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2.I.1 Physical and Technology Infrastructure

Consistent with its mission, the institution creates and maintains physical facilities and technology infrastructure that are safe, accessible, secure, and sufficient in quantity and quality to ensure healthful learning and working environments that support and sustain the institution’s mission, academic programs, and services.

UAF is dedicated to maintaining and enhancing its physical and technological infrastructure to support its mission of academic excellence, research innovation, and community engagement. Recent UAF operations have focused on renewal and modernization of physical and technology assets, including planning and executing a renovation that created the Rasmuson Library Student Success Center (converting traditional library space into a vibrant student-centered tutoring hub, focused on advising and retention strategies), and a university-wide classroom upgrade of audio/video/distance delivery technology with specific focus in rural community campus areas. Other recent examples of improvements include the construction of a hangar to research autonomous flight in Alaska and the refurbishment of the two most-utilized residence halls. UAF facilities are designed to ensure safety, accessibility, and security while meeting the institution's needs. UAF complies with federal, state, and local regulations and prioritizes sustainability, operational readiness, and inclusivity for all community members.

Physical Facilities

UAF manages approximately 49.5% of the 8.1 million gross square feet within the UA system, with more than 80% of these facilities located on the Troth Yeddha’ (Fairbanks) �þ�����Ƶ. Additional campuses include the Community & Technical �þ�����Ƶ (CTC; Fairbanks and Tok), Bristol Bay (Dillingham), Chukchi (Kotzebue), Kuskokwim (Bethel), and Northwest (Nome). Valued at $3.51 billion, these buildings account for 56.2% of the UA facilities portfolio value, as outlined in the . Over the last five years, UAF has focused on optimizing space utilization, consolidating operations to the Troth Yeddha’ �þ�����Ƶ, removing aged-out facilities (leased and owned), and reducing deferred maintenance to ensure long-term sustainability.

Facilities management and oversight. The associate vice chancellor for facilities services  oversees ������’s facilities and infrastructure services, which are supported by the directors within Facilities Services’ (FS) departments (Business Operations, Design & Construction, and Maintenance & Operations, Utilities). These departments manage maintenance, campus grounds, utility infrastructure, space allocations, leases, and construction. The mission of FS is to support academic excellence in education and research and to build, maintain, and enhance UAF's infrastructure. Core values of FS are connection, reliability, safety, stewardship, and responsiveness. FS provides a variety of services, including UAF-wide shared business services (purchasing and financial support), central receiving, surplus property, and a fleet of vehicles. 

FS emphasizes preventative and responsive maintenance, leveraging guidance from industry expertise such as (formerly the Association of Physical Plant Administrators), tools like data, and facilities benchmarking to assess facility conditions, address deferred maintenance, and plan renovations. Gordian’s Return on Physical Assets (ROPA) metric provides insights into how effectively UAF invests in and utilizes its physical assets to advance its mission and operational goals. Facilities investment strategies are coordinated and approved at the in conjunction with UA’s annual budget request to the State of Alaska, through the UA president and UA BoR. FS conducts regular building audits and assessments, drawing input from trades personnel, professional engineering staff, custodial building inspectors, and external evaluations. These audits create short-, mid-, and long-term maintenance, repair, and renewal lists that generate the background for determining the facility condition index for each building in the UAF portfolio.  Following these audits, maintenance, planning, and engineering teams carry out condition assessments, making adjustments to the itemized list of deferred maintenance or introducing new items. These assessments help identify maintenance needs and prioritize maintenance and capital projects, enabling the allocation of resources to address critical infrastructure challenges. The work order system, managed with , supplements the building condition assessment and audit with data-driven analysis related to frequency, severity, and consistency in daily maintenance and repair that can inform the longer-range major renewal plans for each building. Employees may submit and track work orders as needed through an Electronic Work Order Request Form (EWORF).

