August172010

2010 FALL KICK-OFF GUIDE Find more information about:

Scholarship opportunites page 03 Important people on campus page 07 Student Clubs page 10

UA President Patrick Gamble Q&A page 02 Campus map page 08-09

THENORTHERNLIGHT AUGUST 17, 2010

UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE

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FALL KICK-OFF 2010| August 17, 2010

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Q&A with new UA president Patrick Gamble Interview by Jerzy Shedlock The Northern Light

out to be.

What can you tell me about the working conditions of the various service workers, such as Patrick Gamble: The most important thing right now with food, janitorial and mainthe state economy in the shape that it’s in, with elections tenance? coming up, national energy policy, environmental policy

What is your vision for the UA system in the next five to 10 years?

and all the impacts that are potentially going on in Alaska, as a resource state, which is the principle source of funds for the university, we’ve got to see what shakes out here in terms of state-wide economics and the future security that will or won’t occur in the state of Alaska. That’s going to have a lot to do with the answer to this question.

In the mean time, we have to hold onto the good things that the university already has going for itself and probably not be too adventurous in trying to continue a growth pattern that may be unaffordable, at least over the next two or three years, until hopefully we get better situated with our revenue sources.

Can the goals of the Academic Master Plan be achieved within the given time frame?

PG: The AMP is still in draft form and is currently being finalized. I have read it and filled the pages full of notes, but I’m very early in the process of getting indoctrinated by the authors of the master plan and, thereby, knowledge to ask certain questions. I really just started such a process, but I will tell you that the AMP is the core of the university’s business. It’s going to drive a lot of where the system goes in the future in regards to an overall institutional strategic plan update, which is something the board has tasked me with as soon as I get my feet on the ground.

How will you participate in the new Higher Education Task Force?

PG: I have been asked to give a presentation at a lunch on the first day the group is meeting. Their focus is going to be on what they can do to reduce the need for remedial classroom work once students actually enter into the university system. (The classes) are there for shortfalls that often come in areas like reading, mathematics and sciences that might have been a result of high school experience.

It’s easy to shoot from the hip and say, “we have to do this, we have to do that.” I don’t shoot from the hip very often. I like to get into the data and try to understand the situation before I make up my mind as to which direction I want to take.

What goes on in another state could be successful, but it would not necessarily fit here in Alaska because of the way we’re divided, rural versus major population areas.

There are circumstances here that make (educational) issues somewhat different than in other states.

It’s going to be quite an interesting forum. I have talked to commissioner for education (Larry LeDoux) on a couple of occasions. He and I see a lot of things along similar lines.

He’s very interested in working this issue and intends to work it hard as he goes around the state in the future. I’m looking to him for ideas doing whatever I can to weigh in and help the process.

When a student comes to the university and has to spend upwards of the first year taking remedial courses before they can even start college level courses it is an expense to them.

The burden of debt is increased. It actually increases per cost of graduate for the university too. We have a stake in working out this problem so that we can get students in and through their course work in a reasonable amount of time with success, because when they enter into whatever kind of course work they choose, whether work development or higher academic aspirations, they’re coming out of high school not prepared to take that next step. That’s a problem right now.

What are your views about allowing guns on campus, in cars or otherwise?

PG: I believe in following the law. The law was challenged recently and the Supreme Court came down with a ruling that, as I understand it, the current rules we have in place (within UA) are sufficient to stand the test. I am very satisfied with that. There will be a number of legal reviews and test cases in the state that will affect guns on campus. I’m going to follow the law, whatever that may turn

PG: When you’re the boss of an organization you have to love all of the employees. No employee is less important than another. What I am interested in is making sure I have the right people for the right jobs, making sure I create an environment for them to be successful in doing what we ask of them.

The concern for everybody who works in the university is dead on. One of the things I intend to do on my campus visits MONEY/ TNL is go to all the places, not just the Pat Gamble answered questions before a gathering of people at the Dena’ina ConventionNICK Center earlier sexy places, such as the advanced this year before being chosen by the Board of Regents to replace Mark Hamilton as the UA president. research labs, but to all the places dictator even if you wanted to be. Consensus has to be built that create the environment for learning in the University if you want to be successful. Again though, fundamental to of Alaska system. To see what (the service workers’) needs dealing with the railroad was dealing with the people of the are, how they’re being handled and how they’re being met. railroad.

I hold my chancellors responsible for all the folks that That’s a strong and consistent pattern of learning and work at the university. I need to know these folks just as education that I have had in my experiences that I am much as anybody else. This question reminds me that when bringing to the university. Those outlooks won’t change.

I get out there I need to make time to see those working All the people who support the university in different ways, conditions, meet people and hear from them. they are the folks I’m talking about, not just the students or faculty, but everybody in the system. I think my leadership Where do you stand on UA’s non-discriminaexperience in my previous two careers has reinforced my tion policy? Do you think GLBT community thoughts in this area very strongly.

students should be included in the policy or should the policy remain the same?

PG: This is kind of a new one for me, because the board has taken a position on the matter up to this point and I’m entering into the middle of a discussion in this area of subject matter. There’s law involved and there’s precedent involved.

I consider it a very interesting discussion, interesting enough where I have asked the representative students to send me materials, which they have.

I have read notebooks full of information that (students) have sent me. I have clicked on all the links I have been sent, I have looked at other universities, read their policies…

I’ve done a lot of homework in this area in order to try and decide the correct way to move forward.

I note with great interest the military, one of the last diehards in this area, is going through this debate now. They’re going to make changes in national policy. I’m going to look with interest at how they deal with it on a national level.

I thought the presentations at the last board meeting were excellent. I thought the student presentations were very responsible, very professional, and I think this is a very legitimate issue and I want to be fully informed before I enter a position one way or the other.”

How do see your years of military service or those as CEO of Alaska Railroad Corporation fitting your new role as the new UA president?

How will you use what you learned from those positions in your new role?

PG: My experience in the military taught me that the most important component of leadership is people. Figuring them out, what makes them tick and taking care of them.

If you do that they return in spades the effort that you gave to them. It’s very time consuming because people can’t be batched easily. You need to have a lot of one-on-one time dealing with people’s issues, successes, failures and motivations. All those are parts of leadership.

I learned this from my command experience, which is over 10 years of command in the military. A commander in the military has a different set of laws behind him giving him certain authority that go further than anything that had to do with the railroad. I was the Judge and the jury, and the head cop. By law, I could make a lot of decisions in those areas.

When I moved on to the railroad it was different. First, it’s business. Second, the laws are different. You cannot be a

What is your response to students who were angered by the news that tuition could raise as much as 22 percent in the next three years?

PG: I’m sympathetic. I don’t blame them. Nobody wants to see prices go up whether you’re going to college, going to the store or filling up with gas at the pump. It’s not a good thing.

It’s not arbitrary and I hope people don’t think that.

