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³ÉÈËӰƬ Us

Our Mission Statement

Rural Student Services is committed to responding to student needs by providing quality services to Native and rural ³ÉÈËӰƬ who expend positive effort in the pursuit of higher education and its opportunities. Our comprehensive approach is unique in recognizing ³ÉÈËӰƬ' efforts to develop and maintain academic and personal balance as they contribute to the cultural richness of the University of ³ÉÈËӰƬ Fairbanks and beyond.

Our History

Rural Student Services began in 1969 and was previously called Student Orientation Services. Students lobbied for a program that could assist Native ³ÉÈËӰƬ of the University of ³ÉÈËӰƬ Fairbanks community. As a result, the 1969 ³ÉÈËӰƬ State Legislature passed House Concurrent Resolution No. 56 and requested that the Board of Regents of the University of ³ÉÈËӰƬ institute a comprehensive plan to provide services to ³ÉÈËӰƬ Native ³ÉÈËӰƬ whose goal was to receive a college education

Our Purpose

Since then, the RSS program has continued to meet the ever changing needs of rural ³ÉÈËӰƬ by acknowledging and incorporating a strong cross-cultural counseling base and involving rural communities in forging new directions. The primary objective for these efforts is the retention and matriculation of rural ³ÉÈËӰƬ in the many degree programs offered through UAF.

RSS provides a vital link between the rural communities and the University. While RSS works in cooperation with other UAF departments and programs, we also provide an atmosphere which allows ³ÉÈËӰƬ to comfortably exercise their traditions on campus. UAF's Native and rural ³ÉÈËӰƬ use RSS as a forum for their concerns and as a gathering place for Native feasts offered in cooperation with the ³ÉÈËӰƬ Native Studies (ANS) Elders-in-Residence program.

At UAF, there are many opportunities to grow and develop, both academically and personally. We are ready to work with any student whether a new freshman is just beginning an undergraduate degree program, a transfer student is continuing his/her education or a student is returning to school after several years of absence. RSS offers a variety of activities and programs ranging from pre-arrival services to cultural events, all of which are designed to meet individual needs. Every student is important to us. This attitude is reflected in all that we do, especially when assisting ³ÉÈËӰƬ in making choices regarding any aspect of their university experience.

Please feel free to contact us if we can be of assistance to you or any student you know. We appreciate your input in helping us implement our mission statement.

Former ³ÉÈËӰƬ involved with the formation of Student Orientation Services

Patsy Aamodt	Elizabeth Charles	Fred Jackson	Dee Komakuk	Nancy Rose
Martha Aiken	Carol Fields	Martha Jackson	Linda Lincoln	Martha Sara
Jimmie Akaran	Ad Hermann	Dorothy Jordan	Myron Naneng	Richard Taylor
Nastasia Andrew	Rita Hunter	Reggie Joseph	Dorothy Napoleon	Elena Tikiun
John Angaiak	Agnes Ivanoff	James Joseph	Louie Paukan	Samuel Towarak
Helen Atkinson	Elmer Jackson	Reggie Joule	Linda Pete	Charlene Yacoff