The Troth Yeddha’ �þ�����Ƶ is supported by a physical plant building that houses the maintenance shops, grounds, transportation, custodial, labor support, warehouse, business teams, customer support, key and access management, and preventative maintenance programs. Within this facility, FS has the tools and machinery to allow staff to repair, fabricate, and construct systems and equipment. From the Troth Yeddha’ �þ�����Ƶ location and resources, FS supports the CTC and the rural campuses, as well as other remote sites, utilizing in-house staffing and contracted maintenance teams.

Facilities planning. outlines comprehensive planning standards designed to support responsible stewardship of university buildings, infrastructure, and facilities. This policy establishes expectations for maintaining consistent funding, supports the use of data in planning and decision-making, and promotes effective management practices. It ensures that all capital planning and project development efforts are aligned with and guided by the university’s mission. Guided by the UAF �þ�����Ƶ Master Plan, FS ensures that ������’s physical environment aligns with its strategic plan while driving the capital planning and project development processes outlined in . ������’s facilities planning and resource allocation are further guided by the Master Planning Committee and the Space Planning Committee, which ensure that the university’s physical assets align with institutional needs and priorities. Composed of representatives from various campus units, the committees evaluate new buildings and changes in assigned space requests, make recommendations to optimize and modernize the use of existing facilities, and provide input on long-term campus planning. This collaborative approach ensures that buildings, campus grounds, and assigned space is used efficiently and equitably to support ������’s mission and vision.

UAF has also developed specialized master plans to address key areas of infrastructure development, each tailored to the university's unique challenges and opportunities. The Fairbanks Experiment Farm Long-Range Plan outlines strategies to modernize agricultural facilities, support food security initiatives, and promote sustainable farming practices. The CIS and CTC �þ�����Ƶ Master Plan focuses on optimizing space utilization and addressing aging infrastructure to enhance educational opportunities and workforce development across ������’s community and technical campuses. Meanwhile, the UAF Office of Sustainability emphasizes environmentally responsible practices across all operations, integrating energy efficiency, waste reduction, and greenhouse gas mitigation into ������’s infrastructure initiatives.

More recently, UAF has amended the through the 2024 update, sharpening its focus on enrollment growth and strategic priorities for Troth Yeddha’, including expanded housing and the facilities necessary to support R1 research goals. This amendment aligns closely with UAF's and UA's strategic initiatives for enrollment growth, targeting the goals set by the UA BoR for student recruitment, retention, and campus residency rates. The amended master plan provides sufficient space in a phased approach for all research programs, with allowances for flexible interdisciplinary spaces. The plan outlines a practical approach to modernizing ������’s housing and research assets through targeted renovations, new construction, and demolition.

������’s facility maintenance goals guide asset and resource allocation for preventive and reactive maintenance, emphasizing stewardship, operational effectiveness, cleanliness, and responsible management to ensure spaces and buildings remain functional and operationally available. Examples of day-to-day facility planning include consistent and clearly communicated cleaning schedules based on space use, type, and finishes and prioritized snow and ice removal and mitigation guided by building use and associated critical operations. Yearly maintenance and repair planning allows for consistent filter changes or updates to flooring and painting in coordinated and schedule-driven methods. Maintenance teams remain flexible to deliver services by installing equipment or responding to emergencies. 

������’s capital priorities are shaped by a combination of immediate needs and long-term objectives that support campus operations, strategic goals, and emerging initiatives. Facility renewal planning efforts consider age, technical complexity, density/utilization, energy use, accessibility, and sustainability, while new construction factors in location, historical context of the site, emerging pedagogies, and modern trends guiding everything from restroom design to collaborative maker spaces in flexible teaching labs. UAF is required by UA BoR policy to develop and submit an annual maintenance plan to the UA System (). FS collaborates annually with the Space Planning Committee, campus leaders, stakeholders, and student groups to develop a capital plan that addresses deferred maintenance, major renewals, programmatic growth (new construction or repurposing), research support, and student support and success initiatives. This prioritized list is reviewed by UAF leadership and submitted through the UA president to the UA BoR for approval per . Capital projects include renovations to aging infrastructure, upgrades to research and teaching facilities, and new construction to support emerging programs. 

