Academic Advising and Learning Assistance

Academic advising is a vital part of a student's experience at UAF. In fact, academic advising is so important many UAF programs require degree students to meet with their academic advisor at least once a semester, including the summer semester, before students can register for classes. An academic advisor can assist students in developing an educational plan encompassing both academic and career goals, as well as major and/or minor requirements. Advisors are also able to help build a semester-by-semester study plan to ensure timely graduation. Students can access DegreeWorks through UAOnline to view and track all major and degree requirements. Newly admitted baccalaureate degree students entering UAF with less than 30 credits will be advised by the Academic Advising Center's First Year Program Advisors. All other bachelor's students will meet with either a faculty member from their major or a staff advisor within their school or college. Visit the newly admitted student page for a list of academic advisors' contact information.

The Academic Advising Center on the Troth Yeddha' Campus in Fairbanks helps not only first-year baccalaureate degree students entering UAF with less than 30 credits, but their advisors also serve exploratory studies and pre-major students, as well as students in majors who are exploring other bachelor's degrees. Certificate, associate, vocational and technical program students are advised at the Community and Technical College's Student Advising and Registration Center, in downtown Fairbanks. Alaska Native students and students from rural Alaska are encouraged to seek an academic advisor from Rural Student Services, in the Brooks Building. Students attending community campuses outside Fairbanks should contact local student services staff for information on registration, deadlines and other policies unique to their campus or region.

Academic Advising Center & First Year Advising

Academic Advising Center advisors offer comprehensive guidance for exploratory studies and pre-major students, and first-year bachelor's degree students entering UAF with less than 30 credits. AAC advisors also assist in serving student-athletes, nondegree students, academically disqualified students, and students who are in transition from a declared major to another degree program. The center is also a clearinghouse for general university and degree information. Academic advisors at the AAC also help students with information about nontraditional credit options like credit for prior learning and meeting requirements for pre-professional academic programs like law, dentistry, architecture, pharmacy, physician assistant or other pre-professional programs outside of what is offered in Alaska.

The Academic Advising Center, in cooperation with other departments, provides academic support with reference materials, referrals and study assistance to build and refresh knowledge in writing, math, reading and science. Advisors can also help students identify their interests, abilities and learning styles using assessments, inventories and other tools that provide guidance about careers and academic majors. These programs are free for UAF students. Much like Rural Student Services or Student Support Services, the Academic Advising Center provides comprehensive academic advising services, including assisting with admissions, registering for classes, explaining academic requirements, exploring degree options, career advising, financial aid and scholarship resources, as well as student advocacy and university skills programming.

Contact the Academic Advising Center by visiting 510 Gruening, calling 907-474-6396, or emailing uaf-advising@alaska.edu. Specific information for students can be found on the Academic Advising Center website.

Community and Technical College Student Advising and Registration Center

The Community and Technical College Student Advising and Registration Center provides advising and support for students in A.A. and A.A.S. degrees, certificates and specialized training programs to contribute to a successful learning experience and transition to a career. Staff recognizes the unique concerns of adult and returning students as well as traditional students entering college. Academic advisors can help with pre-admission advising, academic assessment, placement, and financial aid information and applications, as well as with choosing a major.

The center offers academic support through developmental courses, workshops, classroom presentations and one-on-one assistance to help conquer academic hurdles. In addition, advising staff provide personalized career advice based on job market information and a student’s personal goals. Staff ensures that students have a broad base of support as they plan the move from college to career.

For more information, contact the Student Advising and Registration Center by visiting the Community and Technical College located at 604 Barnette St., Fairbanks, AK 99701, calling 907-455-2800 or visiting the Student Advising and Registration Center website.

Rural Student Services

Rural Student Services is the vital link between the Fairbanks campus and rural Alaska communities. RSS provides comprehensive academic advising services, including assisting with admissions, registering for classes, explaining academic requirements, exploring degree options, career advising, financial aid and scholarship resources, as well as student advocacy and cultural programming.

RSS functions as a student support center in the Brooks Building on the UAF Troth Yeddha' Campus in Fairbanks. RSS advisors recognize the unique cultural components of Alaska Native and rural Alaska students at UAF.  

RSS is committed to responding to student needs by providing quality services to Alaska Native and rural students who expend positive effort in the pursuit of higher education and its opportunities. Our comprehensive approach is unique in recognizing students' efforts to develop and maintain academic and personal balance as they contribute to the cultural richness of the University of Alaska Fairbanks and beyond. 

