Message from the President

Dear Parent,

There is something special about the first week of the academic year and the vibrancy of the first few days of the semester as we become acquainted (or reacquainted) with each other and the routines of the classes and activities before us. 

From a lifetime in higher education, this is a moment I always look forward to, and cherish. However, as a parent, I understand the different feelings of having your child starting a new life in a university environment. Excitement mixed in with a little bit of nervousness.

Let me just assure you that it is going to be an incredible year, and our proud and caring Lumberjack community are here for our students, and of course for you as well. This year is particularly special, because we are welcoming the largest incoming full-time class and most diverse and talented student body in our 123-year history.

The Jacks are back and the leaders of tomorrow are learning from the very best

I am so thankful that you have entrusted us with your student’s education and their future. I hope to see many of you around Flagstaff and at a few key upcoming events this fall, including Family Weekend that runs from October 7-9, and Homecoming, on November 4-5.

Go Jacks!

Family Weekend is approaching!

Family Weekend is only one month away! Mark your calendar for October 7-9 in Flagstaff. We are ecstatic to welcome your students (back) to the NAU family. This weekend is a great time to explore all NAU has to offer with your Lumberjack! 

Many events during Family Weekend are free. However, Casino Night, the football game, the Block Party, and brunch do require tickets. More information about events and tickets will be available on the Family Weekend website. Keep checking back as we’re regularly adding new events. 

See you soon!

Get involved with Fraternity and Sorority Life

Being a member of a Fraternity or Sorority is about making lasting friendships and enhancing personal development by committing to a focus on Friendship/Family, Inclusion, Leadership, Scholarship, and Service. Our Greek Life community at NAU helps inspire students to create an inclusive community, focusing on academic excellence and making a difference by enhancing the social experience. Part of that experience includes the recruitment process. We have 29 chapters on campus that make up the three councils listed below. To get more information, students can fill out our online form to connect.

- Interfraternity Council (IFC) is the governing body of 13 social fraternities.

- College Panhellenic Council (CPC) serves as the governing body of 9 Panhellenic social sororities.

- United Greek Council serves as the governing body of 2 fraternities and five sororities that identify as culturally based or have organizing principles that celebrate traditionally underrepresented students in the student body.

Louie’s Cupboard: Students helping students

Louie’s Cupboard provides both perishable and nonperishable food and resources at our campus food pantry. The Cupboard serves hundreds of students, staff, and faculty annually through biweekly distributions, grab-and-go bags, and a food box program. In the 2021-22 academic year, 1,025 households and 2,308 students were assisted with food resources from Louie’s Cupboard.

Louie’s Cupboard has joint initiatives with other organizations and offices like Flagstaff Family Food Center, NAU Campus Dining, and more! Through these community and campus partnerships, we can increase efficiency, serve a broader range of students, and raise awareness about the growing food insecurity issue on college campuses.   

If you know of a student who would be interested in utilizing our services or volunteering, please direct them to the Louie’s Cupboard Website. If you would like to support Louie’s Cupboard, non-perishable food items can be dropped off at the Dean of Students office in the University Union (Room 104). In addition, monetary donations can also be made by searching “NAU Food Pantry” on the NAU Foundation’s Give Now webpage.   

NAU Campus Health Services

Campus Health Services (CHS) is honored to be involved in your student’s healthcare. As the new semester begins, please take note of a few suggestions that will make their healthcare transition a bit easier.

- Students should keep a copy or photo of their insurance card with them (front and back) and upload it to their health portal.

- Students should visit their health portal and complete their health history and consent forms now so that everything is in place before they need an appointment. 

- NAU, the American College Health Association, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention strongly recommend that all college students be up-to-date on the following vaccines: Meningococcal ACWY (Meningitis), Meningococcal B (Meningitis), TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis), HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and COVID-19. A flu shot is also recommended at the start of flu season, typically early to mid-September.

- NEW this year: Students can schedule same-day appointments through their health portal.

Additional information can be found on the CHS website. 

There’s still time to study abroad in Spring 2023 (or beyond)! 

If your Lumberjack has imagined studying, interning, or researching in another country, there is still time to experience Spring 2023 in an exciting new destination! Students can use their NAU merit scholarships (Blue, Gold, Dean’s, President’s, and Lumberjack) on many study abroad programs. Our Education Abroad Advisors strive to find an immersive, life-changing experience that best fits students’ financial, academic, and personal needs. So, check out Education Abroad and have your student make an appointment to start their journey. The deadline to apply is October 15 for most programs

Is your Lumberjack a first-year student? If so, they can also explore our award-winning Interdisciplinary Global Programs (IGP). Interdisciplinary Global Programs is for students who want to double major in business or STEM and language culture studies, spend a year abroad, complete an internship, and gain a truly revolutionary international education. Students should ideally apply in their first semester to stay on track with this unique program. The deadline to apply for IGP is September 8.

Education Abroad contact: [email protected] or 928-523-2409
Interdisciplinary Global Programs (IGP) contact: [email protected] or 928-523-7712

We hope to see your Lumberjacks soon!

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