Summer Activities

Residing in the interior of Alaska has its perks for those who enjoy the outdoors. The University of Alaska Fairbanks is one of the best gateways to these forms of activities.

With 36 miles of summer access trails on and around campus you don't even have to go very far to experience what the interior of Alaska has to offer.





The Chena and Tanana are two majors rivers that are easily accessible to people in the Fairbanks community, and of course with flowing water comes great possibilities for fun! It seems near everyone I've discussed this topic with mentioned floating the Chena river as one of their favorite outdoor activities in the summer.




Bicycling around Alaska is one of the best ways to take in all of wonderful sights it has to offer. Numerous biking trails on and off campus give anyone in the community the ability to safely enjoy this activity.





Camping might well be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of things to do in Alaska. There are countless choices when deciding where to camp here in the interior.







If you are more interested in rumbling around on the tundra with your ATV you will find that Fairbanks is one of the best points of egress.







If it is competitive sports that peak your interest then you would find that outdoor sports abound at UAF in the summer. Even some.... slightly less mainstream sports find a home here...








Summer in Fairbanks is not just for adventure and sports though. The farmers market gives people in the community a spectacular chance to experience the extraordinary produce that is grown locally.




All in all your choices are limitless when finding a way to delve into the great outdoors in Alaska. The University of Alaska Fairbanks as well as the city of Fairbanks offers many tools to aid your journey, not least of which the the Outdoor Adventures office here at UAF.


Such as with all things in life remember that safety comes first! Always adhere to the safety guidelines provided for any activity you wish to partake.

Now get out there and have some fun!

From Zebras to Bacon&Everything In Between: Student Jobs

As we all know, college isn't free and we all take different approaches to manage our financial responsibilities. Some work multiple jobs or at a high wage job during the summer, some enroll in the military or national guard, some work throughout the year, or maybe they do something totally different, or a combination of the above. One way or another, once you become a college student the independence we like to enjoy comes with a lot of responsibilities, and managing your own finance is an important part of it.

I know what some of you are thinking... "I'll just take out student loans. no worries!" Trust me, that's not the answer. Yes, the majority of the population has student loan debt by the time they graduate from college, but just because everyone else has it, doesn't mean it's the wise choice to make. So what should you do? Taking loans out isn't a bad thing. Just have a plan on how you're going to pay it back. You should never take out more than you need. And get a job! Try to pay back your loans a little bit at a time before they start collecting interest. (it's not illegal. i promise). If you manage to pay back your loans while you're in college, that's Super Awesome! and it is possible. My roommate has been doing pretty awesome at it, she's expecting no student loan debt when she graduates.

Anyways, back to the main topic of getting a student job. Any job is great, but student jobs have some notable perks, especially for full time students.

Advantages Of Being A Student Employee

1. Flexibility: You get to set your own work schedule. (of course within office hours) and if you need time off to catch up on school work, your supervisor will understand and be reasonable with you.
2. Encouragement: I'm sure you've heard this phrase before... "You're a student first." They expect you to do good in school, or you can't work. Which means you have an internal and external motivator to do good in school.
3. Care: The University really values their student workers. At the Wood Center, they are really good at making student employees feel appreciated and I've heard great things about how other departments treat their student employees too. Students are almost always happy with their campus job.
4. Convenience: When you're a full time student, it's pretty hard trying to find time to put in hours and even the commute to work can be a hassle. well with a student job, you never have to worry about the commute since you're already on campus!
5. Connections: You're going to meet so many people and you will work with a variety of departments around campus. Especially if you are an Awesome person, people are going to want to help you when you need something and it can make certain class projects easier. ;)
6. Sense of Belonging: One of the important factors to being successful in college is that you feel that you belong here. The more involved you are, you're going to want to do better. A great way to create that sense of belonging is to work on campus. The more you know, you're going to feel comfortable being here.

I'm sure there are tons more perks to being a student employee, but we will leave it at where it is for now. I bet you're thinking, "Well how do I get a job on campus?" Let me take you through the applying process.

