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UAA Graduate School Orientation
How to Navigate UAA’s Resources
Welcome to the Graduate School
Welcome!
• On behalf of the Graduate School
administration and staff, welcome
to the Graduate School.
UAA Mission Statement
The mission of
the University of
Alaska
Anchorage is to
discover and
disseminate
knowledge
through teaching,
research,
engagement, and
creative
expression.
The Graduate School Mission Statement
The Graduate School of the University of
Alaska Anchorage contributes to the
advancement of knowledge through
research and instruction. The Graduate
School encourages qualified
undergraduates to pursue graduate study,
seeks to foster in each graduate student a
spirit of inquiry and a quality of
scholarship or artistic excellence consistent
with the highest traditions in graduate
work, and prepares graduates who are able
to assume the professional and scholarly
responsibilities of educated persons in a
free society. The Graduate School aspires
to be a leading driver of high quality
graduate education, dedicated to the
embodiment of academic and creative
excellence, resulting in scholars,
researchers, and practitioners committed to
and capable of continually broadening the
scope of academic discourse, discovery,
and innovation.
Administration and Staff
Individuals:
•
Dean of the Graduate School: Dr. Helena
Contact us:
•
Wisniewski
•
•
•
•
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Executive Assistant to the Dean: Cheryl
Spalinger
Associate Dean of the Graduate School:
Dr. David Yesner
Director: Elisa Mattison
Compliance Administrator: Kelly McLain
Coordinator & Webmaster: Shelley
Chapman
Administrative Aide: Marilyn Bost
Rules, regulations, and formatting
assistance: Elisa Mattison & Dr. Yesner
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Elisa Mattison 907-786-1096
Dr. Yesner 907-786-1098
For assistance with the website: Shelley
Chapman
– 907-786-1443
For assistance regarding document
processing: Marilyn Bost
– 907-786-1095
Schools and Colleges
The University
of Alaska
Anchorage includes:
The Graduate School
College of Arts and Sciences
School of Engineering
College of Business and Public
Policy
College of Education
College of Health
Community and Technical
College
Of these
departments,
there are
several
varying
online
options
within
specific
programs.
Chart
The Graduate School
Keep this
chart in mind
when seeking
assistance.
Submittal of
theses, status
updates, and
general
questions are
most
appropriately
handled by
the
Administrati
ve Assistant,
Marilyn.
Cheryl Spalinger, Executive
Assistant to the Dean
Dr. Helena Wisniewski,
Vice Provost of the
Graduate School and Dean
of the Graduate School
Kelly McLain,
Compliance
Administrator
Dr. David Yesner,
Associate Dean of the
Graduate School
Elisa Mattison,
Director of the
Graduate School
Shelley Chapman, Web Coordinator
Marilyn Bost, Administrative Aide
Public Health Distance Education
Contact Information
General Information
•
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Physical Address
– 4500 Diplomacy Dr, Room 405
Mailing Address
– 3211 Providence Drive, DPL 405
Anchorage, AK 99508-4614
Map to our Location
General Health Sciences & Master of Public
Health Program Info:
– Rhonda M. Johnson
•
Health Sciences Department Chair
MPH Program Coordinator
907-786-6545 Office
Rhonda.Johnson@uaa.alaska.edu
– Katie Frost, Administrative Aide
•
907-786-6540
•
•
Students meet once yearly and are
expected to defend their thesis on
campus.
You can find more details at the UAA
Public Health website.
– FAQs
Students have the option of
completing a thesis or a project.
– Students completing a project
will not have to adhere to
guidelines regarding theses.
Creative Writing and Literary Arts Distance Education
Contact Information
Dr. David Stevenson,
Program Director
Phone: 907-786-6435
Fax: 907-786-4190
afdds1@uaa.alaska.edu
Jenny Murray, Program
Coordinator
Phone: 907-786-4394
Fax: 907-786-4190
jmurray@uaa.alaska.edu
General Information
• Students “attend” online
classes during the spring
and fall semester.
• Every Summer, residencies
are held in Anchorage.
Residencies are an integral
requirement of the degree.
• FAQs
Programs that Offer Online Options
School of Engineering
Project Management features integrative and innovative online courses.
– Meuy Saechao
– Andrew Tibor
• E-Learning Coordinator
• Office Phone: (907)786-1884
– Project Management FAQ
UAA’s Project Management Department has dedicated personnel for recording
and offering classes to remote students.
– During class, cameras controlled by AV personnel allow online
students to follow the action within the classroom. Staff and faculty
perform ad-hoc training and testing at students’ request, especially for
those students who may plan to attend remotely for only one or two
classes a semester while they’re out of town.
