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Journey

Building Resiliency

Welcome to your Mat-Su College educational journey. There are many rewarding experiences along the path to your ultimate goal; however, there are tests along the way (and not just the ones you take in class).

Mat-Su College sponsors a series of activities and wellness services for students, staff, and faculty to help you cope with stress, rise to challenges, and stay healthy as you make your way through this exciting time in life.
Journey MSC UAA logo
All Journey activities and behavioral care services are free.

Some events require pre-registration, so be sure to sign up on this page before attending.

Dragon-Approved Activities

Click a month below to see all of the upcoming Journey Events.

  • September
    Let’s Talk: Mindfulness- Reducing Stress and Increasing Success

    Tuesday, Sept 3, 12:00 - 12:50 in FSM 204

    Fall semester is underway and the challenges ahead are starting to pile on. Learn from an experienced psychotherapist how the practice of mindfulness can help you make stress a motivator instead of a barrier. Hosted by Shelly Jacobs, LPC

     
    National Recovery Month Info

    Monday, Sept 9, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm in the Atrium

    September is National Recovery Month, a time to increase awareness of substance abuse and celebrate those who recover. Set Free Alaska, a local substance abuse treatment center, will be available in the atrium to help you learn more about your relationship with alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. Stop by to chat or to take a screening to earn a stamp.

    Director’s Walk

    Thursday, Sept 12 , 12:00 noon - 12:50 pm - Meet outside the Director’s office, JKB 101

    Did you know Mat-Su College has a nature trail? Get outside, enjoy nature, and make connections along the way. Join Dr. Colberg, Mat-Su College Director, for a walk on the trails. Wear comfortable shoes.

    Movie Night: “A Star is Born”

    Tuesday, Sept 17, 5:30 – 8:00 in SNOD 118

    September is National Recovery Month, a time to increase awareness of substance abuse and celebrate those who recover. Join us for a viewing of the original (1937) Academy Award-winning love story of Esther and Norman. Then discuss relationships, dreams, and alcohol. Hosted by Judy Gette.

    Director’s Walk

    Monday, Sept 23, 12:00 – 12:50 pm – Meet outside the Director’s office, JKB 101

    Did you know Mat-Su College has a nature trail? Get outside, enjoy nature, and make connections along the way. Join Dr. Colberg, Mat-Su College Director, for a walk on the trails. Wear comfortable shoes.

    No More Test Anxiety
    Mon, Sep. 30, 2019, 12 – 12:50pm

    Fred and Sara Machetanz Bldg Room 204

    Does test anxiety have you down? Does your mind go blank? Does your stomach churn? Come find out about some of the common causes of test anxiety and get tips on ways to overcome it! Presented by Dr. Kim Bloomstrom, Mat-Su College Communications Instructor.

     

  • October
    Let’s Talk: Deep Listening for Personal and Community Resilience

    Tuesday, Oct 1st - 12:00 - 12:50 FSM 204

    There is increasing evidence to suggest that we learn, feel and function better when we experience ourselves as part of a community rather than isolated, individual learners. Deep, authentic listening practices are one tool to help us feel more healthy and connected, create a sense of community in any environment, and explore the complexities and opportunities of connecting across difference. This workshop will introduce participants to a model for deep listening and engage in discussion about the ways we can foster deeper listening in our personal and academic lives. Presented by Libby Roderick, Associate Director of UAA Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence and Director, Difficult Dialogues Initiative

     

    Alaska Health Fair

    Thurs, October 3rd - 9 am - 1 pm, Bridge

    Discover what your community has to help you stay healthy and feel your best. An Alaska Health Fair is your one-stop location for free health education and screenings as well as affordable blood tests. Visit the Journey table to learn more and collect your stamp! Co-sponsored by UAA Nursing students and MSC Paramedic students

    Clothesline Project

    Tuesday, October 8, 10 am - 3 pm, FSM 208

    October is Domestic Violence Month. Drop by the art studio & take a few minutes to make a statement about respect and nonviolence on a shirt! Then, hang the shirt on a clothesline to be viewed by others as testimony to the problem of domestic violence. Supplies, including t-shirts, provided. Hosted by Jeanine Milne of Alaska Family Services,

     

    Public Health Nurse

    Thursday, October 10, 11am-1pm, Atrium

    Get information on reproductive and sexual health from Public Health Nurse Dawn Hicks.