How To Get A Student Job

1. Go to www.uakjobs.com.
2. In the upper left hand side, you'll see Create Job Profile. Click on it.
   
3. Fill out your information.
   
4. Now, I did mine a few years ago so I'm not sure where you end up, but once you're done creating a profile get back to the HOME page of uakjobs.
   
5. Click on Student Jobs.
6. The uakjobs website posts jobs for all UA campuses (Fairbanks, Anchorage, Southeast, and all rural campuses) so scroll to the bottom and switch the job locations from "Any" to "Fairbanks." and click Search.
   
7. You should now be able to see all job posting in Fairbanks. So click on view, under the title and look around and see if you like any of them.
8. Once you've found the job you like, click on Apply for this Posting.
9. Sometimes there will be a few questions you have to answer before you can upload your resume, cover letter, and references.
10. And now it's kind of a waiting game until you hear back from the department.

Tips On How To Make Your Resume & Cover Letter Better

• Have a bomb-a** resume! Seriously. I don't mean the content has to be super-duper impressive. I am no means an expert in the area, but make sure you meet at least these criteria:

-Make sure you're name is clear. and have your contact information at the top where it's easy to see.

-Proofread!! like 10 times. for reals. If you have a typo on your resume, it can cost you the job. Have other people look at it too!

-Have your work history and skills. They don't have to be lumped together but it's important that you show off what you are capable of.

-Organization! the more organized your resume is and neatly displayed the better!

-Keep it to 1page. and use the whole page!

-Don't use online templates. I've seen resume's where the person used a template and it definitely didn't look as nice as other peoples. If you find a format you really like, it's okay to use the same format, but remember you do want to stand out, in a good way.

• Have a bomb-a** cover letter! Some people say the cover letter is more important than the resume, because it's the first thing the employer looks at, and if you don't make an impression they won't even look at your resume. When I write a cover letter, I try to think of it as more of an opportunity to highlight/elaborate on the top two, maybe three, reasons why I would be awesome at the job. So what are some of the basic criteria of an awesome cover letter?

-Similar to the resume, make sure your name and contact information is available at the top of the page where it's easy to find.

-Make sure to address which job you're applying for. Don't forget that! especially when the job posting has several jobs listed it's important to address what position you're applying for.

-Tell them why you want the job. What about the job interests you. Show some of your personality.

-Make sure you tell them why you deserve the job. What can you do? and be specific! give examples.

-It may seem silly, but ask for an interview at the end.

-Let's not forget to thank them at the end either.

More Tips

Here's a few more tips I thought you should know and also tips my friend Sarah Belmont, who's a student employee at Human Resources, gave me that I want to share with everyone.

1. Before you put someone down for a reference, make sure they know. Your reference will appreciate that. A LOT! and that way you can ask them to speak about a certain experience with or quality about you. You have to work the system to your advantage;)
2. Even if it's past the review date, just submit your application materials anyways. There's no rule that says you can't submit it, nor that the employer can't look at them. Chances are, the employer will review your materials.
3. "pooled" positions mean more than one department will have access to your application materials. On top of that, they can access to it anytime. Pool positions are often posted for departments that tend to have vacancies, frequently. which brings us to the next point
4. Don't be discouraged if your application is "In progress" and doesn't seem to be going anywhere. It might just be that the job isn't open just yet.
5. Only use professional references. Don't use family members or friends unless you really don't have anyone else.
6. Feel free to contact Sarah anytime. her work number is (907)474-5563. She can help you with any questions you may have about uakjobs and she can look over your resume, along with her co-workers, and help you revise it. (the Writing Center and Career Services are also great resources if you need resume help)

Good luck everyone on finding an awesome job!

From Zebras to Bacons&Everything In Between: Ice Cream Thursdays

If you ever take classes during the summer at UAF, you will have the pleasure to enjoy Ice Cream Thursdays, which is my favorite activity of the summer! Actually, Ice Cream Thursdays is everyone's favorite activity!

Surprisingly Alaska is said to have the highest ice cream consumption in the nation! Whether it's sunny or rainy, Alaskans will stand in line for their ice cream.

Ice Cream Thursdays have been going on since the 70's or maybe even before! and I guess it used to only be $.15!! unfortunately that is impossible in the current economy, but we still try to keep it as affordable as possible, so it's only $1 a scoop! and trust me when I say we give out HUGE scoops! we fill up a 9oz cup , as you can see in the picture to the right.

At Ice Cream Thursdays, we try to have a variety of flavors every week! When we order our ice creams, we try to keep in mind chocolate, vanilla, sherbet, and a fun flavor! and our flavors change through out the day. As we finish one container, that's 3 gal., we bring out a new flavor. Customers that really want a specific flavor try to come as early as they can. Usually we have a line starting at least 15 mins before our opening. By the end of the day, we usually go through about 15 to 18 gal. of ice cream!

We frequently have customers ask us where we get our ice creams from. Well it's not Hot Licks, which is a local ice cream brand that's very delicious. We get our ice cream from a vendor and the ice cream comes from Denali, Anchorage and Seattle. but there's quite a variety in the brand.

btw. that's my boss Cody, in the blue, and co-worker RJ, scooping ice cream, working hard during ice cream =]

From Zebras to Bacons&Everthing in between: Wood Center

Today I'm going to take you through a quick tour of my home, Wood Center. Wood Center is the "student life" building at UAF. What I mean by that is, Wood Center is where many students can get involved with extra curricular activities. but not only that, it's one of the

more common places you'll see other students hanging out at to pass time as well.

Wood Center is located in the middle of campus, so it's really easy to access. The Wood Center has a huge lounge, where students

hangout with friends or do homework in between classes, a food court where students can get breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a games area to go bowling or play a few arcade games, the student union (ASUAF), The Pub for students 21 and over, and several offices that plan activities for students to get

involved throughout the year.

So what kind of activities are available to students you might ask. Outdoor Adventure plans activities like hiking and camping trips, rock climbing classes, and many more. they also have gear rentals. L.I.V.E. stands for Leadership, Involvement, and Volunteer Experience, and they have leadership lunches, Alternative Spring Break, an annual Leadership conference, and many more activities that will give you the opportunity to further develop your leadership skills and give back to the community. The Student Orgs office is where you can find out about clubs and organizations on campus or even create your own club! Student Activities Office is in charge of providing the students with entertainments, such as comedy shows, lectures, dances and the list goes on and on. New Student Orientation is of course the office that plans everything that happens during your freshman orientation.

I call Wood Center my home because everyone that works here is like family to me. I've been working at Wood Center for over 2 years now and it has been the best work experience I've ever had! (I'll tell you guys how you can apply for awesome campus jobs in a later blog!)

Student Organizations at UAF

Whether you are a leader, geek, a jock, an adventurer, a scholar, or an athlete you can find a place at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. With clubs ranging from the Chess Club to the German Club to the Latin Dance Club there is something to do at just about any waking moment of the day. Many clubs on campus utilize our vast outdoor resources to facilitate activities that are both entertaining and are a great way to exercise. Others give students an opportunity gather in a setting that allows them to engage with their fellow students and learn from their peers in a variety of
topics.

UAF also hosts a small (yet growing) Greek Letter Society. Two Fraternities and one Sorority have a chapter on the UAF Campus. These chapters (Alaska Alpha - Sigma Phi Epsilon, Nu Omega - Alpha Phi Omega, and Zeta Mu - Sigma Sigma Sigma) help foster a setting of academic success as well provide a healthy social environment.

Greek Life at UAF

Sigma Sigma Sigma became the first national sorority in Alaska when it was installed at UAF in 1993. Founded in 1898, the sorority has more than 90,000 members nationwide who share a strong commitment to sisterhood, academics and community service as part of the college experience. Sorority membership provides Sigmas with academic support and leadership opportunities.

Sigma Phi Epsilon, the first national fraternity in Alaska, was installed at UAF in 1997. The fraternity began nationally in 1901, founded on the principles of virtue, diligence and brotherly love. It is one of the oldest and most respected fraternities in the nation. Through community service, campus leadership and fraternalism, Sigma Phi Epsilon gives its members the opportunity to live a balanced life.

