Header Logo

Young king salmon swim in the Chena River, part of the Yukon River watershed, in 2011.

King salmon declines linked to climate, smaller size

Researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks linked the king salmon population declines to reduced body size and extreme climate conditions in the ocean and in rivers. Learn more about discoveries published in a study.


Dogs for Finals

The Elmer E. Rasmuson Library will host a companion dogs visit in time for finals. Join us on Dec. 3 and 4 from 1-7 p.m. at the Rasmuson Library (main floor), to visit with our furry friends. No registration necessary! Read more on the opportunity to visit our furry visitors!


Attendees in the staff session at IGNITE 2024.

Register by Dec. 4 for IGNITE 2025

Registration is closing soon for IGNITE, Individual Growth and New Ideas Through EPSCoR/INBRE, an annual professional development workshop for students, staff, faculty and researchers. A full agenda is available, and more information is also available at the event website. IGNITE will take place at the UAF Wood Center Ballroom for one day on Jan. 8, 2025. Seats are limited!


How gendered power is communicated

Join Tori McDermott for an exploration of power structures in traditionally masculine spaces during a talk on Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 1-2:15 p.m. in Gruening 503H. Her research in public relations and strategic communication examines how power and influence shape discourse in fields like the military and academia. Engage in a lively discussion and learn more about her research journey in this fascinating field. A Zoom link is available for those who cannot attend in person.


R1 Faculty Survey

Please participate in a short and anonymous R1 survey that will only take about 15 minutes to complete. This survey aims to collect your perceptions of the potential barriers and opportunities for achieving R1 status. The R1 Steering Committee need to hear from a large and representative group of UAF faculty. The survey closes Dec. 15. Results will help to guide future R1 efforts.


Researchers on the deck of a research vessel observe the deployment of a drone out at sea.

Invitation for Alaska Sea Grant proposals

Alaska Sea Grant invites preliminary proposals for research projects to be conducted between February 2026 and January 2028. Creative and innovative research proposals are sought in the natural, social, and education sciences that address needs and engage in Alaska communities in one or more specific focus areas. Alaska Sea Grant will host a one-hour webinar on Dec. 6 at 10:30 a.m. for those interested in submitting preliminary proposals. Learn more about the preliminary proposal process and deadline. 


UAF Bookstore Bundle for spring 2025

The UAF Bookstore Bundle makes access to required course materials affordable and convenient for students. Through this program, students can rent all required textbooks, lab manuals, access codes, digital materials and electronic books for a flat fee. These materials may be conveniently delivered by the first day of class. All eligible students are automatically enrolled upon registering for classes. For students who prefer to purchase their course materials on their own, the option to opt out will be available between Dec. 16, 2024, through Jan. 31, 2025. Read more on the program and important dates for students.

What's happening

Deadlines and reminders


A pair of Nanook skiers practice on the new UAF ski trails.

New UAF competition ski trails debut at Nordic Cup

Cheer on your Nanooks on Dec. 6 and 7 for the 2024 Alaska Nordic Cup. This will be the first set of races on the new UAF ski trails, which were recently approved by the International Ski Federation (FIS). The Nanooks will race against the Anchorage Seawolves, and registration for the community race coinciding with the Nordic Cup is live. The community race is open to all active US Ski and Snowboard and FIS license holders. The final day to register is Dec. 3. Races start at 11 a.m., and the UAF Patty Center will provide a warm space for spectators. The Nordic Cup is free to watch for everyone!


Four squirrels poke their heads in unison from the entry hole in a bird nest box made of boards and attached to a tree.

The secret life of red squirrels

Stan Boutin has climbed more than 5,000 spruce trees in the last 30 years. He has often returned to the forest floor knowing if a ball of twigs and moss within the tree contained newborn red squirrel pups. Learn more about red squirrels.


About Cornerstone

The Cornerstone employee newsletter is produced by University Relations and emailed to all UAF staff and faculty. You can submit news items here.

 

UAF is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, educational institution and provider and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination/.