Standard Two: Governance, Resources, and Capacity

The institution articulates its commitment to a structure of governance that is inclusive in its planning and decision-making. Through its planning, operational activities, and allocation of resources, the institution demonstrates a commitment to student learning and achievement in an environment respectful of meaningful discourse.

2.A. Governance

The institution demonstrates an effective governance structure, with a board(s) or other governing body(ies) composed predominantly of members with no contractual, employment relationship, or personal financial interest with the institution. Such members shall also possess clearly defined authority, roles, and responsibilities. Institutions that are part of a complex system with multiple boards, a centralized board, or related entities shall have, with respect to such boards, written and clearly defined contractual authority, roles, and responsibilities for all entities. In addition, authority and responsibility between the system and the institution is clearly delineated in a written contract, described on its website and in its public documents, and provides the NWCCU accredited institution with sufficient autonomy to fulfill its mission.

Required Evidence for 2.A.1

Institutional governance policies and procedures:

System governance policies and procedures:

Multiple board governing policies and procedures (if applicable):

  • N/A

By-laws and Articles of Incorporation referencing governance structure:

The institution has an effective system of leadership, staffed by qualified administrators, with appropriate levels of authority, responsibility, and accountability who are charged with planning, organizing, and managing the institution and assessing its achievements and effectiveness.

Required Evidence for 2.A.2

Leadership organizational charts and curriculum vitae for executive leadership:

The institution employs an appropriately qualified chief executive officer with full-time responsibility to the institution. The chief executive may serve as an ex officio member of the governing board(s) but may not serve as its chair.

Required Evidence for 2.A.3

  • 2.A.2.1.a Interim Chancellor Hinzman Biography and
  • 2.A.2.1.b Chancellor-Designee Vander Lugt Biography and

Additional Evidence for 2.A.3

The institution鈥檚 decision-making structures and processes, which are documented and publicly available, must include provisions for the consideration of the views of faculty, staff, administrators, and students on matters in which each has a direct and reasonable interest.

Required Evidence for 2.A.4

Institutional Governance Policies and Procedures:

2.B Academic Freedom

Within the context of its mission and values, the institution adheres to the principles of academic freedom and independence that protect its constituencies from inappropriate internal and external influences, pressures, and harassment.

Required Evidence for Standard 2.B.1

Academic freedom policies and procedures:

Evidence of student鈥檚 academic freedom:

  • - UAF Student Handbook (Excerpt)

Within the context of its mission and values, the institution defines and actively promotes an environment that supports independent thought in the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge. It affirms the freedom of faculty, staff, administrators, and students to share their scholarship and reasoned conclusions with others. While the institution and individuals within the institution may hold to a particular personal, social, or religious philosophy, its constituencies are intellectually free to test and examine all knowledge and theories, thought, reason, and perspectives of truth. Individuals within the institution allow others the freedom to do the same.

Required Evidence for Standard 2.B.2

Required Evidence for Standard 2.B.2:

2.C Policies and Procedures

The institution鈥檚 transfer-of-credit policy maintains the integrity of its programs and facilitates the efficient mobility of students desirous of the completion of their educational credits, credentials, or degrees in furtherance of their academic goals.

Required Evidence for Standard 2.C.1

Transfer of credit policies and procedures:

Additional Evidence for Standard 2.C.1

The institution鈥檚 policies and procedures related to student rights and responsibilities should include, but not be limited to, provisions related to academic honesty, conduct, appeals, grievances, and accommodations for persons with disabilities.

Required Evidence for Standard 2.C.2

Documentation of student鈥檚 rights and responsibilities policies and procedures, which include:

Academic honesty:
Conduct:
Appeals and grievance procedures:
Accommodations for persons with disabilities:
Additional Evidence for Standard 2.C.2

The institution鈥檚 academic and administrative policies and procedures should include admission and placement policies that guide the enrollment of students in courses and programs through an evaluation of prerequisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to ensure a reasonable probability of student success at a level commensurate with the institution鈥檚 expectations. Such policies should also include a policy regarding continuation in and termination from its educational programs, including its appeal and readmission policy.

Required Evidence for Standard 2.C.3

Policies and procedures for admitting and placing students: 

Policies/procedures related to continuation and termination from educational programs including appeal process and readmission: 

  •  

Additional Evidence for Standard 2.C.3

The institution鈥檚 policies and procedures regarding the secure retention of student records must include provisions related to confidentiality, release, and the reliable backup and retrievability of such records.