Through these efforts, UAF ensures that its physical and technological infrastructure meets the demands of a dynamic academic environment while providing a safe, functional, and inspiring space for learning and discovery. The institution’s comprehensive planning and targeted investments underscore its commitment to excellence and sustainability in all aspects of campus operations.

Accessibility. Facilities Services is responsible for compliance within facilities and the assessment and maintenance of parking, building entries, building signage, accessible doors, bathrooms, ramps, laboratories and other areas, as guided by Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. Where reasonable and allowable, and guided by our design standards, UAF employs universal design in campus planning and construction. During the planning stages of any project on campus, FS staff review the affected spaces for compliance and build in compliance updates. Recent renewal projects in campus housing created multiple accessible restroom facilities on each level of residence, while new sidewalk projects have eliminated barriers to campus entries. Operations teams focus snow clearing between parking and accessible routes into the buildings, while maintenance crews ensure existing ADA features remain in service and reliable. ADA accommodations for classes and on-campus events are managed through UAF Office of Disability Services and the Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability (ORCA). The ADA coordinator collaborates with all campuses and ensures an accessible campus experience for all patrons. When upgrading equipment on campus, the Office of Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management (EHRSM) is responsible for ergonomic evaluations and prioritizes equitable technology.

Safety and security. The safety and security of students, employees, visitors, and UAF property are top priorities for the university. This commitment is upheld through rigorous resource allocation and policy development aimed at maintaining a secure campus. ������’s Access Control Policy governs general access to campus facilities, balancing accessibility and security. Spaces requiring elevated safety measures adhere to additional procedures to ensure appropriate protection. These policies are applied across all UAF locations, including off-campus facilities, with local protocols aligning to the standards set at the Troth Yeddha’ �þ�����Ƶ. Central safety and compliance departments provide consultation to ensure consistent application of safety procedures across all sites.

The University Police Department (UPD) is a law enforcement agency which employs fully commissioned police officers, community service officers, certified emergency communications dispatchers, office personnel, and student workers. Commissioned officers are appointed by the UA president, have law enforcement authority and responsibility, and are authorized and empowered to enforce state laws in connection with offenses committed on property of UAF. Commissioned officers are charged with maintaining peace on the Troth Yeddha’ �þ�����Ƶ and are authorized to investigate crimes, make arrests, preserve evidence, serve warrants, issue traffic citations, and to perform all other duties of a peace officer per . UAF police officers assist other area police agencies and the citizens of Fairbanks as outlined in the mutual agreement between UPD, the Fairbanks Police Department, and the Alaska State Troopers. The University Police Department maintains a 24/7 emergency communications center that is responsible for handling emergency 911 calls for law enforcement services on the Troth Yeddha’ �þ�����Ƶ, nonemergency calls for services, routine business questions, and after-hours requests for emergent facility needs. The communications center also handles radio traffic for law enforcement operations by UPD and the community service officers.

The University Fire Department (UFD) is a fire and emergency medical service that protects the Troth Yeddha’ �þ�����Ƶ and its students, employees, and visitors. UFD also contracts with the Fairbanks North Star Borough to provide services to area residents and businesses and operates a variety of engines, ladder trucks, and ambulances at on- and off-campus locations in the local fire service area. The UFD is uniquely staffed entirely by full-time UAF students trained and supervised by a staff of 10 career fire officers. Student firefighters receive equivalent training and certifications to professional firefighters and provide fire, rescue, and advanced life support care. 

