November Housekeeping

We're entering our last full month of this semester, and it's bound to be a busy one as you finish up your coursework, prepare for finals, and look forward to Thanksgiving. So remember to take one day at a time, and prepare for next semester. 

The Spring Course Schedule was made available on October 26th, and registration opens on November 9th. Now is a great time to schedule and appointment with your advisor to discuss the courses you are interested in taking next semester. Preparation is the key to beating the registration rush and getting into your classes early will ensure that you do not end up on the wait list. Registration opens on November 9th for degree-seeking students and November 23rd for non-degree-seeking students.

If you did not do your Title IX, through your Blackboard, you may have a registration hold on your account. Please contact your advisor.

You should also be filling out Spring scholarship applications. Try to be financially prepared for next semester! Your advisor is a great resource for financial aid, as is the Financial Aid Office! Here is a link to our Paying for College page for some guidance:

 Important Dates and Deadlines
  • Nov. 9 - Degree-seeking students begin registration: Must meet with your advisor to register for spring classes
  • Nov. 15 - Late application deadline, Fall graduation
  • Nov. 20 - RSS Family Dinner PCN
  • Nov. 23 - Non-degree-seeking students begin registration
  • Nov. 25-29 - Thanksgiving break (no classes; most offices closed, including RSS)
  • Dec. 5 - Last day of instruction
  • Dec. 7-12 - Final examinations
  • Dec. 13 - Residence halls close, noon
  • Dec. 21-Jan. 1 - Winter break (RSS closure from Dec. 21, reopen on Jan. 4)

RSS Student Highlight
Paul Larson

Introduction
I am a full Yup'ik from Napaskiak, Alaska. I grew up doing subsistence harvests with my family and listening to elders wise words of wisdom on respect for humans/land/animals. With this knowledge, I am pursuing a Bachelor's of Science in Wildlife Biology and Conservation, to contribute to the knowledge of human/animal/environment relationship. I want to understand/research the relationship between animals with respect to their environment and the people.

What doors has UAF opened for you?
UAF offers many opportunities to explore education. Attending UAF, I am able to focus on my specific degree and attend classes and labs that strengthen my knowledge and increases my skills to use in internships and for my future career.

What motivates you to do well at UAF?
My future career of being a Wildlife Biologist Pilot and conducting research that contributes to human/animal/environment. Also, extracurricular activities/advisors/mentors motivates me to do well and complete my goals.

What are some challenges that you have faced as a student at UAF and how have you overcome them?
Being away from home has been very challenging. I overcome this by staying busy with homework, class, and being in clubs to help time go by.

Do you have any advice for your fellow students?
Join clubs you are interested in, and apply for internships/jobs that excite you. Also set aside time to study for classes, so you can be successful with the courses.

What is Rural Student Services to you and how has it impacted your higher education goals?
RSS is a great place to be at. They provide me with awesome advisors, make me feel like I'm at home, providing home cooked meals, and providing a place to study amongst other people that are in the same situation as me.

Anything else you'd like to share?
My favorite quote from an elder, "Qigcikiyukuvet nunat ungungssiit-llu, tuaiguq ungungssiq paivngaciquq elpenun," meaning "If you respect the land and the animals, the animal will present itself to you." I use this quote to remind myself to be mindful of others, and my connection to the land and the animals.


Family Dinner PCN!
 
 

Application for Winter Break Housing
Staying on campus over winter break?

The application for winter break housing is now open.

Winter break housing is available Dec. 13-Jan. 8. Students can apply for housing by going to the "Applications and Forms" section in the MyHousing portal.

Due to COVID-19, most residents will not need to change rooms this year. (However, some residents may need to change rooms due to facilities repairs.)

Winter break housing rates for Moore, Bartlett, Skarland, McIntosh and Wickersham are $28 per night for a double room and $24 per night for a single room.

Residents in Cutler will not be charged to stay over winter break but will be asked to still apply so they know who will be in the facility.

No refunds will be issued after Dec. 11. If you cancel or adjust your occupancy agreement dates after Dec. 11, you will be responsible for your original winter break charges and fees.

For more information, visit the Residence Life break housing webpage, or contact Res Life at uaf-housing@alaska.edu or 474-7247.

Financial Aid Open Q&A Sessions
You've got money questions, they've got answers

Starting Oct. 22, students can join the Financial Aid Office every other Thursday at noon to askand learn more about the financial aid process. It's never too early to prepare and plan for how you'll pay for the spring semester and next school year.