Classrooms offer superior videoconferencing.
– Instructors have the ability to gauge understanding by reading the
remote students’ facial expressions on large monitors in the classroom.
The program employs the most sophisticated deployment of Echo360 at UAA.
– Echo360 is a lecture capture solution which allows students to view
both video of the classroom and the material being presented (at the
same time) in one online interface (through Blackboard).
Online Short Course
School of Engineering
• The School of Engineering
also offers an online short
course titled, “Fundamentals
of Arctic Engineering.”
• General Information
• Faculty
More Online Options
Nursing
– Jessica Salas 907-786-4537
The Health Science Building features technology
that caters to the needs of distance education
students. In addition, the Nursing program features
intensive on-campus courses followed by periodic
class meetings via computer or audio conferencing.
Read more about the nursing program and the
building in the Green and Gold news article
announcing its opening in 2011.
Find more information at
http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/schoolofnursing/typesofd
egrees/mastersofscience/index.cfm
Social Work
– Elizabeth Sirles 907-786-6907
Students stay on campus for four days of intensive
classwork at the beginning of fall, spring and
summer semesters. They then continue with weekly
synchronous classwork via phone or eLive.
Find more information at
http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/socialwork/msw_program
/index.cfm
Even More Options
College of Education
• The Master of Education, Educational Leadership
program is entirely web-based, unless specifically stated.
– More details are found at the website.
• The Speech-Language Pathology program offers leveling
courses for distance students.
– For more information, check out their website.
Academics
General Tips:
• Keep in mind that each degree is likely to vary slightly in
requirements.
• This is especially important in regard to online programs.
• Review UAA’s programs.
• Questions or concerns, specific to a department should
be directed to the appropriate contact.
• Stay current on the latest policies and procedures.
– UAA Catalog, Chapter 12
Academic Forms
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•
•
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A full list of forms can be found at the UAA website. Distance students ordinarily email
forms to the Graduate School.
Throughout your graduate education, you will make use of several forms including:
– Graduate Studies Plans (GSP)
• You should fill one out by your second semester.
• Please type in David R. Yesner, PhD on Graduate School signature
line. Associate Dean Yesner has signature authority for all GSP submissions.
Annual reports are filled out yearly by your adviser
– Graduate Requirement Reports (GRR)
• Thesis and/or Comprehensive Exams
– Report on Thesis/ Dissertation Defense
In addition, you might need to make changes such as
– Temporary Leave of Absence
• In extreme circumstances, students are granted a temporary leave of absence.
– Change of Major or Emphasis
• This applies to changes between schools/colleges and to different degrees
within the same school or college.
– Appointment of a New Committee Member
– Graduate Academic Petition
• These are used to petition deadlines, particular class requirements and transfer
credits.
• Discuss any potential petitions with your adviser and utilize the UAA catalog.
All forms must be filled out by the student, circulated in the department and ultimately
approved by the Graduate School.
– Always allow plenty of time as faculty and staff may be unavailable.
Paying for School
The Payment Process
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All tuition, fees and other charges for the semester must be paid at the time of
registration or by the payment deadline. Find the payment deadline at Dates
and Deadline. There will be no university-initiated drop for non-payment.
To view your electronic bill, log in to UAOnline and choose Student Services
and Account Information, then Student Account, then Statement and Payment
History. An electronic bill will be generated on the 15th of each month and
made available via UAOnline. An e-mail reminder will be sent to your UAAassigned e-mail address each time the bill is generated.
A paper bill will not be mailed.
Payment may be made in cash, by check, or VISA or MasterCard.
Students requiring a payment plan may contact Tuition Management Systems
(TMS) at www.afford.com/UAA or 1-800-722-4867. For additional tuition
assistance options click here.
Tuition and fee charges may be audited, corrected and adjusted before the end
of the current semester. Students are notified of adjustments by mail. The
university reserves the right to change its tuition or fees at any time.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid
Assistance
•
•
•
•
File Early for Financial Aid!
– It can take up to 8 weeks to process.
– Keep in mind that you will not receive financial aid
until you are admitted.
Check the Financial Aid web site.
The process includes scholarships, loans, and work study.
Some important steps:
1. Fill out FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student
Aid) on-line at the FAFSA website.
2. Check out scholarships at the Office of Student
Financial Assistance.
3. For loan information go to the Federal Student Aid
website.
4. In addition, departments offer limited positions as
graduate assistants.
