On February 13, 2019 the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) became the thirtieth institution and the first from the state of Alaska to join the Interstate Passport Network (IPN). The IPN now spans twelve states across the country.
UAA is the largest accredited institution in the state, with urban and community campuses serving about 17,000 students. It was created in 1987 following a statewide reorganization that merged the institution with several community colleges. UAA is committed to providing instructional quality at all academic levels, helping students succeed regardless of their higher education goals, and providing service to the peoples and communities of a very large and diverse state. The mission of UAA is to discover and disseminate knowledge through teaching, research, engagement, and creative expression. Located in Anchorage and on community campuses in Southcentral Alaska, UAA is committed to serving the higher education needs of the state, its communities, and its diverse peoples. UAA is an open-access university with academic programs leading to occupational endorsements; undergraduate and graduate certificates; and associate, baccalaureate and graduate degrees in a rich, diverse and inclusive environment.
“We’re delighted to welcome University of Alaska Anchorage as a member of the Interstate Passport Network. UAA’s proximity to the Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson is particularly beneficial to servicemen seeking to earn a Passport,” said Patricia Shea, director of academic leadership initiatives at the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). “Already IPN member institutions have awarded over 25,000 Passports since the network’s launch in 2016. Students who earn a Passport and transfer to another IPN institution know in advance that their lower-division general education requirements will be met, avoiding the barriers of an outdated transfer process that sometimes leads to their dropping out. As the Interstate Passport Network grows, we expect to see more transfer students motivated to complete their degrees.”
Chancellor Cathy Sandeen commented that, “UAA is proud to be the first institution in Alaska to join the Interstate Passport. This is an important step toward greater student success. It will benefit students by allowing them to transfer to UAA without losing General Education credits, and it will benefit UAA students transferring to other IPN member institutions. Having Air University/Community College of the Airforce as a member of the Interstate Passport Network, will better serve UAA’s incoming military and veteran populations as well.”