University of Alaska president Jim Johnsen says it remains uncertain to what level campuses will be open in the fall. Speaking at a special UA board of regents meeting Friday morning, President Johnsen said students are encouraged to register for fall classes, despite the lack of clarity.
On another front, president Johnsen said governor Dunleavy has approved an exception from state health mandates, allowing UA researchers to resume work at lab facilities, including aboard the UAF operated research vessel Sikuliaq, as long as it does not involve travel to rural communities.
Johnsen also updated regents on nearly 8 million dollars in federal funding to help UA with COVID-19 pandemic related expenses, including 3 pint 9 million dollars specifically for students.
Johnsen said an additional 6 point five million (6.5) dollars in federal funding is available to Governor Dunleavy for education, some of which could be allocated to the university.
Johnsen said there are also 2 other federal funding prospects in developing Covid response bills.
The federal E-Rate program provides telecommunications discounts to schools and libraries. Federal Covid response funds were among topics President Johnsen and regents met with Alaska’s congressional delegation to discuss, following their special meeting this morning, Friday, April 17.
