Aug. 22, 2022

Dear Students,

Welcome to Fall 2022!

You are taking a step, or another step, toward a better future. I am so proud of you. This is the path. You are doing it. Though it is not an easy path, there are many people here to help and I am one of them.

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. His name is Dan White. He has five vice chancellors who report directly to him and who are responsible for most of the main functional areas of the institution. One of these is responsible for all things relating to students. That’s me. I am responsible for your well-being from the institutional perspective. 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.

A few quick business details

Get ready:
Classes start in two weeks! If you haven’t already registered, do so now! If you still need to connect with your advisor, do so. Then get registered. Once you are registered, get your textbooks. Lastly, check your financial aid status, so it’s ready to pay toward your bill. Make sure everything is as it should be. These are essential steps to be ready for the fall semester!

Opt-in to texting:
Texting is a great way to communicate! Many departments and advisors send text/SMS messages about reminders, opportunities, appointments and more. And, during the month of September, text "UAF" to 877-755-7554 to opt-in for text/SMS messages and be entered to win $25 in Bear Bucks, a UAF T-shirt or one of two annual parking passes! You can unsubscribe from text/SMS messages at any time by replying STOP to any message, or by logging into UAOnline and changing your contact information preferences.

Download the Navigate Student app:
The Nanook Navigator (Navigate Student) app (iOS, Android) is a mobile advisor to get you from orientation to graduation. You can connect with your advisors, professors, and classmates along with access information on important resources, 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 desktop student center.

Take note:
The Student Health and Counseling Center (SHCC) was relocated while we are renovating their spaces. They are here to help you from their new, temporary locations. Call (907) 474-7043 with any questions or to schedule an appointment. 

• The Medical Service has been relocated to the Arctic Health Research Building in Suite 105.  Arctic Health Research Building on the Westridge of campus.

• The Counseling Service has been relocated to the Gruening Building in Suite 215.

There is a lot to do and a lot happening in the next few days. Take care of yourself. Get these few things done as soon as possible! If you need help, please reach out. There are many people just waiting to help you on your journey. If you don’t know where to start, stop by Signers’ Hall, take the stairs or elevator to the second floor and ask to talk to an Admissions Counselor. You can also call (907) 474-7500. We are here to help!

No matter if you are taking one credit or 20, no matter what course or degree you are seeking to complete here at UAF – Welcome! It is looking to be a great term!

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