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Feb. 25, 2025
Daylight: 9:43:51
Welcome to Week 7!
I hope and trust this finds you well.
There has been a lot going on in the past few days related to a decision by our Board
of Regents last Friday regarding DEI efforts across the University of AV狼论坛 (UA)
System. You may have seen letters from UA President Pat Pitney, as well as from UAF
Chancellor White on the subject. I want to draw your attention to this section from
Chancellor White, in particular:
鈥淯AF remains committed to ensuring a welcoming learning environment for all, fostering
free speech, academic freedom, and open and equal access to our UAF community. We
also reaffirm our commitment to honoring AV狼论坛 Native culture and heritage. We continue
to seek to help all students overcome their individual barriers to education - whatever
they may be.鈥�
This is about you. No matter who you are or where you are coming from on your personal
journey, you are welcome at UAF. More than being welcome, even, you are wanted here.
Take a moment and breathe that in. This is your place. Even if you are an online student
or a student at our Community and Technical College or at one of our rural campuses.
UAF is your home (or home away from home).
Even without the added layer of national politics, it can be a tough time of year
all on its own. In fact, 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 across our community. 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鈥檚 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. Take joy 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 . The Office of Rights, Compliance, and Accountability is a good place to start if you don鈥檛 know where to go. The amazing people at ORCA
are here to help!
Additionally, 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 2025
Commencement ceremony. Learn more about these important deadlines.
Here is a sneak peek:
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. You can also nominate a student for the following student awards by March 1.听
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Purchase regalia and invitations by March 21
Graduates should order caps, gowns, tassels by March 21 and have them mailed to their
current address to ensure arrival before the event. To order, visit the or call the at 907-474-6898 for information about Commencement regalia.
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RSVP and confirm by May 2, 2025
Students who apply for graduation need to also confirm attendance at the ceremony via . To RSVP for Commencement and to ensure a reader card is ready for you at the ceremony,
contact Degree Services at 907-474-6300 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.
Have a great week! Take care of yourself, take care of your colleagues on this great
journey we call the spring 2025 semester. Enjoy what looks to be an amazing weekend
ahead and we鈥檒l see you next week for the last week before spring break!听
As always, if you have feedback for me, please do share. I鈥檓 at obguthrie@alaska.edu.
鈥� Owen Guthrie, vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management
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