Sept. 3, 2024

Welcome to Week 2!

The first week is already gone and this week is a short one. Before you know it, we’ll be diving into week three of the semester!

Now is a good time to take a moment for self-reflection. Are you on track for your goals and aspirations for the semester? Consider whether your current habits align with where you want to be at the end of the term, 15 weeks from now. Are you dedicating enough time to your studies to stay on track? Be honest with yourself. If your routine feels overwhelming, now is the ideal time for adjustments. Perhaps you need to rethink your study environment or daily schedule. Discovering a consistent and productive study spot, even when motivation is low, can pave the way to success. This spot could be a table at home, a quiet library cubicle, a spot in the Usibelli Building, or the Murie Building. A local coffee shop might offer the environment you prefer. The key is finding a place and routine that will foster the success you desire. Remember, there are no shortcuts to putting in the necessary time. Establishing effective habits early is a proven strategy for success.

I have one more suggestion that's hard to resist: spend some time outdoors. In Interior Alaska, this season offers stunning natural beauty and is easily accessible. The air is filled with birds, the landscape is adorned with changing colors, mosquitoes are scarce, the weather is mild, and for many, this is the most delightful time of year.

If you're on the Troth Yeddha’ campus or attend there, take advantage of the UAF Boreal Arboretum and the extensive trail network right at your doorstep. Grab a friend or a small group and enjoy a leisurely walk. It's worth noting that no other university in the world boasts a trail system like this one at our doorstep. As a student, you have a unique opportunity to explore and savor this special place. The 'T-Field' attracts sandhill cranes and a red fox often pays an early morning visit. Smith Lake is teeming with tons of migrating waterfowl. Our arboretum is undergoing a captivating transformation. Winter is coming. The woods behind campus can serve as a rejuvenating escape whether shared with a companion or enjoyed in peaceful solitude. Sometimes, taking a break from your books can be as crucial as diving into them.

Regardless of your location, whether Alaska or Antarctica, set aside time to step away from your computer, connect with friends, and discover a source of lasting energy. It is a great time to cultivate this as a personal habit.

More things to do:

Get a student job! This can be one of the best ways to meet people, find community, gain career experience - and get paid to do it! The Student Employee Job Fair is happening this Thursday, Sept. 5, from noon to 3 p.m. in the Wood Center! This is an incredible opportunity to explore various on-campus job openings. Check it out! 

Attend the LARS Locals Day! Join the Large Animal Research Station for Locals Day! Join a tour every hour on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with admission being a donation of three non-perishable items for the food bank. Celebrate the end of our season and support our local community. For an especially amazing outing, walk there from campus! LARS is at the north edge of the UAF Boreal Arboretum. 

It is only fair that if I offer you unsolicited advice, you should also have the opportunity to do so as well. What would you like to hear about? How can we improve your experience? Please send your suggestions to me at obguthrie@alaska.edu.

Enjoy the rest of your second week at UAF!

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