The (cost) ratios from previous years can be viewed about 47 different ways. The ratios have been consistent, which indicates that there has been a methodical, well thought-out method for the student contribution adding to all the other revenue sources. However, when it comes to the individual’s pocket book, especially at a time like right now when the economy is not firing on eight cylinders, it hurts.

If I were a student I would probably feel the exact same way. Personally, not speaking for the board, I would not like to think that tuition always has to go up. If the university is successful in finding other sources of revenue that can help meet its bills for the level of expenditures that is needed annually then there is no reason to believe why tuition shouldn’t be looked at as adjustable in both directions. The amount up and the amount down being associated with whatever economic conditions the university faces.

Right now, unfortunately, it has been consistently up.

I can see in the future where I could go to the board and recommend that because of changes in conditions or changes in additional revenues to go back to the students and maybe back off a percentage or two when it is appropriate. I think it ought to be a two-way valve is my bottom line. It is not insignificant. I totally agree with the students on that.

Do you plan on visiting the campuses on more occasions than just the scheduled meeting with the board of regents?

PG: Yes, I do. Those visits are being scheduled right now. I will tour the campuses visiting the governance organizations, including student government. Those are already on the schedule and I’m starting those visits next month.

The more face time I can get with more people the better off relationships will be all around. I would encourage my staff to do the same thing and will encourage them to do so when it’s appropriate.

Most departments offer study labs that you pay for in your tuition. Most departments also have a list of tutors on hand.

Working with your department’s resources will help you succeed in your classes.

GRAPHIC BY BRITTANY BENNETT

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Tuition scholarships help pay for expenses All colleges within the UA system have scholarships available; four-year $11,000 scholarship offered by UA Scholars

By Jerzy Shedlock The Northern Light

The costs of higher education are climbing with every passing semester. The trend can be seen at UAA and nationwide.

Options of paying for college are abundant.

One such option any hard-working student should consider is applying for a scholarship, even multiple scholarships.

The University of Alaska offers a copious amount of scholarships to prospective students, as well as students already in attendance. Loans are always available for those who are eligible, but scholarships are essentially, in a number of instances, well-deserved rewards for academic achievements.

It’s free money people.

Scholarship applications for the 2011-2012 academic school year are now being accepted via UA Online. The UAA Electronic Scholarship Application can be found at the website. This is the general scholarship application for all UAA scholarships.

There are scholarship opportunities available for every student, but the amount given out each year is limited.

Available are general scholarships, private scholarships, study abroad scholarships and extended campus scholarships for students enrolled at the Mat-Su, Kenai Peninsula and Kodiak colleges. Every college within UAA, from the College of Business and Public Policy to the School of Engineering, has multiple scholarships available.

The main deadline for applications is February 15 prior to the academic year for which a student is seeking scholarships. In addition, students must be applied for admissions to a degree program before the deadline.

Most scholarships only require the general electronic application. Students do not choose which scholarships they are applying for. Instead, after submitting the general application, the computer system conducts a search finding scholarships a student qualifies for using information on hand, such as academic major, class standing and GPA. It is the students responsibility, however, to research which scholarships they can apply for using the UAA Scholarship website and submit any supplemental information requested, which can include specific essays and letters of recommendation.

The attainment of a number of scholarships can be very competitive, so students must strive to produce superior materials. Failure to submit the additional materials requested will result in the disqualification of a scholarship application.

One example of a scholarship with a significant list of qualifications is the UAA Anchorage Pioneers’ Home Resident Council Scholarship in Nursing, which has an award amount of a

minimum of $500 per academic year.

The scholarship was established to help offer financial assistance for tuition and other educational expenses to full-time students who are formally admitted into a Nursing degreeseeking program. Qualifications include good academic standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a minimum cumulative Nursing program GPA of 2.5. Also for this specific scholarship, preference is given to applicants who have worked with elders and have been employed at the Pioneers’ Home.

During the 2008-2009 school year four recipients were awarded the Anchorage Pioneers Home Scholarship.

For students coming out of high school that are ranked in the top 10 percent of their class, the UA Scholars Program is by far the best option available. UA Scholars at UAA offers a fouryear, $11,000 scholarship to these 10-percenters.

Qualified individuals may attend any University of Alaska campus.

Recipients receive $1,375 per semester for eight semesters as long as they maintain

Loans are always available for those who are eligible, but scholarships are essentially, in a number of instances, well-deserved rewards for academic achievements. eligibility, which includes a cumulative GPA of 2.5, maintaining full-time enrollment status (12 credits), meeting the established student code of conduct and making satisfactory academic process toward completion of a certificate or degree program.

The UA Scholar award is not a full-ride scholarship, but it definitely goes a long way toward the total cost of an education at the University of Alaska. In addition, if the recipient of the scholarship has other sources of funding, they will be reimbursed for overpayment once payment obligations for the semester have been met.

Campus resources are available to help students write error-free essays. Students should consider bringing a draft of their scholarship essay to the UAA writing center. No appointment is necessary at the center, but tutors are available on a first come, first serve basis, so it would be in a student’s best interest to complete the application process ahead of the pack.

The Art Department will pay you to model nude. It’s classier than a strip club. Pun intended.

How to pay for college

By Brittany Bennett The Northern Light

You have been admitted. You have registered for classes. You have… received a really large bill. If you’re an in-state student, which about 94% of students are according to CollegeBoard, you are probably looking at about $4,800 for full-time attendance for the school year, according to the Office of Student Financial Assistance. So here’s the big question – how are you paying for college?

Out of Pocket

If you are paying out-of-pocket, you need to have a big wad of cash ready by September 8, the tuition payment deadline. Paying in cash may be the best way to pay for school if you don’t want to accrue interest and make payments on tuition after you graduate.

Payment Plan

If paying a lump sum isn’t feasible, you can also pay using the university’s Tuition Management System. This system will allow you to pay your tuition in installments. Your tuition will not accrue interest and the plan only costs a small startup fee. The startup fee is $47 for a semester plan or $65 for a year plan. More details are available at www.afford.com/uaa.

Stafford Loan

A Stafford Loan is a loan backed by the Department of Education. This is a Direct Loan, meaning your loan money comes straight from the government rather than having a bank act as a middleman. To see if you’re eligible for a Stafford Loan, you have to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the famous FAFSA. Depending on your eligibility for a subsidized loan, your Stafford Loan may accrue interest.

You have to start making payments six months after graduation.

Pell Grant

Pell Grants are also funded by the Department of Education, but do not require repayment.

There are certain eligibility requirements, the most significant being your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which must be lower than $5,273. You must fill out a FAFSA for your EFC and other eligibility requirements to be determined.

Scholarship

Scholarships are available everywhere. You can apply for scholarships at UAOnline by February 15 prior to the academic year. To apply for need-based scholarships, you must fill out a FAFSA as well. See the adjacent article to learn more.

