Â鶹Դ´F Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program
Women, gender, and sexuality studies offer an interdisciplinary minor focusing on women, gender, and sexuality in historical and contemporary experiences. In addition, the minor focuses on multiple issues related to gender, such as masculinities, femininities and sexualities. Besides featuring an introductory course focusing on women's studies, the minor draws from a variety of other disciplines, including: Alaska Native studies, anthropology, communication, education, English, foreign languages, history, journalism, justice, linguistics, literature, music, philosophy, political science, psychology, social work, sociology and other disciplines. The particular strength of the program lies in its interdisciplinarity, its wide variety of course offerings and its inquiry into gender issues. The multiple voices and perspectives provide broad understanding of various issues related to both women and gender. The minor helps students prepare for a wide variety of personal and career pursuits as gender issues and women are involved in every aspect of human experience.
News and events
When Silence Breaks: Healing Through Dialogue in Post-Genocide Rwanda
April 03, 2026
Â鶹Դ´F's Dr. Christine Kindler explores how dialogue in Rwanda fosters healing, trust and reconciliation after genocide
Gabby's Voice: Breaking the Silence on Domestic Violence
February 26, 2026
Tara Petito and Nichole Schmidt discuss Gabby Petito's case and how to recognize domestic violence red flags.
When Research Walks Into the Courtroom
February 02, 2026
How a Â鶹Դ´F researcher's work on intimate partner violence became key evidence in Alaska's ongoing abortion access case
Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program Contact Information
Email: uaf-wgs@alaska.edu
Phone: 907-474-7126
Fax: 907-474-5817
Physical address:
1747 South Chandalar Drive
Gruening Building
Fairbanks, AK 99775
Mailing address:
PO Box 755750
Fairbanks, AK 99775
Carol Gray
Assistant Professor of Political Science- Public Law
Office: Gruening Building, Room 603A
Email: cjgray5@alaska.edu
Phone: 907-474-5881
All Â鶹Դ´F College of Liberal Arts (CLA) administrative assistants are off contract through
the summer and will not return until Monday, August 10th, 2026.
If you need any assistance this summer, please contact Isabel Norris in the CLA Dean's
Office by phone at (907) 474-7231 or via email at uaf-cla@alaska.edu.
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Laura Schneider
Office: Gruening Building 605D
Email:uaf-wgs@alaska.edu
Phone: 907-474-7126
At times, navigating your way through college can be tricky. Throughout your academic
journey, you’ll need guidance from different advisors to stay on the path to success.
Visit our advising page to ensure you're reaching out to the right advisor at each stage of your journey.
Here is a brief outline of some of the different types of advising available to you.
Â鶹Դ´F Academic Advising Center (First-Year Students: 0–24 credits)
Designed for first-year students, this service helps you lay a strong academic foundation,
equipping you with the resources and guidance needed to succeed in your degree program.
CLA Undergraduate Comprehensive Advising (Students with more than 24 credits)
Once you’ve completed 24 credits, you’ll work with one of our CLA undergraduate advisors
for help with registration, petitions, major changes, and navigating college-related
questions.
CLA Undergraduate Department/Program Advising (Declared Majors/Minors)
In addition to your CLA undergraduate comprehensive advising, once you’ve declared
a major or minor, faculty advisors within your department supplement specialized guidance,
helping with upper-division-level course selection within the major, internships,
practicums, and capstone projects.
CLA Graduate Advising
Graduate students do not meet with CLA Undergraduate Comprehensive Advisors. Graduate
students will appoint an advisory committee. The graduate advisory committee guides
the student in developing and completing their degree program. CLA has designated
department graduate coordinators who will guide you through this process.
Non-Degree Seeking Students
Advising is also available for students who are not pursuing a degree but just want
to take a class and want help with course selection and academic planning. This happens
through Â鶹Դ´F Admissions.
Please visit our advising page for more information and contact details.