To ensure a successful transition to the university, all Running Start students are required to complete a variety of steps to prepare to attend UW Tacoma, including participating in all components of Orientation.

Follow the checklist below to ensure you get started on the right foot!

  1. Immunity Verification

  2. Placement Tests

  3. Submit Transcripts

  4. Advising & Registration

  5. In-Person Orientation

  6. Online Orientation

Don't forget to consider some of our optional orientation experiences, as well! These will help to further prepare you to be successful at UW Tacoma!

Hendrix with words WELCOME TO THE DAWG PACK

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Multi-Factor Authentication

The UW requires 2FA for your UW NetID account. You’ll need Duo for 2FA, then you’ll enable 2FA for your UW NetID to access UW online systems, such as Canvas, Zoom, MyUW and others.

Enable 2FA

Required Steps to COMPLETE

Immunity Verification

You are required to show that you have been vaccinated against or are otherwise immune to measles, mumps and meningococcal meningitis. The deadline is the first day of the quarter. Submit documentation and learn more here.

Placement Tests

Many students need to take a Math Directed Self Placement and all Admitted Freshmen will receive information about completing the self-directed writing placement reflection. If you plan on taking any Spanish language courses at UW Tacoma, there is also a Spanish Placement.

Submit Transcripts

Send final official high school transcripts as soon as your coursework and high school graduation are recorded on the transcript. Final college transcripts are also required if you are, or were, enrolled in college courses, including courses taken through Running Start or College in the High School. 

High schools may send official transcripts electronically through a secure system like Parchment, or through the mail: 

University of Washington Tacoma
Office of Admissions
1900 Commerce Street
Box 358400

Tacoma, WA 98402-3100

Advising & Registration

New students are required to meet with an Academic Advisor during one of the Advising & Registration (A&R) sessions before registering for classes. 

Session Date June 17 (Registration has closed) June 18 (Registration has closed) June 20 (Registration has closed) June 24 (Registration has closed) June 26 (Registration has closed) June 27 (Registration has closed) July 2 (Registration has closed) July 3 (Registration has closed)
Location In-Person In-Person Virtual In-Person Virtual In-Person Virtual Virtual
Time 1pm - 3pm 1pm - 3pm 5pm - 7pm 1pm - 3pm 5pm - 7pm 5:30pm - 7:30pm 5pm - 7pm 1pm - 3pm

In-Person Orientation Winter 2024

Running Start students are required to join their fellow new husky classmates and attend an in-person orientation. During this four-hour session, you will: learn more about what to expect as a UW Tacoma student, hear about vital resources and where to find your classes, participate in the challenge coin tradition and student passport, and meet staff and learn where key offices are located.

Secure your spot for Orientation on December 17 by clicking the button below to register:

Orientation Registration

Please contact uwtnsp@uw.edu if you have a hardship and need to request an exemption.

Online Orientation Modules

Online Orientation is a requirement for all admitted students to complete. There are important must do elements included such as submitting your Husky ID card photo and completing the Husky Prevention and Response Course. You will also discover academic and social support resources. The Husky ID can be picked up after completion of your selected orientation date. 

Access the Online Orientation here

Optional Experiences

Family Orientation

Orientation isn’t just for students— family members play a crucial role in the success of college students. We invite you to participate in a Family Orientation program, designed to help you become familiar with resources and guide you through your student’s transition process. The Family Orientation experience takes place during the student orientation and will allow you to: gain more of a feel for the campus community, learn about campus resources, and connect with staff, faculty and current students to learn what it means to be a Husky.
 

Pack Advisors

New students are assigned to one of four packs (Purple, Gold, Black or Gray). Your pack will help you get to know other students, participate in activities and be provided with helpful resources. Learn more about and engage with the Pack Advisors!