Tuition Waiver

Different departments and programs offer tuition waivers for students. Each department has a set of criteria to determine if you are eligible to apply. Application does not guarantee acceptance, however. Your application will be reviewed and, if approved, sent to the Dean for review. Check with any department, activity, club or team you are involved with to see if you are eligible, or request a general application from the Office of Financial Aid. You may also qualify if your parent or spouse is part of the UA faculty or if you are a senior citizen.

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Student Union revamped with student input

By Ashley Snyder

Special to the Northern Light

Life at UAA can get stressful, especially when assignments get more strenuous, projects become more demanding, and tests grow more frequent. It is difficult to handle such a large workload without some breaks in between. This is why the Student Union was created, to be a sanctuary from the constant coursework, a place for students to take a break and unwind with their friends.

The Student Union is located in the center of campus where it is easily accessible between class periods. To pique all types of student interests, activities are set up both upstairs and downstairs. Some of these activities include ping-pong, an art gallery, outdoor gear rentals, pool tables, KRUA live radio, a coffee shop and a stage where various bands and musicians perform occasionally. The Student Union is also home to many of the school’s clubs and organizations such as Commuter Student Services, Student Affairs, Greek Life, and USUAA. But the location has its drawbacks because it is a convenient place for students to walk from one side of campus to the other. This makes the Student Union noisy, crowded and hectic as students try to push their way through so they won’t be late to class. Since many students use this area as only a hallway, very few know its full potential.

“We’ve always wanted to turn the

Student Union into a real center for students, and definitely share the sentiment about the hallway-esque feel,” Amie Stanley said, USUAA Senator. “The real problem is there just doesn’t seem to be enough space for everything we’d like to see and everyone has a different opinion.”

To help solve the dilemma, David

‘Through the Den we are trying to create an atmosphere where people can feel they belong. We just want this place where you can relax, talk with a friend, and do some light studying.’

-Joe Selmont Student Union Manager

Murdoch, Commuter Student Services Coordinator, has been working hard to make the Student Union more appealing. One big step was creating a student advisory board.

“The advisory board was started last year,” Murdoch said. “They gather student ideas, input and feedback about the Student Union and send them to the Associate Dean

of Students, Dawn Dooley.”

The Student Union and Commuter Student Services Advisory Board’s overall goal is to give students a voice that may have otherwise gone unheard. One voice is that of Liisia Martin, Greek Life representative.

“I feel that more should be done to make (the Student Union) more recreationally appealing to the student body,” Martin said. “This way it could span further than the small percentage of students that use the area. In part, that is what the Student Union and Commuter Services are trying to accomplish; to facilitate, in a sense, a home away from home.”

Minor adjustments have already been made to improve the Student Union and make it more comfortable for students.

New chairs have been put in place with new tables on the way. Many walls have been painted with bright colors. There is also a larger television in the student lounge.

Another renovation that will soon be seen is a new, updated directory board, making it easier for students to navigate their way through the Student Union.

One of the biggest changes that the Advisory Board has in store for this year is the grand re-opening of The Daily Den, located downstairs in the southeast corner of Student Union. In previous years it was barely accessible, but board members have worked to allow this area to be opened for students from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

“It’s going to be a new space for students

to regularly go in the Student Union,” Sarena Hackenmiller, a Student Union manager said.

Since the Den is a closed off room it will be a quiet place for students to get away from the crowds.

“Through the Den we are trying to create an atmosphere where people can feel they belong,” Joe Selmont said, Student Union manager. “We just want this place where you can relax, talk with a friend, and do some light studying.”

The Daily Den will host “Happy Hour” at 9 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. serving free food for students. The area will also accommodate special events such as Wii Tournaments, Family Movie Nights and Monday Night Football.

Although the advisory board has done so much already, they have only just gotten started. All students are encouraged to share their ideas with the Advisory Board because voices are being heard and changes are being made.

There are many events continuously occurring in the Student Union and students just need to take a minute to stop and see what the Advisory Board has been working very hard to make happen. The next time you are at the Student Union, try going down to The Daily Den, visit the gear shop or take a peek in the art gallery. You never know what new things you’ll find.

Put your iPhone down every once in a while. You’ll be more approachable and will make more friends if you can spare some attention.

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Courses at UAA accomodate varying goals Special to The Northern Light

I don’t know who you are, so if you choose to use this guide at all, do so sparingly. UAA does not condone me in any form to hand out academic advice. But, as a successful student who spent too many hours reviewing the catalog, agonizing over transfer discrepancies, researching professors and classes, I proclaim myself ready. The following has been tried and tested true.

When picking your classes, the most important thing is to know yourself. Sit down with paper or computer, and think for at least an hour. Honestly evaluate your abilities and goals, accept whatever you see and go from there.

If all you want is self-improvement and could care less to serve the man, acknowledge that and work hard.

Money and family acceptance follow if you do to the best of your ability what you love. If you want to attend UAA only for a better paycheck, embrace the greed. The U.S. accommodates variety, as does UAA. The most practical hint is to pull a Hamlet – repeatedly question what the best classes are. Don’t hesitate to visit 15 classes in that two-week withdraw period. This is time consuming, but better to search for the inspired professors than to endure drones. If the professor or syllabus is intolerable, bail. You are paying, afterall.

However, be truthful. Credit load varies with outside commitments and ability. Push yourself but don’t implode.

To steal a line from Ernest Hemingway, exhibit “grace under pressure.”

American universities offer four-year degrees because they want you to become a well rounded person. During your first year, dare to take classes simply because, gasp, they seem interesting.

Explore subjects you don’t know much about. Graphic design? Welding? Philosophy? Taking a wide range of subjects boosts your creativity and allows you to connect subjects as seemingly different as art and physics.

Unfortunately, your college plans will constantly change.

You should invest a few hours planning your college career, but in the next year many of your beliefs about yourself and others will shatter.

College, if you’re doing it right, should be uncomfortable.

You’ll see yourself as silly, courageous, attractive, smart, mean, really nice or grossly stupid. Realizations about yourself or the world will cause you to frequently change your intended major. Go with it.

My UAA advisor told me not to do the following, which I did and I’m glad I did. Consider taking an upper division class your first semester of college. They tend to be smaller, friendlier and offer an engaging curriculum. Of course, you’ll need to have fulfilled

GRAPHIC BY BRITTANY BENNETT

the prerequisite through AP, IB or CLEP tests, or have the instructor’s permission.

My personal belief is that 300/400 level classes can be no harder than a lower division course, but I function best under high expectations and not everyone is like me.

Whatever your learning style, if you’ve taken AP or IB tests in the subject, taking upper division courses is not far-fetched.

If you are interested in upper level courses but haven’t taken advanced tests, still look at upper division courses that interest you. You can schedule the prerequisites for the specific course, then, whenever you wish to scratch your eyes out (this is inevitable), remember that the beginning of college is the hardest.

