Academic classes and field safety courses
Spring 2025 Academic classes
Outdoor Adventures will be offering a SOLO Wilderness First Responder Course. This class is not a listed UAF course with credits. Registration and payment will be done directly through Outdoor Adventures and registration is open on 1/10/25 at Noon on a Google form.
Earn credits with Outdoor Adventures!
Outdoor Adventures offers academic and recreational courses throughout the year. These courses are a great way to develop your skills and expand your resume. The RECR and NRM classes allow you to learn a new sport, travel into Alaska's backcountry and gain the experience and confidence to do these sports on your own or with friends in the future.
Not for credit. A Google Form Registrations will open 1/10/2025
Cost: TBD
Instructor: Fred Harbison
Location: TBD
When: May 5-13 8am-6pm
The WFR is 72+ hours long, and is a comprehensive and in-depth look at the standards and skills of dealing with: Response and Assessment, Musculoskeletal Injuries, Environmental Emergencies and Survival Skills, Soft Tissue Injuries, and Medical Emergencies. Although these appear to be the same basic topics covered in our two-day WFA course, they are covered far more extensively, and there is much more hands-on practice. Additional topics, such as CPR, are also included.
Note: This course is not covered under the general field researcher training but arrangements can be made to pay for this course with departmental JVs
Not for credit. A Google Form Registrations will open 1/10/25
Cost: $300
Instructor: Fred Harbison
Location:TBD
When: April 30th-May 2nd
This three day course will recertify your Wilderness First Responder Training for another 2 years. This SOLO course will work to recertify any of the major providers certification (WMI, WMA, AERIE, SOLO). This will tune up your backcountry medical skills and remind you of all the things that have leaked out of your brain over the last couple of years. CPR and AED is included in this re-cert. (Current certification is required to re-cert)
Note: This course is not covered under the general field researcher training but arrangements can be made to pay for this course with departmental JVs
3 Credit
Instructor: Sam Stone
Location:Murie 130
Field Fee: $400
Classroom: Tuesday and Thursday 2-3:30pm 2/4-4/24
WFA Course for IWL Students: 2/22-23
Field Sessions: 3/29-30, 4/19-20
This course introduces students to many of the hard and soft skills necessary to be an effective outdoor leader and educator. These foundational of skill are developed through classroom learning, readings and hands-on experience in the field. Students will learn to minimize risk, and impact while maximizing enjoyment and learning. This course also includes a 2 day wilderness first aid course and certification.
There are no prerequisites for this course; however, enrollees must be in adequate physical condition to carry a 30-40 pound pack over rough terrain. Students must be willing to: travel in inclement weather, camp out in a fall/winter environment, and explore winter travel on XC skis.
1 Credit
Instructor: Christian Mogensen
Location: Outdoor Adventures Office
Field Fee:$100
Classroom: Wednesdays 2-4 pm 1/13-3/5
Field Sessions: 1/13, 2/1, 2/15, 2/22
This course is designed to introduce students to the art of ice climbing. Students will learn about ice climbing technique. They will learn about different equipment used in ice climbing as well as clothing systems to help be functional while out. Students will also learn about ice anchors and safety systems used while top roped ice climbing. Rappelling will be covered as well.
1 Credit
Instructor: Andy Sterns
Lab Fee: $45
Location:SRC Climbing Gym
Classroom Sessions: Tuesday and Thursday 9:45-11:15am
This course is designed to take the student who is interested in technical rock climbing and introduce them to the basics of the sport. Topics in the course will include top-roped climbing systems and anchors, climbing movement technique, sport lead climbing and rappelling.
1 Credit
Honors section available: RECR F140H 903 (H) 32991
Instructor: Christian Mogensen
Lab Fee: $45
Location:SRC Climbing Gym
Classroom Sessions: Tuesday and Thursday 2-3:30pm
This course is designed to take the student who is interested in technical rock climbing and introduce them to the basics of the sport. Topics in the course will include top-roped climbing systems and anchors, climbing movement technique, sport lead climbing and rappelling.
