UAA Justice Center

This event is a great opportunity to learn more about restorative justice. And, best of all, it's free and open to all!

💡 Want to learn how restorative justice is shaping communities across Alaska?

The UAA School of Social Work and the UAF Department of Justice invite students, faculty, staff, and community partners to the 2026 Restorative Justice Symposium: “Navigating the Weeds of Restorative Justice Practice.”

This virtual event brings Alaskans together to deepen understanding of restorative justice, strengthen local initiatives, and build networks that support healing‑centered responses to harm. Sessions will explore lived experiences, legal pathways, facilitator roles, and collaborative program development.

📅 March 30–April 1, 2026
⏰ 1–4 PM AKST
💻 Virtual
This event is free and open to all.

🔗 Event details and registration: https://tinyurl.com/yfknbrbt

Questions? Contact Ingrid Johnson ([email protected]) or Rei Shimizu ([email protected]).

Join us in advancing restorative justice across Alaska!

The Justice Center is proud to honor John E. Havelock with a space that brings students, partners, and communities together. The new trial simulation courtroom will help prepare the next generation of justice professionals for the work Alaska needs.

🌟 Meet Rus’sel Sampson 🌟 A College of Health alumna with an associate's in human services and a minor in justice, Rus'sel now works in the Alaska Justice Information (AJiC) as a researcher. Her journey from private-sector administration to frontline social services, and now to public policy research, highlights the power of education and perseverance.

At AJiC, Rus’sel’s work in data analysis helps inform decisions that strengthen communities and improve justice outcomes across Alaska.

🔗 Learn more about her inspiring story: https://tinyurl.com/3fmzwb28

Spring semester is right around the corner! Join us for registration and advising assistance (and free food!).

📅 Need help registering for our Spring 2026 courses?

Join us for the College of Health Advising Event on Nov. 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in PSB 214!

We'll be available to assist with registration for the following classes:

🧬 Health Sciences
🤝 Human Services
⚖️ Justice
📚 Legal Studies
💼 Social Work

✅ Get personalized guidance and free food while you register! 🙌

Division of Population Health Sciences at UAA UAA Human Services UAA Justice Center UAA School of Social Work

It was wonderful celebrating the Justice Center alongside faculty, staff, legislators, and community members!

⚖️ Spring ‘26 Course Alert: LEGL A385 – Health Care Law

What legal responsibilities do health care practitioners face in today’s complex system? This course explores the legal landscape of health care delivery—from patient privacy and liability to Medicare, licensure, and medical ethics. Students will gain practical legal skills and understand how federal and state regulations shape clinical practice. The class is ideal for those pursuing careers in health sciences, nursing, public health, or administration.

Course Details:
📚 3 Credits
💻 Online – No Set Time
📌 This course is open to all - no prerequisites needed

Registration for spring classes begins on Nov. 3 – don’t miss your chance to enroll!

🔍 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 ‘𝟮𝟲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁: 𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗔𝟯𝟭𝟬 – 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲
Ever wonder how physical evidence becomes courtroom proof? This course unpacks the science behind criminal investigations - from fingerprints to forensic chemistry - and shows how it all connects to the justice system. Students can expect to learn how government crime labs analyze evidence; understand the role of forensic science in legal outcomes; and build skills that bridge science and criminal justice. This class is perfect for juniors and seniors ready to dive deeper into criminalistics and justice.

Course Details:
📚 3 Credits
📅 Mondays & Wednesdays
🕠 5:30pm–6:45pm
🏫 In Person
📌 Prerequisites: JUST A110 or LEGL A101 (min grade D)

Questions? Contact [email protected] for more information.

🎉 We’re excited to announce that Dr. Brad Myrstol has been appointed Assistant Dean for the School of Justice and Human Services!

Dr. Myrstol currently serves as Director of the Alaska Justice Information Center and previously led the Justice Center. A first-generation college graduate and U.S. Army veteran, he brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the challenges students face in higher education. 💚💛

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Myrstol on this well-deserved appointment! 👏

🌟👏Justice Center Assistant Professor Amy Doogan played a part in the Color of Justice program’s success—a statewide collaboration of community, education, legal, tribal, and court partners—which was named the 2025 recipient of the Sandra Day O’Connor Award for the Advancement of Civics Education. ⚖️

Amy, an Anchorage native and former nurse, says, “I love helping students understand how the law, the Constitution, and the legal system shape not just our society, but their daily lives.”🤝👩‍🏫

🔗Learn more about Amy: bit.ly/4fbWZrH

Spring 2025 commencement speaker Albiona Selimi, graduating with a minor in justice, aspires to practice law at a civil rights organization. ⚖️

🎓 “An abundance of options is never a bad thing. The more you learn, the more you can contribute to meaningful change.”

We’re proud of all our graduates who are dedicated to making a difference in their communities and fields. 💚💛

Congratulations, graduates! 🙌🥳🌟

🔗Read more about Albiona: bit.ly/3YXVsOQ

We are so proud of Melanie and her contributions to Alaska!
🤓Did you know she double-majored in justice and psychology? 👏
Join us in congratulating Melanie on her many accomplishments! 🥳

👏🏆 Alumni Spotlight! Join us in congratulating UAA Justice Center alumna ⚖️ Melanie Osborne on her induction into the Anchorage ATHENA Society, recognizing her leadership, community service, and dedication to empowering women.
And there's more—Melanie works for Alyeska Pipeline Service Company and just accepted a new role as their Chief HSEC Officer! 🎉

Let's give her a double congratulations! 🙌

🔗 Learn more about her journey: bit.ly/3RxOHzf

Because of YOU… 💚🐺

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who supported the College of Health on Giving Day! Because of your generosity, UAA raised $428,873 from 1,758 donors—and $58,284 of that was specifically raised for the College of Health from 91 donors! 🩺💛

Your support empowers the next generation of healthcare professionals and strengthens our mission. We couldn’t do it without you! 💚