Feb. 21, 2023

Welcome to Week 6!                                                             Daylight: 9:13:07

In the last two days, we passed the nine hours of daylight mark. It feels wonderful. We are gaining at nearly seven minutes per day and fast marching toward the bright warmth of spring. Sometimes it doesn’t feel that way but have faith. Gloriously warm and bright days are coming!

Last week, UAF Student Affairs hosted Darius A. Stanton as a guest speaker for Black History Month. During his visit, Mr. Stanton connected with the UAF community through various events and venues. On Friday afternoon, he met with the men’s basketball team to speak about wellness and personal growth. His words were practical and powerful, imparting several inspiring and challenging messages to those present. One of which was that education is the new sport. Mr. Stanton had the audience repeat the phrase. Education. Is. The. New. Sport. 

Speaking to a room full of NCAA athletes, the message was powerful. Mr. Stanton explained that if you want to excel at something, it takes commitment and practice. The education game is challenging. It takes being strategic with your time, putting the time in the ‘gym,’ and working on constant improvement. It also takes finding people to connect with who will help to challenge you. You need good coaches, teammates, and an excellent cheering section to help you play at the top of your game. 

Mr. Stanton said that knowledge is the most important thing to master in today’s world. This game isn’t just about this year or next year. The education game is about the rest of your life and look at you! You are already enrolled at one of the nation’s top research universities, playing in the major leagues and on the right path. But it isn’t easy and shouldn’t be easy. It is hard because the goal is important and worthy. 

Maybe it is a good time to check up on your game. How did your mid-terms go? Take a moment to evaluate your support systems. Do you need to make any changes to your practice routine? Any changes to your workout plans? Do you need to find some coaching (tutoring) support? Do you need to ask that instructor for help or put together a study group? Be your own number-one cheerleader; do the work, put in the time, and bring your best game! The outcome of your career in education is in your control and we are here to help! 

Speaking of big goals, here are some things happening this week and next that might be a game-changer for you: 

Winter Carnival is this week Feb. 23 through 25! 
There are many great events, including outdoor ice skating under the stars, ice-cream float-making, ice-climbing, sledding, sled-making competitions, campfires, movie nights and so much more. Check out Nanook Engage for ae list of fun things coming up later this week! 

Graduation Fair: Feb. 22 from noon to 3 p.m. 
Stop by the Wood Center Ballroom to learn more about commencement.  Ask about honors designations, check on our graduation application, send a thank-you card to someone who inspired you, or make time to visit with the Graduate School or Career Services advisor to plan your next move. Food, prizes and much more! Enjoy hamburger sliders and tater tots while you learn about the spring commencement ceremony taking place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the Carlson Center.

Find out more about this year’s ceremony.

• Check the status of your graduation application.

• Ask about honors designations.

• Place your order. Ensure you have your cap, gown and tassel in time for the big day.

• Connect with Alumni Relations. Learn more about your Nanook Network.

• Meet with a career advisor. Find out how to land your dream job. 

• Explore your options with the UAF Graduate School.

• Register for Lavender Graduation and the First-Gen Cording Ceremony.

• Pick up a red sash if you are an Alaska Native or Indigenous graduate.

• Apply to be a 2023 student commencement speaker.

• Thank someone who inspired you. Send them a thank-you note on the spot. 

• Enter to win. Door prizes include a professional photo and a photo package.

• Join ‘Nook at the photo booth. Post your photos — #uafgrad2023.

For more information or to request an accommodation, email uaf-commencement-team@alaska.edu.

Career Fair Week:
Join UAF Career Services for this semester’s two in-person career fairs — the Engineering Career Fair and the all-majors Job & Internship Fair. Both fairs are designed to help you identify potential career paths, connect with employers, and land your dream position! All UAF students and alumni are welcome to attend regardless of major, class year, or degree level. Check out the list of all our attending employers.

The Engineering Career Fair is on Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Wood Center.

The Job & Internship Fair is on Thursday, March 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Wood Center. More information can be found on our events page.

What can we do better? Let me know at obguthrie@alaska.edu.

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