March 18, 2025
Daylight: 12:05:40

Welcome back!

How was your break? Are you rested and restored? I hope so because we are about to start the free-fall ride to the end of the term! Let’s take stock of where we are at. Counting this week, there are two more weeks of classes in March and four weeks in April. That is only five more Mondays of classes and six more Fridays. After that, final exams land during the first couple of days in May. Commencement is on Saturday, May 3. That is only 47 days from today! Folks, it is going to be over before you know it.

What is your plan for the next few weeks? Take a moment to answer that question. What are you going to do to make the most of this final stretch? Are you able to find and commit the time it takes to do your best? Be honest with yourself. Do you need to assess your priorities to make the most of this semester, this opportunity to do your best? If this question feels overwhelming, or if you find yourself feeling buried and overwhelmed as you return to classes – please reach out. We are all here to help you have an awesome final stretch in the weeks ahead. If you don’t know where to go, reach out to the Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability. They can help guide you to resources and help with strategies.

As usual, here are two – no three – things you should know and/or do:

Graduating this spring? Purchase your caps, gowns and other regalia no later than March 21. Visit www.jostens.com to order. Your graduation fee does not cover regalia items. Also, don’t forget to RSVP to attend Commencement by April 15.

Registration is coming. Priority registration opens Monday, April 7! See your advisor to select your summer and fall classes! Get this done – classes are filling faster and faster. Make sure you get the classes you want before they fill up! 

Concerned about financing your education next fall? Take a moment to connect with UAF Financial Aid. You want to make smart decisions about your financial future. Do some reading online. Complete the new and much improved FAFSA for fall 2025! Talk with your advisor. Educate yourself on the subject. You are worth it. Your education is worth it. 

Have a great week! Here in Fairbanks, it looks to be sunny, warmer and amazing.

Let me know what we can do better to serve you in the final weeks of the semester!

As always, I’m at obguthrie@alaska.edu.

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