UAA to rename Native Student Services amid reorganization of Student Affairs [Video]

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – The University of Alaska Anchorage has announced its plan to rename Native Student Services (NSS) to the Indigenous & Rural Student Center (IRSC) starting July 1.

Along with the name change, the services program will be merged into the Community and Belonging Department.

The shift comes a month after the UA Board of Regents voted to remove words relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion from University websites and publications, following an executive order calling to dismantle DEI programs at federally funded institutions.

The changes within NSS have concerned some students, including Mars Kashevarof, who started a petition in an effort to “save” the program.

“On the college side, it’s like a one-stop shop where it’s like any issue you have, anything you need, it’s a place where you could come and they can help you,” he said. “But on the other hand, [the staff] also formed a personal relationship with you … It’s less like an advisor/student and more like you’re …