Kodiak College expected to suffer financially even though it escaped governor’s veto pen

 

While Kodiak College escaped the governor’s line-item veto pen, that doesn’t mean it is in the clear financially.

That’s because the college is so interconnected with the University of Alaska Anchorage and the statewide system.  Cuts to those programs will mean that Kodiak would have to come up with money to replace some essential services.

Those include legal, technical and human resources, said the college’s interim director Betty Walters.

 

“Absolutely, I mean we exist within our budgetary needs, however, we gain so much from the University of Alaska Statewide and the University of Alaska Anchorage. We could not exist without the support that we get from them.”

 

 

Walter’s says the college isn’t just a Kodiak school. It has a distance learning segment that can be used from anywhere there is an internet connection. That program is perfect for people with odd schedules, such as Coast Guard personnel who want to get or advance their degree while stationed here. Or to continue studying under the same instructors once they leave.

Kodiak College also serves the entire island, including the villages.

 

“And the great example we have is the woman who got her bachelor’s degree while living in Port Lions and received that at our ceremony in May. You know, just a perfect example how someone in the villages can access any of our programs where we’re working on fisheries, and maritime needs and the like.”

 

Walters says they won’t know exactly how cuts to the university system will affect the college until after the legislature decides whether or not to override some of the governor’s vetoes.

A special meeting of the University’s Board of Regents Task Force on University Structure is set for July 12, followed by an emergency full board meeting July 15.

 

“They are going to be reacting to whatever the final piece is. And that’s when the major decisions will have to be made. And it could be devastating.”

 

On another note, the new director, Jessica Paugh is set to begin on August 12, which is the first day of work for faculty for the new school year.