Required Evidence for Standard 2.C.4

Policies/procedures regarding secure retention of student records, (i.e., back-up, confidentiality, release, data security for physical and electronic student records, where applicable):

2.D Institutional Integrity

The institution represents itself clearly, accurately, and consistently through its announcements, statements, and publications. It communicates its academic intentions, programs, and services to students and to the public and demonstrates that its academic programs can be completed in a timely fashion. It regularly reviews its publications to ensure accuracy and integrity in all representations about its mission, programs, and services.

Required Evidence for Standard 2.D.1

Description of procedure for reviewing published materials for academic programs:

Links to program information that demonstrate clear information about time to completion for programs:

Description of procedures or process for reviewing published materials about services available to students:

Description or evidence of recruiting practices that ensures accurate information is provided to prospective students:

The institution advocates, subscribes to, and exemplifies high ethical standards in its management and operations, including in its dealings with the public, NWCCU, and external organizations, including the fair and equitable treatment of students, faculty, administrators, staff, and other stakeholders and constituencies. The institution ensures that complaints and grievances are addressed in a fair, equitable, and timely manner.

Required Evidence for Standard 2.D.2

Policies and procedures for reviewing internal complaints, including:

Student academic-related grievances:
Discrimination
Title IX

Evidence that complaint information is provided to students and prospective students with contact information for filing complaints with its accreditor and with state approval or licensing entity that would appropriately handle a student鈥檚 complaint:

Description of process for maintaining a record of qualifying student complaints for seven years or longer and the processing of such complaints:

Policies and procedures for reviewing external complaints and grievances:

The institution adheres to clearly defined policies that prohibit conflicts of interest on the part of members of the governing board(s), administration, faculty, and staff.

Required Evidence for Standard 2.D.3

Policies and procedures prohibiting conflicts of interests among employees and board members:

  • (Alaska Statute 39.52)
  • and 鈥 Ethics and Conduct 鈥 Scope and Conduct of Outside Activities
  • and - Ethics and Conduct - Conflict of Interest

2.E Financial Resources

The institution utilizes relevant audit processes and regular reporting to demonstrate financial stability, including sufficient cash flow and reserves to achieve and fulfill its mission.

Required Evidence for Standard 2.E.1

Policies and procedures that articulate the oversight and management of financial resources:

Latest external financial audit including management letter:

  • UA System Financial Statements (With Independent Auditors鈥 Report Thereon) - , , , , , ,

For institutions for whom the most recent external financial audit is more than one fiscal year from the time of PRFR submission, also include the most recent complete fiscal year: statement of cash flow; income statement (or equivalent); and balance sheet (or equivalent):

  • N/A (the most recent external financial audit will be less than one fiscal year from the time of PRFR submission in 2026)

Additional Evidence for Standard 2.E.1

Cash flow balance sheets:

Tuition and fees, educational, and auxiliary revenue for undergraduate and graduate enrollments:

Significant contracts and grants:

Endowment and giving reports:

Investment revenue:

Other relevant documentation:

Financial planning includes meaningful opportunities for participation by stakeholders and ensures appropriate available funds, realistic development of financial resources, and comprehensive risk management to ensure short term financial health and long-term financial stability and sustainability.

Required Evidence for Standard 2.E.2

Policies and procedures for planning and monitoring of operating and capital budgets, reserves, investments, fundraising, cash management, debt management, transfers and borrowing between funds:

  • - Includes fiscal limits, responsibility and accountability within fiscal bounds of budget, transfers of receipt and expenditure authority, periodic review of receipts and expenditures
  • and - Management, Cash Flow, and Fiscal Reporting

Additional Evidence for Standard 2.E.2

Sample of meeting agenda, minutes, and/or other documentation as evidence of meaningful opportunities for participation by stakeholders:

Financial resources are managed transparently in accordance with policies approved by the institution鈥檚 governing board(s), governance structure(s), and applicable state and federal laws.

Required Evidence for Standard 2.E.3

Description of internal financial controls:

Board approved financial policies, state financial policies, or system financial policies:

  • - Website
  • - Website

2.F Human Resources

Faculty, staff, and administrators are apprised of their conditions of employment, work assignments, rights and responsibilities, and criteria and procedures for evaluation, retention, promotion, and termination.

