Juneau Campus

History

The University of Alaska Southeast’s Juneau campus is located in Alaska’s beautiful capital city with the world famous Mendenhall Glacier in clear view of the main campus. The Juneau–Douglas Community College, founded in 1956, and the Southeastern Senior College, established in 1972, were merged in 1980 forming the University of Alaska Juneau. Since restructuring in 1987 as the University of Alaska Southeast to include the Ketchikan and Sitka campuses, the Juneau campus continues to be the center for baccalaureate and graduate education for the region.

Location

Juneau is on the mainland of Southeast Alaska at the heart of the Inside Passage along the Gastineau Channel. It lies 900 air miles northwest of Seattle and 600 air miles southeast of Anchorage.

Economy

Juneau has a population of about 33,000. The State, City & Borough of Juneau, and federal agencies provide nearly 45% of the employment in the community. As the state capital, Juneau is home to legislators and their staff during the legislative session between January and May. Tourism is a significant contributor to the private sector economy during the summer months.

Climate

Juneau has a mild, maritime climate. Average summer temperatures range from 44 to 65; winter temperatures range from 25 to 35. It is in the mildest climate zone in Alaska. Annual precipitation is 92 inches in downtown Juneau, and 54 inches ten miles north at the airport, which is near the campus. Snowfall averages 101 inches.

Ketchikan Campus

History

The Ketchikan campus, the oldest campus in the region, was originally established as Ketchikan Community College in 1954. It is located in Alaska’s First City, which regards itself as the salmon capital of the world. The campus awards both certificates and associate degrees. The campus is a leader in e-Learning statewide and offers a diverse range of e-Learning courses which meet requirements for the Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Bachelor of Arts, Social Sciences. The campus also boasts the only Maritime Training Center in the region offering courses that lead to the US Coast Guard certificates for QMED, Able Seaman, Jr. Engineer and others.

Location

Ketchikan is located on the western coast of Revillagigedo Island, near the southernmost boundary of Alaska. It is 679 miles north of Seattle and 235 miles south of Juneau. The 2.2 million-acre Misty Fiords National Monument lies east of town. Ketchikan is the first Alaska port of call for northbound cruise ships and State ferries.

Economy

Ketchikan, with a population of about 13,000, is an industrial center and a major port of entry in Southeast Alaska, with a diverse economy. Ketchikan is supported by tourism, a large fishing fleet, fish processing facilities, ship building and repair, and a wide range of maritime service industries.

Climate

The area lies in the maritime climate zone noted for its warm winters, cool summers, and heavy precipitation. Summer temperatures range from 51 to 70; winter temperatures range from 29 to 39. Ketchikan averages 156 inches of annual precipitation including 32 inches of snow.

Sitka Campus

History

The Sitka campus (founded as Sitka Community College in 1962) shares in Sitka’s heritage of being the former capital of Russian America. Sitka is rich in history and a popular tourist destination. Mount Edgecumbe, known as Alaska’s Mount Fuji, dominates the horizon across the water from the city. The Sitka campus awards both certificates and associate degrees.

Location

Sitka is located on the west coast of Baranof Island fronting the Pacific Ocean on Sitka Sound. It is 95 air miles southwest of Juneau, and 185 miles northwest of Ketchikan. An extinct volcano, Mount Edgecumbe rises 3,200 feet above the community.

Economy

Sitka, with an estimated population of 8,500, is diversified with fishing, fish processing, tourism, government, transportation, retail, and health care services. Sitka is a port of call for many cruise ships each summer. Regional health care services provide approximately 675 jobs. The U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Coast Guard are significant federal employers.

Climate

January temperatures average 28 to 40; summers vary from 48 to 62. Average annual precipitation is 87 inches.

All three University of Alaska Southeast campuses in Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan are easily accessed by daily jet flights or the state ferry system.