Oct. 13, 2025
Dear UAF community,
Over the course of the last week, western ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ has been hit by back-to-back storms,
including the remnants of Typhoon Halong over the weekend. These storms brought historical
flooding and destruction to many communities across the western part of the state.
Residents have been displaced from their homes, businesses, and academic pursuits.
Emergency responders continue to search for those missing after the storms made landfall.
Some areas are still dealing with flood waters.
While our campus buildings in Nome, Kotzebue and Bethel appear to have avoided serious
damage, many of our students, colleagues, alumni, and friends have been hit hard by
these storms and will need support as they recover from the impacts.
Faculty and staff, it’s likely that many of our students may have been directly or
indirectly affected by the storms. Please be as flexible as possible with class assignments
and deadlines.
Students, we recognize that your focus is likely on your family, friends, and community
right now, and we want to support you however we can. In addition to communicating
with your faculty, here are some resources to help:
Employees affected by the storm should work directly with their supervisors if they
need time off. I would also encourage you to learn more about the services offered
via the . In addition to counseling resources, the program offers a variety of legal, financial
and work/life services that may be helpful in navigating storm recovery.
Finally, I know many of us are wondering what we can do to help our friends and neighbors
in the affected communities. The following organizations are taking donations to help
fund recovery for the people affected by the storms:
I thank the entire University of ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ community for supporting our students, colleagues,
and friends throughout the state in this time of need.
Sincerely,
Mike Sfraga, interim chancellor
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