Required Evidence for Standard 2.F.1

Human resource policies and procedures:

Policies and procedures related to teaching, scholarship, service, and artistic creation:

  • and 鈥 Inventions, Patents, Copyrights and Other Intellectual Properties
  • United Academics Collective Bargaining Agreement - Article 9, Faculty Status: Appointment, Evaluation, Promotion, Tenure, and Termination; Article 13 - 13.2 Definitions - 13.2.3 a. Teaching; b. Research/Creative Activity; c. Service (pages 19-35, 47-48) 
  • - Article 9, Faculty Status: Appointment, Evaluation, Rank, End of Appointment (pages 18-20)
  • - Article 6, Appointments (page 10)
  • UAF Faculty Services - Website
  • - Article 17, Training and Professional Development

Policies and procedures for appraising employees of working conditions, rights and responsibilities, evaluation, retention, promotion, and termination:

  • - Nondiscrimination, Types of Employment, Termination
  • - Affirmative Action, Reasonable Accommodation
  • - Appointment, Tenure, Termination, Evaluation 
  • - Orientation, Probationary Status, Performance Evaluation, Termination, Resignation

Additional Evidence for Standard 2.F.1

The institution provides faculty, staff, and administrators with appropriate opportunities and support for professional growth and development.

Required Evidence for Standard 2.F.2

Employee professional development policies and procedures for faculty, staff, and administrators:

Consistent with its mission, programs, and services, the institution employs faculty, staff, and administrators sufficient in role, number, and qualifications to achieve its organizational responsibilities and educational objectives, establish and oversee academic policies, and ensure the integrity and continuity of its academic programs.

Required Evidence for Standard 2.F.3

Documentation about engagement and responsibilities specified for faculty and staff, as appropriate: 

Personnel hiring policy and procedures: 

  •  
  •  
  •  

Academic organizational chart: 

and - Academic Unit Establishment, Major Revision, and Elimination

UAF Office of the Provost (Academic Affairs) Organizational Chart

Additional Evidence for Standard 2.F.3

Policies and procedures for determining positions and anticipated resource allocations:

  • and - Performance Evaluation (All Employees) 
  •  
  •  
  • United Academics Collective Bargaining Agreement - Article 9, Faculty Status: Appointment, Evaluation, Promotion, Tenure, and Termination (pages 19-35) 
  • - Article 9, Faculty Status: Appointment, Evaluation, Rank, End of Appointment, Section 9.2, Evaluation (page 18) 
  • - Section 3, Pages 7-8
  • UAF Faculty Evaluation Policies and Procedures - Posted in the UAF Blue Book (Chapter III, page 11)
  • UAF Faculty Services - Website - Includes links to the UNAC and Adjunct Collective Bargaining Agreements, UAF Faculty Promotion and Tenure Policies and Procedures, and the UAF Faculty Blue Book Policy and Procedure Guidelines
  • - Website - For annual review of staff 
  • - Website
  • - Section 8, Page 10

Faculty, staff, and administrators are evaluated regularly and systematically in alignment with institutional mission and goals, educational objectives, and policies and procedures. Evaluations are based on written criteria that are published, easily accessible, and clearly communicated. Evaluations are applied equitably, fairly, and consistently in relation to responsibilities and duties. Personnel are assessed for effectiveness and are provided feedback and encouragement for improvement.

Required Evidence for Standard 2.F.4

Administrator/staff/faculty evaluation policies and procedures:

2.G Student Support Services

The institution publishes in a catalog, or provides in a manner available to students and other stakeholders, current and accurate information that includes: institutional mission; admission requirements and procedures; grading policy; information on academic programs and courses, including degree and program completion requirements, expected learning outcomes, required course sequences, and projected timelines to completion based on normal student progress and the frequency of course offerings; names, titles, degrees held, and conferring institutions for administrators and full-time faculty; rules and regulations for conduct, rights, and responsibilities; tuition, fees, and other program costs; refund policies and procedures for students who withdraw from enrollment; opportunities and requirements for financial aid; and the academic calendar.

Required Evidence for Standard 2.G.2

Required Information UAF Academic Catalog Page(s)
Institutional mission

Grading policy

Refund policies and procedures for students who withdraw from enrollment

Rules and regulations for conduct, rights, and responsibilities

Opportunities and requirements for financial aid

The academic calendar

The is included in the catalog.