The university’s emergency management operations are overseen by the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) under direction of the director of environmental health, safety and risk management (EHRSM). ������’s comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) uses an all-hazards approach to establish policies and defines the responsibilities of all employees across all phases of an emergency or incident. The hazard-specific annexes are those that the OEM has found to present the greatest risk to UAF based on a hazard and vulnerability analysis. The basic plan and accompanying annexes apply to all of the university’s locations. UAF also adheres to an Emergency Action Plan Policy, which requires that every building occupied by employees has a current Emergency Action Plan (EAP). These policies require all units to designate building safety coordinators with the authority and responsibility to develop detailed EAPs that are reviewed and updated annually. All employees are expected to review the relevant EAP(s) annually. UAF participates in the , a notification system that releases information about emergencies that may disrupt university operations. This multimodal system of notification includes personal, mass, and community alerts.

UAF relies on the as a guide for emergency, disaster, and business continuity management activities. The result is a single integrated approach to the emergency management cycle of prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. In case of disaster, much of UAF course delivery could continue online. The registrar’s office sets up courses in Canvas each semester to offer courses by distance even if campus use is not possible. The COVID-19 pandemic showed that UAF can , when approximately 1,000 face-to-face courses were converted to distance delivery within two weeks. (UAF was able to rely on an already strong online education presence.)

������’s Annual Fire, Safety and Security Report is published by the ORCA and the UPD in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of �þ�����Ƶ Security Policy and �þ�����Ƶ Crime Statistics Act (“Clery Act”) and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). This includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by UAF, and on public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from university property. The report also includes institutional policies on campus security policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes and other matters.

Industrial hygiene and occupational health (IHOH) safety operations are overseen by the EHSRM. Employees and students can report safety issues and concerns through , a web-based application administered by . IHOH provides comprehensive resources and services aimed at safeguarding health and safety of the university community. The IHOH resource page outlines programs and protocols addressing various workplace hazards including hearing conservation, indoor air quality assessments, laboratory safety guidance, occupational health services, and radiation safety compliance as well as templates, training materials, and contact information for the EHSRM department. 

Hazardous materials disposal is a facet of ������’s Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management (EHSRM) program that complies with local, state, and federal regulations on the proper management of hazardous waste and provides personnel safe and environmental preservation practices associated with hazardous waste activities. EHSRM's Hazardous Materials section also provides hazardous waste management training to UAF faculty, students, and staff in person or via the EHSRM website. Safety data sheets for all chemicals used on campus are maintained in an eBinder, and all employees and students can access this information through the EHSRM home page. addresses authority, financing, and roles and responsibilities for risk management and environmental health and safety within the UA system. As a large quantity generator, UAF conducts shipments of hazardous waste every 90 days to EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)-permitted facilities in the continental United States and, every two years, UAF submits a . 

Enhancing campus security. UAF operates under the Access Control Policy and established Access Control Procedures. There have been significant strides in improving campus security through the modernization of its keying systems and the expansion of electronic access solutions. The campuswide re-key project has reduced risk during lost-key incidents and enhanced the ability to assign separate keying systems to different areas, increasing security and flexibility. The CoreMax Best Lock SFIC grandmaster keying system is unique to UAF and ensures key security through a tiered structure that keeps master keys unassigned. Card-controlled electronic key cabinets have also been installed at 15 campus locations, reducing unauthorized access, limiting physical key circulation, and improving accountability. UAF has expanded card swipe technology to interior and exterior doors, enhancing access control, tracking, and emergency responsiveness. To enhance security, UAF developed and implemented the Access Approving Authority Training Manual, which equips approvers with the knowledge to make informed decisions on access requests. These initiatives reflect ������’s commitment to leverage modern technology and innovative practices to safeguard its community and facilities.

Sufficient quantity & quality. The provides a listing of all buildings in ������’s physical assets, detailing location, size, age, evaluation, deferred maintenance backlog, and space-use classification. The inventory is continually updated by the FS Space Management team and audited annually by the UA System Office. UAF utilizes the for space characterization to ensure consistency with national standards. On a 3-5 year cycle, the Office of Naval Research and National Science Foundation complete functional use surveys related to the ������’s facilities and administrative costs. For the ongoing assessment of space sufficiency, UAF leverages data in accordance with , ensuring the consideration of projected enrollment, retention and completion rates, degree completion, program needs and other factors, such as remote learning, that affect the need for facilities and infrastructure. 

