Our Values
At Outer Coast, we believe that in order to thrive in our community and in the world at large, we must cultivate our individual and collective health and wellbeing. We are committed to fostering a culture of health and wellbeing by tending to our relationships with ourselves, each other, our community, and the land.
We aim to do so by embodying the following values:
K’idéin ḵudusteeyí: To Live Well. Outer Coast strives to empower our community with the skills, resources, and mutual trust to live well as individuals and as a collective.
Sh yáa awudanéix’i: To Be People of Self-Respect. Outer Coast strives to cultivate respect for ourselves by showing respect for all things.
We are grateful to X̱’unei Lance Twitchell for giving these words to our community. Aatlein gunalchéesh.
Student Health and Wellbeing Resources
Student Support Staff
Two full-time staff serve as Year Program Co-Coordinators (YCCs) for students. YCCs foster a supportive and purposeful learning environment for students at the Outer Coast Year by providing guidance across the three pillars of the program, connecting students with outside professional health and wellness resources, and acting as all-purpose supports. YCCs are present on campus and easy to catch throughout the day for a chat. They also host regular structured opportunities for support that include residential office hours, community study session, and weekly tea.
Medical Resources in Sitka
Sitka is home to the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center located on Japonski Island about a mile and a half from campus. SEARHC offers comprehensive medical services including primary care, specialty care, behavioral health, women’s health, and dentistry. Other medical resources include walk-in appointments at Mountainside Clinic and use of the free SEARHC Nurse Advice Line.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the full community of staffulty and students has agreed to health safety guidelines to ensure the safe continuation of in-person class and activities. COVID-19 testing is easily accessible and free of charge at local healthcare facilities.
A student’s individual health insurance provider is the best source of information for what medical costs will be covered during a student’s time at Outer Coast. Student support staff are always available to answer questions, troubleshoot with students, and support students in navigating their coverage. Outer Coast provides transportation to all medical appointments and will prioritize student confidentiality and comfort.
Physical Health and Exercise
The Hames Center is a community recreation center located on the SFAC campus that features a gym, workout equipment, and fitness classes. Outer Coast offers free or discounted passes to students for whom gym membership is financially inaccessible.
Sitka has myriad hiking and running trails within walking distance from campus. Outdoor excursions have been organized by students and staff alike throughout the program.
Outer Coast provides some sports and fitness equipment, as well as a full complement of backpacking and camping gear for student use.
Mental Health
Outer Coast partners with mental health counselors at Sitka Counseling and SEARHC to provide mental health support for students. Our counselors come from diverse identity backgrounds and have expertise working with young adults on a range of topics. Counselors are available for in-person or remote sessions.
Mental health counseling is a free resource for students, and Outer Coast covers the cost for short- to medium-term counseling needs. Students do not need to provide insurance information and scheduling is confidential.
With community interest, staffulty members may also provide meditation and yoga classes.
Circles and Restorative Approaches
Outer Coast uses restorative approaches to conflict resolution.
Students and staff use ‘Circles’ as a tool for gathering, community building, and processing difficult situations. Our approach is advised by educators at nearby Pacific High School, where Circles have been a core part of their educational model for years. Circles are a traditional practice of many Indigenous peoples. More information can be found here and here.
Community Mentorship
Students receive support in building relationships with the broader Sitka community. In particular, many students find connection with one or more community mentors in town, and if desired, can opt to be paired with an affinity mentor who aligns with the student’s particular identities.
LGBTQ+
Sitka Pride is a group in town that offers events and opportunities for connection within the LGBTQ+ community. The Sitka Cloud also hosts a weekly ‘Pizza and Pride’ dinner for connection and mentorship across age-groups.