Oct. 10, 2023

Welcome to Week 7!

Are you through your mid-terms? If so, I hope you’ve had a chance to catch your breath!  How did they go?

Were you triumphant? Did you reap the fruits of your labor? Did you feel as prepared as you thought you were? Or, was the outcome of your mid-term exams disheartening or disappointing?

Midterms can be a bit of a wild ride, but they also offer a great opportunity to reflect on your study habits and make some tweaks for the future. So, whether you aced your exams or noticed room for improvement, take a moment to reflect on your preparation strategies.

Here are a few questions to get you started:

• What study techniques worked best for you? Did you work on your own or with others in group study sessions? Have you tried both? Which works best for you and is it course/content related? 

• Did you manage your time effectively leading up to the exams? Did you procrastinate until the night before?

• Were there any distractions that kept popping up? Social media? Netflix? Family? Job? A particularly cute cat video?

• Did you get enough sleep and take care of your well-being during the hectic midterm season?

• What changes, if any, would you like to make to your study routine for the next round of exams?

Remember, this is all about learning techniques that work for you on how to learn – better. Your experiences during midterms can guide you toward more effective strategies for the future. Be honest with yourself. Say the thing that needs to be said to yourself so you do better next time.

If you'd like to chat about your midterms or need some advice on study techniques, there are several options for help. You can always reach out to your faculty member or advisor for suggestions or ideas. Ask a roommate or a friend what their best strategy is. Sometimes, sharing tips and tricks can make a world of difference! Also, we have other resources here for you. Reach out directly to Associate Vice Provost for Student Success, Jen Tilbury at jltilbury@alaska.edu. Jen is an amazing person. She is devoted to helping you help yourself to make the most of your time here at UAF. You can also reach out to a dedicated academic coach in the Student Success Center.

Keep up the great work and stay positive. If you did great – that’s wonderful. If there’s some room for improvement, that’s perfect. Observing improvement opportunities and taking steps to do better next time is exactly what this is all about. You've got this!

Things to do:

National Transfer Student Week (next week!)
Oct. 16-20

Join us for a series of virtual sessions for students planning to transfer to the University of Alaska Fairbanks and those who've recently transferred within the University of Alaska system.

Fall Career Fair 
Employers are looking to meet you at the Fall Career Fair this Thursday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Wood Center Ballroom and Mall Area. 

The Fall Career Fair is the perfect opportunity to explore a variety of industries and career pathways, network with employers, and secure a job or internship. Employers from a variety of industries are waiting to meet you!

Not looking for a job or internship right now? The Fall Career Fair is the perfect opportunity to connect with employers and practice your networking skills. Find a company that fits your values and supports your career interests while building your networking confidence.

On the day of the fair, make sure to check-in at the welcome table to be entered into a drawing for a $100 Amazon gift card!

For more information review the Fall Career Fair Student Guide.

Have a great seventh week of classes!

As ever, if there is something we’re doing great or something we can do better, please share! You can find me at obguthrie@alaska.edu.

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