The UAF �þ�����Ƶ Master Plan assesses space needs based on institutional type, size, enrollment, and research trends, using national collegiate standards. It guides decisions on the quantity, quality, and location of space to support ������’s mission and ensure functional campus connectivity. When major renewals or new construction are identified, Facilities Services develops concept-level scopes, cost estimates, funding strategies, and timelines. Every 15 years, UAF commissions comprehensive facility audits by licensed professionals to evaluate aging buildings and systems. Internal teams also conduct detailed assessments every 3-5 years to update deferred maintenance and identify new needs. These reviews follow relevant codes, industry and UAF standards, emphasizing reliability, sustainability, and durability. For areas not externally assessed (e.g., Fairbanks Experiment Farm), internal teams compile renewal needs. Cost estimates are based on third-party data and past project records.

Technology Infrastructure

UAF invests in technology and equipment to support its academic, research, and operational mission. Through coordinated funding, UAF ensures that faculty, staff, and students have access to modern, industry-relevant tools and infrastructure. Nanook Technology Services (NTS), in partnership with the , delivers secure, scalable IT services and maintains 130+ smart classrooms, digital learning environments, and administrative systems. ������’s transition to the Canvas LMS and expansion of AI tools and online learning platforms strengthen its digital capabilities. 

Technology infrastructure oversight. UAF initiated a reporting line change for the UAF Office of Information Technology (OIT) unit in 2023, to more closely align services with UAF strategic goals. The UAF-specific technology unit is called Nanook Technology Services (NTS) and reports to the UAF vice chancellor for administrative services. NTS partners closely with to provide shared IT services for both UAF and the UA System Office. As strategic partners, NTS and OIT provide secure, reliable, and comprehensive technology systems to the UAF community.

Technology planning. UAF's technology planning is guided by a strategic, collaborative approach that ensures alignment with the university’s academic, research, and operational goals. Led by NTS, technology planning via the focuses on infrastructure modernization, life-cycle management, and the adoption of innovative tools to support student success and institutional efficiency. NTS works with academic and administrative units to coordinate technology upgrades and works with the UA OIT office to implement cybersecurity initiatives. This planning process supports a responsive, future-ready IT environment across all UAF campuses.

Accessibility. When upgrading audio/video technology, NTS selects accessible equipment that can provide equitable access for all participants. Additionally, classroom furniture is updated to provide accessible writing surfaces, removing existing barriers in these rooms. ������’s web and digital accessibility resource page outlines accessibility standards to ensure access to the university’s web and online content, regardless of an individual’s physical or developmental abilities. ������’s approach to digital accessibility is anchored by adherence to established legal and international standards. We are dedicated to ensuring that all UAF web properties, online content, and digital services comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. ������’s technical baseline for digital accessibility is the , Conformance Level AA, established by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). This internationally recognized standard serves as the guiding framework for the design, development, and maintenance of university digital assets.

Security. NTS relies on the UA OIT team for security oversight at UAF, as does UAA and UAS. NTS coordinates with OIT and prepares for computing disaster recovery by replicating backups of critical systems to the cloud via Amazon Web Services. In the event of data loss in the Butrovich Data Center, managed for the UA system by the System Office OIT, data can be retrieved from that location.

UAF and the UA System are aware and involved in maintaining a safe cyber environment. houses the system’s chief information security officer (CISO) and its associated staff. System-level are posted on the OIT website and include a range of policies to protect data privacy. See in particular and the list of security policies, which includes the . These conform with , which includes multiple policies (, , and ) and regulations (, , , , , and ) around data protection. The UA System’s chief information security officer works with the relevant personnel at each university’s IT department, including NTS, to ensure security and response activities are coordinated, and strengthening measures are cognizant of academic impacts.

