Oct. 4, 2022

Welcome to week 6 of the fall 2022 semester!

Quizzes and tests and homework, oh my! It’s hard to believe we are already in week six of the semester. This week is a Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities (CSRR) newsletter takeover. Hi! I’m Kaydee Van Flein, your chief student conduct officer and director for CSRR. At the center, we are committed to helping you meet challenges you face as a student, understand the impact of choices, and know that when you chose UAF, you gained a team of us, ready and happy to help support you in reaching your goals! It’s not only our office that is committed to your health, well-being and academic success, there are so many offices and people on campus who want to help you succeed.

At CSRR, when connecting with students, we work to create a Constellation of CARE. What does this mean, you ask? It’s working with you to identify what type of support you need, who on campus can be a part of your team, and how we can all work together to support you in reaching your goals as a student. That might sound like a lot, but having folks in your corner can mean a world of difference when you experience a setback or struggle to see the light at the end of the tunnel. This Constellation of CARE will look different for each student, making it specific to you. It’s ok to ask for and need help — a little bit louder for those in the back – IT’S OK TO ASK FOR HELP! Needing help, not having all the answers, and using resources on campus doesn’t mean you belong here less; it means you are utilizing the opportunities and support available to you as a student. So let’s talk about some amazing resources on campus.

Student Support Services (TRIO) is a program designed to make your life in college easier. If you’re a first-generation college student (meaning your parents don’t have a 4-year degree), a student with limited income (Pell grant recipients), and/or a student who experiences any documented disability, you should consider applying today! Well over half of UAF baccalaureate degree-seeking students qualify for this program and the holistic support it provides. From comprehensive advising and mentoring to nearly-24/7 tutoring access, plus laptops to borrow and a staff who genuinely cares about you and your academic success, all your bases are covered. SSS also has a brand new embedded mental health counselor to help you navigate the multitude of emotions a student experiences in any given situation.

Peer academic success coaching! Students can book via this website (scroll down the page slightly to see all of our coach bios and appointment links). What is academic success coaching? Academic coaching is a series of one-on-one conversations designed to enhance well-being and academic performance. Coaching is a partnership between students seeking to improve their study strategies and peer coaches trained to listen, ask thought-provoking questions, and help students identify resources and set goals. Topics academic coaches can help with include time management, online learning strategies, school/life balance, individualized study plans, reading & note-taking strategies, organization, effective communication, quiz & exam prep, setting priorities & goals, self-care, and much more!

I’ve highlighted just a few of the resources available to you. There are so many additional options. Follow the linked resources to explore even more! If you are unsure where to start or exactly what you may need, call 907-474-7317 or stop by CSRR in Eielson 110 today. Take a deep breath, know that you are valued and that so many folks here on campus are ready and willing to help. It can be scary to ask for help but believe me, everyone needs a little help from time to time and having a place to start is half the battle. We’re here when you need us!

Next week, you’ll hear from another incredible resource and amazing colleague, Dr. Val Gifford, director of the Student Health and Counseling Center.