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Aug. 27, 2024
Welcome to Week 1, the first week of your journey!
Here we go! You are taking a step, or another step, toward a better future. I am so
proud of you. You are on the path. You are doing it. Though the path is not short
or easy, there are many people here to help and I am one of them.Ìý
For those of you who are new to our community, I am the vice chancellor of student
affairs and enrollment management. What does that mean? It means that I am your vice
chancellor. The chancellor at UAF is the highest official at the institution. He’s
like the CEO and his name is Dan White. He has that reports directly to him and is responsible for most of the functional areas
of the institution. One of these team members is responsible for all things relating
to students. That’s me. I am responsible for much of your experience here at UAF,
including your overall well-being. This includes your dining, your housing, your health,
and counseling, as well as several other core student services such as the offices
that help you enroll, finance your education, and ultimately graduate. My job is to
manage and improve the services you need to accomplish your goals. I am fortunate
to have wonderful and amazing people working for and with me to support you in each
of these areas. We are a diverse team and we care about one thing. We want you to
succeed. Along that journey, we want you to be safe, be well, and have a great time.Ìý
Here are three things you should do if you haven’t already:Ìý
Make a plan:
What is your plan for this week? For every week? Think of yourself as a professional
athlete. You are going to be in training for the next 16 weeks. You will need to put
in the time. Schedule. Your. Time. Plan for attending class, and plan for investing
what it takes outside of class. Plan for more than you will need to make sure you
give yourself enough time. Prioritize your success and achievement. Pace yourself.
You have got this!Ìý
Download the Navigate Student app:
Connecting with your advisors, professors and The Nanook Navigator app (, ) is a mobile advisor to help you get from orientation to graduation. You can connect
with your advisors, professors, and classmates, access information on important resources, virtually raise your hand for support, and view events and deadlines. The app also provides you with the option to make your own to-do lists and set reminders.
View the student quick guide here for access and instructions. If you don’t have a mobile device, you can still access these features through the
.Ìý
Connect to UAF student events:
To stay informed about all the latest and upcoming student events, connect to the
platform. To connect via your mobile device, download the CampusGroups app (, and login with your UA login credentials.Ìý
Lastly:Ìý
This first week is going to go by in a flash. Focus on the basics and take care of
yourself. Get outside. Explore your new environment. Find comfortable places and people
that will support your success in the coming weeks. Take a moment to invest in new
friendships and build new community connections.Ìý
There is lots to learn and if you need or would like some help, please reach out.
You should have met your advisor by now. Your advisor can help you find resources and guidance to people and services
that are dedicated to helping you. There are so many people just waiting to help you
on your journey; we’ve been waiting all summer for your return!Ìý
No matter if you are taking one credit or 20, whether you are here in Fairbanks or
far away across the planet, and what course or degree you are working on here at UAF
– Welcome! It is going to be a great semester!
— Owen Guthrie, vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management
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