It will get better.

Wake up early enough to eat breakfast and bathe before your first class. You’ll never get asked out on a date by the hunk or babe sitting next to you if you smell bad.

Four years is a long time to wait for dividends on a college degree. A certificate could allow you to enter a well-paying job while finishing a Bachelors. I wish I had one for Early Childhood Development (ECD). If you check Craigslist jobs under education there are baby jobs galore.

Some pay $16 per hour.

ECD only requires 13 classes (34 credits) and can be finished in a year. This certificate also has no general requirements. Compared to my English BA, certificates immediately relate to the job.

Some certificate programs, like the paralegal studies program (PSP), also offer internships. PSP requires a minimum of 60 credits, so depending on if you take 12 or 19 credits per semester, the program will last 1.5 to 3 years.

Visit Ratemyprofessors.com. My best professors were highly rated. Of course, use reason while reading these. Students take this extra step to rate a professor out of love or loathing. A good rule of thumb, if the happy faces cancel out the sad faces, the professor’s OK. (If you’re reading this I have a feeling that you care about your future and would probably get along with any professor ranging from a mild to happy face.)

If you plan to transfer, look into the target school’s requirements. Statistics in Psychology fulfills the quantitative general requirement at San Francisco State University, but not at UAA. So for psychology majors, if you dislike math, you could bypass college algebra while fulfilling the degree requirements at the school you’ll actually graduate from. UAA wants to work with you, but their general requirements are a bit outdated, so if your creativity permits you, fix them.

Honor thy adviser. Even if you’ve transcribed your college path on stone, they can impart tidbits of useful advice. Department advisors are also professors. By the structure of things, they are most likely to provide a compelling recommendation in the future.

Finally, when you enter your class, ask a random question to someone you find intriguing. More often than not they’ll be relieved to escape the comatose atmosphere of a first class.

The blessing and curse of UAA and life is that your success depends solely on you.

So get planning, whoever you are.

Explore Alyeska

by Bike Easy Access to Lower Mountain Trails Rentals Available

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©Simon Evans

By Matthew Caprioli

Summer on the Mountain

Grab some friends and ride the Tram Enjoy a mountaintop lunch at Glacier Express Tram open daily 9:30 am - 9:30 pm

August 21 & 22

2010-11 College Season Passes Now on Sale!

Buy before October 31 and save $200 Flexible class schedule?

Midweek College Pass (valid M-F) – only $560 New! Buddy Discount Grab a buddy & save more money!

Buy passes online or call 754-2275

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The Hotel Alyeska Pond Courtyard 11 am - 6 pm | Free! All Ages Welcome Details and full schedule online.

Parking on Campus?

Every Vehicle Needs a Permit Yellow Permits * Yellow (All-Day) permits allow parking in any UAA surface lot.

e! e ic th Pr for ! ar st k Be ee e ye W ol $5 wh

* Portable decal that adheres to window, is removable for use on multiple cars. * $160 per semester / $250 per year on

Green Permits

* Green (Night 4:00-7:30pm) permits allow parking in any UAA surface lot. ti s Op e st or ss * Portable decal that adheres to window, is removable for use on multiple cars.

Be f Cla t * $85 per semester / $165 per year gh Ni Platinum Permits (Central Parking Garage)

* Platinum permits allow parking in the Central Garage and in any UAA surface lot. * Portable decal that adheres to window, is removable for use on multiple cars. * $180 per semester (Fall/Spring) Red Permits (Housing Residents Only) r fo e f t ea Li Gr rm Do

Cove r nds ed Park i grea t fo ng? r wi nter !

Sou

* Red permits allow parking in the university Housing lots when accompanied by a Housing sticker. * Vehicle must remain at Housing or must utilize a metered space or Pay N Park if parked on main campus.

Unive Alaska rsity of Ancho rage

* Portable decal that adheres to window, is removable for use on multiple cars. Save $$ R Seaw ide the * $50 per semester (Fall/Spring) o

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Photo by Cody Sw anson

line n o get r e t t Be today! Order today from www.thepermitstore.com

Not Driving? There are many ways to get on campus!

Ride your bike!

The UAA Campus has great bike trails, bike lockers and covered bike racks t alle Ride the Bus! w ! y r m nment o Ride the People Mover free with your WOLFcard. f iro at Start a Carpool Gre he Env t And share a ride with friends.

AND Take the Shuttle Park at the University Center and take the Seawolf Shuttle to class!

Check the schedule at http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/fcs/maintenanceoperations/operations/shuttle.cfm Walk from Surrounding Neighborhoods!

And enjoy the beauty of our award winning Tree Campus USA. Ski in the Winter!

And enjoy the beauty that makes our state great,

Watch for upcoming new transportation options like CAR SHARING soon!

Goo

d to know

Need Assistance? Call the Call Team! able t e y th Off b p to ck Or, s mpus Ki ust 21 a at C day, Aug r Satu

!

Jumpstarts • Lockouts • Safety Escorts • Emergency Locates The Call Team is ready to assist you with these and many other services to the University community.

Call us at (907) 786-1103

Questions? Your UAA Parking Services is glad to help!

Call us at (907) 786-1119 or visit www.uaa.alaska.edu/parking Or visit UAA Parking Services in the Lower Level of the UAA Campus Bookstore Fall Semester Hours of Operation 8:30-6pm Monday through Thursday and 8:30-5pm Fridays

August 17, 2010 | FALL

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Get to know the leading figures on campus Fran Ulmer

Dr. Michael Driscoll

Rick Shell

Former mayor of Juneau and currently chancellor of Alaska’s largest university, Ulmer was recently appointed by President Obama to the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling. She will be investigating the causes of the explosion and oil spill and recommending changes to prevent future disasters from occurring. Despite the PHOTO COURTESY OF CHANCELLOR’S OFFICE appointment, Ulmer has determined that she will continue her responsibilities as chancellor for the immediate future. How this will affect her one remaining year as UA’s chief administrative official is uncertain.

Contact info: Pam Cravez, Special Assistant to the Chancellor for Communications Phone- (907) 786-1417 afpjc@uaa.alaska.edu

As the provost of academic affairs, Driscoll handles an abundance of responsibilities for all of the colleges at UAA. In this important position since 2006, Driscoll is responsible for the university’s academic offerings leading to certificates and all types of degrees.

He is also responsible for the academic leadership at all of UA’s five major campuses across the state. Being PHOTO COURTESY OF PROVOST’S OFFICE UAA’s Chief Academic Officer and a member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet, Driscoll makes frequent decisions that effect the state of the university.

Contact info: Phone- (907) 786-1050 provost@uaa.alaska.edu

Rick Shell recently accepted the position of chief at UPD. Shell’s office provides many helpful services to students. Other than keeping the campus safe in general, UPD offers Silent Witness, an anonymous form for concerned students that is used to submit tips to the department.

