UAF Fight Song

In the world of admissions and outreach we meet with a variety of students thinking about college. This afternoon the admissions team met with 60 5th graders from Ladd Elementary School (a local Fairbanks School). It is always so much fun to present to enthusiastic kiddos and this was no exception. Led by Joe Alloway, the 5th graders helped us with a resounding rendition of the UAF Fight Song. Here are the words in case you don't know them...

Fight for Alaska
Win the victory!
Fight for the blue and gold

Hail to our banner
As it waives so free
Over the victor's gold!

Fight for the Polar Bear
Mighty Nooks are we!
Onward to honor and fam

We're going to FIGHT
For our Alma Mater
Fight for Alaska's name!

GO NOOKS!

Here's a video of Matt Anderson leading the fight song on the bus ride down to Anchorage for the Governor's Cup:  http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=483645111557

UAF News and Events » Blog Archive » Alaskan has close encounter with comet Hartley 2

UAF faculty member, Don Hartman, of the physics department was recently recognized for his role in capturing this beautiful photograph of a the comet Hartley 2. Who wouldn't want to learn from this guy?!

UAF News and Events » Blog Archive » Alaskan has close encounter with comet Hartley 2





An image of comet Hartley 2 from NASA's EPOXI mission. The image was taken as the spacecraft flew by the comet on November 4, 2010. According to NASA, the Hartley 2 comet is 1.4-miles-long and is composed of water ice, carbon dioxide ice and silicate dust. The name "EPOXI" is a combination of the names Extrasolar Planet Observations and Characterization (EPOCh) and Deep Impact Extended Investigation (DIXI).

UA Scholar Reception a Success!

UAF celebrated this year's UA Scholars on Friday night with a reception and program that featured University of Alaska President Patrick Gamble, UAF Chancellor Brian Rogers, and current UA Scholar and UAF student Shaun Nesheim. The UA Scholars program recognizes and gives scholarships to the top 10% of the graduating class of every high school in the State of Alaska.

Shaun Nesheim, UA Scholar and UAF student, gave a lively and personable speech about the great opportunities at UAF, including International Study Abroad, the flexibility of his schedule to take the classes he wants, and the ample scholarships available at UAF.

Mike Sfraga, our amiable Vice Chancellor for Students, shows a new crop of potential students that UAF is not only serious about academics, but we're also fun!

Several of our Student Ambassadors were on hand to chat with students and parents about what it's really like to attend UAF.

It was a busy night in the Great Hall with over 200 in attendance and all of our schools and colleges represented.

Student Ambassadors Victoria and Heather enjoyed the evening and hanging out.

Interim Dean of the College of Natural Science and Mathematics Paul Layer talks with a UA Scholar about the many opportunities they offer.

If you're interested in challenging yourself academically, consider applying for the Honors Program at UAF!

So...You Wanna Chat?

Last week we debuted a new chat feature on our admissions page in an effort to make the process of deciding on, applying to, and enrolling in UAF as seamless as possible. We are happy to report that is has been a tremendous success. Students and those of us in the Office of Admissions and the Registrar are excited about the ease of navigation and the ability to have an immediate and productive interaction.

Here’s how it works: an incredible student who looks very similar to you is perusing UAF’s Admissions website looking for the answer to a burning question about anything to do with UAF. They don’t see the answer right away, so they click on the orange chat button at the bottom of the page and ask their question. Within moments, an Admissions representative provides an answer, which prompts more questions, answers, and conversation. The next thing you know the student happily exits the chat with the information they sought and a personal connection with UAF.

If you’re checking out our page in the middle of the night or at another time when we’re offline, just click on the same orange chat button to leave a message. It will be sent to one of us and we’ll respond to you via email within a short time.

What are you waiting for? Head over to the Admissions page and give it a try! You can give us some feedback while you’re at it. Do you love it? See a way we can improve it? Let us know.

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner - Alaska Nanooks mascot legacy is full of fun and sweat

I stumbled upon this article in the local paper, The Fairbanks Newsminer this morning and thought it was worth sharing. In summary, it's the true story of our amazing Alaska Nanook mascot and the people behind the costume.

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner - Alaska Nanooks mascot legacy is full of fun and sweat

Enjoy!

CollegeWeekLive This Week!

CollegeWeekLive FALL
November 3rd & 4th, 9 AM - 10 PM Eastern

Meet the University of Alaska Fairbanks online at CollegeWeekLive FALL on November 3rd and 4th from 9 AM to 10 PM Eastern.

Sign Up Today!

Visit our virtual booth to chat live with University of Alaska Fairbanks admissions reps about topics such as admissions, financial aid, campus life, and more! 

Ashley and Mayanna talk about applying for UAF Scholarships and Financial Aid by February 15

Yesterday I shared a list of scholarships with instructions on how to apply. Today, Mayanna Bean and Ashley Munro from the UAF Financial Aid Office offer their insights on how to apply for UAF Scholarships.

Applying for Scholarships Step 1: Apply for Admission!

Applying for Scholarships Step 2: Watch the video below...



Leave your comments and questions for Ashley and Mayanna and they will respond in our next segment of Applying for UAF Scholarships and Financial Aid.

Money, money, money, money..... MONEY!

Scholarships

The number one lesson I have learned about scholarships is that you can't get any if you don't actually put forth the effort to apply. It's a hard lesson to learn, especially when there are so many great scholarships out there that go unused each year. Even if it's not a huge chunk of money, every little bit helps to offset the costs of your education, which includes tuition and fees, books, travel, housing, and food. 


Below is a short list of scholarships I've recently heard about with upcoming deadlines. The deadlines for many of the scholarships listed below are fast approaching. For UAF's privately funded scholarships and UA's Foundation scholarships, the deadline is February 15th. The UAF and UA scholarships deadline is still a few months away, but it will come quickly, so apply early and get your essays done soon! 


For a quick tutorial on applying for scholarships through UA and/or UAF click here. 

Scholarships: 


Alaska Association of Environmental Professionals (AAEP) Scholarship
To provide scholarships for full-time undergraduate or graduate students currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program in at the area of environmental (or natural) sciences, environmental technology, or environmental policy. 


One scholarship of $1000 will be awarded for the 2010/2011 school year.
Application Procedure:
Complete the Alaska Association of Environmental Professionals Scholarships application, available from academic departments or the UAF Financial Aid Office.  Applications must be received (not postpone) by November 12, 2010 to be considered.
Return completed applications to:
Alaska Association of Environmental Professionals Scholarship
UAF Financial Aid Office
Room107 Eielson Building
PO BOX 757530
Fairbanks, AK 99775
General questions about this scholarship can be addressed to the Scholarship Coordinator (907) 474-6228 or via email scholarships@uaf.edu

The Women's Self Worth Foundation 

The Women's Self Worth Foundation has pledged $250,000 to the American Indian College Fund over the period of four years for 14 scholarships to benefit American Indian women attending college.

The goal of the grant is to empower American Indian women by providing scholarship support to ensure women obtain higher education. The grant will be used to fund seven scholarships at the amount of $4,000 per year for a period of two years for Native women pursuing an associate's degree at a tribal college; four scholarships for $6,000 per year for four years for Native women students pursuing a bachelor's degree at a tribal college; and three scholarships for $8,000 per year for four years for Native women pursuing a bachelor's degree at a mainstream college or university.

Preference will be given to Native women applicants who show academic achievement and involvement in their communities.

About the American Indian College Fund: with its credo "Educating the Mind and Spirit," the Fund is the nation's largest provider of private scholarships for American Indian students, providing 6,000 scholarships annually for students seeking to better their lives and communities through education. For more information about American Indian College Fund please visit www.collegefund.org.

American Indian College Fund
8333 Greenwood Blvd.
Denver, CO 80221 USA
Toll Free: (800) 776-3863
Phone: (303) 426-8900
Fax: (303) 426-1200 

Intertribal Timber Council Scholarship Announcement

For Native American/Alaskan Natural Resource Students

The Truman D. Picard Scholarship Program is dedicated to the support of Native American students pursuing a higher education in Natural Resources.

Required Materials:

1) Letter of Application

2) Resume

3)Three Letters of Reference

4)Evidence of validated enrollment in a federally recognized tribe or Alaska Native Corporation.

