Congratulations spring Class of 2021! You have worked so hard and achieved so much. While this chapter of your amazing UAA story comes to a close, your next chapter as alumni begins.

You have joined the proud ranks of UAA alumni — a network of more than 60,000 worldwide and growing. So, without further ado and in no particular order, here are the 10 things every new UAA grad should know to fully take advantage of your new status as UAA alumni. Welcome to Seawolf Nation.

1. ALUMNI CHAPTERS AND NETWORKS

The UAA Alumni Association is committed to engaging graduates with the university and supporting the network of Seawolf alumni around the world. Seawolf alums have organized a growing list of affinity-based alumni chapters. If life takes you beyond Alaska, we have regional networks located all across the country in major U.S. cities like Chicago, Washington, D.C. and Denver. Alumni chapters get together for Seawolf Athletics games and watch parties, host special events and raise money for student scholarships.

Find a hiking buddy, mentor a current student, network with your neighbors, catch a basketball game, hit a happy hour or host a backyard barbecue. Whatever you want to do, there's a chapter for you.

2. KEEP LEARNING AFTER GRADUATION FOR FREE

Learning never stops after you graduate. Your Alumni Association makes sure you can continue to grow and network no matter where you are in the world. Visit the UAA/APU Consortium Library where you have access to lifelong learning resources, extended hours and book check-out. Register for your monthly UAA Alumni Howl newsletter, which includes information for upcoming webinars, livestreams and podcasts that cover a variety of professional and personal growth topics (with some even presented by alumni like you).

3. DON’T BE A STRANGER

Don’t let Homecoming be the only time you visit campus each year (by the way, Homecoming Breakfast 2021 is Oct. 8, featuring keynote speaker and alumna Princess Daazhraii Johnson, M.Ed. Teaching and Learning ’17, former creative producer on the Peabody Award-winning PBS show Molly of Denali). Come back to visit anytime, and stop by the Alumni Center first to meet the Alumni Engagement staff and get the latest info on campus events. Unable to make it to campus? Take a virtual tour!

4. KEEP GROWING YOUR CAREER

UAA’s Career Exploration and Services office is also for alumni! Whether you need help landing your first job or finding that next great opportunity, CES offers free online resources to help you at every stage of your career. And, you can still access Handshake with your UAA credentials after graduation. By sharing your postgraduation plans, you can help us continue to provide meaningful support to all alumni.

5. GET YOUR TRANSCRIPTS

Many employers will ask to see an official transcript before hiring. To order your transcript online or in person, visit the Office of the University Registrar.

6. UPDATE YOUR INFO

As an alum, you’re officially a subscriber to our biannual alumni magazine, Alumni Spirit, which just published its most recent issue. Be sure to update your contact information to make sure you receive future editions of the magazine in your inbox, as well as other special invites to alumni events.

7. SHOW YOUR GREEN AND GOLD PRIDE WITH A GIFT

Every gift counts, and we hope you consider making one following graduation to help future Seawolves reach their dreams. You can make a big impact on current UAA students by making a gift to the UAA Student Support Fund. The Student Support Fund provides a safety net for students who struggle with basic needs. Thank you, we are stronger together!

8. YOU ARE #SEAWOLFNATION

This one’s easy. Be social. Use the #SeawolfNation hashtag to showcase your UAA pride, community involvement, adventures with friends and family and green and gold swagger. Howl for the home team! Stay plugged into UAA campus life by following us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter.

9. SHOW YOUR SEAWOLF SWAGGER

By now, you probably have no shortage of Seawolf T-shirts in your dresser. But as you join the working world, it’s time to spiff up your collection of UAA gear and get some stuff you can actually wear to the office or to display that well-deserved diploma. Here are just some of the places where you can buy Seawolf gear: Shop.GoSeawolves.com and UAA Campus Bookstore.

10. SHARE YOUR AMAZING STORY

If these challenging times have taught us anything, it’s that connection is essential. You are members of our extended Seawolf family and we want to hear from you. Please share your amazing story online by using the hashtag #SeawolfStories and connect with us online to continue the conversation.

As alumni, you continue to shape UAA through advocacy, volunteerism and amazing work done in communities around the world. As you go and do great things, we will celebrate your achievements, look for ways to expand your opportunities and provide resources for you to realize continued success after graduation. Whether you are near or far, we will support, serve and help you find your connection.