UPD also offers RAD PHOTO COURTESY OF UPD (Rape Aggression Defense Systems) training. An escort service is available as well, and all a student has to do is call UPD’s main number and ask for a safety escort between buildings or to and from the parking lot. This can be helpful during the dark winter months, so students should not hesitate to take advantage of the service. For more information on these and other services simply visit UPD’s webpage on the UAA website.

Contact info: Eugene Short Hall, Room 114 Phone- (907) 786-1120

Miles C. Brookes

Betty Bang

Chancellor

Provost

USUAA President

Nurse Practitioner

Kevin Vanderwall USUAA Vice President

Miles has immersed himself in goings-on around the university since enrolling at UAA, becoming an active member of the Political Science Association during his first semester. Kevin began his academic career at UAA in Fall 2008 joining the USUAA Senate.

He also held positions on the Sustainability Committee and the Travel Board. The purpose of student government is to represent the interests, welfare and needs of all students within the campus community and to supplement and compliment education at UAA. As student-elected executives, Miles and Kevin ensure USUAA is fulfilling its stated mission and effectively advocating for all students. Any student wishing to express their opinions on university matters should become involved with USUAA and its two executives.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF USUAA Contact info: USUAA Office, Room 201, Student Union Phone- (907) 786-1205 Office of the president- (907) 786-1206 Miles- aypres@uaa.alaska.edu Kevin- ayvicepres@uaa.alaska.edu

As a Family Nurse Practitioner of the Student Health and Counseling Center, Bang has been highly involved with students since her career beginnings at UAA. Her bright personality is highly regarded around campus, and students who know Bette have benefitted tremendously from LOGAN TUTTLE/ TNL their relationships. Every year she hosts “Ask Betty” sessions at the health center. Bang answers serious questions ranging from emotional and sexual health to fitness and nutrition. Students can also submit their questions anonymously online (www.uaa.alaska. edu/studenthealth/askbetty/index.cfm). Personally crafted lists of common questions from previous years can also be accessed at the website. Bang helps puts together the health center’s stress-reliever packets and sex kits, which are free to students. The health center employs a staff full of nurses just like Betty who are eager to help students, offering low-cost health care services.

Contact info: Rasmuson Hall, Room 116 & 120 Phone- (907) 786-4040

UPD Chief

Lacy Karpilo

Director of Residence Life

The student-centric Department of Residence Life provides students with numerous employment and leadership opportunities.

Lacy and her staff partner with students, faculty and the staff of other campus PHOTO COURTESY OF LACY KARPILO offices to create a safe and comfortable living environment. The department is one of the largest activity centers on campus. Social activities during the academic year include series of workshops meant to supplement residents’ classroom learning. Workshop topics include college survival skills, roommate relationships, alcohol awareness, career planning and campus safety. New students should check out the Cama-I Room (pronounced Cha-my). Yupik for “welcome,” the room is a social gathering place and study center for UAA students, focusing on the needs of Alaska Native, Native American and rural students.

Student housing offers innumerable aspects and Lacy is there to help students fulfill both academic and social needs.

Contact info: Phone- (907) 751-7449 anlnk@uaa.alaska.edu

Chair of your academic department Every student aiming to succeed at UAA needs to know the chair of his or her department. It would be in students’ best interest to introduce themselves to the man or woman who directs their academic department, because much of how the department functions and its goals are based on the chair’s decisions. Establishing a relationship with your chair can be beneficial in the future. Acknowledgement of academic achievements by a chair can only help future career prospects. Also, chairs are fountains of knowledge having many life lessons to impart upon any student curious enough to ask.

Got a group project to finish? The library offers private group study rooms for up to two hours.

Y T

I S A R R E V OF HO I N P C U A N A M S A U K P S A M L A A C Auto Diesel

E G

Computer Labs Whether you need to write a term paper, print out your schedule (but not a map!) or check your Facebook updates, most computer labs are available for all students to use.

Vending Machines Textbook - Check.

Notebook - Check.

Pencil - Check.

Vitamin Water and a candy bar - Check out the vending machines.

Gordon W Hartlieb

Wells Fargo Sports Complex

Lucy Cuddy Rasmuson

Beatrice McDonald

Health Services

MAP BY BRITTANY BENNETT CREATED WITH GRAPHIC PROVIDED

BY UAA FACILITIES

Professional Studies

ANSEP Bookstore

Sally Monserud

Wendy Williamson Auditorium

Eugene Short

Allied Health Sciences

KEY GRAPHICS BY TERESA COMBS

Seawolf Drive

From STD checks to dental exams, UAA health services will take care of you.

Student Union

Providence Drive

Allied Health Scien Under Constructi Open Fall 2011

Where to eat on campus In the midst of academics, recreation, athletics and general college life, you know that it’s tough to schedule in any free time, especially time for a decent meal. You are no longer limited to three-minute Top Ramen and Easy Mac for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

UAA hosts many different places to eat on campus. With so many options available that areconveniently located, you’ll never go hungry again.

Unnamed dining and coffee shop opens for Fall 2010

By Ashley Snyder

Special to The Northern Light

The much anticipated Amenities Building Coffee Shop and Dining Area is finally complete and ready for business!

The grand opening for this new campus eatery, located between the Integrated Science Building and the Fine Arts Building, will be held on August 18 and 19 from 10:00am - 2:00pm. To make

this event even more exciting, the UAA Dining Management are putting together a “Name the Coffee Shop” contest, starting at Campus Kickoff on August 21 and running until September 13. This is a chance for students to come up with a name for the new hot spot hangout. The grand prize will be 100 Dining Dollars and runners up will also get some great prizes.

With this new café conveniently located

on the east side of campus, students with classes in that area will no longer have to walk so far to get a quick bite to eat, or have to resort to vending machine cuisine.

Café Del Mundo specialty coffees, including the infamous “Mundoccino,” will be the main treat offered.

They will also serve made-to-order Panini sandwiches, pizza, soups, garden salads, fountain drinks, smoothies and an assortment of delectable desserts. The café’s goal is to provide a variety of food to satisfy everyone’s appetite.

Accommodating over 70 people comfortably without feeling overcrowded makes this a great place to spend time sipping on coffee, chatting with a friend, or just warming up next to the large fireplace. Throughout the year, the café will offer deals and specials to treat its frequent customers.

One particular deal will be Coffee cards, similar to a bookstore drink card, which will allow you buy nine coffees and get the tenth one free.

So, if you happen to be on the east side of campus, take a look and see what all the commotion is about!

The café’s hours will be Monday through Thursday 7:45am- 7: 00pm and Friday 7:45am - 2:00pm.

