- North Star College
- Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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North Star College (NSC) is a partnership between the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District (FNSBSD) and the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). North Star College is a school of choice for junior and senior high school students, and students are selected each year through a lottery process. Students completing college coursework will result in a student earning a FNSBSD high school diploma from North Star College and college credits towards a certificate or a degree.
Contact Us
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Stacey Kennedy
Director
stacey.kennedy@k12northstar.org
(907) 452-2000 x52102Kristan Kelly
School Counselor
kristan.kelly@k12northstar.org
(907) 452-2000 x52103Laurie Beam
Executive Director
laurie.beam@k12northstar.org
(907) 452-2000 x11452
Application and Admission
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How are students accepted into North Star College?
Students apply through the FNSBSD’s Lottery Application Portal. NSC will accept up to 90 juniors and 90 seniors for the 23-24 school year. Prerequisites for applicants include:
- 2.5 Cumulative GPA
- On track for graduation
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Do interested students need to be enrolled in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District?
The school district welcomes applications from students not currently enrolled if they meet minimum eligibility requirements. Students must enroll with FNSBSD if selected in the lottery for the 23-24 school year.
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Will there be a waitlist if my child doesn’t get in?
Yes. Eligible students who are not initially admitted via the lottery will be placed on a waitlist for the school year they applied for. If additional spaces become available in that school year, students from the waitlist will be contacted.
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If my child is selected for a junior slot, do they need to re-apply for their senior year?
The school is designed as a two-year school and students would participate in both their junior and senior year.
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If my student has an IEP or a 504 Plan, can they apply?
Absolutely! Students taking UAF courses can apply for accommodations through the Office of Disability Services on campus. The student applies for an accommodation and meets with the staff, who help determine appropriate reasonable accommodations. Common accommodations include providing a note taker, extra time on tests, transcription, etc. Additionally, the NSC counselor and the NSC program coordinator are available to help all students with goal setting and other forms of support.
Academics
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What types of classes will students take?
Students must take a minimum of 9 college credits, and can take up to 15 college credits per semester. Many students, however, will take a mix of college and high school level courses. Students who are selected to participate will take placement exams to determine the appropriate Math, Science, and English courses. All students will be required to enroll in a 3-credit support course each semester.
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How will registration for classes at UAF work?
Students will work with the NSC school district counselor and a UAF academic advisor to choose the courses that best fit their needs. The staff will provide guidance during this process.
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Will I be able to see my child’s grades and assignments in PowerSchool so I can keep up with their progress?
No. UAF does not use PowerSchool. Students at UAF will use UA Online for administrative connections and Blackboard or Canvas for their courses (Blackboard will be retired in the spring of 2024). Parents will need to work with their students and complete a FERPA release form to access these platforms to view grades. Students are responsible for communication with their professors regarding grades and course material.
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Will I be able to keep track of my child’s attendance?
Not directly. The North Star College coordinator and high school counselor will monitor attendance in the support course and work with students and their parents if issues arise.
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Are college classes weighted like Advanced Placement courses?
Currently, no. School district policy only allows for Advanced Placement courses to be weighed on a 5.0 scale. Classes taken through North Star College are weighed on the traditional 4.0 scale. A three credit college course counts for a .5 high school credit (semester credit). District administration is investigating a possible policy change to weight specific UAF courses.
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College classes can be difficult, what supports are available for my student on campus?
North Star College students take a 3-credit support class each semester that teaches norms, skills, and strategies for success in college courses. UAF also has a Writing Center, a Speaking Center, and a Math and Stats tutoring lab that are available to all students. Finally, the North Star College Counselor and the North Star College Coordinator are available to meet individually with students to help set goals and provide academic coaching.
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Can students qualify for the Alaska Performance Scholarship?
Yes.
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When my student graduates, what school will be issuing the high school diploma?
North Star College will be the educational institution issuing the high school diploma.
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Can NSC students take courses at their home attendance area school?
Students can take up to two courses at their home attendance area school. Typically, these are during 5th or 6th periods at that school. NSC students are waitlisted until all students enrolled full time have been placed in courses.
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Can NSC students receive academic awards or honor graduation recognition from their home attendance area schools?
No. These recognitions will be awarded through NSC. Similarly, NSC students should not be included in valedictorian or salutatorian running at their affiliate school.
Fees Associated with Participation
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How much does it cost?
The school district will cover tuition and required textbooks for North Star College students.
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What types of fees will students/parents be responsible for?
Students will be responsible for personal course equipment and supplies, such as lab coats, kits and art materials. Students will also pay to use other fee-based services on campus, such as on-campus parking or dining plans, if desired.
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Will my child, who drives, have to pay for parking, or will the district pay for that?
Students who drive to campus will need to purchase a parking decal, which currently costs approximately $153 per year or $51-$88 per semester, depending on how many credits a student takes. Hourly, daily, weekly or monthly permits are also available at the UAF parking kiosks or through the free Passport Parking app. Students should look closely at the campus map to determine which lots their parking permit covers.
General Program Information
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Can students still participate in sports and activities?
Yes, students can continue participating in sports and ASAA activities at their home attendance area school or the school they’ve established eligibility at. All ASAA eligibility requirements apply. If a student is interested in participating in athletics, they should discuss their intent with the NSC counselor so they are not scheduled in late afternoon classes. Athletic eligibility for NSC students will only be determined at semester as college courses do not have equivalent quarter grades.
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Is transportation available?
No, North Star College is a school of choice, and FNSBSD does not provide transportation services to schools of choice.
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Will North Star College students be able to participate in student activities and events on campus?
Yes. They will also be able to participate in the majority of UAF activities with parental consent. This includes attendance at UAF academic, community, and athletic events. As well, they are eligible for participation in intramural sports, most clubs, and student organizations. North Star College students are also eligible for many UAF student jobs, with additional parental and University of Alaska Human Resources approval.
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How will I be informed if there is an emergency involving my child or the university?
North Star College students will be enrolled in the university’s emergency alert system, just like other UAF students. In addition, they will have access to UAF’s personal safety app, Rave Guardian. Parents also will be able to sign up to receive emergency alerts from UAF. Visit uafalert.alaska.edu for more information. This website is also where UAF will share information in the event of an emergency.
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Will North Star College students have a campus ID?
Yes. They will be required to apply and upload a photo online to obtain a PolarExpress ID card.
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Will North Star College students have access to the Student Recreation Center?
Yes. Parents must sign a release form if the student is 15 - 17 years of age.