email : Webview : In the Backpack: Residential College opportunities, Lumberjacks Thrive, Study Abroad, and more!

Vol. 18 Edition 8 | October 26, 2021

An NAU student completing their FAFSA online from the comfort of home.

FAFSA and Winter Term aid

The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid would like to remind students and families that the 2022–2023 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open, and it is important to submit it early! Applying by the Feb. 1 priority date will ensure you are considered for limited grant funding for the next upcoming academic year. Students can visit Gammage (building #1) or the Student Service Center (building #60) if they need any assistance submitting the FAFSA.

Students are now able to enroll in classes for the winter 2021 term. When enrolling in winter courses, students should submit the application for “Deferment of Winter Charges” in the LOUIE student portal under “Finances” and “Financial Aid.” This application will determine if you have enough spring financial aid to cover your winter course(s). There are no additional funding sources for winter. Please call 928-523-4951 with any questions, and refer to the website for more information!

An NAU student riding a camel in the desert while studying abroad.

Education Abroad: Your Lumberjack’s passport to professionalism

Are you looking for ways to help your Lumberjack gain a competitive edge in their career development? In our increasingly globalized world, countries and cultures are more connected than ever before. Studying and interning abroad prepares students for the global workforce by helping them cultivate language proficiency and cultural competence. They also gain an international understanding of their field and develop an international career network.

An Institute of International Education (IIE) study shows that studying abroad directly impacts skills needed for career success. Most students surveyed reported gains in 14 of 15 technical and interpersonal skills. In addition, more than 70 percent of respondents said their study abroad experience contributed to significant growth in intercultural skills, adaptability, curiosity, confidence, and self-awareness. More than half of the respondents also believed that studying abroad contributed to a job offer. Because only about 10 percent of United States undergraduate students study abroad, this experience becomes a distinguishing feature in students’ professional stories as they apply for internships, jobs, and graduate degrees.

Maybe your Lumberjack has already mentioned their interest in studying or interning abroad, or perhaps you are motivating them to consider it. The NAU Education Abroad team is here to help you and your student understand the benefits of this transformational and rewarding experience, and to guide you through the process of getting there.

It is a privilege for us to help your student engage in the diversity of the world.

A NAU student club member giving a thumbs up during a club/student organization fair on the pedway.

Encourage your Lumberjack to explore with Lumberjacks Thrive!

Lumberjacks Thrive is a donor-funded program that is hosted by the Office of Alumni Engagement. This program aims to build connections between students and alumni. Please encourage your student to begin building a strong and thriving Lumberjack network now that will last them a lifetime! Lumberjacks Thrive hosts the Externship and Grants program.

Is your Lumberjack part of an NAU club or student organization? Lumberjacks Thrive Grants provide funding for student organizations that involve alumni in their programming by supporting connections between students and alumni. Student clubs can engage alumni in a variety of ways, including student-led events, activities, and philanthropy. The grant supports programming such as:

Inviting alumni to talk about their career journey
Connecting with alumni from student organizations for networking events
Hosting guest presenters on topics of interest
Helping cover travel expenses to tour alumni-led companies and organizations

Learn more about the application process and apply for funding today!

Winter Term

NAU’s winter term can help your student stay supported, engaged, and on track!

Did you know that we recommend your student complete 30 credits per academic year to graduate on time? This winter term, they can take advantage of valuable opportunities to catch up or get ahead.

To help your student prepare, encourage them to set an appointment and discuss their best options with an academic advisor. We offer hundreds of online and in-person winter courses to choose from and free academic support services so that your student can succeed from wherever they learn best.

If your student plans to study online, we’re committed to helping your Lumberjack stay connected. We offer a variety of virtual and in-person healthcare appointments, mental health resources, wellness programs, and counseling sessions. Explore our Campus Health Services to learn more.

If your student plans to study in Flagstaff, we offer flexible housing options in addition to programs and facilities that help your student stay physically active.

This year, your student can make the most of their time. Although scholarship funds do not cover winter term, your student may qualify to defer charges until the spring based on their financial aid award.

Winter courses begin December 13—it’s time to create a unique experience!

Explore winter term!

NAU students gathered around a table participating in an activity at a Residential College.

Upcoming Residential Colleges events

Every semester, each Residential College hosts a college-wide event in residence halls across campus. The college-wide event is an opportunity for your student to connect with peers, staff, and faculty from their academic college. Residential College Ambassadors (upper division peer mentors) and Faculty Fellows (instructors from the academic college) host awesome events where students have a chance to learn important skills, build friendships, and share in memorable experiences. These events will be taking place between October 25 and November 5. Your student’s Residential College Ambassador will be marketing these events within the residence halls, on social media, and via your student’s NAU email. You can find more information about these events and other upcoming opportunities to connect on the Residential College Program Calendar!

The Residential College Program hosts events and opportunities for first-year students living on campus. We will help your student access academic support systems and to make connections within their academic college throughout the year. From Residential College Ambassadors’ office hours, one-on-one meetings with an RCA, enrollment assistance, or events in their community, there are many ways for your student to engage with their Residential College and develop their academic success skills. Please feel free to send us an email with any questions or support requests!

NAU is committed to the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff and follows CDC’s recommended guidelines on COVID-19. Not every photo in this e-newsletter will precisely represent these guidelines, as we aim to accurately present the NAU experience for you and balance that need with imagery that reflects the COVID-19 policies we have in place. Visit nau.edu/jacksareback for our current campus health safety guidelines.

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