1 Credit
Honors section available: RECR F140J 902 (H), CRN 34869
Instructor: Christian Mogensen
Lab Fee: $45
Location:SRC Climbing Gym
Classroom Sessions: Tuesday and Thursday 11:30-1pm
This course is designed to take students who have a grasp of the basics of rock climbing to the next level with their climbing. Students will learn more advanced rope techniques including multi-pitched climbing, advanced movement techniques, and a wide variety of technical and rescue systems for folks who want to continue to grow their rock climbing skill set.
Prerequisites: Beginning Rock Climbing, or similar skillset. Contact Christian with any questions or registration permission. cgmogensen@alaska.edu
2 Credit
Instructor: Frank Olive
Location: Chapman 206
Field Fee:$325
Classroom: Tuesday and Thursday 2-3:30pm 1/21-4/15
Field Sessions: 1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23, 3/1, 3/22-23, 4/5-6, 4/12-13
This course will introduce students to the art of mountaineering. Students will be introduced to many of the foundational skills of mountain travel in Alaska. This includes glacier safety, avalanche awareness, roped travel, skiing, winter camping, navigation, and risk management in a mountain environment. Successful completion of this course also includes a A3 Rec 1 Avalanche certification as well as an A3 Avalanche Rescue certification.
Spring 2024 Field Safety classes
Course fees are covered for UAF Researchers by UAF VC La Belle-Hamer, but Fund-Org is required for registration.
Working in the field has a unique set of challenges and risks. At Outdoor Adventures, we recognize those hazards and have worked with researchers on campus to compile a variety of trainings that will give you the tools, tips, and tricks to help mitigate some of the risk associated with field work.
We offer a collection of courses in the Spring semester each year, funded by UAF Vice Chancellor for Research, Nettie La Belle-Hamer. Outside of these offerings, we are able to provide the same material for a fee (season dependent) .
If you are looking for training for your team, please see our courses listed below and pricing. Please contact us if you are interested in coordinating a course for your group. Mark Oldmixon - mtoldmixon@alaska.edu or 907-474-6709
Complete this with your information, including Fund-Org Accounting info. The Google Form will go LIVE January 10th at Noon. First-come, First-serve.
If you have a question contact Mark Oldmixon by email or calling 907-474-6709.
The course fees for these regularly scheduled programs are covered by a generous grant from Vice Chancellor La Belle-Hamer. We are requiring a Fund-Org Acct number in order to reserve your spot. We will charge the account a $50/day fee if you cancel within 5 calendar days or just skip the class. Unfortunately, we had people skip courses in the past, and leave people on the waitlist who could have used this training.
Date: Tuesday, 1.30.2024
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Where: REIC 202
Space: Limited to 10
Instructor: Mark Oldmixon
This awareness level course is important for anyone heading into the mountains during seasons in which snow is likely. Learn to identify avalanche slopes and hazards. Understand red flag situations and scenarios. Learn how to use critical rescue gear in the event of a burial. This course will be both inside and outside, dress appropriately. Roughly 7 hours.
Date: Friday, 2.2.2024
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Where: Meet at facilities services bay 8.
Space: Limited to 10
Instructor: Brent Culleton
Gain an introductory experience of motorized travel. We start the course in the Facilities Services garage going over basic function and field repairs. After our hands are dirty, we'll meet back at the sledding hill and do some simple riding techniques on a variety of machines.
Date: Thursday, 2.8.24
Time: 2:00-5:00PM
Where: Virtual
Instructor: Hudson Bolduc, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator
The Introduction to Implicit Bias Workshop will provide an introduction to different forms of implicit bias and their impacts. Trainers will share tools and methods participants can use to interrupt and mitigate bias in the moment and in the long term. Participants will also have the opportunity to practice what they've learned and identify actionable steps they can take within their role in higher education, and in their personal lives.
UAF places a strong focus on safety every day with regards to injury, but we also prioritize creating a safe and respectful environment for everyone in our community. Interpersonal skills are just as important as the technical aspects when spending many days in remote locations with folks. For this course, we have partnered with employees from Student Affairs to offer courses to help everyone have a great season in the field.
