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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