RSS Holiday Closure Dates 

 RSS will be closed Dec. 21 - Jan. 1
We will resume our normal availability on Monday, Jan. 4.
 You can still make appointments with your advisor online here.

Important Dates and Deadlines
  • Dec. 5 - Last day of instruction
  • Dec. 7-12 - Final examinations
  • Dec. 13 - Residence halls close, noon
  • Dec. 16 - Deadline for faculty to post grades, noon
  • Dec. 21-Jan. 1 - RSS Holiday closure, resume normal availability Monday, Jan. 4
  • Dec. 24-Jan. 1 - Winter break (no classes, most offices closed; reopen Jan. 4, at 8am)
Final Exams Schedule

Your final exams will rarely take place at the same time as your actual class. It may not even take place in the same room. Make sure you prepare by asking your professor when and where yours are taking place. You can also check the schedule for the time here.

RSS Student Highlight
Lillian Marrero

Introduction
I grew up in Anaktuvuk Pass, AK and went to high school at Mt. Edgecumbe High School. I am graduating from UAF with a BA interdisciplinary degree in Design and Digital Marketing. It took me a long time to figure out which direction I wanted to go, I got stuck in the mindset that I needed to pursue a career in science or engineering. I didn't know or think that art could get me places, and now I am working for an amazing PR firm in Anchorage, Thompson & Co. as their associate art director. So never give up!

What doors has UAF opened for you?
While at UAF I had the opportunity to work at the Wood Center, under amazing mentors who taught me a lot of what I know now and prepared me for real-life experiences.
I took two classes through the SOM program that counted as internships and received some real office experience.

What motivates you to do well at UAF?
I wanted to graduate as soon as I could with the knowledge that would help me become a prime candidate for the job I wanted. I also wanted to start my career as soon as possible!

What are some challenges that you have faced as a student at UAF, and how have you overcome them?
My only challenge was leaving the house to get to class when it was 40 below.

Do you have any advice for your fellow students?
Explore the classes UAF has to offer, explore the different opportunities given to you, and don't settle on something you don't want to do.

What is Rural Student Services to you, and how has it impacted your higher education goals?
If it wasn't for Gabby, my RSS advisor, I would have been so lost and probably still trying to figure out what degree to choose. She helped me stay focused and driven! I couldn't have done it without her!


UAF Holiday Closure
What to do before you leave for the Winter Break!

Dorms Close: Dec. 13 by 12pm (noon) so plan everything in advance including your travel back home. Residents will not have access to their room during break. They have to remove any perishable food & trash from room and kitchen before leaving for break. Residents that are not returning have to schedule a check-out time with their RA a couple days in advance. Also, residents that are not returning have to thoroughly clean their room and remove all their food from the cabinets, fridge, and freezers. Residents have to return all cups, knives, dishes, and wash them. Dorms will reopen Jan. 8 at 8am.

If you are not returning to live on campus, you need to cancel your housing and meal plan for the Spring Semester.

**If residents plan to leave their vehicle on campus over break, then be sure to relocate it to the Taku Parking Lot, or their car will be towed (at their expense) for snow removal. For more information on UAF's Parking Services, check here. **

Ordering Transcripts
 
Final grades will be posted by noon December 16.

Make Sure all your grades are posted before ordering your Official Transcripts.

To order your transcript, you must log in to UAOnline. You will find the option to request an official transcript under the Student Services & Account Information menu. If you need any assistance, feel free to give us a call at 907-474-7871. Keep in mind that this is a process that must be done from your student account. Unfortunately, an advisor cannot initiate it for you.

Scholarships

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

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

Central Bering Sea Fishermen's Association

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/

Native Village of Kotzebue, Kotzebue IRA
  • Must be enrolled in Kotzebue I.R.A.
  • Deadline: January 10th
  • For application and more information, visit 
     http://kotzebueira.org/


Let's have some Holiday fun!

The Tanana District 4-H Leaders Council will give away holiday goodie bags to ALL youth under the age of 18, whether in 4-H or not. Don't miss out!

Each bag will include a small craft, coloring sheets, baking recipes for the family to do together ... and other goodies, too!

Preregistration is required by visiting the Tanana District 4-H website at  https://bit.ly/Tanana4H and you will select your pick-up day and time, Dec. 4 or 5. (Please see registration form for more details about pick-up days.)

For questions, contact Marla Lowder at 907-474-2427 or [email protected] or Ronda Boswell at 907-474-2450 or [email protected].

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!


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: [email protected]

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 services


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 ask and 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 [email protected] 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:


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.
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

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

 
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:  
Office location: Second Floor Brooks Building
 
UAF is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: 
www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination/