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I hope you all had a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving with loved ones and that the long weekend gave you some time to reflect and catch up with things that were on your mind. It is hard to believe that we are stepping into December and will soon be heading to a winter break.
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You have worked hard despite all odds. I am constantly amazed by each of you and the resilience that you have shown. As you navigate the last stretch of the fall 2020 academic semester, I wanted to remind you of some important academic matters and options you have.
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Academic calendar and final exams
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UAF is following its normal academic calendar and is maintaining its schedule for all finals, including in-person exams. There may be exceptions in some rural community campuses due to regional needs. Rural community campus students should communicate directly with their faculty for specific guidance on any changes regarding their classes or final exams.
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As you return to campus after your Thanksgiving break, please continue to communicate with your course instructors to let them know of your situation. If you need to practise strict social distancing as you wait for your COVID-19 test results, if you are in quarantine, or if you are facing other difficulties that make it impossible for you to continue with in-person classes or take your finals in person, it is important that you let your instructors know that. If you are facing extenuating circumstances and need more time for a specific assignment, please let your instructor know and ask about your options. I have also encouraged instructors to be flexible and accommodating where it is reasonable to do so.
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Appeals for late withdrawals
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The administration is also being mindful and flexible in approving appeals for late withdrawals. Please check out the information on how to appeal for a late withdrawal and use this PDF of the appeals form for submission if you choose to go this route. Some things to keep in mind for late withdrawals:
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- Withdrawals can impact your financial aid. In particular, international students, student athletes and students receiving VA funding should not appeal to withdraw from their class without first checking on how it will impact their eligibility and funding.
- If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 and cannot complete the course, it is reasonable to work with your instructor and request an incomplete for that reason.
- If you are facing significant COVID-19-related issues that are making it difficult for you to make adequate progress in the course, then a late withdrawal may serve you better than an incomplete. Academic difficulties related to COVID-19 may be considered as a reason for an appeal for late withdrawal.
- the Student Health and Counseling Center is providing telehealth services via SecureVideo. You can call 474-7043 to schedule an appointment.
- the UAF community mental health clinic has graduate-level counseling students providing counseling services. They are accepting new clients for 50-minute counseling sessions once a week until Dec. 4, 2020, and from Jan. 11-April 26, 2021. The fees are negotiable and range from free to $10 depending on your needs. For more information, you can contact Director Valerie Gifford at vmgifford@alaska.edu or 474-1999.
- you can always reach out to the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities for a variety of support at uaf-studentrights@alaska.edu or 474-7317.
I wish you all the best for a successful fall 2020.
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— Anupma Prakash, provost and executive vice chancellor
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The is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual. Learn more about UA's .
Photos by UAF photographers unless otherwise noted.
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