Spring quarter begins today
Welcome back to campus.
As we begin spring quarter and think ahead to the celebratory conclusion of the academic year, it is equally important to acknowledge the heightened stress that many people in our community are experiencing right now. Uncertainty about state and federal funding for our University and students, attacks on our commitment to provide access and success for all students, aggressive immigration actions, and more are provoking concern, anxiety, and fear.
Please know that I and the leadership team remain in close communication with the University’s Executive Office. The Executive Office is providing all three campuses and UW Medicine accurate legal, policy, and budget updates as we continue to learn about changes and decisions at the federal, state, and University levels. We don’t yet know how the University of Washington ultimately will be affected by federal actions, some of which may require us to sit with uncertainty as legal challenges evolve. We have always followed the law and will continue to do so. We can and must continue our important work within the context of state and federal laws.
Whatever transpires in the months to come, I want to emphasize what won’t change at UW Tacoma.
We will remain committed to our University’s public mission and values.
We will continue community partnerships that expand access to higher education for every student who wishes to attend college.
We will support our outstanding faculty as they pursue innovative research, teaching, community engagement, and creative pursuits.
We will remain committed to building a campus community where each student feels a sense of belonging, and first-generation Huskies have access to the same resources and opportunities as their peers from college-going families. We wholeheartedly welcome, value, and embrace the presence of every student, regardless of their background.
As we continue our shared work, we must also take care of each other and ourselves. Please look out for further details to follow regarding community gatherings hosted by the Center for Equity and Inclusion this week and next on April 4 and 11.
Please take a moment to review University resources you can turn to for accurate information and support:
- The Provost’s federal policies update will continue providing verified information about research, international students and scholars, immigration and undocumented students, diversity, equity and inclusion programs, Title IX, and gender-affirming care.
- The Office of Research maintains current federal guidance and federal administration updates for research faculty and staff.
- The Provost’s website offers guidance for faculty, staff, and supervisors in the event that immigration officials visit campus.
- At UW Tacoma, Psychological & Wellness Services (PAWS) provides confidential mental health counseling and related services for currently enrolled students at no additional costs. PAWS also provides consultation to faculty, staff, and university student families.
- For faculty and staff, counseling is available through the WA Employee Assistance Program 24/7.
In the midst of so much uncertainty, UW Tacoma remains a place where we come together to build a thriving, more prosperous society. We can draw collective strength from the resilience and care I observe so many of you bringing to our campus each day.