Alpha Phi Omega is a national, co-ed service fraternity that has set the standard for college campus-based volunteerism since 1925. The organization strives to help each individual member develop leadership skills, experience friendship on many levels and provide service to others.

For more information on Sigma Sigma Sigma, Sigma Phi Epsilon and Alpha Phi Omega, visit us online at www.uaf.edu/studentorgs/ or contact the LIVE Program (Leadership, Involvement, Volunteer Experience) at 907-474-1959.

Through Club Council the Associated Students of the University of Alaska Fairbanks (Student Government) provides the funding necessary to sustain the clubs and student societies on the UAF campus. Club Council also provides the opportunity for clubs to interact with each other in a formal setting.

Clubs must follow the guidelines as provided by the LIVE (Leadership, Involvement & Volunteer Experience) Office in order to be recognized by the University. These regulations can be located here.

Active participation in these clubs is not key to academic success, but is a tool readily available to all students who wish to expand their horizon.

As President of the Alaska Alpha Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon, an ASUAF Senator, and member of two other student organizations I personally like to stress the benefit that participating in student organizations has on a student.

On behalf of these and other student organizations I hope to extend an open hand to all new and returning students attending classes this Fall.

Overview from a Recent UAF Grad

I am Bronwyn Harrod, a recent graduate from the Chemistry Department here at UAF, as well as an Honors Program alum. I attended UAF for 5 years, living with my parents for my first year of college, and moving to campus for the remaining period. I was simply a dorm resident for that second year of college life. For my final 3 years at UAF, however, I became a Residence Life Peer Mentor; for this position, I lived with, tutored, and gave advice to the freshmen of UAF. I will be the first to tell you that my time at UAF, in the Honors Program, and as a Fairbanks resident have really helped to set my life’s course, and set me up for graduate study at another major university.

UAF is a nationally ranked school for engineering and the sciences, and has given me the basis I needed to be ready to pursue my future in academia. The opportunities here are unlike those available in the vast majority of other schools, and for a price that is affordable to boot! I was involved in research here before I even graduated high school! This experience started my path that led to further one-on-one research with UAF faculty mentors, a couple of research internships at a national top tier school (Texas A&M University-College Station), three second-author publications in scientific journals, and ultimately to my acceptance to the Chemistry Ph.D. program at the University of California-Davis.

Being in the Honors Program accelerated my progress; it gave me the chance to be creative, independent, and self-motivated, all the while providing the resources and guidance that I needed. The friends I made through the Honors Program were by no means the least of the benefits. We took several classes together, and would help to push each other through our rough spots and hard times, with respect to both school and life. It was so nice to have a group of people to count on, right from the start. We used the Honors House – our own program facility – for everything from a study area for our all-nighters together, to a movie night relaxation spot, to a dinner party venue, to a haven for sound advice. Without these aids, I honestly wouldn’t be where I am today, nor have the success that I have experienced.

Of course, one also has to at least like the area in which one is living for the years of college; I found Fairbanks to be perfect for me. The people here (fondly referred to as “Fairbanksans” or “Fairbanksians”, depending on to whom you talk) are friendly and helpful. This is a town of people who are simultaneously dependent on one-another and independently self-sufficient. For example, many Fairbanksians live in dry cabins, driving their own water to their house, hunting or catching their own meat, growing their own vegetables, etc. However, as soon as their car dies, or their heater cuts out for no reason in the middle of a 20 to 40 below winter, or they find themselves without a sponsor for a big school program, someone is always there to help at the drop of a hat. And yes, I am completely speaking from experience… Besides, where else can you take a photo of yourself in shorts and a tank top in front of the university temperature sign, which is reading -38 degrees?? Or ride an ice sculpture of a polar bear, or “Nanook”, in the dead of winter? Or have 20 hours of daylight as you are studying for Spring semester finals? This town, this campus, this environment…. all so unique! Or should we say UNIQUELY AWESOME! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at blharrod@alaska.edu. I would be more than happy to help in any way I can!