West and Central Campus

Mein Bowl: Mein Bowl offers Asian dish the Student Union. The food is delicious weekly. Mein Bowl serves generous help

The Daily Grind: The Daily Grind, an ex every student at UAA, is a coffee shop lo Hall. They serve Raven’s Organic Brew, o creations, pastries, confections, salads

Union Station: The Union Station is conv upper level of the Student Union. There pick-me-up espresso beverage to keep as well as a delicious pastry to silence y

Cuddy Market Place: If you are looking for find it in the Lucy Cuddy Hall. The Cudd four different food operations, including Baja, Grill 155, and Simply To Go, offeri American, and “grab and go” foods, res

Subway: Subway is located on the low Union. There, you can choose your ow veggies and sauce to create a customyour cravings. You can also opt for a s forget to grab a bag of chips and fresh-

Seawolf Shuttle Stops

East Parking Garage

The Seawolf Shuttle is available to take you around campus, to the residence halls and to the University.

Fine Arts Amenities

EcosystemsBiomedical Health

ConocoPhilips Integrated Science

Administrative

Science Central Parking Garage

Social Sciences

Alumn i Drive

Engineering Consortium Library

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Usually your debit or credit card, or your WOLFCard will suffice; but when you need cold, hard cash for a poster or bake sale, there’s usually an ATM nearby.

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xpression that applies to ocated in the Lucy Cuddy offering numerous coffee and sandwiches.

You’ll thank us for this during finals week.

Food and Dining Of the basic necessities for life, food is the most enjoyable. Take a bite of the culinary mastery UAA’s dining services has to offer.

University Lake

East Campus and Residence Area Creekside Commons: For on-campus residents, the most convenient place to get some grub is at the Creekside Commons, located in the Gorsuch Commons. The chefs are constantly creating new dishes to satisfy every students need for a home-cooked meal. Whether your diet is vegetarian, vegan, kosher, or limited due to allergies, Creekside Commons accommodates for every student’s nutrition needs.

North Hall Main Apartment Complex

veniently located on the e you can order a quick p you going during class, your grumbling stomach.

Bear Necessities: This campus convenience store is located in the Gorsuch Commons. If you need your daily coffee fix, Bear Necessities can hook you up. The store also provides quick snacks, groceries to stock your bare-bones refrigerator and many necessities required for on-campus residency.

r dining variety, you can dy Market Place offers g Pizza Plaza, Ultimate ing pizza, Mexican, spectively.

The Brew Stop: The Brew Stop is a kiosk in the ground floor of the Administrative Building. As it’s name suggests, it’s a quick stop for some fresh-brewed coffee as well as bottled drinks and pastries.

wer level of the Student wn bread, cheese, meats, -tailored sandwich to suit sandwich or wrap. Don’t -baked cookie.

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hes on the lower level of s and the menu changes pings for $7.79 and under.

Coffee Shops

Starbucks: The corporate coffee shop that swept America hosts a cozy area in the Social Sciences Building. Their mainstay coffee and tea beverages will wake you up while you study on one of their way-too-comfortable chairs.

Starbucks also offers pastries, confections, salads and sandwiches.

Compiled by Brittany Bennett

Gorsuch Commons

West Hall East Hall

Templewood

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Like-minded people sought by clubs at UAA

By Shana Roberson

Special to the Northern Light

There are too many reasons to join a student club this semester to avoid it any longer. Whether your motive is social-scene enhancing, resume enhancing, talent enhancing or something-to-do-when-the-winter-rolls-around enhancing there are 75 choices that are waiting for you.

Looking for some major excitement? Most likely has a club at the university. Major-focused clubs include accounting, engineering, all things medical, geology and philosophy. There is a Russian Club, Polynesian College Council, Japanese Culture Club, and Chinese Language Club.

Clubs focused on your major will allow you to netowrk within your chosen career and make friends with students who you’ll be spending four years of school with.

Big on volunteering? Many clubs around campus offer ways to get involved and make a difference. One such club, Circle K, leads students in community service with the goal of making friends and having fun along the way.

Last spring the club worked with parking services to allow parking ticket holders to donate breakfast foods as a means of paying their fines.

Another volunteer-focused club is the AE Club. They travel the country, assisting Habitat for Humanity to build homes for those in need.

They have many different events and fundraisers through out the year to raise funds including marathons, fun runs and even Bachelor auctions.

Focused on Art? A plethora of clubs awaits you. Simply pick your passion.

If ceramic arts fire you up, check out Claybody. They get together for department issues as well as showcases.

Last December, they had a pottery sale and last January the club held a Soda and Wood Fire Ceramic Invitational at the Student Union Gallery. Your work could be in the next showcase.

Joining the Culinary Arts Club might get you a chance to taste their award winning chili that won first place last March in the Human Services Club’s Chili Challenge. Further, they aim to enhance your talent, which in turn could be put to good use in their volunteer activities.

You can hone all types of theater skills such as producing, directing, designing or acting by joining Theatre on the Rocks.

If hip-hop is your style, the Hip Hop Club has practices, dances and competitions. If you are a fan of the UAA Dance Ensemble, the UAA Dance Club is a good bet for you. They host dance classes, social gatherings, and raise funds for the Ensemble.

Like to write? If you want to get published, check out Understory, an annual magazine published by UAA students that showcase the prose, poetry and artwork of UAA students.

If you prefer to mix your art pleasures, check out the Art Student Association, which focuses on bringing together all art disciplines.

Sports got you revved up? There are several clubs with a focus on your favorite physical recreation.

The Bike Club is for anyone who likes bikes and wants to know more about using them from both a functional and sustainability point of view.

Anyone who has an interest in skiing and snowboarding might check out the Shred Club, a place to meet new people and find out about the best local “shred” spots. Bonus: they also focus on technique and safety information.

That is only a small taste of about one third of the 75 clubs UAA offers. Check out the list and find out who to contact at the website http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/ clubs/. You will also likely find many of these clubs at the Campus Kickoff.

GRAPHICS BY BRITTANY BENNETT

Into politics? With the midterm elections coming up, you may find this to be the perfect time to get involved in the local and national political scene.

UAA offers many clubs with political agendas.

Among those officially registered are the College Democrats and College Republicans. These clubs focus on education and activism concerning their declared political party and ideology.

If you are passionate about a specific agenda you might check out Students for Social Equality, a club whose philosophy centers on a society without classes and promotes equality. They pledge an eclectic mix of ideologies but no ties to any specific political party.

VOX: Voices for Planned Parenthood is another club with a specific political ideology. They focus on pro-choice education and activism. Last fall the club held an event called “The V-word” where students performed short monologues in order to raise funds and enhance understanding on the subject of violence against women.

August 17, 2010 |FALL

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Office of Sustainability focuses on Kick-Off

By Brittany Bennett The Northern Light

With an international spotlight on renewable energy and practices, UAA is taking a stand to make the campus a more sustainable facility. In January of 2009, the Office of Sustainability opened to assess and assert the need for an environmentally friendly campus.

The recently established office has a mountain of sustainability initiatives to conquer. The university is graded by using a 28-page credit check, earning points for every goal accomplished as outlined by the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS).

