Special Events
Learn more about UAA Commencement, the master's and doctoral degree Hooding Ceremony, Convocation and other annual campus-wide events, or find out how to invite UAA's mascot, Spirit, to attend your event.
UAA Commencement
Commencement is an age-old academic tradition where regalia is worn and students are publicly recognized and congratulated for their achievements. Master's and doctoral degree candidates also participate in a Hooding Ceremony were they receive a ceremonial hood in honor of their advanced degree. Both events are opportunities to celebrate student success with friends, family and the community.
Invite Spirit to your special event.
UAA departments and community groups can request the use of the mascot costume for any event (rally, festival, parade, etc).
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Please note that University Advancement will not provide someone to wear the costume—it is up to each group to recruit someone to wear the suit. It fits best on someone 5’8” or taller.
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Read through the usage rules below for more information.
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Check the calendar to see if the suit is available for your event.
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Complete the request form below.
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You will be notified by email if your request is approved. Not all requests will be granted. UAA-related activities will take priority in the scheduling of Spirit.
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If your request is approved, you can pick up the mascot between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at UAA’s Administrative/Humanities Building, 3680 Alumni Drive, Suite 236 (map).
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For questions, contact Michelle Hansen at mehansen6@alaska.edu or (907) 786-1288.
UAA Spirit Mascot Rules
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Be a positive representative of UAA and of UAA’s school spirit.
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Never break character. Children especially will see you as the “real” thing.
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No part of your body should be seen while in character.
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Do not remove any part of the costume while in view of an audience. (For example: Don’t remove the head in order to cool off unless you are in a private place.)
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If you need to rest, please go to a private area to do so.
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Do not allow anyone other than the assigned person to try on the costume.
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Do not use the costume to scare or intimidate anyone, especially children.
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Please provide an escort for Spirit to assist in moving through crowds and navigating an area.
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Never speak while in character.
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Do not use lewd or obscene gestures.
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Use extreme caution when working with children.
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Drink plenty of water prior to getting into costume.
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Do not consume alcohol before or while in costume.
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Do not hold signs of any kind.
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Do not dress Spirit in any clothing or accessories that have not been provided to you by UAA’s Office of Advancement.
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Do not stay in the costume for more than 30 minutes at a time in order to prevent heat exhaustion.
Spirit Mascot Request Form
2023 Campus Welcome Weekend Events
| Date | Event | Location | Time |
|
Friday, Aug. 25 |
Faculty and Staff Convocation |
Wendy Williamson Auditorium | 8:30-10 a.m. |
|
Saturday, |
Campus Kickoff |
South Lot | 1-4 p.m. |
Campus Traditions
| Month | Event |
| February-March | Winterfest |
| May, June, July | Monthly Concert in the Quad |
| October | Homecoming |
| December | Chancellor's Holiday Cafe & Gathering |
Special Events Manager
(907) 786-1013
mmgray3@alaska.edu