Main Content
Faculty & Staff Resource Guide
to Support Student Well-Being
The college experience can be stressful, and when challenges interfere with a student's well-being, faculty and staff support can make a meaningful difference. There are numerous resources available at the University to support students’ sense of belonging and well-being. From counseling services to peer support groups, students can find a variety of programs tailored to meet their needs.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
BASIC NEEDS
Student Advocacy and Support
tacoma.uw.edu/advocacy | MAT 203 | 253-692-5934
The Office of Student Advocacy and Support provides referral and support services to students for basic needs. Social Workers assist students in developing strategies to overcome and address barriers that prevent them from achieving their educational and life goals. Students also receive assistance in navigating on and off campus resources.
HuskiesCare
UW Tacoma's virtual resource hub will help you connect students with support services, resources for basic needs, and other concerns with categories such as Child Care, Financial, Relationships, Social Connections, Veteran Services, and so much more.
The Pantry
tacoma.uw.edu/pantry | WPH 010 | Instagram (@uwtpantry
Located on the ground floor of William Philip Hall. The Pantry provides free, nutritious, and culturally relevant food, along with hygiene products, to support students facing food insecurity.
Nourish Mobile Food Truck
Free groceries every Thursday from 4:30 to 6:30 PM in the Pinkerton Parking Lot. This grocery-style service provides a wide selection of fresh produce, pantry staples, and other essentials.
Community Food Banks
piercecountywa.gov/454/Food-Banks
HuskiesCare Link for Hungry: uwtacoma.concerncenter.com/concern/5976 for more information about The Pantry, Nourish and other local resources.
Emergency Aid
tacoma.uw.edu/finaid/emergency-aid | MAT206 | 253-692-4374 | uwtfa@uw.edu
Emergency Aid funding assists UW students by providing financial support when assistance is needed with unexpected, unavoidable, and unplanned expenses surrounding situations such as accidents, illness, fire/water damage, or a need for emergency housing and food.
CHALLENGING TIMES
CARE Team
uwtcare@uw.edu | MAT 103 | 253-692-4901
The Consultation Assessment Response Education (CARE) team is an interdisciplinary group of professionals at the University of Washington Tacoma that meets regularly to discuss, assess, and, when necessary, intervene in situations involving students of concern and in distress.
Guide for Supporting Students in Distress: Purple Sheet
Student Life has compiled what is referred to as the "Purple Sheet." This document serves as a quick reference to assist faculty and staff in assessing behaviors that may be referred to the CARE team and how to do so with a step by step guide on:
- Defining students in distress
- Imminent threats, please contact 911 immediately.
- Signs of what to look for as indicators of distress
- What to do if you see signs of distress as your first steps
- Making referrals for students in distress
- What happens after a referral has been made
- Information on FERPA
What about privacy?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) permits the following:
- UW faculty and staff may disclose personally identifiable information from an educational record to appropriate individuals in connection with a health and safety emergency.
- Information may be released to parents, police, or others, if knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health and safety of the student or other individuals.
- Observations of a student’s conduct or statements made by a student are not FERPA protected educational records. Such information should be shared with University personnel when there is a specific need to know with appropriate consideration for student privacy.
Note: Health records created or kept by a doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other licensed professional in a similar role are protected under the HIPAA Privacy Rule. These records cannot be shared with a third party unless the student provides written consent.
STUDENT CONDUCT
Student Conduct & Academic Integrity
tacoma.uw.edu/student-conduct | uwt-studentconduct@uw.edu | 253-692-4901
The Office of Student Conduct & Academic Integrity practices a holistic and developmental approach to student accountability and education, partners with campus stakeholders to provide leadership and support to the university community, and promotes a safe and inclusive environment conducive to student success.