The Office of the Registrar also publishes the Academic Calendar on its website in a searchable format that students, staff, and faculty are able to download or subscribe to. Users can easily access other events or department deadlines from the searchable calendar, such as Graduate School deadlines or athletic events.
Tuition, fees, and other program costs

Names, titles, degrees held, and conferring institutions for administrators and full-time faculty

Chancellor鈥檚 Core Cabinet
Information on academic programs and courses, including degree and program completion requirements, expected learning outcomes, required course sequences, and projected timelines to completion based

This information is found on specific program pages. All programs include degree and program completion requirements and expected learning outcomes. Baccalaureate degree programs include Roadmaps, also known as course sequencing documents, to guide students and project timelines to completion.
Admission requirements and procedures

 

Publications and other written materials that describe educational programs include accurate information on national and/or state legal eligibility requirements for licensure or entry into an occupation or profession for which education and training are offered. Descriptions of unique requirements for employment and advancement in the occupation or profession shall be included in such materials.

Required Evidence for Standard 2.G.3

Samples of publications and other written materials that describe:

  • Accurate information on national and/or state legal eligibility requirements for licensure or entry into an occupation or profession for which education and training are offered: 
  • UAF Professional Licensures & Certifications - Website 
  • - Academic Programs Listing

Descriptions of unique requirements for employment and advancement in the occupation or profession shall be included in such materials:

Additional Evidence for 2.G.3

  • - Website - Students can inventory their interests; obtain information about careers, wages, and job openings; and search related academic programs at the university

The institution provides an effective and accountable program of financial aid consistent with its mission, student needs, and institutional resources. Information regarding the categories of financial assistance (such as scholarships, grants, and loans) is published and made available to prospective and enrolled students.

Required Evidence for Standard 2.G.4

Published financial aid policies and procedures including information about categories of financial assistance: 

Additional Evidence for Standard 2.G.4

Students receiving financial assistance are informed of any repayment obligations. The institution regularly monitors its student loan programs and publicizes the institution鈥檚 loan default rate on its website.

Required Evidence for Standard 2.G.5

Information to students regarding repayment obligations: 

Policies and procedures for monitoring student loan programs: 

Most recent loan default rate published on institutional website in accessible location:

Additional Evidence for Standard 2.G.5

The institution designs, maintains, and evaluates a systematic and effective program of academic advisement to support student development and success. Personnel responsible for advising students are knowledgeable of the curriculum, program and graduation requirements, and are adequately prepared to successfully fulfill their responsibilities. Advising requirements and responsibilities of advisors are defined, published, and made available to students.

Required Evidence for 2.G.6

Description of advising program, staffing, and advising publications (Student handbook or Catalog; links to webpages 鈥 please note specific pages or areas): 

Description and evidence of systematic evaluation of advising:

Professional development policies/procedures for advisors: 

Additional Evidence for 2.G.6

The institution maintains an effective identity verification process for students, including those enrolled in distance education courses and programs, to establish that the student enrolled in such a course or program is the same person whose achievements are evaluated and credentialed. The institution ensures that the identity verification process for distance education students protects student privacy and that students are informed, in writing at the time of enrollment, of current and projected charges associated with the identity verification process

Required Evidence for Standard 2.G.7

Policies and procedures for ensuring the student who registers in a distance education course/program is the same student who participates in the course and receives credit:

Policies and procedures make it clear that these identity verification processes (e.g., admissions processes, proctoring, etc.) protect student privacy:

Academic policies and procedures for instructors to implement requirements for regular and substantive interaction in distance education courses and programs: 

2.H Library and Information Resources

Consistent with its mission, the institution employs qualified personnel and provides access to library and information resources with a level of currency, depth, and breadth sufficient to support and sustain the institution鈥檚 mission, programs, and services.

Required Evidence for Standard 2.H.1

Procedures for assessing adequacy of library collections:

  • -website
  • - website

Library planning committee and procedures for planning and collection development:

  • - website
  • 鈥 website 

Library instruction plan; policies/procedures related to the use of library and information resources:

  • - website
  • 鈥 website 

Library staffing information; policies/procedures that explains faculty/library partnership for assuring library and information resources are integrated into the learning process:

  • - website
  • - website

Additional Evidence for Standard 2.H.1

2.I 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鈥檚 mission, academic programs, and services.

Required Evidence for Standard 2.I.1

Facilities master plan, including: 

Equipment replacement policies and procedures: 

Procedures for assessing sufficiency of physical facilities: 

Policies and procedures for ensuring accessible, safe, and secure facilities: 

Policies and procedures for the use, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste: 

Link to Clery Annual Security Report posted on the website:

Cybersecurity policies and procedures, including description of training:

Additional Evidence for Standard 2.I.1