ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ

University to conclude partnership with Gardner Institute

Aug. 27, 2025

The University of ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ Fairbanks has elected to end its formal partnership with the Gardner Institute, bringing the current project to a close in September.

This decision follows a similar decision by the University of ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ Southeast to discontinue its own partnership with the Gardner Institute earlier this year. The ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ Gardner Institute Steering Committee recommended this after determining that Gardner Institute’s facilitation style and processes did not align with ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ’s distinct context and needs. While ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ remains committed to strengthening the foundational postsecondary experience to promote and improve student success, it was clear that a different approach would be more effective for the ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ campus.

The university will continue this work through existing efforts, most recently advanced under the First-Year Redesign, which will continue through the ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ Retention Hub. A final report, based on recommendations from the Retention Hub, will be reviewed by the project’s steering committee and leadership team in September. That report will guide the development of a forward-looking plan that builds on the top priorities identified for ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ.