Ask a librarian!

Jennifer McKay, Reference Desk.

Have a research paper to do and don’t know where to start? Overwhelmed by all the information out there? Tried Google, but really couldn’t find anything?

Just Ask A Librarian! Whether you prefer to phone, email, chat, or visit us in person, we’re here to help you with your academic research. You can even schedule a research consultation with a subject specialist if you need more in-depth help with your topic.

Also, be sure to check out our blogs for Library news and tips and follow us on Facebook or Twitter to stay up-to-date on all the services and resources the Library has to offer.

(Jennifer McKay, pictured at right, is the Acting Education Liaison/Instruction & Research Librarian at UAA/APU Consortium Library.) 

Did you know that 1,100 lives a year are lost to suicide on college campuses? Visit our booth TODAY (9/12)

Red flags=campus lives lost to suicide.

World Suicide Prevention Week is THIS week, September 9-13, 2013. Our theme is “See the Red Flags, Help a Friend.”

Please do stop by the display sponsored by the UAA Student Health and Counseling Center and the UAA Integrated Suicide Prevention Initiative on Thursday, Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. -2 p.m. at the SSB Lobby near Kaladi Brothers. There will be great information and local resources, and make a “Happy Gram” to cheer up a friend!

Here is a picture of the 1,100 flags in the quad lawn that represents the lives lost to suicide each year on campuses.

Be on the lookout for upcoming events at the UAA Student Health and Counseling Center. Questions or would like to make an appointment? Call (907)786-4040.

Plug in and Recharge at the Library

We’ve made lots of additions to the Library this summer. To accommodate the growing demand from laptops and mobile devices, we’ve added more electrical outlets on the second floor. We've also added a new charging area on the second floor: have a seat at the "bar" and re-charge your devices as you study! Complete with electrical outlets and USB ports. We’ve also added more seating throughout the Library and new individual study carrels.

Library: 'Charging bar' for electronics.

Whether you’re looking for peace and quiet to get some hard-core studying done or you need to work with a group on a project, we’ve got the space for you. You can even book study rooms online—just remember the rooms get pretty busy during exam times, so plan accordingly.

The freshman to do list: 25 tips

1.    Ask as many faculty for directions, an hour before your classes begin.
2.    Use the force to fill out your Student Planner
3.    At UAA there are many attractive people and just because someone looks at you or smiles your way, it doesn’t mean they’re in love with you.
4.    There’s more to life than sex.
5.    Modest is Hottest
6.    Meet and greet as many teachers, people, students, and neighbors, as possible.
7.    Use a doorstop to meet new people.
8.    Always remember this is College, not high school.
9.    College students are not hermit crabs, so break out of that high school shell and talk to someone.
10.    Never sit alone.
11.    Find friends with cars.

Last tips from the assistant registrar. Now go have a great semester!

So, you’ve registered for classes.  What’s the next step?

1. Pay tuition and fees before published deadlines to avoid late fees.  Remember – you are responsible both academically and financially for your registration activity.  Information about tuition, fees and the payment process is located on our Semester Expenses page.
2. Purchase your textbooks and supplies.  Read more at the Bookstore website.
3. Remember to officially drop or withdraw by published deadlines (that was Sept. 6 this year) if you are unable to complete a course.  Failure to drop/withdraw may result in a grade of F or NB (no basis) for non-attendance and may impact your financial aid eligibility and grade point average (GPA).  Courses must be dropped within the 100 percent refund period (i.e. before the add/drop deadline) to avoid tuition and fee assessment.  Students may withdraw from courses online as long as they do not have any holds on their account.  These courses will have a W next to them on the student’s transcript and do not affect the GPA.  Students cannot withdraw from a course after a final grade has been assigned.
4. Regularly check your email and UAOnline accounts for important information.  Be sure to confirm or update your preferred email address via the Personal Information tab in your UAOnline account because most university correspondence is sent there.  Be aware that any correspondence your instructor sends via Blackboard will go to your university email account (@alaska.edu). 
5. Seek help early if you have questions or concerns about the registration process.  The Office of the Registrar is here to help!

Best wishes for a fantastic fall semester!

Do you have questions about the registration process?  Check out our web-based Registration Guide!

Like the Office of the Registrar on Facebook to receive important information about upcoming dates and deadlines!

Wisdom from Student-Athlete Alum Nikkie Viotto

Nikki Viotto, post-college!

As the leaves change color and summer comes to an end, I find myself already missing the crisp smell of brand new schoolbooks and the scurrying of new students through campus. How, you’re probably asking, can I already be missing school as a recent graduate? Because senior year is the best year ever! Think about it, you’re finished with your general classes, you’re taking all classes in your field AND you only have to do it for one more year! To those of you who have received word that you’re graduating this year, congratulations. The tough part is over and the fun part is just beginning. That’s why I’m writing to you – for encouragement! You’re almost there!!

Graduating is such a big achievement. It’s a time to think about ending one chapter, as a student, and beginning the next, as an adult. In a way it’s a fresh start. You can go anywhere and do anything after this year.

Since graduating in May, I’ve already done so much – started my first job in my career field, got a new (professional J) vehicle, visited New York City (a life-long dream of mine), played a new sport, joined a new organization and decided that I will be moving out of state. I’ll be sad to leave Alaska, but all this change is so exciting! I will always call Alaska my home, but it’s time for me to experience the world!

Yes, it can be scary entering a new chapter, but not if you’re prepared. Here are six things you can do in anticipation of graduating (or even for as a young, ambitious freshman):

1. Take on an internship – If you haven’t already, this is a great way to get some hands-on experience that will help you land your first job out of college. AND it will help you be more comfortable in an office setting (if that’s your choice of career). Be proactive! The last thing you want to do is wish you had taken advantage of an opportunity to get more experience – and earn some college credits while you’re at it!

2. Learn something new – Take time to recap on what you’ve learned so far and think about what skills you’re still interested in learning. Ask your professor questions and above all, be outgoing – you may surprise yourself!

Looking for a Justice/Legal Studies class? Try Tribal Courts and Alaska Native Rights, Thursdays 5:30-8:15 pm

From the Julia Willma Weber papers.

Explore the history of Alaska Natives’ legal relationship with state and federal government, issues of Alaska Native self-government, impact of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), and the operation of tribal courts in the United States.

JUST/LEGL A485 is taught by professor Ryan Fortson, J.D., Ph.D., a member of the Justice Center faculty. This course will also be taught in Spring 2014.