- Student Conduct Code: tacoma.uw.edu/student-conduct/student-code
- Academic Misconduct: tacoma.uw.edu/student-conduct/academic-misconduct
- Sanctions & Grading: tacoma.uw.edu/student-conduct/grading
- Disruptive Students: tacoma.uw.edu/student-conduct/disruptive-students
- Informational Video for Faculty/Staff: tacoma.uw.edu/student-conduct/resources-faculty/staff
Student Conduct Incident Report
UW Tacoma is committed to maintaining a campus environment that is conducive to the freedom of expression and inquiry, academic integrity and honesty, and behaviors that are free of causing harm and damage to persons or property. All members of the campus community (students, faculty and staff) have an obligation to assist in achieving this and can do so by reporting behaviors and actions of students that violate the Student Code of Conduct and could be considered academic or behavioral misconduct.
HEALTH & WELL-BEING
STUDENT NEEDS IMMEDIATE SUPPORT?
Contact Crisis Connection
24hr Crisis Line: 1-866-427-4747
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Psychological & Wellness Services (PAWS)
tacoma.uw.edu/paws | MAT 354 | 253-692-4522
Staff in Psychological & Wellness Services provide confidential crisis, individual, and group counseling; educational workshops and classroom presentations; consultation for students, faculty, staff, and student families; and referrals (when appropriate) to community mental health and social service providers and other UW Tacoma student services and resources.
TELUS Health
tacoma.uw.edu/paws/myssp | 1-866-743-7732
UW Tacoma students have 24/7 access to free, real-time, confidential mental health and crisis support in multiple languages. Students can also chat with a TELUS counselor on the TELUS website or the TELUS app (Apple App Store | Google Play).
Student Health
tacoma.uw.edu/sh | MAT 354 | 253-692-4750
Student Health is a one-stop-shop that provides information about the services and resources available to students at no cost, such as Student Health Services, Psychological and Wellness Services, confidential advocacy, health education, and information about required immunizations.
TimelyCare
tacoma.uw.edu/sh/timelycare | MAT354 | 253-692-4750
TimelyCare is the leading virtual health and well-being solution for higher education and provides tailored healthcare services to students. Services are available 24/7/365, covered by student fees, providing quality, equitable care that embraces the background, identities, and experiences of every student and supports 240 languages.
tacoma.uw.edu/student-life/campus-meditation-room | SNO 150
The Meditation Room is aimed at supporting health and wellness on campus, as well as the diverse faiths represented in the UW Tacoma community. The space is intended for those who seek a quiet place to reflect, meditate or pray, and is available for use by all students, faculty and staff.
tacoma.uw.edu/uwy | UWY | 253-272-9622
The UWY is UW Tacoma's student recreation center. It is a fully operational YMCA, with recreation and fitness spaces, an NCAA regulation basketball court, cardio and weights equipment, indoor track, personal training, and locker rooms. The UWY serves as a social space for students as the home of CSI, event spaces, and a game room.
tacoma.uw.edu/uwy/reflection-room | UWY | 253-272-9622
The Reflection Room, located on the second floor of the University Y Student Center, is a space that is designed for people to engage in quiet, personal reflection, meditation and prayer. It is a non-reservable space and is open during building operating hours. All users are asked to be respectful of others while in this space. It is not a space for studying, computers, cell phones, music, etc.
IDENTITY-BASED SUPPORT
Center for Equity and Inclusion
tacoma.uw.edu/equity-center | SNO 150 | 253-692-4776
The Center for Equity and Inclusion (CEI) enhances the holistic education of all students by supporting the success of historically marginalized groups, empowering community members to engage difference toward justice, and building a more equitable campus. The CEI staff welcome compassionate conversations about what makes our diverse coalition of community members resilient, creative and joyful, no matter the season or the moment.
Childcare & Family Support Services
tacoma.uw.edu/cfss | uwtcfss@uw.edu | 253-692-4901
Childcare & Family Support Services offers financial assistance through the Childcare Assistance Program (CAP), resources to find childcare, a lactation station for breastfeeding mothers, events and activities, and a list of additional parent resources. More on lactation stations: tacoma.uw.edu/cfss/lactation-stations.
