Welcome to Week 1: Tips to get started
Owen Guthrie, vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management
Aug. 25, 2026
Welcome to Nanook Nation! You’re taking an amazing step toward a brighter future. I am so proud of you. You’re on the right path, and while it might not be short or easy, know that you have plenty of support along the way, including me.
I’m Owen Guthrie, your vice chancellor of student affairs and enrollment management, and I am excited to be here for you. My job is to make sure you have a great time here at ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ. From dining and housing to the SRC and student activities, and from disability services to health and counseling, I go to work each day and get to work with the amazing Student Affairs team whose job it is to support you on your journey. Your support team is made up of incredible people who truly care about your success and happiness. We want you to thrive, feel safe, and have the time of your dreams here at ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ.
Here are three friendly tips to get you started:
Make a plan
What is your game plan for this week and the weeks to come? Think of yourself as a
professional athlete. This is your training plan for the next 16 weeks. You will need
to put in the time. Schedule. Your. Time. Plan for attending class, and plan for investing what it takes outside of class.
Give yourself a little extra time just to be safe. Prioritize your success and achievement,
and remember to pace yourself. You have got this!
Download Nanook Navigator (Navigate360 Student)
Stay connected with your advisors, professors and classmates. The Nanook Navigator
app (, ) is like having a personal mobile advisor to help you along your journey from orientation
to graduation! You can access resources, get support and keep track of important events
and deadlines. Plus, you can create your own to-do lists and set reminders to stay
organized! View the student quick guide here for access and instructions. If you don’t have a mobile device, don’t worry; you can still access these features
through the .
Connect to ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ student events
Get in on all the fun and exciting events by connecting to the platform. To connect via your mobile device, download the CampusGroups app (, ) and log in with your UA login credentials to stay updated and involved.
This first week will go by in a flash, so remember to take a breather. Focus on the basics and take care of yourself. Get outside. Eat well. Explore your new surroundings and find cozy spots where you feel comfortable. Take some time to meet new people and cultivate friendships. Building your community is so important!
There is so much to learn, and if you ever feel like you need a hand, just reach out. By now, you should have met your advisor, who is here to guide you and help you find all the resources you need. Trust me, there are so many people eager to support you on your journey; we’ve been counting down the days to your return!
No matter if you are taking one credit or 20, if you're in Fairbanks or across the globe, or what course or degree you are working on here at ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ – welcome! It is going to be a great semester!
Lastly, if you have suggestions for what we could have done better so far, please don’t hesitate to share them with me. I’m your vice chancellor, and I’m at obguthrie@alaska.edu.