Winter is coming: Let’s dive in!
A student climbs the ice climbing wall outside the Student Recreation Center on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus on Feb. 14, 2026.
Sept. 29, 2026
— Owen Guthrie, vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management
We are past the first third of the semester. Congratulations! I am so proud of you! I hope you are feeling proud of how far you’ve come.
The weather has been letting us know that winter is indeed on its way. Snowflakes loom in the forecast for tonight and later this week! Ack! It is a little scary, but once the snow comes, life is easier in a way. Once we’re 'in,' we can set our minds to our new way of being, our new reality. We fear the unknown, but once we take the plunge, the water (the winter) often isn’t as bad as we feared.
As we settle into the middle third of the semester, how does your reality feel compared to how you thought it might feel from just a few weeks ago? How are your classes going? How are you eating, sleeping, socializing? Have you made new friends? Have you discovered new places on campus, new routines, new approaches to learning? Is the water warmer than you feared? If you are struggling, you are not alone! Check your support systems (see below). If you are thriving, look for other opportunities to challenge yourself and support others on our journey!
Navigating change and seasonal transitions can feel daunting and genuinely hard at times. Yet, once you dive in, you might find that the water is far better than you ever imagined! The coming season will bring incredible, magical moments to look forward to. These include discovering the trails behind campus on snowshoes, skis, or even just walking. Trying out the ice climbing wall or catching the breathtaking aurora in the night sky. Even just driving into town with some friends for dinner can be a whole adventure.
Everywhere, there are opportunities to try new things. Winter is coming; yes, that will be a whole thing. But what about the SRC? What about a student club? What about a study group or student event or activity that you saw but didn’t dive in? We are one third of the way into the term. Keep challenging yourself. Keep taking care of yourself, and looking after your fellow travelers.
Things to do and remember this week:
- Check in on your support system: If things feel heavy, lean on our campus resources. Reach out to your academic advisor, talk with an Academic Coach at the Student Success Center or drop by the Student Health and Counseling Center.
- Get moving (indoors or out!): Rainy and chilly days are a great excuse to hit the Student Rec Center for a workout, swim some laps at the Patty Pool or throw on a rain jacket and walk the trails. There are so many options at Nanook Rec, including pickleball, climbing and group fitness classes like weightlifting and boot camp. See all the details and calendar at MyNanookRec.
- Stay connected: Head over to Nanook Engage to check out upcoming student activities, campus events and ways to get involved.
Winter IS on its way. I guarantee it will be amazing. If you need some gear, check out the Free Store pop-up: winter gear tomorrow afternoon!
If there is anything I can do to help, or if you see opportunities for us to do better, please let me know. You can find me at obguthrie@alaska.edu.