Welcome to the new academic year

Welcome to the 2024-2025 academic year! I am honored to serve as your chancellor as we begin another year of growth and discovery. Each fall, we have an opportunity to renew our commitment to creating a welcoming, collaborative campus together as students, staff, and faculty, along with community partners.

Together we celebrate

Today we gather at noon in William W. Philip Hall for our annual Convocation celebration, marking the start of the academic year. This joyous event kicks off the autumn quarter with a celebration of our Husky pride. Join me at noon to enjoy a drum line, information booths for UW Tacoma programs and activities, tasty food trucks and swag giveaways. I hope to see you there.

Together, we are stronger

If you’re a UW Tacoma student reading this message, know that you are surrounded by people who want you to succeed. Our faculty, staff and community members are committed to supporting each other and uplifting our students. Whether you’re entering your first quarter or your last, we’re here to help you achieve your goals. Look for Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Mentha Hynes-Wilson’s message in Canvas welcoming you to the new year, which includes a list of useful resources.

Like many of you, I was the first in my family to go to college. At times I hesitated to raise my hand and seek support, even though people would have been eager to assist me. Please, raise your hand when you’re feeling uncertain or overwhelmed — you can ask for and receive help. Talk to your faculty, staff members or peers. We are all stronger together, and you are, too. UW Tacoma offers an abundance of goodwill and resources for students. Take advantage of them while you are here.

Together no matter what comes

Finally, we are at the end of an election cycle that has highlighted the deep divisions between many people in our communities. Our close-knit community means we can hold difficult conversations that protect free expression while valuing each others’ unique perspectives, as highlighted by UW President Ana Mari Cauce in her recent message.

UW Tacoma students can even participate this fall in a two-credit, hybrid course, “2024: Dialogue, Disagreement and Democracy,” about misinformation and disinformation, the nature of democracy and the idea of belonging. This is a unique opportunity to grapple with conflict in community, and learn how to listen and understand deeply, even across seemingly broad divides — all of which form critical skills for post-college life.

I am confident we will stand together through the coming months because our learning community is founded on the values of access, community, diversity, excellence, and innovation. Each of us can help by modeling the empathy, mutual respect and care that are key to a strong society. We belong here together, and together we will ensure that UW Tacoma remains a welcoming, inclusive home for all.

Together, we are boundless

I take pride daily in our collective achievements at UW Tacoma. Every person here is an integral part of what makes our University special, part of a collective that continues to grow and develop.

As we embark on this new year, take a moment to ask: “What change do I hope to see in myself and the world? What will I do this year to make that transformation a reality?” By engaging with each other mindfully throughout the year, we can continue building a thriving, equitable society through education, partnership and collaboration. As Huskies, we are boundless in what is possible when we learn and grow together.

Let’s make this the best year yet.