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Sept. 30, 2025

Welcome to Week 6! Can you believe it!?

The first snow of winter fell on Fairbanks this past Sunday morning. It marked an exciting start to your sixth week of classes! This gradual slide into winter reminds us that each day brings a little more darkness and coolness, as snow begins to beautifully blanket the ground. Winter is on its way, and it brings a new season of adventures.

If you had been walking eight hours a day since the semester began at a pace of three miles per hour, you would have walked over 600 miles already! That’s nearly a round trip from Fairbanks to Anchorage! How amazing is that? Some of you who are juggling the most might have even gone further. You’re doing an amazing job!

Along the path of life, we sometimes encounter deeply unsettling events, such as this morning’s bomb threat on campus, and I want to take a moment to acknowledge the stress and concern it may have caused. Please know that your safety and well-being are our highest priorities. As soon as the threat was reported, we coordinated with law enforcement to evacuate and secure the area; thankfully, it was determined there was no actual danger. We understand how disruptive and frightening situations like this can be, and we are grateful for your patience, cooperation, and resilience. If today left you feeling shaken or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Campus counseling services are available and here for you.

Overall, how are you feeling about your experience at UAF so far? Are you discovering ways to connect with the community? We genuinely want to know if you feel at home here and if you feel welcomed. Your insights on how you’re connecting with campus life, events, and activities are incredibly important to us, as we strive to create an enriching and inclusive environment for everyone.

Remember, success is all about taking it one step at a time. Each day is another little victory, helping you progress and reach new heights. Don’t forget to take care of your ‘shoes’ and lean on your support systems. You’re doing great – keep pushing forward! You’re already more than a third of the way to the finish line!

Things to do:

Color up for this week’s sporting eventsÌýÌý

Have a great sixth week!

As ever, if there’s anything you’d like to share, something we’re doing great or something we can do better, please share! You can find me at obguthrie@alaska.edu.

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

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