Family Weekend: seven days and counting
Next weekend is Family Weekend, October 3-5. We can’t wait to see you here on campus! The complete listing of Family Weekend events is online, including the Parents’ Association Reception, football and volleyball games, Casino Nite and Auction, and more. See you next week!

New BackPack
You've probably noticed the new BackPack format. This updated version contains all the same information -- just presented in a different way. Please let us know what you think.

Diamondbacks night
Thanks to all that attended our Diamondbacks night. We had more than 40 attendees, great seats, and a 3-2 Diamondbacks win. Plus Louie the Lumberjack was on hand to greet all of our guests. We hope to see you there next year!

Arizona Students’ Association
Kathleen Templin, student worker for the Parents' Association, is one of three student delegates for the Arizona Students' Association (ASA). Templin is helping with the "Kick.Axe.Vote" program, which has a goal of registering 2,000 NAU students to vote. You can help her effort by encouraging your student to register to vote.

Congressional candidates to debate
Your student and community members will have the chance to hear Arizona's candidates for Congressional District 1 in person during in an on-campus debate.

Free night at Lowell Observatory
For one night only, Sunday, September 28, there will be no charge for seeing the stars at Lowell Observatory.

Author Ismael Beah to give a lecture about his book, A Long Way Gone
This is an opportunity for your student to hear a rare, first-hand account of life as a child soldier.

Film Series: The Day the Earth Stood Still
This latest Film Series installment is a sci-fi flick from 1951.

October 1: Third housing and dining fall payment due
October 1: Career and Graduate School Fair (pdf)
October 3-5: Family Weekend
October 24: Last day to drop/delete classes with a W October 25: Homecoming
October 27: Early enrollment for spring 2009 begins November 11: Veteran’s holiday
November 27-28: Thanksgiving Day holiday (university closed)
November 28: Last day to withdraw from the university December 1: End of term week
December 8-11: Finals week
December 12: Commencement (last day of fall term) December 25 - January 1: University winter closure

Stellar new telescope modernizes Campus Observatory
A new telescope at Northern Arizona University is bringing the heavens closer to campus and the northern Arizona community.

Initiative strengthens community recycling efforts
Recycling on campus soon will receive a face-lift as a new regional partnership aims to increase recycling in the community.

Science and Engineering Day
From roaches to robots, the science behind what makes the world tick comes to life in fun and interactive ways during the university's Mountain Campus Science and Engineering Day from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27.

NAU art studio opens for elementary students
Flagstaff elementary school students are invited to join NAU art education majors for a unique art learning experience each Saturday in October.

How the campus dietitian can help your
son or daughter
Have you ever visited with a dietitian? While most of us commonly see physicians, visits with a dietitian are much less common but may be very important for long-term health. Find out what to expect if you or your student sees a dietitian for nutrition concerns.

This health tip brought to you by Fronske Health Center.

Today is Lumberjack Day
Lumberjack fans are encouraged to dress in their favorite lumberjack gear when the women's soccer team hosts Central Arkansas on Lumberjack Day at 7 p.m. Friday, September 26, at Lumberjack Stadium. All participating fans in lumberjack or True Blue NAU gear will receive free admission to the game and be entered to receive prizes during a half-time contest.

Listen to the NAU fight song.

Soccer wins Hilton Garden Inn Mountain Classic
Five different NAU players recorded goals in the final day of competition at Lumberjack Stadium on Sunday.

Student-Athlete Spotlight:
Megan Buck
Junior Megan Buck posted her second consecutive two-over par 74 to record a career-best fourth-place finish at the Cardinal Classic Tuesday. Buck helped NAU finish fourth overall in the 13-team field.