Students who are enrolled at UAF and are Alaska Native or come from a rural area are encouraged to use RSS' resources and services.

For more information visit Rural Student Services in the Brooks Building, call 907-474-7871, email uaf-rss@alaska.edu or visit the Rural Student Services website.

International Student Advising

Students from other countries face many situations that American students do not encounter. International students must comply with immigration regulations, adapt to a new and often strange culture and adjust to the American system of higher education. International student advisors are a liaison between the student and various U.S. immigration agencies. Advisors issue documents so students can apply for visas, help students adjust to UAF and provide immigration and personal assistance.

For more information, contact International Student and Scholar Services at 907-474-7677, uaf-isss@alaska.edu or at the International Student and Scholar Services website.

Student Support Services

Student Support Services provides UAF bachelor's degree students opportunities for academic development, helps them meet college requirements and motivates them to complete their degree program. SSS addresses the unique challenges faced by students from non-college-going and limited-income backgrounds and supports students experiencing a documented disability by helping them take advantage of academic support resources at UAF. The program is primarily funded by two TRiO grants from the U.S. Department of Education, as well as additional institutional support.

Services include comprehensive advising, tutoring and peer coaching, free printing, first-year learning communities for STEM and non-STEM majors, academic mentoring, cultural and social engagement, laptop and media loans and a supportive environment where students are valued. Eligible first-year students attending UAF in person are encouraged to apply to the Emerging Scholars Academy or Emerging STEM Scholars Academy summer bridge program and cohort learning community.

All services are free to eligible students. The program is staffed with College Reading and Learning Association-certified student tutors as well as 24/7 online tutor access.

To receive SSS program services, a student must have an academic need and meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • be financially limited according to federal criteria, or
  • be a first-generation college student (meaning neither parent has earned a bachelor’s degree from the U.S.), or
  • have a documented physical or learning disability.

Participants must also be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, be enrolled in at least 9 credit hours and be admitted to and pursuing a bachelor's degree from UAF.

For information, visit Student Support Services in 514 Gruening, call 907-474-6844, email trio.sss@alaska.edu or visit the Student Support Services website for an application.

Tutoring Services

Information about lab hours for all Fairbanks campus academic support resources and tutoring options is on the Academic Advising Center website. Most of these resources are free.

  • Accounting Lab
    The Accounting Lab provides tutoring services to students enrolled in accounting courses. Located in 219 Bunnell Building, the lab is staffed by accounting graduate students and outstanding undergraduate students. Lab hours are assigned (but flexible) Monday through Saturday. For more information, contact the Accounting Program at 907-474-7461.
  • Chemistry Learning Center
    For more information, contact the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at 907-474-6287 or visit the Chemistry Learning Center website.
  • Developmental Education Math, English and Reading Labs
    The Department of Developmental Education provides academic support labs in math, English and reading. These labs are at each rural campus, at the Community and Technical College, and on the Fairbanks campus. Labs provide tutoring and small-group instruction for students taking developmental, academic or vocational math, and reading and writing courses. Academic support labs supplement and support student learning, as well as improve and expand student skills in these areas. For more information, contact your local campus or the Department of Developmental Education at 907-474-1112 or 1-877-747-1580 or visit the CTC Student Success Center website.
  • Engineering Tutoring
    The College of Engineering and Mines offers tutoring for various engineering courses each year. Visit the CEM tutoring website for more information.
  • Foreign Language Laboratory
    The language lab, in 609 Gruening, provides assistance in French, Spanish, Japanese, German and Russian. Computer programs, CDs, cassettes and spell-checkers are available. Call the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures at 907-474-7396 for lab hours.
  • Math and Statistics Laboratory
    This lab provides flexible-hour assistance seven days a week to students enrolled in mathematics and statistics courses. The lab is coordinated by faculty, and services are provided by students. For more information, visit the Math and Statistics Lab website or contact the Math Department at 907-474-5427.
  • Communication Center
    The Communication Center provides coaching on refining presentation topics and presentation organization. Students receive immediate, constructive suggestions from Communication Center coaches. The center is usually open weekdays and some evenings. Visit the Communication Center's website for center hours or contact them at 907-474-5470 or uaf-speakingcenter@alaska.edu.
  • Writing Center
    The Writing Center, in 801 Gruening, is open Sunday through Friday for tutoring all enrolled students. The staff, composed of English graduate teaching assistants and outstanding undergraduate students, reviews student writing projects at any stage, whether planning, drafting or revising. Tutors are available to help students improve grammar and usage. For more information, call the Writing Center at 907-474-5314.