The FAFSA application and scholarship application are both now open. Join them on Zoom and they can help you.

Financial Aid open Q&A sessions are from 12pm-1pm on Oct. 22, Nov. 5, Nov. 19, Dec. 3 and Dec. 17.

Join on Zoom here. Email awwilliams@alaska.edu for the passcode to join and for more information.

Interested in Law School?

Grace Singh, former RSS student and UAF Alum, is seeking names of students who would participate in a possible recruitment event targeting Alaska Native students interested in law school. 

You can find more information about their program, and other law programs here:

If you are interested please contact Grace Singh:

New Peer Support Program

The Nanook Diversity and Action Center is launching a new support program for students by students. Prevention peer educators, or PPEs, are trained to support their fellow students in the areas of mental health, suicide, alcohol and drug misuse, and sexual assault and harassment. The PPE purpose is to raise awareness, provide information, support, a listening ear and resources to their peers.

If you are struggling and want to speak one-on-one with a PPE, they will be holding in-person and virtual drop-in hours for the rest of the fall semester, starting Monday, Oct. 26.
  • Mondays and Wednesdays (noon-3 p.m.) in Wood Center Room 101
  • Thursdays and Fridays (8-10 p.m.) in the Hess Rec Conference Room (MBS Complex)
If you would rather speak to a PPE virtually, log into Zoom during the above hours using this link: tiny.cc/ppedrop

Masks will be required during the in-person hours, and hand sanitizer will be provided.

For more information, email the Nanook Diversity and Action Center at uaf-ndac@alaska.edu.

Tutoring Services!
Fall 2020 

We hope all your classes are going great! However, if you need help, make sure to seek out a tutor.

RSS Tutoring
If you need help with either math or science, Chris Nicolai is available for in-person tutoring at the RSS gathering room, on Tuesday and Thursday, from 1-3pm. If you are unable to come by, Chris is willing to help through zoom. Contact him if you have any questions: cnicolai3@alaska.edu

We have tons of help on campus, at CTC, and even online! There's help for Math, English, Science, or a Foreign Language. Visit the tutor page to figure out where and when tutors are available in your subject. 

Other Tutoring Resources



In need of a Chromebook to get your work done?

RSS had a limited supply of Chromebooks to checkout for the semester! Please speak to your advisor about this option.

Scholarships

Nulato

Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC)  
  • Apply by November 15th
  • There have been several tribes that recently decided to manage their own tribal education funds, and are no longer compacting with TCC, please check with your tribal council for updates or new scholarships requirements
  • Currently TCC HIGHER EDUCATION scholarships are funding the following tribes Minto, Takotna, Tetlin, Birch Creek
  • Must be a higher education student
  • 2.0 GPA
  • https://www.tananachiefs.org/services/education/

Doyon Foundation 
 
The Aleut Foundation 
 
Arctic Education Foundation (AEF)
  • Apply by December 1st
  • Must be an ASRC shareholder or a direct lineal descendant of an ASRC shareholder
  • 2.0 GPA
  • http://www.arcticed.com/
 
Caleb Scholars Program
  • Apply by December 1st
  • Must be enrolled in a tribe located in Norton Sound, Northwest Arctic Borough, or Arctic Slope Borough
  • Already have completed 36 credit hours
  • Be a full-time student
  • Undergraduate students must have a minimum cumulative and current 2.5 GPA. Graduate students must have a minimum cumulative and current 3.0 GPA.
  • https://www.calebscholars.org/how-to-apply/ 

Calista Corporation
  • Apply by December 1st
  • Official Transcripts
  • Must be a Shareholder or Descendant
  • Must have a Letter of Acceptance/Good Standing or Proof of Application
  • Must have a 2.0 or higher
  • Full time is 12 or more credits & Part time is 6-11 credits
  • http://www.calistaeducation.org/scholarships.html

Coastal Villages Regional Fund (CVRF)
  • Apply by December 1st
  • Verification of CVRF Residency 
  • Part-Time (6-11 credits) or Full-Time (12 credits or more) enrollment in accredited college/university/vocational school for the 2021 Spring Semester
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher 
  • http://workfishhope.coastalvillages.org/

MyCache
  • Apply by December 1st
  • Must be a Bering Straits region resident (for NSEDC and NSHC)
  • Must be a shareholder or lineal descendant or tribal member (for BST, Sitnasuak, Kawerak)
  • Must attend an accredited Vocational or College/University Institution
  • Part-time (6-11 credits) or Full-time student (12+ credits)
  • 2.0 GPA or higher
  • https://my-cache.org/required

Ahtna Inc.

Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP)
  • Apply by December 30th
  • Must be an AVCP Region resident and have a tribal ID card or tribal verification form
  • 2.0 GPA or higher
  • http://www.avcp.org/
Join a Club!

A big part of college life is getting involved in things that you're interested in. Not only do you get a chance to make a difference or submerge yourself into your hobbies, but you get to do it with other, like-minded people who have similar goals in mind. Those friendships that you create may be just the thing you need to forge ahead. 

Due to our current situation with the virus, some clubs may be held virtually and others in-person with a limited amount of members. Although it may be not be the same experience face-to-face, it is still a great way to connect with others and get involved in clubs you are interested in.

To sign-up for clubs, click this link: https://forms.gle/oYYHCTKBxg2fBh8h9

Here are some of the organizations we're involved with:
ANESA is a student organization for students interested in becoming elementary or high school teachers. All students are welcome to join whether or not they are majoring or interested in this area.
Staff Advisor: Colleen Angaiak (907) 474-6447

Alaska Native Social Workers Association (ANSWA)
ANSWA is a student organization for students majoring or interested in social work, sociology, psychology, human service technology.
Faculty Advisor: LaVerne Demientieff (Social Work Department)
Staff Advisor: Gabrielle Russell (907) 474-7871

AISES is a student organization for students majoring or interested in the natural sciences, computer science, engineering, wildlife, mathematics, health fields, as well as students who intend to be math and/or science teachers.
Staff Advisor: Carlton Hautala (907) 474-7871

UAF Beading Club
Beaders of all levels or people interested in learning how to bead are welcome. For anyone interested in sharing traditional and modern beading skills. A good time to socialize and relax while learning to bead beautiful pieces.
Faculty Advisor: Kathleen Meckel (907) 474-6842 

Festival is a student-led tradition that brings together artists, performers, and knowledge-bearers in a celebration of Native cultures. If you're passionate about sharing culture, running events, building connections, or just want to get involved, we want you!! Festival of Native Arts is hosting their first club meeting virtually on September 9th from 1-2pm. Sign up here and join us next Wednesday!
Zoom Information:
Phone: 1 (253) 215-8782
Meeting ID: 9543-7280-283

Indigenous Authors Book Club
This is a book club where they discuss books written by Indigenous authors. It will be held virtually. On September 28th, at 7pm, they will be discussing Split Tooth by Tanya Tagaq. On October 26th, at 7pm, they will be discussing The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich. And on November 30th, at 7pm, The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline.
Staff Advisor: Tia Tidwell tmtidwell@alaska.edu
Link:  
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84646828101?#success
Zoom meeting ID: 846-4682-8101
Passcode: 26MeVy

Iñu-Yupiaq Dance Group
The Iñu-Yupiaq Dance Group is a student dance club that performs many Inupiaq and Yup'ik songs and dances. Everyone is invited to participate.
Staff Advisor: Carlton Hautala (907) 474-7871

Native American Business Leaders (NABL)
NABL is a student organization for students majoring or interested in accounting, applied accounting, applied business, business administration, economics, or rural development.
Club Leader: Jordan Kashatok jekashatok@alaska.edu

Native Games 
This is a group of students that get together to play Native games.
Staff Advisor: Carlton Hautala (907) 474-7871

Native Student Union of UAF (NSU)
Group of students with intentions and ideas for a positive change in politics.  Everyone is invited to attend the meetings.
Faculty Advisor: Deb Mekiana (907) 474-6528 uaf-dansrd@alaska.edu

 
Here's a link to sign-up for clubs: https://forms.gle/oYYHCTKBxg2fBh8h9

If you have any questions, please let us know or contact the club's advisor.


Friendly Reminder!

Wash your hands, mask up (double layered!), and stay 6 feet apart. Stay home and contact the Student Health and Counseling Center if you're experiencing the following symptoms:
  • Fever (100°F/38°C) or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Abnormal fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea or gastrointestinal discomfort


Rural Student Services Office Hours

At this time, RSS has in-person office hours from 10am-5pm Monday through Friday. However, advisors are staggering their hours at the office with working remotely. Please double check if you have scheduled an appointment, and if it's on the phone or in-person.

If you need to schedule an appointment with an advisor, please call (907) 474-7871.

You can also schedule online at:  
http://www.uaf.edu/ruralss/advising-appointments/

Office location: Second Floor Brooks Building
Website: www.uaf.edu/ruralss/
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/uafrss/

UAF is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination/