University of Alaska Fairbanks Top Questions

What are the academics like at your school?

Natavan

All the professors that teach me know my name. My favorite class was Diversity class,this course helped me to view diversity from a different perspective, we focused more on the benefits of diversity rather than on legal aspects of it. My least favorite class is Mentored Teaching, because I am required to take this class each semester and I don't learn anything new. Students spend at least 3-5 hours studying outside the class. The students rarely have intellectual conversations outside of class. Students in Master programs are usually more competitive than in bachelor programs. My major is Professional Communication. We mainly focus on organizational communication and interpersonal communication. My major helped me to enhance my public speaking skills and communication in an interpersonal level. I do spend time with professors outside of class. At least twice a semester we get together at our Department Chair's house for potlucks. Yes, this school is geared toward getting a job, there are opportunities for jobs at my school.

Mary

Academics are good, but it is hit or miss with professors. Professors do try to know all of the student's names and i think they do a very good job, but if you want the professor to know your name all you have to do is take the time to talk to them a few times and show interest in their class. My favorite class was a Journalism television production class. I had a really incredible professor and we learned all about broadcasting news. The whole class was like a hands on lab, we didn't even have a text book! Students study often. There are always a bunch of people in the library at all hours which is nice because you know you aren't alone if you are working late trying to finish something. Education is definitely geared towards getting a job, which is excellent because that's what all of us want in the end. There are a ton of great opportunities to get experience for when you are looking for a job. For example the head of the Comm Department sent me this application, which is really great to build more job experience. I am a Communication major and i really enjoy it. I haven't had a bad Comm professor yet.

Bailey

Academics at the University of Alaska Fairbanks are increadible. The classes are typically small, no more than 30 students. The faculty take the time to get to know there students, and offer one on one support when needed. Students at UAF find that studying and taking the time to prepare for their classes is crucial. Most faculty include in class participation in the overall grading process; so students that are prepared generally earn better grades. I am currently a graduate student in the Department of Communication. I love this department. The faculty take the time to help each student and ensure that a concept is understood before moving on to the next. This department is not as large as some of the others on campus, but it is common to find students and professors from all diciplines spending time together outside of the classroom setting. Many classes are small enough to be held at local coffee houses or weather permitting, outside. I feel that this creates a very comforting atmoshpere while still upholding strict academic requirements. My masters degree in Professional Communication will allow me to obtain employement in a variaty of fields and will benifit me professionally.

Jennifer

Academics at the University of Alaska Fairbanks are great. I am in my sophomore year and I'd enjoyed almost ALL of the classes I have taken so far. Teachers try to get to know the students and give them the best education they can give. In most classes participation is crucial (because like stated in a previous question, UAF is a hands-on University). The majority of students try to do well in their studies. Sometimes I've seen and been with students who will have study sessions before an exam(s). I am a Business Administration major in the School of Management. It's a good program at UAF. The UAF SOM is accredited by AACSB, which is unique. There are many student clubs in the SOM - like SIFE (students in free enterprise), SWEET (students who enjoy economic thinking), and more. The thing I would say needs improvement at UAF is more programs/departments for students to choose from. However, because UAF is a small University it's understandable why they don't have too many.

Jennifer

Academics at the University of Alaska Fairbanks are great. I am in my sophomore year and I'd enjoyed almost ALL of the classes I have taken so far. Teachers try to get to know the students and give them the best education they can give. In most classes participation is crucial (because like stated in a previous question, UAF is a hands-on University). The majority of students try to do well in their studies. Sometimes I've seen and been with students who will have study sessions before an exam(s). I am a Business Administration major in the School of Management. It's a good program at UAF. The UAF SOM is accredited by AACSB, which is unique. There are many student clubs in the SOM - like SIFE (students in free enterprise), SWEET (students who enjoy economic thinking), and more. The thing I would say needs improvement at UAF is more programs/departments for students to choose from. However, because UAF is a small University it's understandable why they don't have too many.