Disability Resources for Students
tacoma.uw.edu/drs | MAT 107 | 253-692-4508
Disability Resources for Students (DRS) is dedicated to ensuring access and inclusion for all students with disabilities on the UW Tacoma campus. Any enrolled student at UW Tacoma who has an appropriately documented physical, emotional, or mental disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities (including walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working), is eligible for services from DRS. Testing is located in MAT354. Community Space and offices are in MAT107.
Family Room - The Office of Indigenous Engagement
tacoma.uw.edu/indigenous/family-room | WCG 104 | 253-356-1808
Family room is a space dedicated to Native American students, faculty, and community members for cultural activities and learning. Family room fosters a supportive haven for Native American culture and learning at UWT and also fosters cultural connection and resources and empowerment of Native American students, faculty, and community members.
First Gen
tacoma.uw.edu/firstgen | MAT 106 | 253-692-4734
53% of UW Tacoma students are first-generation. Providing comprehensive support for students who identify as first in their families to earn a college degree (meaning that neither parent or guardian has completed a college degree), helping them navigate academic, social, and career challenges.
Husky Post Prison Pathways
tacoma.uw.edu/hp3 | MAT 152 | 253-692-4345
Facilitating the transition from prison to higher education for formerly incarcerated individuals by providing support services that promote academic achievement and career advancement, such as Academic Support & Guidance, Possibilities Exploration, Narrative Change Work, Peer Navigation Support, Cohort Experiences, and Career Fair for Fair Chance Employers.
Immigrant Student Resources
tacoma.uw.edu/student-affairs/immigrant-student-resources
The University and its Division of Student Affairs and the Office of Equity and Inclusion wholeheartedly welcomes, values, and embraces the presence of every student, regardless of their citizenship or immigration status. Our commitment includes a responsibility to the Washington State Legislature’s Keep Washington Working Act (2019, SB 5497), and this website provides information and resources for this population.
International Student and Scholar Services
tacoma.uw.edu/isss | GWP 102 | uwtiss@uw.edu
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is part of the Office of Global Affairs. The ISSS provides assistance and advising to international students studying at UW Tacoma; additionally, the website offers information, such as for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), new international student orientation, etc., and many more resources for current international students: WA state ID cards, traveling & visa questions, maintaining their F-1 status, scholarships, and more.
Lavender Lounge
tacoma.uw.edu/equity-center | SNO 150 | 253-692-4776
The Lavender Lounge is a new space located in the Center of Equity and Inclusion (CEI) and dedicated to centering the experiences of our LGBTQIA+ students and allies. The Lavender Lounge also fosters community, connection and meaningful programming.
Passport Champions Program
tacoma.uw.edu/casm/passport-champions | MAT 213 | 253-692-4601
Supporting undergraduate students who have experienced foster care after age 13 or homelessness (including couch-surfing or living with relatives) before age 22, offering resources to help promote student enrollment, retention, persistence, and success and ultimately career readiness.
Veteran & Military Resource Center
tacoma.uw.edu/vmrc | TLB 307A | 253-692-5723
19% UWT students are military-affiliated. The Veteran and Military Resource Center (VMRC) at UW Tacoma is here to support military-connected students, offering resources, guidance, and programs. Our team also helps veterans and their dependents access VA educational benefits and Washington state tuition waivers and certify your educational services.
