Important Dates and Deadlines
  • Midterm Grade were in Monday, February 24th
  • RSS Financial Aid Competition for 3cr. fall tuition waiver starts March 2nd
  • Grad Fair at Wood Center for those eligible to graduate in May is March 4th
  • Spring break (no classes) Monday-Friday March 9th-13th
  • University Holiday (most offices closed for spring break) Friday, March 13th
  • Fall 2020 course list available at UAOnline Monday, March 23rd
  • Last day for student- and faculty-initiated withdrawals (W grade appears on academic transcript) Friday, March 27th
  • Fall 2020 registration opens Monday, April 6th

2020 Spring Student Highlight
Michelle P Kaleak

Michelle Kaleak is from Barrow, Alaska. Working on a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. She plans on finishing her last year of the program in Barrow and become a teacher in her hometown.
What doors has UAF opened for her? UAF helped Michelle meet many new friends from all over Alaska. Also, taking education classes had helped her realize what grades she would like to teach.  She was a student worker at Rural Student Services and is now the Student Coordinator for the Festival of Native Arts.
The extracurricular activities Michelle is involved in are the Alaska Native Education Student Association (ANESA). This group helped her feel more comfortable being an education major with other students from rural Alaska. She has also been apart of the Festival of Native Arts club and the Inu-Yupiaq dance group, which helps her stay close to her culture.
Finishing her degree and going home to become a teacher is what motivates her to do well at UAF. Having to manage her time with classwork, work and having a social life has been hard to balance. But keeping to-do lists and a planner helps her manage her time better.
The advice she has for fellow students: "Never forget why you started, because that is what will keep you going."
Michelle's perspective on Rural Student Services:
" RSS made UAF feel more like home because of the close-knit community it creates. The amount of help and support I get from the workers at RSS helps me go through school and work. RSS has also made me realize how much I love to help other students going to college, and maybe it could be a job I would want in the future."


2020 Spring Student Highlight
Kyle Kanuk

Kyle Kanuk is from Kongiganak, Alaska. He likes teaching students about native games as well as teaching his friends and family new Yup'ik words, which came from his father, who taught him many things before he had passed away.  He had an internship with the Coastal Villages Region Fund at the Southwest Yup'ik Region.
As Kyle entered UAF, they understood his challenges. UAF also gave him classes that help him reach his degree and the benefit to support others.  Kyle  currently in the Iñu-Yupiaq Dance Group that practices both Iñupiaq and Yup'ik dances. Another club he is apart of is Natives Games, where any college students are welcome to be apart of the club. The practice of the Native Games contains native's survival tactics that transformed into games for people to maintain physical fitness.
What motivates Kyle to do well at UAF is maintaining a good GPA and inspiring others to do well and do their best for their degree.
Advice he has for fellow students: "Make sure to eat well, sleep well, talk to each other, work well, and stay well. Also, aim for A's for your classes."
Kyle thinks Rural Student Services is:  " A place that feels like home. Reaching out to me and to others for updates and news for upcoming events."
Kyle would also like to share is:
" UAF Fairbanks is another challenge after graduating from High School. This is a whole new level to be apart of that UAF has to give. The reason I got this far is because I follow my heart and instinct to achieve my goal."

Doyon Limited
Session: Lands

Doyon will be holding a Lands discussion. The speakers are Senior VP of Administration, Tanya Kaquatosh and Village Outreach Liaison, Sharon Hildebrand.

This session will be held at the UAF Brooks Building, RSS Gathering Room, from 12:00pm-1:00pm on Wednesday, March 4th.

There will be food and door prizes!
Spring Break

Spring Break is less than two weeks away (March 9-13th)! We know it's tough, but hang in there. Take the time to breathe and regroup for the remainder of the semester. You'll be a little over halfway through!
 
Keep in mind that RSS and most other offices on campus will be closed on the last day of Spring Break - Friday, March 13 th. 

Festival of Native Arts

The 47th Annual Festival of Native Arts is coming soon! From March 19th-21st, join UAF in the celebration of cultures from all across Alaska. This year's theme is "Resilient We Stand."

This year's event will feature several dance groups on the main stage at the Davis Concert Hall. There will be different workshops at the Wood Center, and tons of vendors selling Alaska Native art in the Fine Arts Complex. You can find out what else is happening at  https://fna.community.uaf.edu/ .

The Festival of Native Arts is free of charge and open to all people, no matter their background! Be sure to take advantage of this wonderful event.


Major Mania!

Major Mania is free and open to everyone. This is for students to connect with faculty, students, and staff from departments across UAF. Usually 20-25 tables of program representatives, plus a snack station with popcorn and root beer floats.
Major Mania will be held at the Wood Center on Friday, March 20th, from 8:00am - 4:00pm.

Dennis Demmert Award
 
For 25 years, we've been presenting the Dennis Demmert Award to deserving staff and faculty members who have helped support Alaska Native Education. We need your input to keep it going!

Do you know of an awesome staff or faculty member that you want to have recognized for supporting Alaska Native Students? Get your nomination form in for the Dennis Demmert Award! It's really quick and extremely easy to do. All you need is the person's name, department, and a brief message about why you're nominating them. 

