UAA Honors College largely protected from DEI changes

The University of Alaska Board of Regents passed a motion on Feb. 21 requiring all satellite universities to assess  and eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion — or DEI-related language on websites and campuses. Students, staff and faculty have protested the decision, along with further DEI guidance issued by the Department of Education.

According to the UAA Honors College website, the Honors College is an organization that “offers customized pathways of coursework and experiential learning designed to meet students’ unique academic goals.” 

The college  has four learning tracks: Community Engagement, Global and Multicultural Studies, Leadership, and Research and Creative Activity.

The Northern Light interviewed the Dean of the Honors College Dr. Ray Ball to learn if the Honors College had felt the effects of the motion.

University organizations have had to change their hiring statements and websites. Ball said while the Honors College has not undertaken any drastic changes due to the motion, they have had to change a few materials.

“When the Honors College got reimagined a few years ago due to budget cuts, one of the newer focuses has really been about access,” said Ball. 

She said, “We want any interested and motivated students, regardless of their major or campus, to be able to benefit from the Honors College and its opportunities.”

Ball said there was no current concern that the Honors College would be at risk of losing federal grant funding. This is because the Honors College is not receiving any federal grant funding. However, concern for groups partnered with the Honors College remains. 

“The Honors College has partnered with several programs that receive funding from federal agencies, such as the National Science Foundation,” said Ball. “We are not yet sure what the status of some of those programs will be in the future as a result.”

Ball said possible loss or reduction of funding from these programs would mostly affect students in the Research and Creative Activity track.

As of now, none of the four tracks at the Honors College are at risk of being cut. Ball said there might be an impact on one of the requirements in the Global and Multicultural Studies track. 

“We are still waiting for shared governance bodies to make decisions about the diversity GER, and the Honors College will adjust from there if need be,” said Ball.

The Honors College did not have mission, vision or values statements until last year. 

She said faculty, staff and students of the college came together to produce them. 

“I was thrilled that the faculty who sit on the Honors Academic Board voted unanimously in favor of our new statements back in February,” said Ball. “I certainly am committed to those ideals.”

In the face of uncertainty, Ball and the Honors College are standing firm on their values. “The Honors College remains committed to providing opportunities for UAA students,” said Ball. 

“Our values remain the same. We invite and express curiosity. We build community. We embrace challenge,” she said.