Sept. 12, 2023

Welcome to Week 3!

Two weeks ago, you embarked on the exciting journey of the fall semester in 2023. Whether a new or returning student, you've set foot on a fresh path, encountering new challenges in unfamiliar surroundings. In just two more weeks, that brief span we've already traversed, the leaves will have mostly fallen, chilly nights will become a regular occurrence, and your daily routine will start feeling more familiar. Time is flying, and your learning curve is steep. You're doing fantastic!

You're not only excelling in your academic pursuits, and mastering new subjects and information, but you're also navigating a world of new names, faces, systems, and spaces. Every day, you're forging new connections – both in and outside your classes. Those individuals you sit next to in class, see on Zoom, or meet in online discussion boards are evolving from mere faces and names into your companions on this journey.

Take a moment to reflect on the budding community around you. Are you making the most of the opportunity to build connections with your fellow travelers? We understand that a significant part of your success in the coming weeks will stem from the bonds you form with those sharing this adventure. Seize the social opportunities this semester offers. Reach out, delve into the stories of your fellow travelers, consider starting or joining a study group, and foster these connections. They'll make your journey more enjoyable and also provide valuable support throughout the 14 weeks ahead!

Things to do:

In addition to building bridges, are you engaging with student activities and other opportunities? If you are not already connected – check out the Nanook Engage Platform. You can log in with your university login credentials and find tons of exciting things to do and events to attend. To connect via your mobile device, download the CampusGroups app (iOS, Android) and login with your UA login credentials. 

Another great way to engage with our community is to get a job. UAF student jobs can be found at the Careers at UA website. Handshake is our school’s official job/internship portal for external (and some internal) opportunities. Thousands of employers are hiring students on Handshake. Once you fill in your career interests, you’ll get personalized recommendations for jobs and events and direct outreach from employers interested in students like you – 80% of students with a complete Handshake profile get messaged by employers! This is also the platform where you will find upcoming career services events! To get started, activate your account at alaska.joinhandshake.com using your UAF login credentials. You can download the Handshake app (iOS or Android) to get notifications on the latest jobs, events, and employer interests. For more information or additional support on Handshake, please visit the UAF Career Services website.

Those are my suggestions for you. Please share any comments or suggestions you may have with me. I’m on email at obguthrie@alaska.edu.

Have a great third week!

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