This packet includes several categories, amongst which are education and research, operations, dining services, energy, grounds, purchasing, transportation and several others with numerous credit rating topics under each.

The College Sustainability Report Card (CSRC) awards grades as well. For 2010, UAA earned a B-, beating rival UAF, which earned a C- (tsk tsk).

Both schools are involved in the Sustainability Smackdown, a yearlong event where students can track their sustainable actions and earn points for the school and prizes for themselves. This contest is based off of the CSRC. The campus is working on many different projects to be sustainable. Changes will be made at Campus Kick-Off to promote a more renewable event.

“They are looking at using biodegradable forks, spoons, knives, plates, etc, for the food,” Office of Sustainability Director Paula Williams said.

Recycling bins will be available as well, just as they were last year.

“We’re going to have people stationed at the recycling bins,” Williams said. “Last year we ended up throwing out most of the stuff that was supposed to be recycled.”

Students can help prevent another incident such as this

need to do with their recycling before they can recycle products,” Williams said.

Another change that will be made is the limited use of paper resources.

Organizers of the event will be cutting back in their use of paper while planning Kick-Off. The program for the comedy show will be featured on a

projector, rather than having individual booklets for each student.

Transportation, a major project and STARS credit for the Office of Sustainability, will also become more eco-friendly for the KickOff event. Students may use their WOLFCard to ride the People Mover to and from the event if they live off-campus; however the People Mover will be operating on

GRAPHIC BY BRITTANY BENNETT

from happening by emptying out bottles into buckets, which will be placed next to the recycling bin.

Containers are only recyclable if they are a certain plastic and are void of any food or drink product.

Stationing members of the recycling team at Campus KickOff “will be a way for us to educate people about what they

a normal schedule, which can be checked at peoplemover.org.

For students on campus, the Seawolf Shuttle will provide rides from the residencies to the event.

Two shuttles will operate from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. The Seawolf Shuttles will run from the Gorsuch Commons to Rasmuson Hall. In addition, the Seawolf Shuttles will run to and from Fred Meyer’s College Night. A van will also pick up “stragglers,” according to Mallory Wetherington of UAA Residence Life.

If one of these options doesn’t work out for you, you can carpool, bike, walk, run, rollerblade, long board, scooter, pogo stick, unicycle or leapfrog with friends to and from Campus Kick-Off. No matter what your contribution is, be it carpooling, recycling, bringing a reusable mug or simply encouraging your friends to be more aware, you can kick off the school year with a sustainable start.

If you want to be involved with the Office of Sustainability and its multiple project, contact Paula Williams at 907-786-1515.

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Sit within the first few rows of desks. You are more likely to pay attention and succeed than if you sit in the back and text all hour.

start out on top.

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there’s strong. then there’s army strong. if you want to be a leader in life, joining army rotC at uaa is the strongest way to start. it provides hands-on leadership development. plus you can earn a full-tuition, merit-based scholarship. after graduation, you’ll begin your career as an officer. With a start like that, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. to get started, contact major Kelly nichols or http://www.uaf.edu/rotc/index-6.html.

add a feW hours of strength to your fall Class sChedule!

Enroll in MILS 101. Find out more about leadership, offiCership and sCholarships!

UAA Students are encouraged to call 907 474-7501 or email rotc@uaf.edu ©2008. paid for by the united states army. all rights reserved.

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6/16/09 2:01:33 PM

August 17, 2010 |FALL

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Textbooks do not need to break your bank

By Shana Roberson

Special to The Northern Light

Back to school can be a buzz kill on your budget. One way to save money is to get serious about searching for best prices for your textbooks.

One of the first steps you should take regarding your back-to-school books is to go online to UAA’s Campus Bookstore website and get the full list of required and optional texts for your courses. The website will give the correct International Standard Book Number (ISBN) for each book along with the bookstore prices. Keep these handy for searching and price comparison.

The next step should be checking the library for your books. If you are taking an English or History class, there is a good chance some of your required reading can be found at the library, such as The Republic or Wuthering Heights. If there is no wait for the particular book you are after, the library will allow you to renew all semester long. This can mean no out of pocket expense.

In addition, many professors will put a copy of the required textbooks on reserve at the library if they are available. Reserve allows students to check out a book for a couple hours to be used at the library. Of course, the library option is subject to

availability.

The next step might be to check out Addall.com, a website that checks common websites like Amazon.com or Half.com for book prices. When you search for the book by title or ISBN you will get a list of prices offered around the web starting with the cheapest. Be sure to add in shipping costs when applicable. Some websites will ship for free if you meet a certain price threshold, so keep an eye out.

Another option currently gaining popularity is renting books. Websites like Chegg.com lets students rent books in sixty day, semester and yearlong intervals. If you are not planning on keeping the book this is a good option. Also, books are usually only in circulation for a handful of semesters.

Once they are removed most retailers will not buy them back. Renting your books sidesteps the buyback hassle all together.

Yet another option you might prefer is the eBook option. Whether you use a Kindle, an iPad, smart phone apps or just your computer, many books can be had in the electronic version. You can either go to your specific gadget’s website or go to websites like barnesandnoble.com or CourseSmart.com to find these eBooks.

Finally, you can always check with other students on Craigslist, Twitter, Facebook and postings around campus. You might

find other students willing to trade books rather than cash. If you and a friend are taking a class together you might try splitting the cost and sharing the book.

As an example, let’s use Western Civilization I. There are four required texts

If you are taking an English or History class, there is a good chance some of your required reading can be found at the library, such as The Republic or Wuthering Heights.

for one particular version of the course.

Three of the books, Book of Margery Kempe, Lysistrata, and Michelangelo and the Pope’s Ceiling, can all be found in the library. Free!

Western Society: Brief History, Volume

1 is the last book on the list. One call to the library finds it available on reserve. If it was not available on reserve or there was a specific motivation to buy it, you can run down the options.

The UAA Campus Bookstore is selling the book used for $47.95 and new for $63.90.

A search on Addall.com shows two websites selling a used version for $31 plus shipping ($4 or $5 depending on the vendor). Chegg. com will rent it for $26.49 plus shipping, which is $6.99 to Alaska. CourseSmart. com lists a six month eTextbook download for $28.95.

There are a few more small considerations to keep in mind. Most professors are particular about having the exact edition or year published, so check the book and confirm with them. Also, be sure your professor is going to use the text.

Professors are required to list a textbook for class but not all end up using them enough to warrant purchase.

After considering all the information and all of your options, choose the best textbook based on your personal reading style If you use all of the options available you might be able to avoid the hefty $400 price tag an average semester can cost in textbooks.

Don’t take your textbooks out of the shrink-wrap until your professor confirms that you purchased the right ones.

You can’t return them if they are unwrapped.