This workshop is hosted by the UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability and the UAF Nanook Diversity and Action Center.
For more information, or to make an accommodation request at least five days in advance of this event, please contact the Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability by phone at 907-474-7300 or by email at uaf-deo@alaska.edu for assistance.
Date: Wednesday, 2.13.2024
Time: 12:00-2:00pm
Where: Virtual
Instructor: Hudson Bolduc, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator
QPR Provides three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide. A trained QPR Gatekeeper can help prevent suicide by understanding how to recognize warning signs, ask questions, provide hope, and get help. QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the three simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide.
Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. Each year thousands of Americans, like you, are saying "Yes" to saving the life of a friend, colleague, sibling, or neighbor.
Date: Tuesday, 2.20.2024
Time: 9:00am-1:00pm
Where: REIC 138
Space: limited to 12
Learn this simple skill that has been proven to save lives when done quickly and correctly. Taught by Chris McComb, Assistant Director of Wellness at Nanook Recreation. Includes Adult/Child CPR, AED as well as EpiPen autoinjector.
Instructor: Chris McComb, Nanook Recreation Assistant Director of Wellness
Date: Thursday, 2.22.2024
Time: 9:00-11:00am
Where: UAF Outdoor Adventures
Space: limited to 12
Instructors: Danielle Bessent and Gwendolyn Quigley
We will be covering important aspects of managing a remote field camp. Topics discussed include:
- Food logistics
- Equipment management
- Leadership styles
- Group dynamics
Cost: Course fees covered for UAF Researchers by UAF VC La Belle-Hamer, $275 for public (Call 907-474-6027 to sign-up)
Date: Saturday & Sunday, 2.24 and 2.25
Time: 8:00am-6:00pm both days
Where: TBD
Instructor: Deb Ajango
Space: Limited to 9 researchers, 9 community members
20-hour wilderness first aid course. During this course you will get information about first aid in a wilderness context. This includes assessing how serious a medical problem is, if it is fixable in the field, and what kind of evacuation, help or resources are needed to resolve the problem. This course curriculum is provided by WMA. (CPR/AED not included in this clinic)
Date: Monday & Tuesday, 2.26 and 2.27
Time: 8:00am-6:00pm both days
Where: TBD
Instructor: Deb Ajango
Space: Limited to 9 researchers, 9 community members ($275: Call 907-474-6027 to sign-up)
20-hour wilderness first aid course. During this course you will get information about first aid in a wilderness context. This includes assessing how serious a medical problem is, if it is fixable in the field, and what kind of evacuation, help or resources are needed to resolve the problem. This course curriculum is provided by WMA. (CPR/AED not included in this clinic)
Date: Wednesday, 3.6.2024
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
Where: UAF- Room TBD
Space: Limited to 25
Instructor: Becca Whitman
UAF Risk Management will be providing instruction to help you better understand UAF policies and procedures. Did you know the Chancellor needs to approve you having a gun in the field? Do you know what to do if you are bringing a minor in the field or hosting a group a school kids? Are you allowed to have alcohol in the field? How do you explain vehicle insurance to another driver or the police if you are in an accident?
Each participant will be given some great safety equipment for attending. Last year everyone got Bear Spray. This year...we will surprise you
Date: Wednesday, 4.10.2024
Time: 12:00-2:00pm
Where: Virtual
Instructor: Hudson Bolduc, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator
Gender Inclusion 101 will introduce participants to gender diversity and inclusivity, explore why it's important for our campuses and communities to be safe and welcoming places for people of all genders, and share how participants can be active allies to the LGBTQ2IA+ community.
This workshop is hosted by the UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability and the UAF Nanook Diversity and Action Center.
For more information, or to make an accommodation request at least five days in advance of this event, please contact the Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability by phone at 907-474-7300 or by email at uaf-deo@alaska.edu for assistance.
