FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Arctic Educators Gather in Alaska
May 26, 2004
From May 16 – 19, over 65 members of the University of the Arctic (UArctic) gathered at the University of Alaska Fairbanks for their annual Council meeting. The Council of UArctic directs program development and delivery, acts as a forum for consultation and cooperation, and decides on implementation of programs through member institutions.
New Opportunities for Circumpolar Studies Students
“There has been no better time for Circumpolar Studies students to pursue the advanced emphasis section of their degrees. There are currently so many excellent choices available for our students,” says Greg Poelzer, Dean of Undergraduate Studies for UArctic.
Three new advanced emphases were approved at the Fairbanks meetings: Nature, Life and Culture in Arctic Norway and Arctic Perspectives on Norwegian Art and Crafts from Tromsø University College, and International Project Management from Rovaniemi Polytechnic.
Tore Nesheim, Director of Studies at Tromsø University College, notes, “The Arctic Perspectives on Norwegian Art and Crafts program demonstrates the added value of UArctic, as it emphasizes knowledge of local culture and the development of skills in artistic expressions such as the Saami craft form duodji. This is also a big step in the internationalization process for our institution. ”
Dr. Poelzer continues, “The International Project Management program promises to provide the kind of practical skills and tools needed by our Northern students as they enter the global work force, and will certainly contribute to the next generation of Northerners' capacity to work together as part of a common circumpolar region.”
Furthering Indigenous Education
On May 15th, the University of the Arctic co-hosted the Indigenous Higher Education Colloquium with the National Science Foundation Rural Systemic Initiatives, Alaska Rural Systemic Initiative, Consortium for Alaska Native Higher Education, and the National Science Foundation’s Tribal Colleges and Universities Program. The colloquium resulted in a renewed commitment on the part of UArctic members to enhance and expand indigenous offerings at their institutions.
Paul Reichardt, Provost of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, is proud of his institution’s role in hosting both meetings. “We feel that this is an excellent opportunity to contribute as citizens of the circumpolar world of higher education.”
Creation of Program Offices to Support UArctic Programs
The University of the Arctic is securing stable, long-term support for its programs. Thanks to generous funding from the Norwegian government, the north2north student mobility program will now be supported by a program office located at Finnmark University College in Alta, Norway.
The University of Northern British Columbia has also contributed funds to establish an International Academic Office for UArctic. This office will coordinate student registrations and academic records, and oversee credit transfers and tuition agreements. Both offices will improve the services to students and member institutions.
Widening the Net: New Members to UArctic
Twelve organizations and higher education institutions joined UArctic at the meeting, bringing the total number of members in this powerful network up to 72. “These new members are bringing an important indigenous perspective. We are very pleased to work with such respected groups,” said Sally Webber, Chair of the Council of the University of the Arctic.
The new members are:
Arkhangelsk State Technical University, Russia;
Arctic Research Consortium of the United States, USA;
Churchill Northern Studies Centre, Canada;
Consortium for Alaska Native Higher Education, USA;
Grande Prairie Regional College, Canada;
Institute for the Problems of the Indigenous Small Peoples of the North, Russia;
Institute of Humanitarian Research of the Sakha State Republic Academy of Sciences, Russia;
International Institute for Sustainable Development, Canada;
Murmansk State Pedagogical University, Russia;
Northern State Medical University, Russia;
Nunavut Sivuniksavut, Canada;
Skeria Utveckling, Sweden;
Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisga’a, Canada.
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The University of the Arctic (UArctic) is a cooperative network of universities, colleges, and other organizations committed to higher education and research in the North. Our members share resources, facilities, and expertise to build post-secondary education programs that are relevant and accessible to northern students. There are currently 72 member institutions and organizations from across the circumpolar north. Our overall goal is to create a strong, sustainable circumpolar region by empowering northerners and northern communities through education and shared knowledge. We promote education that is circumpolar, interdisciplinary, and diverse in nature, and draw on our combined strengths to address the unique challenges of the region. The University of the Arctic recognizes the integral role of indigenous peoples in northern education, and seeks to engage their perspectives in all of its activities.
For more information, contact:
Lars Kullerud
Director
Box 706
N-4808 Arendal
Norway
Tel: +47 3703 5708
Fax: +47 3703 5050
Mob.: +47 9087 0099
Outi Snellman
Deputy Director, Administration
Box 122
96101-Rovaniemi
Finland
Tel: +358 16 341 2738
Fax: +358 16 341 2777
Mob.: +358 40 501 0209
Rick Caulfield
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Box 756500
Fairbanks, AK 9975
United States
Tel: +1 907 474 5573
Fax: +1 907 474 6325
Mob.: +1 907 322 2264
DOCNUM##/27.05.04 Full Document Title p.4
University of the Arctic, International Secretariat, Box 122 Arctic Centre, 96101 Rovaniemi, Finland,
www.uarctic.org