April 25, 2023
Daylight: 16:28:00

The final week!

You have done it! You have reached the final week of classes for the semester. Congratulations! Remember way back when you started this year last August or even last January? That was a long time ago and there have been many long days. You have learned so much. I am so proud of you!

On your long journey, you just passed the last snack and water break table and there’s nothing but a short distance to the finish line ahead. Now is the time. Give it your all and finish strong. As the saying goes, "leave it all on the field."

Leave it all on the field
1. (idiomatic, often sports) Used to encourage players or anyone to give their best effort without going away with unused energy. Example: 
Go and give it your all! Leave it all on the field!

You've worked hard through the semester. You’ve trudged to class through the cold, tuned into Zoom sessions when tired, completed countless assignments and studied for umpteen exams. Now is not the time to slow down or coast to the finish. Instead, it's the time to push yourself and give everything you have to finish the semester on a high note and with your strongest stride.

Remember, your effort this week can make a big difference in your final grades and, ultimately, your academic success. So, manage your time well, stay focused and reach out to your professors, classmates or the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities if you need help or support.

I know that the end of the semester can be stressful and it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Don't forget to take care of yourself too. Make time for self-care activities, get enough sleep and take breaks when needed. This is part of your finishing-strong strategy. You'll be surprised how much more productive you can be when well-rested and energized.

Finally, I wish you the best of luck in your final exams, papers, projects and assignments. I love this video with five tips for the day of an exam. You've got this! Remember that your hard work and dedication will pay off in the end, and you'll be proud of your accomplishments.

Keep pushing, keep striving, and leave it all on the field!

Take care of yourself

Doing well on your exams and finishing strong is super important, but don’t let the stress get you down. Let the stress help you focus, but keep life in perspective. Spring is here and it is glorious. Take a moment to enjoy the beauty in this season of warmth and renewal. 

Have you registered for fall classes? If not, why? Let me know at obguthrie@alaska.edu.

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