What Does it Take? Successful Alaska Native Students at the University of Alaska Fairbanks

Abstract

This is a descriptive, qualitative study of successful, Alaska Native students at the upper-division and graduate levels at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Two focus groups were held during spring of 1999, at the university that explored factors contributing to students' academic success and factors acting as barriers to students' academic success. Because more Alaska Native females than Alaska Native males attend and graduate from the university, the groups interviewed were divided along gender lines. Identified as contributing to students' academic success were persistence and hard work; financial support from Native Corporations, family support (both emotional and financial); employment; and the availability of developmental classes on campus (described as important in assisting them to develop academic skills they felt they lacked). Identified as barriers to academic success at the higher education level included poor academic preparation, especially at the high school level, difficulty in financing their college education, inadequate childcare, lack of affordable housing, and a difficulty in speaking up in class (a possible cultural difference that students in this study learned to mediate). Students offered practical advice to other potential Alaska Native students and provided suggestions to university administrators. Gender differences were found in students' responses in reporting perceived or real discrimination or bias at the university. All students reported experiences with discrimination or bias against Alaska Natives in and out of the university setting. Liberal use of students' comments were used throughout this study.