The is a systemwide initiative that brings together all UA campuses to promote cybersecurity awareness and best practices. It provides the university community with guidance on current threats, secure computing habits, and compliance with security policies. The program offers a variety of resources, including training sessions, educational materials, and designed to help students, faculty, and staff safeguard their personal and institutional data.

UAF also mandates the use of Duo multifactor authentication (MFA) for all students and employees. This system requires users to verify their identity through a secondary device, such as a smartphone or security key/physical token issued by NTS, adding an additional layer of protection against unauthorized access. MFA is required for students and employees accessing UA Web SSO services such as UAOnline, Canvas, and Google Workspace.

Sufficient quantity and quality. UAF students and employees have the equipment needed to meet the objectives for ������’s mission. Technology and research grants, student fees, and UAF departments provide the funding for the purchase of technology equipment. The supplies equipment funding in high-demand and technical education areas for industry-specific, on-the-job training programs. The directs how equipment is used and accounted for. ������’s Central Receiving and Property unit maintains annual inventories of all property with a value of $5,000 or more and an expected life of one year or longer. 

To provide an improved admissions and enrollment experience, NTS began a phased deployment of an AI chatbot in Fall 2024. are available to all students, staff and faculty when they are logged into UA Google, Microsoft and Zoom platforms. The UA contracts with Google, Microsoft, and Zoom provide data protection, compliance, and security assurances with their respective AI tools. NTS and OIT manage infrastructure throughout its life cycle, routinely monitor and plan the replacement of aging legacy systems with efficient enterprise systems, transform the infrastructure required to support these systems, and provide an effective, customer-focused portfolio of technology services. On the Troth Yeddha’ �þ�����Ƶ, NTS maintains 130+ smart classrooms, ubiquitous wireless network, and two computer commons that are available to all students regardless of program or department affiliation. There are 52 digital labs of varying sizes and capabilities maintained by academic departments, and each UAF community or rural campus also has a computer lab. UAF uses , which includes university Webmail, Calendar, Docs, Chat, Video, Groups, and Sites.

Online learning. UAF Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) provides comprehensive instructional design and faculty development services to support the effective use of instructional technology and course development. These services are delivered through hands-on workshops, publications, and live and web-broadcast events. The instructional design team includes instructional designers and media producers who offer end-to-end faculty development and support for faculty and graduate students integrating technology to enhance, supplement, or deliver courses in all modalities, including online and distance delivery. UAF utilizes Kaltura video platform for lecture capture, live stream service, and video asset storage and Zoom for video conferencing.

During the 2020-21 academic year, CTL led an innovation initiative to pilot Canvas LMS. Canvas offers numerous advantages, including customizability, reliability, and adaptability, and lower bandwidth requirements that make it more accessible in remote areas and for students with disabilities. The robust mobile app further enhances access and flexibility, ensuring a modern student experience. The response to the pilot was overwhelmingly positive, and UAF migrated to Canvas fully during spring 2024.

In addition to the LMS transition, UAF has leveraged its membership in the to share its unique academic strengths in areas such as Arctic research, Alaska Native languages and culture, and global climate change. This partnership has increased global awareness of ������’s academic offerings and directed enrollment to online programs. Designing courses for a global audience has challenged and refined the CTL’s design practices, promoting universal and accessible course design while fostering professional growth among faculty course teams and its instructional design team. 

IT Support. The UA System Butrovich Data Center houses dedicated and virtual servers that support both UA and UAF mission-critical applications and functions. Applications hosted in the Butrovich Data Center include the UA System web presence, UA campus cards, UA Digital Document Imaging, application databases, administrative and student file and print services, web services, distance education, and departmental applications. UA’s ERP (Ellucian Banner) and ������’s learning management system (Canvas) are hosted offsite in Amazon Web Services (AWS). OIT provides ������’s Banner administrative applications (e.g., student information, finance, accounting, and human resources). This arrangement permits the consolidation of technology infrastructure associated with applications, servers, and systems operation and allows delivery of all services through the UA System backbone network to campus users on ������’s regional network.