Oct. 25, 2022

Welcome!

As we crack into week nine, I always feel like we’ve just pushed off on a sledding run. We start accelerating. Next week will go faster than this week. The week after will go still faster, and so on, faster and faster until we launch into finals, only to land in a heap on the holiday break. Here we go! Hang in there; keep your hands and feet inside the ride. Stick to positive patterns that are working. Cut back on the distractions and stuff that isn’t helping.

One of the things we tend to do when we’re stressed about doing one thing, like studying, is to find another, much more accessible activity to focus on. The classic example of this is that we suddenly decide our dorm room is desperately in need of cleaning (or pick any similar substitute that can wait a day) before we start studying for that exam. We do everything except what we should be doing.

In the weeks ahead, don’t do that. Instead, as you are able, just focus on your primary tasks. Yes, do still clean your room, do attend to critical chores and obligations but prioritize the work that will get you where you want to be. Read. Do your homework. Study. Focus. Put in the time. This is you being honest with yourself and this is you exercising discipline.

AND. Support the success of others. Last week I asked you to reflect on how you did on your midterms. What I didn’t ask is how your friends did. How did others in your classes do? Our focus has been on how you can help yourself to focus and do better. One of the best things you can do to help yourself is to reach out to others. You can offer direct support, like offering to study with a friend or maybe even just setting aside time to help others focus and study. You can also support the success of your peers indirectly. Don’t schedule that party on a weeknight. When your friend/roommate/classmate says they can’t do this or that because they need to study – encourage them and commend them. Helping others will build community around helping everyone to do their best.

AND. Take care of yourself. Take time as you have it to be social. Take time to relax. Take time to care for yourself. Plan for some free time with friends and have some fun!

Here is an opportunity:

Nanook Rec will be offering free Ski Land passes to students enrolled in 6 or more credits for the 2022-2023 season! Regular season passes cost $450, so this is a huge value and a great opportunity. Passes will be available Oct. 26 and Nov. 3 at Outdoor Adventures in the Student Rec Center from noon-5 p.m. Come to the SRC during these times to verify your credit load and get your pass printed. If you miss one of the days at Outdoor Adventures, come to the SRC to get a voucher to bring to any other Ski Land pass sales event or directly to the mountain. More information about Ski Land can be found at https://skilandfairbanks.com/.

More information from Nanook Recreation can be found at Ski Land | Nanook Recreation.

Talk about a sled ride; this is the real deal!

Lastly, registration is coming up in November. See your advisor. Also, do your Title IX training before Oct. 31, 2022, to prevent a priority registration hold from being placed on your account.

As ever – please send me your comments and suggestions. I am at obguthrie@alaska.edu. Take care of yourselves, take care of your community, and have a great week!

— Owen Guthrie, vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management