5) Transcripts

All requested information MUST be received by the close of business (5:00 pm) March 18, 2011.  For more information, please visit the website www.itcnet.org. Fax (503) 282-1274 and email itc1@teleport.com

BP Process Tech Scholarship
Note the deadline to receive applications this year is Friday, November 5th at 5:00 PM The BP Process Technology Scholarship is awarded to recipients selected for a two year Process Technology (PRT) Degree Program. The number of students selected is dependent on the allocated level of funding/credit enrolment. The scholarship awards are Level 1 = $3000 (12 + credits/ semester), Level II = $2000 (9 + credits/ semester) and Level III = $1500 (6 + credits). BP and AASSP work collaboratively to identify an interview team who interview prospective applicants. Only required PRT and required Core degree classes are funded. Recipients of the scholarship, once selected, are required to provide verification of enrollment each semester in an accredited Alaska Process Technology degree program, a sealed transcript showing they have maintained at least a 2.5 GPA. For more information or to apply, go to www.alaskaprincipal.org/218610122121916337 or email scholarships@alaskaprincipal.org.

American Indian Services scholarship
upcoming deadline Nov. 15

The Joan Hamilton Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a post-secondary school Alaska student who wishes to pursue a career related to the law in which s/he will advocate for Alaska Native rights, and defend the civil liberties of the peoples of rural Alaska. Your completed Application Forms must be RECEIVED by 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 22, 2010, at the ACLU of Alaska offices.

Doyon Scholarship Renewal for 2011 Spring Semester deadline is November 15, 2010.

Additional Scholarships: From: http://www.uaf.edu/finaid/types/scholarships

The University of Alaska Fairbanks encourages all scholarship applicants to also file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to determine eligibility for federal and state of Alaska aid programs. You may obtain the FAFSA from your school counselor or the Financial Aid Office at UAF.

Alaska Space Grant Scholarships

Undergraduate Scholarships of up to $1,000 will be awarded through a competitive process. Scholarships are open to new and continuing undergraduate students majoring in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and/or mathematics (STEM).  Students receiving awards in past competitions may apply and receive awards for subsequent competitions.

Army ROTC Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded to thousands of students annually on a competitive basis nationwide. The amount and length of the scholarships are based on the quality of the applicant. Scholarship awards range from $3,000 to $17,000 annually and may range from two to four years. In addition to tuition, each recipient receives $600 for books and supplies and up to $4,000 in spending money, tax free.

For further information about the Army Scholarship program, eligibility requirements and the application process, contact the UAF Department of Military Science at (907) 474-6852 or e-mail rotc@uaf.edu.

Chancellor's Scholarship

Available to a limited number of first-time freshmen. It will consist of a full or partial waiver of tuition to be used during the first Fall and Spring semesters at UAF following graduation from high school. Go toUAOnline to answer required scholarship questions. Once logged in, choose Scholarships under the Student Services menu. (The UAOnline portion of the scholarship application is required and you cannot be considered for any scholarships if you have not completed it.) Then fill out the online privately funded scholarship application. Contact the UAF Scholarship Coordinator for more information. The application deadline is February 15.

Chugach Gem & Mineral Society Clayton Rasmusson Memorial Earth Science Scholarship

The purpose of this scholarship is to offer financial assistance for tuition and other related educational expenses to University of Alaska Anchorage or University of Alaska Fairbanks students who are admitted in the field of Earth Science.

Honors Program

The Honors Program accepts about 50 talented students each year. First-time entering freshmen with a high school GPA of 3.6 or better and SAT combined scores of at least 1875 or an ACT composite of 29 or higher are encouraged to apply. Contact the UAF Honors Program for more information.

Human Achievement Award

Available to graduating high school students or transfer students with a record of volunteer service to a community, non-profit organization(s) or special interest group as well as a commitment to high academic standards. Go to UAOnline to answer required scholarship questions. Once logged in, choose Scholarships under the Student Services menu. (The UAOnline portion of the scholarship application is required and you cannot be considered for any scholarships if you have not completed it.) Then fill out the online privately funded scholarship application. Contact the UAF Scholarship Coordinator for more information. The application deadline is February 15.

Lawrence Tingook Davis Memorial Scholarships

Available for two qualified students enrolled in the Natural Resources Management undergraduate degree program $1000.00 scholarships for the fall semester. Visit specifics at the School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences Reindeer Research Program.

Native Corporation Scholarships

Some regional and village corporations provide scholarships to shareholders. Contact your local native corporation for details on eligibility and application procedures.

Summer Research Tuition Scholarships

Graduate students who have a 10-20 hour per week research or teaching assistantship during the summer semester may apply for a Summer Research Tuition Scholarship. Students must have been registered for 9 credits (3 of which must be at the graduate level) during the preceding fall and spring semesters and be registered for 6 credits of research or thesis during the summer to eligible for this scholarship. The application is available online. Please see the Graduate School for further information.