Living off Campus

For those of us living off of the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus, there is something to experience. Living off campus means that bills have to be paid and a wage has to be earned to pay those bills. For me this is a perfect lifestyle because it encompasses both student life and living the true Alaskan experience.

A job is a necessity to pay the bills, but a balance is needed to keep life running smoothly. I choose to work on campus, which enables me to walk easily from work to school which is very convenient. Something that sometimes comes with living off campus is a roommate.

Roommates are something that are hard to escape, even when living off campus. The costs associated with living off campus can be expensive but with roommates you can cut them down and save money. Having a roommate doesn't mean you have be best friends, but like in a dorm room, it does mean you will have to get along. Now there are also a plethora of awesome things about roommates from sharing the food bill to carpooling to hanging out. My roommate and I are both students, and we carpool to save money and gas. We also split the food bill which is nice because that leaves us extra money to save or use for other things. A roommate can greatly help living and working off campus which includes carpooling.

Transportation is one of hardest parts of living off campus; there is no limitation to how involved you can be on campus, it just takes a little more effort. Living on campus gives you the advantage of finding events while hanging around, something that cannot be accomplished while living off campus. Living off campus means that if you want to attend Starvation Gulch, than you would have to arrange to get to campus somehow. Some students notice that they feel less involved when living off campus, but it does not have to be that way. You are still just as much of a student as those that live on campus, and you can equally involved in on-campus activities, it only takes a little extra planning.

I like living off campus because it gives me the opportunity to experience Alaska in the way I pictured it. It makes me feel that I am being immersed in all that Fairbanks has to offer. I am also a student and I like what UAF has to offer, so I make sure that I am on campus for the events and activities that interest me. I live in a dry cabin which means I have no running water, (yup) no shower or toilet. I have a sink but I have to bring all of the water I drink and use for cooking to my cabin from the water station. I shower on campus which is useful because its another reason for me to go to campus. The outhouse is something that adds to the Alaskan experience and it definitely different from other parts of the U.S. Living in a birch forest, far from campus, in a dry cabin is what I imagined I would be doing when I got to Alaska and it does not disappoint; it takes a dream of mine and solidifies it, turning a childhood dream into reality.

From Zebras to Bacons&Everything In Between: Planting Day

On June 1st, UAF had it's annual Planting Day. Since I work on Campus during the summer, I have participated in planting day for now 3 years! and it's actually one of my favorite days on campus =]

So you may ask "What is planting day?" UAF has tons and tons of planters all over campus. Some wonderful people on campus get together and organize Planting Day, and basically, UAF staff and faculty members, and even community members, volunteer their time to fill the planters with tons of plants so that when students return in the Fall, there will be lots of pretty flowers.

As simple as it seems, a lot of planning is involved in such a large scale event, especially one that relies on volunteers to do the majority of the work. The sad part is, besides the people that work hard to make it all happen, no one else knows how much work goes into it. But they definitely do a wonderful job being super organized!

When the volunteers get to the planter, everything they need is ready for them. All the plants are delivered with tags on them so it is easy to identify each plant. A chart of how the plants should be planted is also provided. The Charts are super easy to understand too. They use several different icons to identify each plant, and also tells the volunteers how far apart each plant should be.

Anyways, a bit about my experience with the planting this year... As other years, I planted flowers with my Wood Center family. I was the designated chart reader this year, meaning I gave directions to everyone in the crew what to plant where. and I must say i did a pretty good job =] The whole experience was great because we had such a blast planting and just having a chill time. Our 2 hour planting experience consisted of "stealing" flowers from other planters (when we didn't have enough), watching babies act silly, digging in and getting dirty, and of course, tons of laughter! It was a nice little break form all the office work we do cooped up inside our offices. It was like the family became even closer =] Oh and I should mention how nice it was outside on Planting Day! It was a perfect day for gardening! I definitely got my tan on =]

Oh, a little tip for anyone that's thought about planting for the first time, never attempt planting in your shoes. I had my comfy TOMS on and as soon as i stepped on the dirt, I got some in my shoes =( but then I took my shoes off and it felt awesome!

Hopefully you'll all notice the wonderful flowers that are blossomed in the Fall!