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Feb. 27, 2024
Daylight: 9:52:17
Welcome to Week 7!
I hope and trust this finds you well. 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. 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’s 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. It is supposed
to snow today. Maybe one of the last of the year. Take joy in that and 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’t know where to go. The amazing people at ORCA
are here to help!Ìý
In addition, 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 2024
Commencement ceremony. .
Here is a sneak peek:
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Check your account balance
Check your account to ensure your account balance has been paid in full, including your UAF
graduation fee. Unpaid balances can prevent access to your diplomas, transcripts and
grades.
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Nominate a student speaker by March 1
at commencement by March 1. You can also commencement speaker.
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Purchase regalia and invitations by April 11
Graduates should order caps, gowns, and tassels by March 25 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.Ìý
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RSVP and confirm attendance by April 15
Students who need to also . To RSVP for commencement and to ensure a reader card is ready for you at the ceremony,
contact Degree Services at 907-474-7500 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.
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Attend the Grad Bash on May 3
Graduates and alumni are invited to attend a celebration at The Pub on Friday, May 3 from 7-9 p.m. Must be 21+ to attend.
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Arrive early on May 4
Students should arrive an hour prior to the start of the ceremony on Saturday, May
4. See the Carlson Center seating map (PDF).
Have a great week! Enjoy what looks to be an amazing weekend ahead and we’ll see you
next week for the last week before spring break!
Let me know what we can do better. As always, I’m at obguthrie@alaska.edu.
— Owen Guthrie, vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management.
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