(SitNews) Ketchikan - Sitka - Juneau, Alaska - The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) announced last week it is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for students, employees, and visitors as the 2020-21 academic year begins.  Since March 2020 UAS has adapted its learning environment to meet the health and safety concerns of COVID-19. As the new semester begins, UAS has modified classes and services to address the challenges of COVID-19.

“I appreciate how much our faculty and staff have stepped up and dealt with the challenges.  COVID has been difficult to deal with, but I see optimism and excitement about the coming months,” said Interim Chancellor Karen Carey, “the University of Alaska Southeast campuses look forward to welcoming new and returning students.”

UAS campuses have implemented new health and safety measures and expectations in support of a productive learning environment.  Face coverings are now required for anyone on campus. Every person must wear a face covering that completely covers the person’s nose and mouth when in a shared enclosed space such as a classroom or lab. UAS will be providing cloth face coverings for students and employees, disposable face coverings, and humanity shields by request.

UAS has a robust offering of face-to-face classes requiring students, faculty and staff to adhere to face covering and physical distancing requirements. Instructors may remove their face covering when they are teaching in a classroom equipped with a classroom shield. 

Students will also be able to choose from a significant number of online courses delivered in one of two methods. First, courses listed in the fall schedule that require attendance via video conferencing software will have a day and time listed in the online schedule. Second, online courses that require students to work on course material at a time of their choosing, within timeline constraints and assignment due dates provided by the instructor. These courses do not have online meeting days or times listed in the online schedule.  

Housing options on campus also have new guidelines and restrictions. UAS has reduced the number of students living on campus in order to offer a safe and sustainable experience.  Up to two students will be placed per apartment or suite, with each student provided a private bedroom at no additional cost.  UAS is complying with all State of Alaska and University of Alaska travel and health mandates. Anyone interested in learning about Housing availability for Fall 2020 should call the Housing Office.

As the fall semester starts, all campus services will be available, however, UAS will not be open for drop in services. Students and members of the public will be encouraged to call in advance to set up appointments, and most appointments will be held by phone or video. 

The Egan Library on the Juneau Auke Lake Campus is currently open to UAS Students, faculty and staff by appointment; call (907) 796-6300. 

To register for classes or learn more about how UAS is operating under COVID-19 restrictions visit www.uas.alaska.edu or speak to an advisor at (907) 796-6000.

Additional Resources:

• Student Services Dashboard: Contact UAS Staff
  
  
• Covid-19 and Student Housing
  
  
• UAS Face Covering Policy
  
  
• Fall 2020 Class Schedule

Edited By Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

University of Alaska Southeast
www.uas.alaska.edu

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