Talent Award

Available to graduating high school students or transfer students who have demonstrated talent in the area of music, theater, creative writing or art. A talent sample must be submitted. Go to UAOnline to answer required scholarship questions. Once logged in, choose Scholarships under the Student Services menu. (The UAOnline portion of the scholarship application is required and you cannot be considered for any scholarships if you have not completed it.) Then fill out the online privately funded scholarship application. Contact the UAFScholarship Coordinator for more information. The application deadline is February 15.

UAF Privately Funded Scholarships

The Scholarship Coordinator manages the application process for most privately funded scholarships, and coordinates with academic departments that evaluate applications and select recipients. Some scholarships are available to part-time students. Go to UAOnline to answer required scholarship questions. Once logged in, choose Scholarships under the Student Services menu. (The UAOnline portion of the scholarship application is required and you cannot be considered for any scholarships if you have not completed it.) Then fill out theonline privately funded scholarship application. Contact the UAF Scholarship Coordinator for more information. The application deadline is February 15.

University of Alaska Foundation Scholarships

Scholarships are available for students attending any campus in the UA system. Applications are available in the UAF Financial Aid Office or at UA Foundation.

University of Alaska Scholars Program

The UA Scholars Award is a four-year scholarship offered to Alaskan high school students in the top 10 percent of their graduating class as determined by qualifying high schools. Determination is based on class standing at the end of the junior year. Contact the UA Scholars Program, (877) AKSCHOL, (877)-257-2465 or (907) 474-5105, e-mail scholars@alaska.edu, visit the University of Alaska Scholars Program, or contact the UAF UA Scholars Coordinator.

University Women's Association Scholarship

The University Women's Association provides scholarships for undergraduate women at UAF. Applications are accepted between January and April for the following school year.

STEPS FOR APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS AT UA and UAF: 

Step 1: Apply for admission to a UAF degree or certificate program by February 15. The admission application can be completed at UAonline.

Step 2: Go to UAOnline to answer required scholarship questions. Once logged in, choose Scholarships under the Student Services menu. The UAOnline portion of the scholarship application is required and you cannot be considered for any scholarships if you have not completed it.

Step 3: Complete the UAF scholarship form at http://www.uaf.edu/finaid/types/scholarships/apply/

Step 4: To receive consideration for need-based scholarships, you must submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 15 prior to the semester you plan to attend. FAFSA data used to determine scholarship eligibility include financial need, marital status, number of dependents other than spouse, etc. These items are selection criteria for specific scholarships and an important part of your application.

It's Good To Be Home

My last few days on campus with the crisp, fall air have reminded me of the overwhelming excitement and joy I felt during my first few weeks as a freshman at UAF. I was - and still am - proud of myself for breaking free of everything I knew and daring to make my own life and adventure in a place that promised "North to the Future." It was the best decision I ever made. I graduated with a degree in Communication and began traveling the world with my husband and returning to Alaska in the summers. We moved back to the lower 48 where I earned a graduate degree in English, started a career, and had a kiddo. But UAF and Fairbanks called me back and I am thrilled to be here.

In order for us to become better acquainted, here is the lowdown on me: I read Pride and Prejudice at least once a year, usually in the winter. I like watching tv shows on DVDs. I was a tour guide to the Arctic Circle during the summer while attending UAF. I love tea and, because I have refined my taste, I carry my own tea with me in my purse no matter where I go. I played basketball for UAF and made it to the second round of the NCAA tournament. I met my husband my first weekend at college (he lived one floor above me in Lathrop Hall) but we didn't start dating for another year. I spent the last five years teaching English in colleges and universities in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. My favorite countries that I've visited are: Australia, Cameroon, and Spain, but have been to many others. Fairbanks feels like home. I'm pretty sure my life would greatly improve if I would just start to garden. After attending a Nanook volleyball game, my two and a half year old runs around the house yelling "Point Nooks!" I love UAF and like you already.

Falafal Tuesdays at UAF

I wanted to share my excitement for a recent community and university partnership that has developed with regard to food on campus. The Pita Place, a local vendor of pita falafels, which is usually open on College Rd. in during the summer months, will be serving up pita falafels at the Wood Center at UAF for the next three Tuesdays. This is a trial to see if they will be there more during the winter.

This makes me incredibly happy for two reasons:

1. Pita falafals from the Pita Place are delicious.
2. It's a great example of how the university dining services listened to student feedback and worked with a popular vendor to bring this fantastic product to campus.