OTHER SUPPORT
tacoma.uw.edu/advising | GWP 102 | 253-692-4857
University Academic Advising (UAA) serves first year and pre-major students. UAA staff provide holistic support to empower and encourage students to succeed academically, personally, and professionally. UAA helps with choosing/changing a major and/or minor, registration, degree planning, and academic difficulty. Student Advising Mentors are available to help students navigate and utilize advising technologies such as MyPlan, DARS, and MyUW. Additionally, UAA serves as a partner and resource for faculty and staff. UAA is responsible for coordinating Academic Alert, organizing Advising & Registration Days, co-hosting UW Tacoma's Transfer Advisor Workshop, teaching TUNIV 250, and providing programming to support student registration and persistence.
tacoma.uw.edu/career | GWP 102 | 253-692-4857
Equipping undergraduate, graduate students and alumni with the tools, resources, and guidance to explore career paths, build professional skills, and connect with employment opportunities.
tacoma.uw.edu/involvement | UWY 107 | 253-692-4481
The Center for Student Involvement is home to a variety of involvement opportunities for all UWT students, including Registered Student Organizations, the Student Activities Board, the Associated Students of UW Tacoma, Husky Volunteers, The Ledger, Tahoma West, Husky Sustainability Fund, and the Giving Garden.
tacoma.uw.edu/involvement/dubnet
UW Tacoma’s student gateway to all registered clubs and organizations and event schedules.
tacoma.uw.edu/cfss/lactation-stations
UW Tacoma has two lactation rooms. The rooms are to be used on a drop-in basis and there is no need to schedule a time to use it. The rooms are locked at all times. After completing the very short questionnaire, location and codes will be provided immediately.
Besides the Husky Commons, the Dawg House Student Lounge in the Mattress Factory (MAT) is open for studying, as well as the UWT Library (tacoma.uw.edu/library) computer labs, and the University Y. Students can reserve a study spot online (tacoma.uw.edu/uuf/campus-study-spaces) to ensure they have one of the dedicated study spots across campus. Or, use Scout (scout.uw.edu/tacoma/study/) to find other reservable and non-reservable spaces across campus.
depts.washington.edu/slsuw/ | slsuw@uw.edu | 206-543-6486
Student Legal Services (SLS) is a law office located on the UW Seattle campus that provides a safe and confidential space for all UW Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell students who have legal questions or concerns. SLS offers free 40-minute consultations on a broad range of issues (i.e., housing, employment, and immigration). Students can also hire SLS for ongoing representation for a low hourly rate.
tacoma.uw.edu/tlc | TLB | 253-692-4417
The UW Tacoma Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) invites faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds to join them in creating a culture of learning.
Consultants and tutors work collaboratively with students in writing, math, science and statistics, helping them to develop the skills, strategies, knowledge, and confidence necessary for academic success. The TLC welcomes faculty referrals of students and offers free academic support for students at all levels.
SAFETY, PREVENTION & ADVOCACY RESOURCES
The following support structures are available to students, staff and faculty.
Bias Incident Reporting
tacoma.uw.edu/equity-office/bias-incident-reporting | WCG 102
The bias reporting system is intended as a campus resource for reporting, documenting and educating around issues of bias and to respond to bias incidents, address bias at the individual, institutional and systemic levels, and support individuals and communities that are impacted by bias incidents. Bias incidents are acts or behaviors motivated by the offender's bias against any combination but not limited to identities such as age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Campus Safety and Security
tacoma.uw.edu/fa/safety | Dougan180 | 253-692-4416 | uwtsafe@uw.edu
While Campus Safety & Security is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies, members of the UW Tacoma community should use the available resources to learn about potential hazards and how to prepare for them. Being well-informed is the first step to helping you remain calm and safe during an emergency. This website contains many essential resources related to safety across campus.
SafeCampus
uw.edu/safecampus | 206-692-SAFE | 206-692-7233
The University of Washington’s violence-prevention and response program that supports students, staff, faculty and community members. Call SafeCampus to anonymously discuss safety and well-being concerns for yourself or others. AVAILABLE M-F, 8 AM - 5 PM, IN URGENT SITUATIONS, CALL 911
Sexual Misconduct, Title IX & Violence Prevention
tacoma.uw.edu/student-affairs/sexual-misconduct
If you or someone you know in the UW community are a survivor of sexual or domestic violence, trauma-informed support is available at no cost. This site provides guidance for reporting, confidential advocates, sexual assault resources, SafeCampus, Title IX, and additional information and education.
