, ensuring our students are able to pursue their education
this fall without added financial obstacles. We are confident the governor and the
Legislature will resolve issues impacting the APS and AEG awards during the August
special session.

Last week, Gov. Dunleavy also accepted the state budget from the Legislature. Despite a series of vetoes, this action ensures funding for the University of Alaska
and will let us continue to prepare for the upcoming academic year. Gov. Dunleavy
approved the $273 million appropriated by the Legislature for UA’s FY22 operating
budget. 

This operating budget decreases the budget cut outlined by the compact the university
entered with the governor’s office back in 2019. The additional funding allows us
to cover substantial costs incurred due to the pandemic while helping us continue
to deliver excellent academic programs that serve Alaska with student success at the
forefront of our efforts. 

Throughout the legislative session, UAA staff, students, faculty, alumni and other
supporters elevated the voice of the university, and it did not go unnoticed. As the
legislative process progresses, we will continue talking with state leaders and communicating
the importance of the state’s investment in higher education attainment. Alaska’s
economic recovery depends on a strong workforce, and the university is well-positioned
to fill that need. 

We look forward to a fall semester that will see many of our courses, as well as our
students, staff and faculty, return to campus for in-person operations. As the fall
semester approaches, we remain committed to supporting our students.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our mission.

Sincerely,Sean ParnellUAA Chancellor

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