BlackBoard and Webmail
Webmail
Blackboard
• Throughout your time at
• As soon as possible, check
UAA, your student UAA
to make sure you can log
email account will serve as
in to Blackboard.
the primary facilitator for
– Report problems to the IT
center.
contact with professors and
peers.
• Basics:
– Some students opt to forward
their UAA email to their
preferred account.
– Check out the online
troubleshooting site.
• Basics:
– What is Webmail?
– What is Blackboard?
– FAQ for Blackboard
Learning Management
Familiarize yourself with the site as soon as
possible so you don’t encounter any issues at
the beginning on the semester.
•
•
Administrated by UAA IT Services
– https://kb.uaa.alaska.edu/Wiki%20Pages/Bl
ackboard%20Student%20Resources.aspx
In general, all professors use Blackboard to
facilitate learning.
– The syllabus, homework and assignments
will likely be posted on Blackboard.
Communication
Log-in Guides
The University communicates
exclusively through UAA
email. In other words, all
financial billing, safety alerts,
and updates are sent to the
UAA email account.
University professors utilize
Blackboard to varying
degrees. For the most part,
you can expect to find
syllabi, assignments and
grades on Blackboard. Check
with individual professors.
Note: Blackboard and the UAA email utilize the same login information.
Degree Works
Track your Progress
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You can easily check your progress toward graduation with Degree
Works, our web-based degree audit software. Degree Works tells
you how far you've come and how far you need to go to reach your
graduation goals.
FAQs
How to Access:
•
Students can log into their Degree Works records
via UAOnline. Under "Student Services & Account
Information" select "Degree Works/Electronic Degree
Audit."
Degree Works will enable you to:
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View your progress toward your degree
Run a degree audit on your program
See how all completed courses apply to graduation requirements
See any outstanding degree requirements still needed
Determine how courses may be used toward a different major
Conference Software
There are a variety of different means to
communicate with students.
Browse some of the most commonly
used conference resources:
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eLive (soon to be replaced) – Administrated by UAA IT
Services
– https://kb.uaa.alaska.edu/Wiki%20Pages/Elluminate%
20Live.aspx
Skype / Google+ Hangouts / other end user video software –
Administrated by Project Management AV personnel
– http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/schoolofengineering/progr
ams/pm/distance/index.cfm
Microsoft Lync – Administrated by UAA IT Services
http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/wolflync/
Cisco Jabber / Vidyo – Administrated by UA OIT VCS
https://www.alaska.edu/oit/services/video-conferencing/
Lecture Options
Your professors will utilize various resources to lecture.
Here is information regarding several options:
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Echo360 – Currently Administrated by UAA IT Services in
conjunction with the Faculty Technology Center
http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/facultytechnologycenter/contact/index.cfm
Cisco Jabber / Vidyo – Administrated by UA OIT VCS (limited)
– https://www.alaska.edu/oit/services/video-conferencing/
Microsoft Lync – Administrated by UAA IT Services (limited)
– http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/wolflync/
Correspondence, Blackboard, et. al.
– http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/distanceeducation/
– Keith Berggren
– khberggren@uaa.alaska.edu
– (907)786-4646 option 3
Registration
UA Online:
• UA Online is the online
registration system for the
University of Alaska.
• www.uaonline.alaska.edu
– Check your registration status
– Register for classes
– View your student records
Logging on:
UA ID Number:
UA ID Number is a unique
number assigned to you
(sometimes called a 30 million
number) which generally
begins with a ‘3’.
UA ID Number layout:
3xxxxxxx
UA PIN:
The PIN is used to log into
UAOnline (it is not the
password used for accessing
your University e-mail,
Blackboard, office computer,
etc.).
For Help:
Manage your account; change
password.
Contact UAA Call Center for
any additional issues.
907-786-4646
Note: If you have never logged into UAOnline before, your default PIN is your date of
birth in the format MMDDYY.
Continuous Registration
What is Continuous Registration?
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Continuous Registration acts like a placeholder when you are either taking no
coursework or a part-time course load.
This process keeps the student active in the UAA system.
You must be registered during the summer semester before you graduate.
To make Continuous Progress in their graduate program, students have the following
options:
– Registering for at least one graduate level credit applicable to their graduate
degree, or
– Paying the continuous registration fee (by registering for Extended
Registration CRN) to remain active in the graduate program although not
registered for any courses.
– Find the extended registration CRNs for 2013-2014 at the Graduate School
website under “Current Students.”
Adhere to the continuous registration policy established by the specific college,
school or department.
– See your program advisor for details.
More about Continuous Registration
Is Continuous Registration Always a requirement?