Sexual Misconduct Reporting
washington.edu/titleix/ | titleix@uw.edu | 206-221-7932
The University of Washington maintains that it is a campus free from sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, and all kinds of sexual violence. If you believe you are the victim of, or witness to, an incident of sexual violence, please report it to the University of Washington Title IX Coordinator's office.
Confidential Advocates
Advocates provide a confidential place to seek support, information and safety planning if sexual assault, sexual harassment, relationship violence or stalking has occurred. Meeting with a confidential advocate can help you understand your rights and options around reporting, answer your questions, and support you through the process should you decide to make a report.
Hazing Prevention
washington.edu/hazingprevention/ | nohazing@uw.edu
Sam’s Law and other federal and state laws collectively prohibit hazing to students and employees. UW has created a training, policies, practices, services, and programs based on the foundations of these laws with stakeholders across the tri-campus.
- Tacoma Specific Resources: washington.edu/hazingprevention/tacoma/
FACULTY & STAFF RESOURCES
PEDAGOGY
UW resources supporting instructors both in everyday classrooms and in an emotionally charged environment:
- Creating an Inclusive Classroom Culture
- Best practices for managing disruptive behavior
- Addressing microaggressions in the classroom
- Facilitating class conversations in the wake of distressing current events
- Addressing Emotionally- or Politically-Charged News with Students
Guidance, policy, and resources supporting teaching and public expression in a politically-charged environment from sites outside of UW:
- Indiana University Bloomington, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning: Managing Difficult Classroom Discussions
- Michigan’s Center for Research on Learning and Teaching: Resources about strategies for anticipating and responding to difficult discussions as well as classroom incivility. Specifically, the Guidelines for Discussing Difficult or High-Stakes Topics.
- From the AASCU American Democracy Project: Constructive Dialogue: Fostering Trust, Curiosity, and Deeper Learning in the Classroom
- Braver Angels, a program supported by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni
- UW Dialogue Initiative: University of Washington
- Resource from the Scholars Strategy Network: How Faculty can prepare to handle the post-election classroom
- Resources from AAC&U: Elections as Teachable Moments and Institute for Democracy & Higher Education
Public Expression at UW
Student Expression
Mental Health Support from PAWS
ADMINISTRATIVE & WORKPLACE
Disability Resources for Students: Faculty/Staff Resources
tacoma.uw.edu/drs/faculty-staff | MAT 107 | 253-692-4508
Disability Resources for Students (DRS) at UW Tacoma is committed to partnering with faculty and staff to ensure access and inclusion for all students with disabilities on our campus. Please contact DRS for individual consultation or take advantage of the general resources on this website, where you will find a number of resources, such as a syllabus statement
Early Alert (also known as Academic Alert)
tacoma.uw.edu/advising/early-alert | GWP 102 | 253-692-4857
Early alert is a referral system coordinated by University Academic Advising (UAA) through which any UW Tacoma faculty or staff member may identify undergraduate students who are having academic difficulty. Early Alert is for all UW Tacoma students, regardless of class standing or major/program and may be submitted at any time during the quarter.
Office of the Registrar: Services & Resources for Faculty and Staff
tacoma.uw.edu/registrar/faculty-staff-resources | MAT 251 | 253-692-4913
Find links to services and resources, such as Quick Stats from UW Tacoma, Grades, Graduation, Scheduling, FERPA, and other Resources:
Washington State Employee Assistance Program
hr.uw.edu/worklife/employee-assistance-program/about/
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program (WA EAP) supports PEBB-eligible University of Washington employees and their household members to help identify and resolve personal concerns to promote individual and workplace wellbeing. You get free, confidential access to guidance consultants who provide:
Washington State Human Rights Commission Complaint Form
wahum.my.site.com/FileaComplaintOnline | Toll-Free: +1-800-233-3247
Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against based on protected class status should review the information and complaint form at the provided link to determine if they should proceed with the complaint process.
