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Feb. 24, 2026
Daylight: 9:35:26

Welcome to Week 7!

I hope this message finds you in great spirits.

These last few weeks have brought a mix of snowy ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵ and beautiful winter scenes, even if that wind has been a bit mischievous, blowing snow everywhere! It looks like we're in for some more snow and chilly ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵ as we wrap up February! If you have snow removal responsibilities, take care of your back while shoveling. And if you can lend a hand to someone whose back has seen too much shoveling for a lifetime, I am sure they would be grateful! :) Stay cozy and enjoy the winter vibes!

As we wave goodbye to February and welcome March (Yay!), It’s a good moment to pause and check in on ourselves and each other. March often brings a rise in mental health challenges for many, and it can feel pretty heavy sometimes; this time of year can be challenging.

So, how are you holding up? Now's a perfect time to take a little inventory. How is your stress level? Are you catching enough Z's? What’s going on in your relationships? Are there events or activities you’re excited about? It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed with coursework, family, work, and all of life’s responsibilities. Remember to take care of yourself! What small, intentional things can you do to look after your mental well-being in the upcoming weeks?

Finding a positive perspective can be tough when things get wobbly. Are you feeling grounded, or are you searching for that next island of joy? If you’re in a good spot, wonderful! If not, take a moment to appreciate the little things that bring you joy – whether it’s chatting with a friend, enjoying a favorite pet, or savoring that comforting hot drink and pastry before class. We can start to say a slow goodbye to winter, and with the return of daylight, March can truly be a glorious month!

If you’re finding it tough, please know that you’re not alone. Seeking help is a sign of strength! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need support, and keep an eye on those around you who might need a helping hand too. We’re all in this together! On campus, there are plenty of resources to help, like , and the wonderful folks at the Office of Rights, Compliance, and AccountabilityÌýwho are ready to assist.

And remember, you can also take steps on your own to boost your mental health – try practicing mindfulness, nurturing self-compassion, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and connecting with friends and family. Reach out, find joy, and take care of yourself and your fellow travelers. Spring break is just around the corner!

Things to do:

UAF Office of Admissions is interviewing for multiple Student Ambassador positions. If you're great at presenting something you're passionate about, love to work with people, either in person or over social media and can work 10-20 hours a week, this role may be for you! Apply at .

Get ready for graduation and Commencement!

There are several important dates for students to prepare for graduation and the 2026 Commencement ceremony. Learn more about these important deadlines.

Here is a sneak peek:

• Nominate a student speaker by March 2
  Apply to be a student speaker at commencement by March 2. You can also nominate a student commencement speaker.

• Purchase regalia and invitations by March 21
  Graduates should order caps, gowns, and tassels by March 21 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.

• Get your commencement stage pass – Coming soon!
  Available March 15 – April 8
  All graduates planning to walk at commencement will need a stage pass to participate in the ceremony.

There will be an put on by UAF Concert Board on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 6-9 p.m. at Hess Rec.Ìý

Wishing you a fantastic week ahead! Take care of yourself and your classmates on this incredible journey we call the spring 2026 semester. I hope you enjoy an amazing weekend, and I can’t wait to connect with you next week before spring break!

As always, if you have feedback for me, please do share. I’m at obguthrie@alaska.edu.

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