Health Insurance
Distance Education students enrolled at
UAA, UAF, or UAS taking 6 or more
credits which do not meet the eligibility
requirements because they are not taking
at least 3 on-campus courses, may enroll
in the plan on a voluntary basis using the
Distance Education forms.
The premium rates are indicated on the
Distance Education enrollment form.
To enroll, complete the Distance
Education enrollment form available at
your university or visit their website.
Buying Textbooks
• UAA’s Library provides some excellent tips to
follow when deciding whether to buy or rent, and
if purchasing, the best options.
• If you decide to order through the
bookstore, order specifically through
the distance education portion of the
site. Orders are shipped for $15.
• UAA’s Bookstore FAQ
• Also check out online sources. Be sure to order in
advance
as they require ample shipping time. In addition,
review return
policies. Some will waive shipping fees other
specify that the
purchaser must pay return fees.
• Call 907-786- 4759 with any questions.
Tips:
1. Compare
prices!
2. Check ISBN
Numbers!
3. Shop
around;
sometimes the
UAA Campus
IS
the best deal for
texts.
Thesis Assistance
Need Help?
• General tips from the Graduate School.
• Distance Education flow chart.
• In addition, Elisa Mattison, the Graduate School Director provides
individual formatting assistance and electronic thesis submission for
distance students.
– 907-786-1096
• Always check with your program because requirements vary.
• Helpful advice for Creative Writing students writing theses.
Thesis & Dissertation Editors
The editors listed below will work with Graduate
Students on theses or dissertations for a fee. Please
contact the editor directly regarding your
requirements and their rate.
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Rachel V. Boschma-Wynn
– rvboschmawynn@alaska.edu
Annie Derthick
– 770-295-8271
– aoderthick@alaska.edu
Colleen Moore Ace Writing Services, LLC
– 239-601-7908
– www.acewritingservices.com
Robin K. Cerwonka
– 907-230-8481
– rcerwonka@hotmail.com
Academic Resources
The Online Library
•
Though, as a distance student, you do not
have direct assess with the library, you can
utilize the many online resources exclusive to
UAA students.
– Connect to Databases from off-campus.
– RefWorks
– General “How-to” Guides regarding
research, writing tips, and other various
topics.
– In addition, there is material specific to
departments such as Public Health and
Nursing.
InterLibrary Loans
More Options for Graduate Students
–
For ILL service, Distance Students, Staff or Faculty may create an ILL account at
http://consortiumlibrary.org/services/ill/.
• For Articles: Here is an example of how to request an article:
http://consortiumlibrary.org/tutorials/ill_requesting_asp.php
– Everyone receives articles that are delivered Electronically to their ILL Posted Articles
account with an email notification that the item is available. This ensures the Library
does not fill up your email with large documents.
– Students have 30 days to read, print, copy, save article before it is deleted.
• For Books: Those who do not fall within the Anchorage/Matsu bowl but live within Alaska,
may be eligible for Distance Delivery of returnable ILL materials like books or media.
Are you eligible for Distance Delivery?
–
Go to http://consortiumlibrary.org/services/ill/distance_learner.php.
• Sometimes materials arrive as "In Library Use Only" or are in formats that need special
equipment like a microfilm or microfiche reader so may not be eligible for delivery.
• The library ships Consortium Library Materials to Distance Students as either an electronic
document in the case of articles or via mail in the case of books and media.
• Distance Students who live outside the state are eligible for Electronic Article Delivery and
Delivery of Consortium Library books, but are currently not eligible for regular Interlibrary
Loans.
Opportunities
Graduate Student Association
The Graduate Student Association, hereafter referred to as GSA, will
represent the interests of students wishing to attain an advanced degree by
communicating with the university to effect positive change. The GSA will
work to make the University of Alaska Anchorage a more competitive
institution by maintaining a living wage, adequate health insurance, sufficient
resources and administrative support for all teaching and research assistants.
The GSA will be a supportive community for students in all departments.
Who can Join?
GSA Membership is open to all students. Any graduate or professional
student enrolled in a minimum of 3 credits and pursuing a master or
doctoral degree at the University of Alaska Anchorage may vote at GSA
meetings.
Diversity
UAA Welcomes Diversity!
The Office of Campus Diversity and Compliance primary function is to:
– promote, support, measure, and celebrate diversity. This
mission also includes support for the Diversity Action
Council and other programming events and activities that
promote diversity on campus.
– manage and coordinate University policies, procedures, and
programs regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action.
– The Office of Campus Diversity and Compliance (OCDC)
handles complaints on discrimination and harassment
based on race, color, gender, sexual-orientation, religion,
national origin, citizenship, age, marital status, disability or
status as a Vietnam-era or disabled veteran.