Date: Tuesday, 4.16.2024
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
Where: REIC 202
Space: Limited to 20
Instructor: Tim Craig
This is a 3-hour refresher course in bear safety meant to help you brush up on your bear safety skills. If you're looking for an in-depth, full day class sign up for Bear awareness and safety on April 18th. We will cover bear awareness, encounter prevention, and appropriate response to scenarios discussed in class. Tim is a career wildlife biologist with BLM and Fish and Wildlife.
Date: Tuesday, 4.16.2024
Time: 2:00-5:00pm
Where: Murie 321
Space: Limited to 12
Description: Are you working in or near a rural community this summer? This workshop will explore the importance of understanding the history of the people and the place, as well as covering some practical tips for working with rural communities. When you enter a community as a UAF employee, you come with baggage – not just the literal bags and stuff, but the reputation your predecessors left behind or the preconceived opinions community members may have. Let’s do some digging and prepare for building healthy community relationships.
Instructor: Cathy Brooks
Cost: Course fees covered for UAF Researchers by UAF VC La Belle-Hamer
(Additional courses can be arranged for $210/student with 4 student minimum)
Date: Wednesday, 4.17.2024
Time: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Where: UAF Outdoor Adventures Office (SRC Room 105); classroom and outside
Space: Limited to 8
Instructor: Frank Olive
This clinic will be a introduction to the concepts and techniques of safely traveling on a glacier. The course will present the general principles of glacier travel including; route choices, the anatomy of crevasses, safety and rescue gear, rope work and knots, self-rescue, partner rescue, anchor basics, haul systems, camp selection, and gear management. The course will be presented as a mixture of indoor and outdoor time with mostly hands-on learning.
Date: Thursday, 4.18.2024
Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
Where: UAF- Room TBD
(Additional Classes can be scheduled with Outdoor Adventures)
Space: Limited to 12
Instructor: Tim Craig
A more in-depth course on bear safety. Bear awareness, encounter prevention and appropriate response scenarios discussed. This course goes more in depth and includes practice bear spray scenarios, multi media presentation. Inert Bear spray provided for practice. Tim is a career wildlife biologist with BLM and Fish and Wildlife.
Date: Wednesday, 4.24.2024
Time: 9:00am-5:00pm
Where: UAF Outdoor Adventures Office (SRC 105)
Space: Limited to 8
Instructor: Frank Olive
This clinic will give folks an introduction to the concepts and techniques of being comfortable and safe in the backcountry. We will cover clothing systems, tents, stoves, water treatment, minimizing impact, student rights in the field, communication, risk management, decision making, and other topics for maintaining comfort and safety in the backcountry. The course will be presented as a mixture of lectures and hands-on activities happening both inside and outside.
Date:
Saturday, 5.4.2024- Pistol
Saturday, 5.11.2024- Shotgun
Tuesday, 5.14.2024- Pistol
Tuesday, 5.21.2024- Shotgun
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm each day
Where: Fox Range in Fox, Alaska. Bay 2. Transportation not included.
Guns and ammunition must be provided by the participant.
Instructor: Craig Lewis, Alex Buetow
Space: Limited to 6 students per session
Information for review prior to course time: Planning Document
Date: Thursday & Friday, 5.9-5.10.2024
Time: 9:00am-5:00pm
Instructor: Rocky Weber -
Where: UAF and Chena River
Space: Limited to 9
This two-day water rescue course will cover the basics of staying safe in the river environment. This will include hazard assessment and river dynamics in a classroom setting. We will also spend a day in the field practicing the skills to both stay safe and be able to help if there is an accident in the field. We will be swimming in moving water, getting in and out of boats on the water, using throw bags and practicing haul systems while in the field. (Transportation, drysuits, helmets, PFD's, throw bags and other technical equipment are provided as a part of this training) .
Date: Thursday & Friday, May 5.23-24.2024
Time: 9:00am-5:00pm
Where: REIC 203, Tanana Lakes Motorized Boat Launch for hands-on practice (also known as Chena Pump Wayside)
Space: Limited to 10
Instructors: Peter Westley and Julia McMahon