Feb. 27, 2024
Daylight: 9:52:17

Welcome to Week 7!

I hope and trust this finds you well. As we transition out of February and into March (YAY!), it's important to recognize that we are entering the season when we traditionally struggle with increasing mental health challenges. For many of us, it can be the toughest time of year.

How are you doing? Now is a good time to take an inventory. How are your stress levels? Are you sleeping well? How are your relationships? Are you looking forward to events and activities? For a number of very real biological and physiological reasons, our burdens can feel their heaviest in the coming weeks. Balancing coursework, extracurricular activities, family, work, and the rest of life’s obligations can feel overwhelming. It is important to be mindful of your own mental health and to be aware of how those around you are doing. Take care of yourself. What intentional things can you do to help support your mental health in the coming weeks?

Once we start to struggle, it can be hard to find a positive perspective. How is your perspective? Are you standing with both feet solidly in a good place? If so, fantastic! If you are swimming toward that next island of joy, take a minute to recognize the things that are helping to get you through. Make sure to look for and appreciate joy in the little things; in family, a friend, or maybe a favorite pet. It is supposed to snow today. Maybe one of the last of the year. Take joy in that and in starting to say a slow goodbye to winter. Treat yourself to that cup of hot beverage and a pastry before class. Share a laugh with a friend. The daylight is rushing back. Here in the Interior, it looks like cold, bright, and clear skies. March can be glorious.

If you are struggling, remember that you are not alone. Seeking help is a sign of inner strength. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need support. Help others if you see them faltering. We will get there together! There are many resources available on campus to support us, including counseling services. The Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability is a good place to start if you don’t know where to go. The amazing people at ORCA are here to help! 

In addition, there are several things you can do on your own to promote good mental health; practice mindfulness and self-compassion, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and seek support from friends and family. Reach out. Find joy. Take care of yourself and of your fellow travelers. Spring break is coming!

Things to do:

Get ready for graduation and Commencement!

There are several important dates for students to prepare for graduation and the 2024 Commencement ceremony. Learn more about these important deadlines.

Here is a sneak peek:

• Apply to graduate by March 1
  March 1 is the final deadline to apply to graduate in May. Fill out the graduation application today!

• Check your account balance
  Check your UAOnline account to ensure your account balance has been paid in full, including your UAF graduation fee. Unpaid balances can prevent access to your diplomas, transcripts and grades.

• Nominate a student speaker by March 1
  Apply to be a student speaker at commencement by March 1. You can also nominate a student commencement speaker.

• Purchase regalia and invitations by April 11
  Graduates should order caps, gowns, and tassels by March 25 and have them mailed to their current address to ensure arrival before the event. To order, visit the Josten's website or call the UAF Bookstore at 907-474-6898 for information about commencement regalia. 

• RSVP and confirm attendance by April 15
  Students who apply for graduation need to also confirm attendance at the ceremony via RSVP. To RSVP for commencement and to ensure a reader card is ready for you at the ceremony, contact Degree Services at 907-474-7500 or uaf-degree-services@alaska.edu. Seating is set by the number of students who have indicated they will be there, so students must confirm attendance. The event will also be streamed live. Diplomas will be mailed to graduates a few weeks after the ceremony.

• Attend the Grad Bash on May 3
  Graduates and alumni are invited to attend a celebration at The Pub on Friday, May 3 from 7-9 p.m. Must be 21+ to attend.

• Arrive early on May 4
  Students should arrive an hour prior to the start of the ceremony on Saturday, May 4. See the Carlson Center seating map (PDF).

Have a great week! Enjoy what looks to be an amazing weekend ahead and we’ll see you next week for the last week before spring break!

Let me know what we can do better. As always, I’m at obguthrie@alaska.edu.

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