Nov. 5, 2024

Welcome to week 11! 

Here we go, folks. Things are going to move pretty quickly from here. Let’s take a moment to look ahead and see what’s coming. After this week, there are only two full weeks before the fall break arrives. That’s right; the fall break starts three weeks from tomorrow – Wednesday through Sunday, Nov. 27 through Dec. 1. After we return on Monday, Dec. 2, there is only one more week of classes and then finals. By the time you consider some late-scheduled mid-terms, the holiday, prep for finals, and completion of final papers and projects, this semester will be over before you know it!

In light of this, it is worth taking a moment to consider your calendar. Map out the coming weeks on paper or in your mind to include all of the important things you need to accomplish. Put down any exams or big assignment due dates. This map can help you get a handle on the coming days, reduce stress, and better manage your time with all of the important deadlines that are headed your way.

One of the most important events that should be on your radar is that priority registration for all degree-seeking students began yesterday, Monday, Nov. 4. This is huge. Priority registration is available to athletes, Honors College students, military-affiliated students, and dual enrollment students. If this includes you – get registered. See your advisor and get your classes for next spring!

Open registration for all students begins Monday, Nov. 11. That is next Monday! If you haven’t already seen your advisor and or made an appointment, do so now! It is really important to iron out your plans for your spring classes, ensure your financial aid plans are accurate, and get everything settled prior to the hectic days of final exams and the end of the semester. It will feel good to get your spring semester planned, and it will help you feel more relaxed over the holidays and make your return in January more peaceful.

Also, enrollment is up; we have a lot of new students. Classes are filling. If you want to have your pick of available classes – now is the time for action!

Things to do:

Get registered for spring 2024!

Also, take care of yourself. Budget some time to have fun and enjoy some of what makes UAF and our special places so special. UAF has a lot of great events planned for this coming weekend; here are some highlights:

Pop-Con celebrates all pop culture – gaming, entertainment, books, comics, and more! Pop-Con takes over the Wood Center every year for three days of tournaments, vendors, cosplay, workshops, and activities. You don't want to miss out! Pop-Con takes place at UAF this Thursday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. through Saturday, Nov. 16, at 8 p.m. Registration is now open. Vendors are welcome to join us with booths selling goods, advertising, or hosting activities. Student organizations are encouraged to participate!

Post-Election, Pizza and Discussion. Whatever the results, this is truly a Historic Presidential Election! The day after, the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program (WGSS) will provide a space to discuss the results on Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 1-2:15 p.m. WGSS Program Chair and Political Science professor Carol Gray will offer a brief overview of the presidential election results and then all are invited to discuss, process, and reflect. All viewpoints are welcome. Pizza, drinks, and brownies will be provided.

Dive into the world of movies with Nanook Cinema this Wednesday with Top-Gun: Maverick at 7 p.m. Join us at Arctic Java for an evening of free entertainment and excitement. Admission is FREE for all students! Grab your friends, grab some popcorn, and get ready to experience the magic of the silver screen.

Lunchtime Skate Ski Lesson! Skiing is a way of life here in Fairbanks and we have an abundance of trails right here on campus. Join us for a lunchtime lesson to sharpen your skills prior to venturing out on your own this Wednesday, Nov. 13 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day! UAF has a strong tradition of serving our active-duty, National Guard, and veteran students. As of this week, we have nearly 600 students attending UAF supported through active-duty or veterans benefits. This Friday, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. we will have a special event in the Student Success Center to celebrate our veteran, active duty, and National Guard students! We will have advisors, financial aid, and tutoring support present and there will be donuts and coffee to say thank you! Stop by and say hello!

Lastly, keep up the good work in your classes for the last push to finals. Remember to start preparing for these exams early. Now is a good time. The key is to put the time in starting sooner rather than later. While there are many good ideas online, the bottom line is that there is no shortcut to rocking the finals at the end of your fall 2024 semester. Put the time in. These are the last weeks of the long journey. Hang in there. Take care of yourself. Take each day, one day at a time. You’ve got this!

Have a great 11th week of classes. See your advisor. Get registered for spring. Take care of yourself.

Turnabout is fair play. You’ve received a lot of advice from me – please share your advice in return: obguthrie@alaska.edu.

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