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Employment and career counseling at UAA

By Jerzy Shedlock

Finding a job at UAA

The Northern Light

If college students know one thing, it’s the definition of broke. Students attaining a higher education often have little spending money, as most of their funds are being poured into tuition and additional educational expenses.

Commuter students of UAA travel from across town or come in from the valley on a daily basis. The rising costs of energy are causing the average student’s dollar to stretch beyond rational limits at the gas pump.

Luckily, there are many jobs available at the university, so students can stay on campus to learn and earn.

UAA hosts a website devoted to helping students find jobs on campus, and the Career Services Center provides students with resources to aid them in obtaining that job as well as tools for finding a future career.

A long list of available jobs can be browsed through at www.uakjobs.com. The options are numerous. Students can find simple jobs that help pay the bills, such as becoming a clerk at the bookstore or information kiosk in the student union. Students can also find jobs that are specific to certain majors, which can help build résumés.

University jobs require that a student maintains a 2.0 GPA and is enrolled in a minimum of six credits during the semester that they are working. During the summer, students must be enrolled for six credits for the coming semester.

The Career Services Center provides students and alumni with an excellent job database featuring over 500 current job positions. The center also hosts multiple career fairs throughout the year, called expos. Often these are major specific, but the Fall Career Expo in November will feature employers from a variety of career fields looking for interns, part-time, full-time, professional and seasonal employees.

The upcoming Law School Fair on September 22 will feature admissions representatives from law schools across the lower forty-eight. All those interested in learning about law school are encouraged to attend.

People often have trouble determining what job is right for them. Luckily, the Career Services Center can help on this front as well.

Their website states, “(The center) helps students and alumni analyze interests, aptitudes, abilities, previous work experience, personal traits and desired life style to promote awareness of the interrelationship between self knowledge and career choice.”

The center’s website, www.uaacareerservices. com, offers links to free assessment tests to help find an optimal career through skill- or personality-based questions. In addition, the Academic Advising Office at UAA offers two of its own assessment tests for students.

If you have yet to choose a major within the UA system, Career Services Center can help you find a suitable career path through career counseling.

Unsure if the résumé you wrote is up to professional standards? The center can help with this too. Students can bring a hard copy of their completed résumé to the staff at the center and they will critique it. This is very beneficial, as a résumé full of grammatical errors can cost you that much-needed job.

Just as important as the résumé is the job interview. Mock interviews can be scheduled at the center for those who need practice before the real thing. Students come appropriately dressed to the practice interviews with résumés in hand.

This real-life simulation can help work out the kinks of an individual’s interview. The interview is videotaped so students can watch themselves and learn what changes need to be made to make the best impression on a potential employer.

The following are based on available student jobs currently posted on www.uakjobs.com

Most book work/ quietest Job If you love books as well as peace and quiet, then a job in the university’s library is perfect. The ARLIS Library, which is collocated with the Consortium library but separately managed, has student assistant positions available. Principle responsibilities include preparing library materials to go onto shelves by property stamping, applying barcodes, security strips and labels; providing special maintenance such as binding and mending in addition to other tasks.

Students should keep in mind that they must be physically able to lift boxes of books weighing up to 50 lbs with and without accommodations. Make $9.00 an hour as you build physical and mental strength.

Most politicking Believe it or not, students at UAA have a say in the goings-on of university affairs. If active engagement is what you desire consider becoming a public relations director or government relations director for USUAA. The positions pay $10.00 an hour, and strong project management and coordination are needed for both.

As the public relations director a student acts as a liaison for student government, working with varied Anchorage media and university media. They create and produce all USUAA advertisements related to student government programs.

The government relations director has many tasks, such as attending and preparing reports for each USUAA Assembly meetings and providing an avenue of clear communication between students and the legislative process.

Most fulfilling job Students looking to give back to the community in a positive way can become student tutors. Tutoring positions are available in a number of departments, but areas such as the sciences and math are always in need of additional help. For example, math tutors aid students in lower division mathematics and statistics courses. Tutors must be able to explain math concepts to a diverse population and have a serious commitment to student cliental.

Not everyone is eligible, as tutors must have at least a 2.7 cumulative GPA and have completed Math 200, Math 201 and Math 202 with a C or better. Help students in need achieve their goals and your work will surely be commended.

Most social interaction If you’re a student highly motivated to meet new people and establish lasting relationships becoming a peer mentor for the Department of Residence Life is a perfect fit. Peer mentors must be in good disciplinary standing at the time of appointment and throughout employment. The job is an enjoyable and challenging experience. The mentor is assigned to live in one of UAA’s residential communities and serve as a resource to students.

Included as salary is a $200 reduction of a single suite and $550 credit each semester in addition to a $7.75 hourly wage. Peer mentors provide personal and academic support for fellow students. They also work with residence advisors to create educational and social activities for the residence community. Upon employment, a mentor undergoes specific training that will help them in their new job.

Least social interaction There are plenty of jobs for students who don’t wish to have constant social interaction. All jobs require some amount of interaction with others, but there are many jobs available to students in which you work independently and don’t have to worry about a long list of responsibilities. Student assistant positions are generally lower paying. The positions, however, are an excellent way to focus your energy on your studies and still make money. Students can make $7.75 an hour to perform basic office duties or help professors with grading and entering grades.

Student assistants need good interpersonal skills, an ability to perform and coordinate multiple tasks and a willingness to maintain confidentiality. Assistants are often required to make individual decisions in the absence of supervision.

There are higher paying student assistant positions available that require more responsibilities.

Most creative All jobs don’t have to be busy work; they can be outlets for creativity as well. A student full of imagination and original ideas has a number of employment options available. A student can become a scene shop assistant for the Department of Theater and Dance. Under the supervision of the Scenic Designer and Shop Supervisor these assistants help in the building of props and sets for UAA Theater and Dance productions making $9.00 and hour in the process.

Working as a graphic designer for the Northern Light, students can make $9.50 an hour created graphics to accompany articles for print and web. Graphic designers must demonstrate a certain level of creative ability in graphic illustration and design as well as work on a deadline. There are also a number of graphics assistant positions available. Creativity is a much desired trait people often lack, so why not get paid to create pieces that UAA students will enjoy?

For those who have read “Eats, Shoots and Leaves.”

Aspiring writers can display their talents and get paid in the process in a copious amount of positions available through the university. The Northern Light has many positions currently available paying anywhere from $8.50 to $10.75.

Assistant section editors are required to write articles and edit others’ pieces. This is a great way to get published, which can only help when trying to attain future employment. English and journalism majors are always sought, but anyone who loves to write is welcome at TNL. Students can also become writing center tutors and help others perfect their writing skills. Paying $9.50 hourly, writing tutors help students primarily with their grammar and mechanics, sentence structure and effectively communicating the principles of the subject area.

Going to class and playing WOW on your laptop all hour does not count as attendance. It is only a detriment to your own education and for every student sitting around you watching your raid.