Final examinations for the fall semester are now completed, although some faculty members are still feverishly preparing grades. The halls of academe will now be growing quiet as students, faculty and staff gear down for a well-deserved winter break: the university will be closed December 24^th through January 2^nd, reopening January 3^rd. We hope you all will be enjoying some traditions of the Christmas and Solstice season with family and friends. On behalf of the UNBC-Northwest team, we wish you safe and happy holidays, and we hope to see you on campus for classes, public presentations and community events in 2017.

Phil Burton, Professor & Northwest Regional Chair