In the Loop Newsletter
March 4, 2026
Dear Huskies,
We have officially entered the home stretch of the quarter. As we navigate the busy schedule of Week 9, it is the perfect moment to pause and find your second wind. This phase of the term is about finding the balance you need to finish strong. Whether you are preparing for final exams or looking forward to a well-deserved break, now is the time to reset your energy, refocus on your goals, and gently recalibrate for the upcoming spring season.
Mindful Transitions into Finals
As you dive into your final projects and study sessions, remember that your most valuable asset is your own critical thinking. While AI tools can be helpful assistants, they are not substitutes for your ideas, insights, and lived experiences. The UW Graduate School has compiled guidelines on using AI responsibly in research, including discussions on the strength and limitations of large language models and ethical considerations. The University of Washington has also been developing its own AI tool – Purple – designed to support research, administrations, and student services. If you are curious about how this tool may support your work, you can stay updated through its weekly reports. At the same time, know that your own critical thinking and creativity remain central, even in a world where AI tools are increasingly common.
Springing Forward into New Energy
Don’t forget to adjust your clocks for daylight saving as we “spring forward” on March 8. While losing an hour of sleep can feel like a challenge to your routine, it also signals longer days and more sunlight ahead. Taking small steps now to adjust your sleep schedule can help you stay energized and healthy during this transition. Consider using the extra daylight as a natural boost to carry you through the final stretch of the quarter. You can also explore NPR’s Life Kits Guide to Better Sleep for helpful tips on preparing for the time change.
Highlights from the Provost Town Hall
If you missed the 2026 Provost’s Town Hall, the university shared several initiatives focused on adapting to our changing world. A major emphasis is on student success through the Instructional Center, which provides academic support for first-generation and economically disadvantaged students. The university is also expanding access to high-demand majors to better meet student needs. Beyond academics, initiatives such as SPARK Salons and the UW Dialogue Initiative are creating spaces for connections through the arts and for developing essential skills in collaborative problem-solving and respectful dialogue. You can watch the town hall recording to learn more about these developments at UW.
Stay on Top of Your Requirements
Staying on top of your requirements is the best way to ensure a smooth transition into the next quarter. Tax season is here, and all international students in F or J status are required to file annually. ISS provides free access to Glacier Tax Prep to help guide you through the process. We encourage you to visit the ISS website to learn about key forms, deadlines and tax filing resources.
If you plan to travel outside the U.S. during Spring Break, please make sure your travel signature is up to date and check out travel tips compiled by ISS before departure. For those exploring professional opportunities, the Spring OPT application opens on March 5, and a dedicated CPT information session will be held on March 13. And, if you haven’t already, be sure to register for next quarter’s classes. You have worked incredibly hard to get to this point. Take a deep breath, reset your focus, and let’s finish this quarter strong.
As always, CIRCLE is here to advocate, engage with, and support you throughout your journey at UW. Feel free to visit us in 250 Schmitz Hall, Monday through Friday, from 10am to 4pm for office hours. Drop in and talk to a friend—we’d love to see you!
Sincerely,
CIRCLE Team