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Jan. 13, 2026
Daylight: 4:58:27
Welcome! A warm and heartfelt welcome to our new students, and a big, joyful return
to those coming back!
I trust you all had a wonderful break and that you’re ready to embark on this new
term feeling rejuvenated. Remember, if your holiday season had its challenges, you’re
not alone. For many, this loosely structured time of year can be very challenging. It is dark,
it is cold, and we place a lot of expectations on ourselves and others to have an
especially amazing time.
For those who were in Fairbanks over the winter break, experiencing the severe cold
snap in December was a challenge. As long as your heat worked, your car worked, and
your water kept flowing, it was an adventure. If systems started failing, it quickly
became a struggle. It was cold. In fact, it was the 8th coldest December on record
since 1980, with temperatures well below freezing from minus 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It was the longest cold streak, with 29+ days at or below minus 15 degrees, since
1979. Congratulations on persevering!
Whether your break was filled with joy or had its ups and downs, today marks the exciting
start of a new adventure for the next sixteen weeks! Get ready to learn new things,
meet amazing people, and discover more about yourself along the way. This journey
of learning will change you in wonderful ways. And the best part? Each passing day
will bring more sunlight and a sneak peek into the warmth of spring. Let’s buckle
up and enjoy the ride!
As you step into your fresh set of courses this week, now is a great opportunity to
set yourself up for success. Lock in good habits. Grab a piece of paper or pull up
your online calendar, and take some time to plan out your week. Make sure to carve
out study time that fits your goals – be real with yourself about what you need to
succeed! Gather your books, meet your professors, and be open to the friendships,
ideas, and perspectives that await you.
If you’re prepared and engaged, I promise you’re in for a wonderful term! For those
who joined us during the fall, think about what worked for you and what didn’t. You’re
your biggest cheerleader! Remember, it takes a bit of grit and determination to stick
to your goals, especially as the semester whizzes by.
For everyone here in Fairbanks, at our rural or community campuses, or anywhere else
in AVÀÇÂÛ̳, get ready to bask in the increasing daylight as we rise out of the winter
gloom toward our summer of endless sunshine. Right now, we’re at nearly five hours
of daylight, and we’ll be gaining almost two more hours by the end of January! I absolutely
love tracking this seasonal change; it’s like a ray of hope shining on us every day!
If you’re curious to learn more about it, I have a great to share.
Things to do:
If you haven’t verified your bookstore bundle, make sure to do that today. The UAF Bookstore Bundle is UAF’s
convenient, affordable textbook rental program that costs just $21.50 per credit.
Most UAF students are required to either verify their Bookstore Bundle order and select
delivery preference (in-store pick up or shipped), or choose to opt out.
If you want to opt out? Opt out of the Bookstore Bundle by visiting the UAF Bookstore Bundle program website and selecting the ‘opt-out’ option before Jan 23.
Pay your student account bill before Jan. 30. If you aren’t 100% certain everything
is paid and complete, make sure to check in with Financial Aid or the Bursar’s Office.
If your bill isn’t paid by Jan. 30, you may receive a late fee and holds for future
registration changes on your account – so it is worth making sure this step is complete.
Check out the site to find out all the fun and exciting events happening in our community!
And if you're into downhill skiing or snowboarding, you’re in for a treat. We have
partnered with Moose Mountain and Ski Land to offer discounted day passes for both
mountains. If you plan to ski this winter, check out this link for details on how to get a lift ticket for only $10. There are a limited number
of tickets available each day, so plan ahead. This deal is not available at the mountain.
With the great weather, it is a great time to take advantage of this awesome opportunity!
Welcome once again to the spring 2026 term! I am so proud of each of you, and more
importantly, you should be proud of yourselves. You’re on the path to a brighter future,
and I can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll accomplish!
As always, if you have any comments or suggestions, don’t hesitate to reach out to
me at obguthrie@alaska.edu.
— Owen Guthrie, vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management
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