Fill out the short form here by April 15th, 5:00pm:
Please understand that because this award is offered through Rural Student Services, the RSS staff cannot be considered as award recipients! 

Women's History Month
 
The UAF Nanook Diversity and Action Center is excited to bring some awesome events to our campus that celebrate gender and culture! See what they have to offer on their Facebook page.

Fairbanks Native Association

The Fairbanks Native Association Annual Membership Meeting will be held on Friday, March 13th at 5:00pm in the Chief David Salmon Tribal Hall. 

The Fairbanks Native Association Annual Potlatch & Pageants will be on Saturday, March 21st at 5:00pm. Applications for the 2020 Fairbanks Native Association pageant deadline is on March 13th at 5:00pm.
For more information, visit their website at:  https://www.fairbanksnative.org/news-events/


NSEDC Internship Program

The program is an avenue for residents to gain valuable work experience and professional development by engaging in productive and meaningful work within NSEDC departments. The deadline to apply is April 1st, 2020 and more information can be found on their website:   https://www.nsedc.com/apply-for-the-2020-nsedc-internship-program-today/

Check Out These Great Opportunities!!

First Alaskans Institute


Calista Corporation and Subsidiaries


Bering Straits Native Corporation



CNA Training



Scholarships

Golden Valley Electric Association
Catching the Dream
  • Must have at least 1/4 Native blood and be an enrolled tribal member
  • Competitive scholarship available for summer semester
  • Apply by March 15th (summer session)
  • www.catchingthedream.org
Doyon Foundation Summer Scholarship
Koniag Education Foundation
Tanana Chiefs Conference, Inc. Summer Scholarship
  • Must have at least ¼ Native blood and/or be an enrolled tribal member
  • Must be enrolled member of a tribe served by TCC, or At-large member of Doyon
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA
  • Apply by March 15th
  • http://www.tananachiefs.org/
Indian Health Service Health Profession
  • Must be American Indian or Alaska Native
  • Have a minimum 2.0 GPA
  • Apply by February 28th
  • http://www.ihs.gov/ 

VITA Tax Assistance Program
 
Great Alaska Accounting People (GAAP) provides free income tax assistance, preparation, and electronic filing as part of the IRS Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA).
 If you need help with your taxes, stop by 319 Bunnell Building:
  • March 7th
  • March 21st
  • March 28th
  • April 4th (NOTE SPECIAL LOCATION: Spirit of Alaska FCU, 495 Harold Bentley Ave.)
  • April 11th
10:00am and 2:00pm  
 
If you would like to volunteer for this program or need more information, contact GAAP at (907) 474-7121. You can also visit GAAP's website or Facebook page.

Permanent Fund Dividend

We're headed toward a new Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend dispersal! But, before you can take a bite out of that pie, you have to apply. It's easy to apply for the PFD using the State of Alaska website. Just click on this link  http://pfd.alaska.gov/  and follow the prompts.

The deadline for applications is March 31st. Do it now so you don't forget! 

Tutoring Services

We hope you're doing great in all of your classes! However, if you're falling behind or just need a little extra help, make sure to seek out a tutor.

 Here is the current tutor schedule we have at RSS.

Subject Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Writing 2:00-4:00pm 2:00-4:00pm 2:00-4:00pm 2:00-4:00pm 2:00-4:00pm
Math 9:00-11:00am 9:00-11:00am 9:00-11:00am
RSS Study Hall (Math/Writing) 2:00-3:30pm 2:00-3:30pm

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. 

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. Also, a ton of clubs provide free food, so there's that.

Here are some of the clubs we're involved with:

Aarigaa  
Aarigaa is a group for students to come together to learn about God, worship, and spend time with one another.   https://www.cyak.org/fairbanks.html 
Fairbanks Contact: Carlton Hautala (907) 474-7871

Alaska Native Education Student Association (ANESA) 
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) 474-7871 

Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP)
ANSEP Website
Open to any students interested in the fields of science, mathematics and engineering. They also provide members with internship and scholarship opportunities.
Director:  Brian Rasley (907) 474-5029

American Indian Sciences & Engineering Society (AISES) 
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

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

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.
First and Third Thursday of the month 3:30-5:00pm
Faculty Advisor: Kathleen Meckel (907) 474-6842 

Festival of Native Arts 
The Alaska Native Studies Department hosts the annual Festival of Native Arts in March. Volunteers are needed to assist the student-operated organization. Your energy and ideas will contribute to this successful event. 
Contact: Brianna Pauling (907) 474-6886 or Sheena Tanner (907) 474-7016

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. 
Faculty Advisor:  Sam Alexander (907) 474-5571

Troth Yeddha' Dance Group
The Troth Yeddha' Dance Group is a student organization that performs Athabascan songs and dances.
Staff Advisor:  Gabrielle Russell (907) 474-6615

 

Rural Student Services Office Hours

Spring 2020 Office Hours:
Monday through Friday - 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

If you need to schedule an appointment with an advisor, please call
(907) 474-7871 (locally) or (888) 478-1452 (toll free within Alaska).

Or schedule online at:  
http://www.uaf.edu/ruralss/advising-appointments/

Office location: Second Floor Brooks Buildling
Email:   uaf-rss@alaska.edu
Website:  www.uaf.edu/ruralss/
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/uafrss/