University of Alaska Study Group Forming

Now soliciting study group participants…
Co-chair Jon Kumin and Commonwealth North invite members to participate in a pivotal and timely study group on the University of Alaska.

• What are the appropriate roles and responsibilities of the University of Alaska?

• How can U of A best fulfill these obligations to Alaska?

• How do issues such as costs, resources, competing choices and constraints (both internal and external) affect the ability of U of A to fulfill its roles and responsibilities?

• The scope of the study is statewide.
• Identify Alaska’s higher education needs.
• Analyze how well the U of A is meeting those needs.
• Analyze University operations as they relate to current Alaska economic activity.
• Identify specific areas where higher education initiatives can support economic development..
• Review the U of A financial situation, both current and projected.
• Explore successful financial, academic and economic models external to Alaska.
• Develop specific goals and make recommendations to achieve them.

Measure of success:
This study group can be successful in two ways:

Recommendations are made, approved and implemented that achieve all or part of the goals that the study develops.

CWN study group participants generate understanding of and insight into the potential for higher education in Alaska, and generate media coverage appropriate to share this understanding and insight with a much wider audience of Alaskans.

Conflict of interest standards
The intent of the study is to represent a balance between the geographic, demographic, ethnic and economic interests in Alaska.

It is expected that persons with interests in the outcome of the study will be members of the study group and will participate in its deliberations. Study group leaders should request that study group members identify their interests relative to specific points they advocate.

Participants should expect weekly 7 a.m. meetings for up to six months.

To sign up for the University of Alaska Study Group,
         e-mail your interest to: duane@commonwealthnorth.org
         please include your name and phone number in the message