Settle into the rhythm of the new term
Owen Guthrie, vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management
Sept. 8, 2026
— Owen Guthrie, vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management
Welcome to Week 3!
Can you believe it? Two weeks ago, you kicked off the exciting journey of the fall
semester in 2026! Whether you’re new to campus or returning, you’ve taken your first
steps on a fresh adventure, meeting new faces and tackling new challenges. In just
two short weeks, the leaves will have mostly fallen, and chilly nights will become
part of your routine. Time really does fly, doesn’t it? You're doing an amazing job!
As you settle into the rhythm of the new term, you are also stepping into a new chapter
of leadership for our campus community. I am thrilled to welcome our incoming Chancellor, . A UAF alumnus and retired Army colonel, Vander Lugt brings 26 years of executive
leadership experience to our university, along with a deep commitment to collaboration
with Alaska Native communities and a passion for Arctic scholarship. We will have
some events for you to meet and say hello to Chancellor Russ – keep your eyes peeled
for more information soon!
The second week in September is always a busy and exciting week on campus! Nanook Traditions kicks off the school year with events Thursday through Saturday. The bonfires have been a symbol of the passing of the torch of knowledge to our new students since 1923. We welcome back all our students and hope they all have a grand year. Enjoy the biggest bonfires you will ever see! Also this weekend, don’t miss the kickoff on Sunday, Sept. 13 for .
Finally, are you searching for a job? Maybe an even better question: are you searching for fun things to do in your spare time? Check the UAF Jobs website for over 60 open campus positions – from working as a Community Service Officer to playing Nook, our beloved mascot! Activate your account on Handshake (or download the app) using your UAF login. It's our official portal for jobs, internships and career events – plus, 80% of students with complete profiles get contacted directly by employers! Stop by the on Thursday, Sept. 10, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Wood Center to connect with over 70 employers. Need extra support? Visit the UAF Career Services website!
I wish you a fantastic third week and a great (safe!) time at Starvation Gulch!