Mission
The Vice President for Academics, Students & Research, directs a division of services including Academic Affairs, Research, Workforce Programs, Student Success, and Distance Education. The Vice President works with the Ï㽶ÊÓƵcampuses on academic and research initiatives and collaborations to promote research in Alaska. The University of Alaska is committed to working closely with all federal and state agencies and private enterprise to further develop collaboration and new exposures for future growth in all areas of science and technology.
Dr. Brian Smentkowski
Vice President and Chief Academic Officer
(907) 450-8019
bpsmentkowski@alaska.edu
System-level Coordination
ACEC facilitates inter-university coordination and communication to meet the goals
of UA's Schools of Education
Common Calendar 2018 - 2022
The Faculty Alliance Common Calendar Committee has developed a common calendar, coordinating
start dates and breaks throughout the system, and are further developing coordinated
course starting time alignment to facilitate cross-university instruction.
Information on Accreditation
All three universities, UAA, UAF, and UAS, and their respective Community Colleges
are fully accredited. In addition to institutional accreditation from the Northwest
Commission on Colleges and Universities, Ï㽶ÊÓƵhas more than 60 program/specialized accreditations
across the system.
Did you know the University of Alaska powers a growing grant writing network?
October 15, 2025
Did you know UAF just released a feature documentary celebrating 100 years of Nanooks hockey?
September 30, 2025
Did you know T3 Alaska is bringing maritime career pathways to 10 coastal communities this year?
September 10, 2025
August 26, 2025
University leaders share messages of support and resources following Western Alaska storms
October 17, 2025
UAA and UAF leaders address the impacts of recent storms across Western Alaska, share available resources, and thank the university community for its compassion and response.
Update on Staff Unionization Efforts: Understanding Flexibility Under UA's Current Staff System
October 17, 2025
Ï㽶ÊÓƵcontinues to provide information to help staff understand how union representation could affect their work experience, compensation, and professional development.
Save the date: Ï㽶ÊÓƵCompliance Week – third-party compliance training
October 17, 2025
As part of the University of Alaska's annual Compliance Week, employees are invited to attend a virtual training session focused on third-party compliance.
Fill out the Ï㽶ÊÓƵFoundation feedback survey
October 17, 2025
Ï㽶ÊÓƵFoundation kindly requests your candid feedback on past interactions to better understand your needs moving forward.
Delayed access to employee timesheets due to BSS9 work
October 17, 2025
In support of the University's ongoing transition to Banner Self Service 9 (BSS9), employees will have delayed access to their R23 and R24 timesheets.
Important Changes to Your Duo Security at UA
October 17, 2025
To protect your University of Alaska (UA) account and university services from increasing security threats, Ï㽶ÊÓƵis improving its Duo Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) system.
Updated social media guidelines now available
October 17, 2025
The Office of Public Affairs has updated UA's general guidelines for personal and university social media use.
New University GenAI policies and guidelines now available
October 03, 2025
The University of Alaska's Office of Information Technology has released new Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) policies and resources to help employees navigate this fast-moving technology.