– Find more details at the website.
Contact
•
Marva Watson
– Director
– mjwatson@uaa.alaska.edu
– (907) 786-1424
•
Jerry Trew
– Title IX Investigator
– jltrew@uaa.alaska.edu
– (907) 786-1535
Military
Resources for Military and Veteran Students
• UAA’s Military & Veteran Community
Resources provides information for
Military and Veteran students and their
families.
• Vet Success
• Contact John Johnson with questions.
Thank you for
your service!
International Students
Resources
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•
•
For answers to all your questions regarding International Student
Services, go to the UAA website.
– New students should visit the website as soon as possible to
get an overview of important information.
Call International Student Services.
David Racki
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International Student Admission Officer and Advisor, PDSO
University Center
3901 Old Seward Highway, Suite 106
Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: (907) 786-1573 | Fax: (907) 786-4888
Email: dracki@uaa.alaska.edu
Anna Shcheglyuk & Jake Park
ISS Student Assistants
Office Location: University Center, Suite 106
Phone: (907) 786-1670 | Fax: (907) 786-4888
Email: International@uaa.alaska.edu
Compliance with Federal Policies
Institutional Animal Care and Use
Committee (IACUC)
• If your research involves
animals, you might require
IACUC review.
Contact Information:
•
Dr. Jane Shelby, IACUC Chair
– njshelby@uaa.alaska.edu
– 907-786-4772
•
Kelly McLain, Research Compliance Officer
– kamclain@uaa.alaska.edu
– 907-786-1099
– http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/research/ric/iacu
c/index.cfm
Institutional Review Board (IRB)
• If your research involves
human participants, then
you might fall under the
jurisdiction of IRB
regulations
Contact Information:
•
Dr. Robert Boekman
– rjboekman@uaa.alaska.edu
– 907-786-1793
•
Kelly McLain, Research Compliance Officer
– kamclain@uaa.alaska.edu
– 907-786-1099
– http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/research/rixc/irb
/index.cfm
NSF and NIH Funded Research
NSF and NIH Funding
•
•
Do you have research funded by NSF? Are there undergraduates, graduates, or post-docs working on the research? Do you have an NOH
training grant?
If you answered yes to any of the questions above, please read the following notice:
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•
The RCR training course is required by the National Science Foundation (NSF) for all those working on an NSF grant as of
January 4, 2010. This requirement only includes undergraduates, graduates, and post-docs working on research funded by NSF.
– The National Institutes of Health (NIH) requires that all trainees, fellows, participants, and scholars receiving support through any
NIH training, career development award (individual or institutional), research education grant, and dissertation research grant must
receive instruction in responsible conduct of research. This policy will effect all new and renewal applications submitted on or
after January 25, 2010.
– Find more information at http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/research/ric/riced.cfm.
NSF and NIH Training Requirements
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•
The CITI course fulfills the NSF requirement for RCR training. However, receipt of online RCR training alone may not be
sufficient to meet NIH RCR training requirements, which depends upon the type of person being trained and whether other
training options (e.g., mentoring, classroom training, lectures) should be utilized.
Access to CITI
– CITI can be accessed here: http://www.citiprogram.org.
– Go to the CITI home page (the link above) and log in (remember your login information so you can re-enter to complete this
course or to choose another option).
–
Find the link "add a course or update your learner group" and click. Then click on "update groups". Then read and follow the
directions checking the option(s) you want to complete.
– Click to continue and click on "Go Back to Learner's Main Menu". The course you chose will be listed there and you can begin
the course you selected. It will come up whenever you log in again.
– A certificate is available to print/save upon completion.
Stay Informed
Sources of Information
• Internet
Stay up-todate on the
latest news!
– The UAA Web site at www.uaa.alaska.edu is updated.
– Detailed information about emergencies is posted on the Green & Gold News site at
http://greenandgold.uaa.alaska.edu.
• Newspapers
– The Northern Light
– Anchorage Daily News
• Radio
– 1610 AM Wolf-Radio: UAA has a parking/emergency radio transmitter which
operates on 1610 AM.
– 88.1 FM KRUA Radio: For University Closures.
– Emergency Communication - In the event of an emergency, UAA telephones act as
speakers to broadcast emergency announcements. Call (907) 786-1800 for
emergency information.
Stay in Touch!
Save
yourself the
stress.
• Contact the Graduate
School with
questions.
• Attend formatting
workshops early.
• Schedule additional
appointments, if
necessary.
Good luck!
UAA Graduate School welcomes you to Fall 2013!
A human being is not attaining his full heights until he is educated.
Horace Mann