University of Alaska System of Higher Education

The board approved several academic programs including an AAS in Criminology and Criminal Justice, an Undergraduate Certificate in American Sign Language Studies, a Bachelor of Arts in Tribal Governance, and a Masters of Art in Teaching in Indigenous Languages. Financial actions included approval of the annual audit and compliance plan, FY27 operating and capital budget appropriations and distribution plans, FY26 supplemental budget plans, the Natural Resources Fund budget, and a bond refunding proposal. Facility and land management actions included approval of project change requests, schematic designs for campus infrastructure such as a new dock and mariculture laboratory, and land disposal and leasing plans. Additionally, the board approved an MOU with the UA Foundation, a revised industrial security resolution, the naming of a facility, and several resolutions of appreciation.

The board discussed and approved several key agenda items across multiple committees. Financial actions included revisions to audit policies and a $2.6 million increase for the FY26 fund balance. Facilities management approved statements of requirements and capital budget inclusion for the UAA Campus Residential Expansion ($50.1 million) and the UAF Campus-Wide Housing Revitalization ($55 million). Academic actions involved the discontinuation of the Undergraduate Certificate in Dental Assisting and the Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Additionally, the board approved a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Fairbanks Fire Fighters Union, a one-year extension for the Alaska Higher Education Crafts and Trades Employees CBA, supplemental FY26 operating and capital budget requests, the FY27 amended operating budget request, and the elimination of a nonretention policy. A resolution of appreciation for Ronalda Cadiente Brown was also passed.

The Board of Regents conducted an executive session to discuss university finances and matters pertaining to the reputation or character of individuals related to the presidential search. Following the session, the Board formally appointed Matthew Cooper as the president of the University of Alaska and designated Michelle Rizk to serve as the interim president during the specified transition period.

The Board of Regents meeting covered diverse topics, including campus welcome and student experience presentations, and governance and chancellor reports from the University of Alaska campuses. Key labor relations actions included an executive session to discuss financial impacts and legal advice, and the approval of collective bargaining agreements and a memorandum of agreement. The board also reviewed and approved supplemental operating and capital budget requests for the upcoming fiscal years, along with updates on the president search, process improvements in cybersecurity, and scholarship programs. Additionally, the board approved policy eliminations, a resolution of appreciation, and honorary degrees for spring 2026, while also addressing public testimony concerning graduate student healthcare and other institutional matters.

The Board of Regents held an emergency meeting to conduct an executive session. The discussion during this session focused on matters concerning university finances and considerations related to the search for a new university president.