Nov. 8, 2022

Week 11!

Here we go, folks. The last few days of this term are going to flash by pretty quickly. Let’s take a moment to look ahead and see what’s coming. Next week is the last full week before Thanksgiving arrives. That’s right; the Thanksgiving holiday is Wednesday through Sunday, Nov. 23 through Nov. 27, which is only two weeks away! For most of you, that week contains only two days of classes. After we return Monday, Nov. 28, there are only two more weeks of classes and then finals. By the time you consider some late-scheduled mid-terms, the holiday, prep for finals, and completion of final papers and projects, this semester will be over before you know it!

In light of this, it is worth taking a moment to consider your personal calendar. Map out the coming weeks on paper or in your mind to include all of the important things you need to accomplish. Put down any exams or big assignment due dates. This map can help you get a handle on the coming days and can help reduce stress and help you better manage your time with all of the important forthcoming deadlines.

One of the most important events that should be on your radar is that priority registration for all UAF degree-seeking students begins Monday, Nov. 14. That is next Monday! If you haven’t already seen your advisor and or made an appointment, do so now! It is really important to iron out your plans for your spring classes, ensure your financial aid plans are accurate, and get this completed prior to the hectic days of final exams and the end of the semester.

Open Registration for all remaining UAF students begins Monday, Nov. 28, just three weeks away, but one of these weeks is Thanksgiving Week. Again, if you haven’t already seen your advisor or made an appointment – do so today! Get your classes locked in for the spring semester as soon as possible. It will feel good to get this settled, and it will help you to feel completely relaxed over the holidays and make your return in January more peaceful.

Get registered for Spring 2023!

Also, take care of yourself. Budget some time to have fun and enjoy some of what makes UAF and our special place so special. Here are some highlights of the coming days:

Have you ever seen the Aurora? Have you seen it lately? Do you know that there’s an aurora forecast website created and hosted by our very own Geophysical Institute? Both Nov. 10 and 18 look promising for aurora viewing!

I also see that our Center for Student Engagement has a lot of fun stuff planned for this coming weekend.

Pop-Con is at the Wood Center this coming Thursday, Friday, and Saturday!

Hughes Blues Band in The Pub on Friday, Nov. 11!

Retro-Dance Party in The Pub on Saturday, Nov. 12!

Friday, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day! UAF has a strong tradition of serving our active-duty, National Guard, and veteran students. As of this week, we have about 600 students attending UAF supported through active-duty or veterans benefits. Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. we will have a special registration event for these students in the Wood Center.

Do you need insurance? Student Health Insurance Open Enrollment is open until Nov. 15. There will be a table in the Wood Center on Wednesday, Nov. 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Lastly, keep up the good work in your classes for the last push to finals. These are the last weeks of the long journey. Hang in there. Take care of yourself. Take each day, one day at a time. You’ve got this!

As ever – please send me your comments and suggestions. I am at obguthrie@alaska.edu.

Take care of yourselves, take care of our community, and have a great week!

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