This page last updated 7/31/24 – 9:44 a.m.

For the latest updates, please visit our Emergency Updates page. Campus reopened on Monday, 7/22/24. Campus will suspend in-person operations on 8/6 so we can be connected to main power.

Emergency Updates

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was UW Tacoma without power?

A tragic, fatal car accident in the UW Tacoma Cragle parking lot early Saturday morning 7/6/24 caused severe damage to the campus electrical system and resulted in a nearly campus-wide power outage.

When did the power come back on?

UPDATE: Phase 2 will be completed on 8/6. Campus will suspend in-person operations for that day so the switch to main power can be made.

UPDATE: Phase 1 is complete and power has been restored to campus. The campus reopened Monday (7/22)

There will be three phases involved in restoring power as quickly as possible, while creating a permanent, safe solution.

Phase 1: Two generators restored power to the entire campus. We reopened campus on Monday 7/22.

  • Sourcing the generators and ensuring this short-term solution could be implemented safely required careful planning and risk assessment by professionals to ensure our people and facilities are safe throughout.
  • After arrival and set up of the generators, each building was brought back online individually and safely to ensure systems and technology would not be damaged.
  • Cooling systems required time to bring the buildings back down to a safe temperature.
  • Generators are situated outside the Mattress Factory. The outside air intake has been shut off and noise levels are being monitored.

Phase 2: In the next few weeks, our campus will be reconnected to the main power source.

  • We are leasing switch gear that will replace the gear destroyed in the accident, which will allow us to reconnect.
  • This phase will likely last for more than a year while we prepare for the final phase (Phase 3).

Phase 3: We will complete design and construction for a new permanent solution.

  • A reliable source of power is critical to the safety and security of our campus community. Knowing that 21st Street is already problematic, we will continue working with agencies and contractors to redesign and rebuild this critical power access point in another location.
  • We anticipate phase 3 finishing in approximately 18 months.
How are students continuing to learn?

Summer term A will continue to be taught remotely through the end of finals on 7/17. Students beginning Summer term B on 7/18 will begin the term remotely.  In-person classes resumed on 7/22.

I am a student, employee, or tenant of UW Tacoma – what resources are available?

See below for information about available resources for students, staff, faculty, and tenants.

How can I stay informed?

Follow campus emergency updates on our website. All faculty, students, and staff also automatically receive emergency text alerts and emails with updates. Be sure you are checking your UW email regularly.

I’ve heard that businesses on Pacific Avenue have been impacted. Is that true?

There are 17 businesses housed in campus buildings that were impacted by the power outage. As of 7/19/24, power has been restored to all businesses on campus.

Can I still park in the Cragle Lot?

All parking in the Cragle Lot (south of Milgard Hall) and along C Street in front of the Mattress Factory building is closed. To alleviate this pressure on our parking infrastructure, enforcement in UW Tacoma lots will be suspended for the remainder of Summer quarter. Drive-through safety patrols will continue, but tickets will not be issued.  

Resources 

For students 

Classes, labs, and other instruction occurred online until power was restored. A small number of classes with a critical need for in-person instruction were held in locations off campus.

The Mattress Factory (MAT) is offline effective 7/26 until 8/12. Services are available remotely and by appointment only. 

All student support offices within Student Affairs, Academic Advising, Library, Equity and Inclusion, and the Teaching and Learning Center remain accessible through email, Zoom, and live chat. 

Additionally, when campus is closed: 

  • Students without reliable computers or internet access can borrow laptops, mobile hotspots, and other equipment. For more information, see the IT website or email tachelp@uw.edu.
  • Students can access a cool place to study and relax at their local Y. UW Tacoma students have free access to YMCA facilities across the region and the United States.
  • The HuskiesCare virtual resource hub identifies additional supports.
  • Emotional support is available through a variety of services, including Psychological and Wellness Services and TELUS Health (formerly MYSSP).
  • The Pantry and the Cupboard will remain closed until further notice. Here is a link to find food resources within the local community.

For all employees 

Guidance from Human Resources  

The UWHR website provides information about pay and leave practices during suspended operations. If you have additional questions, contact UW Tacoma HR at uwthr@uw.edu or 253-692-4701.

Information Technology

Guidance regarding Information Technology support and resources can be found here. If you encounter any computer or network issues when you return to your office, please contact tachelp@uw.edu.

Contact UW Tacoma IT at tachelp@uw.edu or 253-692-HELP (4356), hours Mon. – Thurs. 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. | Fri. 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Sat. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Additional support 

Employees have access to free and confidential support services, including counseling with licensed mental health professionals, via the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 

For faculty

  • Resources on instructional continuity are here.
  • Expertise and resources are also available from the Office of Digital Learning. 
  • When moving an in-person class to remote, remember that if synchronous, the time should match that which was originally scheduled so that students can maintain their originally planned schedules.
  • Be flexible within the learning goals of the class, knowing that students who enrolled in an in-person class may have difficulty locating private learning spaces, adequate technology and/or adequate connectivity.
  • Review the list of resources for students above. If you become aware of student needs, please provide them with the relevant information. For more information and consultation about student needs and resources, please contact Surtida Shelton at shelton8@uw.edu.

For real estate tenants

For general service requests, tenants can contact the Kidder Mathews 24-hour service line at 877-445-6782 or via email at service@kidder.com. Tenants may also contact the local Kidder Mathews property management team members below: 

For all other questions, please contact Ben Mauk, Director of Capital Planning and Development at bmauk@uw.edu or 253-692-4331. 

Additional contacts

For media enquiries, please email David Rey (drey94@uw.edu) and Amanda Walker (awalk@uw.edu).