    Title IX Face-to-Face Training

    Monday, October 14, 12:30, Snodgrass Hall 103

    This training satisfies the annual Title IX training for students requirement. Presented by Bridget Coffou, UAA’s Prevention Education Coordinator

     

    Bringing in the Bystander

    Tuesday, October 22, 12-1:30, FSM204

    Learn the skills you need to act when you see behavior that puts others at risk for violence, victimization, or perpetuation. These skills include speaking out against rape myths and sexist language, supporting victims, and intervening in potentially violent situations.

     

  • November
    Responding to Microaggressions In and Outside of the Classroom

    Tuesday, November 5th, 12 - 12:50pm, FSM 204

    Microaggressions are statements, actions, or incidents that involve indirect, subtle, intentional or unintentional discrimination against members of a marginalized group (racial, ethnic or religious minorities, LGBTQ folks, older people, people with disabilities, etc.). While some people may believe that microaggressions are brief and harmless, many studies have found that they have a significant negative impact on people’s mental and physical health over time. Come learn what microaggressions look and sound like, how to respond to them, and how to avoid committing them (most of us have done so unintentionally at some point!). 

    Heyi Niltu 2019 - Alaska Native Heritage Month Celebration

    Wednesday, November 6th, 3 - 7 pm, Glenn Massay Theater

    This fun annual event provides our campus community an opportunity to learn a bit about Alaska Native Culture. Sponsored by the MSC Alaska Native Cultures Club. Watch for posters on campus with details.

    Cannabis Panel: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
    Wednesday, November 18th, 6-7:30 pm, FSM 204
    Safety and Health at Work — Know your Rights, Know the Risks

    Wednesday, November 20th, 12:00 - 12:50pm, FSM 204

    New and younger workers are more likely to be injured on the job. Do you know how to stay safe and healthy at work? This workshop will teach you the basics of occupational safety and health, common workplace hazards, and your rights as a worker in Alaska. Presented by KC Elliott, UAA Masters of Public Health Program Student and MSC Writing Faculty. 

    Gratitude Week: Letters of Appreciation

    November 20 - November 26th, 10 am - 3 pm, FSM Lobby

    In our fast-paced world, there is nothing quite like receiving a handwritten letter of appreciation in the mail. Stop by and write an encouraging letter to someone! Come prepared with the address because we will stamp and mail it for you!

     

  • December
    Pet a Therapy Dog

    Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday -December 2nd, 3rd, and 4th from 11 AM to 1 PM.

    FSM Lobby

    Feeling stressed about finals? Take a break and hug a therapy dog! Petting a dog can lower your blood pressure, heart rate. and cholesterol.

    Building Resilience:  Overcoming the Past and Moving Forward

    Tuesday, December 3rd, 12-12:50pm, FSM 204

    How our past experienced, and even those of our ancestors (Epigenetics), impact our biology and our ability to learn.  Lear how to promote resilience in others and in yourself.

Traveler's Aid

Earn a Proactive Stamp:

  • Attending a FAFSA Friday or UAA Scholarship Workshop
  • Using the MSC Math or Writing Tutor services
  • Joining in on a Math Cram Jam session
  • Showing up to a library information session
  • Meeting with a career counselor in Student Services
  • Meeting with your your Mat-Su College advisor

Don’t Go It Alone!

You’re not alone on this journey! If you feel like you’re losing your way, there are places to go to help you get back on track:

Counseling Services

Mat-Su College students may receive up to five free counseling appointments with an experienced behavioral health clinician. To make an appointment, call Mat-Su Health Services at 907-376-2411 and identify yourself as a Mat-Su College student. You may meet with the clinician on campus or at Mat-Su Health Services.

Campus Resources

All faculty and staff are available to assist you in achieving your educational goals. Just ask for help!

Mat-Su Valley Resources

Visit the United Way website for a complete listing of local organizations and agencies.

Complete Journey Survey

Please take a few minutes to give us some feedback and help make our events more accessible and enjoyable for you!