NAU Grad Fest!

Spring Grad Fest will be held at the NAU Bookstore, Friday and Saturday, February 20 and 21, 10 am - 3 pm. This is the perfect opportunity for the graduate to purchase cap, gown and announcements, as well as do many activities related to graduation all in one day. For more information see their web site at http:www.bookstore.nau.edu and click on graduation regalia.

Class Cancellations

Much to the students' delight, yesterday afternoon classes were cancelled. Now, all of today's (Wednesday's Classes) are cancelled, which is very unusual. If your student isn't well versed in the cancellation process, here's how it works: Usually only evening classes are cancelled, but in the rare event (like today) all classes are cancelled, students will get an email. If it is just afternoon and evening classes getting cancelled, the teacher will often times send out an email letting them know that they concur with the university decision, and then they will send a schedule of how class will be made up. If the students have doubts as to whether classes are meeting or not, make sure they call the NAU Switchboard. If they are on-campus, simply dial "0", if they live off campus they can call 928-523-9011. The employees at the switchboard are very courteous and very knowledgeable so it is a good idea to make the phone call. There have been instances in the past of students hearing rumors that class was cancelled and simply not going, only to find out that said rumor was just a rumor. Make sure they call the line, and if you parents are curious about the weather as well, give the switchboard a call. They'll let you know if class is cancelled or not. Additionally, there is a weather status update at 928-523-0007 to alert students and employees about the status of university closure.  On a day like this, remind them to be safe and stay warm. And go to class tomorrow.

Grad Papers

If your student is planning on graduating at the end of this semester, or after summer session, the filing date for Graduation Papers is coming up soon. The University's date is February 15th, but some colleges require them beforehand. Granted, your student has been here for a while and probably has a 99.9% chance of already having done this, but it is worth asking about.  Make sure they get them in.

Regardless how long your child has been an NAU student, you could have a touching or funny story about your child or yourself and the university. Let us know! In a future issue of the Back Pack we will profile some of these (If you don't want your name included let us know!) to share with everyone. You can email us at Parent.Association@nau.edu. Also, make sure to check out our new Parents' Association web site at www.nau.edu/parents.

Snowbowl still going strong, town getting its fair share of snow

In the last week Snowbowl hasn't opened its final lift, and according to their weather update, they haven't gained much snow, with 17' at 9500 feet and 38" at 10800'. However, if you've been watching the news or speaking to your student these last couple of days, that doesn't seem right. In town we've received between six inches and a foot of new snow in the last 24 hours.  The latest update is 14 new inches in the last 24 hours with 90% of the mountain open.  For the lastest information, click here.

Classes have already been cancelled (blame an overwhelming prayer outcry) and roads are icy. So if your student does live off campus or drives from one end of it to the other, make sure they're aware of the danger. Most people confuse Four-wheel drive with Four-wheel stop, they are two very different things and chains cannot hurt. If you are planning on coming for the weekend (which we strongly encourage, there are few things more beautiful than Flagstaff under a white blanket) make sure you drive safely, and don't be surprised if the trip takes a little longer. For more information about Snowbowl, give them a call at 928-779-1951 or simply click this underlined text!