University of Alaska.

• Position: Inside Alaska Business

The University of Alaska Board of Regents in September had a first look at and gave their initial support to President Jim Johnsen's direction for his Strategic Pathways academic and administrative priorities. The regents supported Johnsen's general direction in the seven administrative and academic areas that are part of the Strategic Pathways process. Academic recommendations now move to implementation teams for work on the details including financial implications, timelines, and other details. Implementation of the administrative priorities may occur more quickly.

Some of the directions approved for Strategic Pathways include:

Information Technology: Centralize most IT employees currently working in departments into a central hub on each of the university campuses.

Procurement: Centralize system-wide administrative and policy authority at UAF and support a second office at UAA.

Research Administration: Consolidate research administration at UAF with service centers at each campus under UAF leadership.

Engineering: No structural changes recommended, though the two programs at UAA and UAF would be required to develop common course numbering/descriptions, a common curriculum committee, joint advisory board, and course...