UW Medicine now scheduling Phase 1B vaccinations
January 20, 2021
UW Medicine is now scheduling vaccinations for individuals who qualify under Phase 1B - Tier 1 of the state's vaccination plan.
The UW’s plans for spring quarter and for returning to campus this fall (Message to Seattle students)
January 19, 2021
This message was sent to all students at the University of Washington’s Seattle campus. Similar messages were sent to students at UW Bothell and UW Tacoma. Dear Students, We hope you’ve had a successful start to the winter quarter, despite the challenges posed by the strife in our country and the continued suffering caused by…
Spring quarter plans and returning to campus this fall (Message to Seattle employees)
January 19, 2021
In advance of the spring quarter time schedule being posted this Friday, we are writing to share the plans for the Seattle campus this spring, as well as our intent to return to in-person instruction this fall.
Bothell, Seattle and Tacoma campuses in Phase 1 of state's recovery plan
January 19, 2021
With the state of Washington's transition from the Safe Start plan to the Healthy Washington - Roadmap to Recovery, the University of Washington's COVID-19 recovery status page has been updated to reflect what activities are allowed under the new plan's phases and in accordance with the state's Campus Reopening Guide.
Winter 2021 COVID-19 testing for new students (Message to new students)
January 6, 2021
Husky Coronavirus Testing (HCT) offers voluntary COVID-19 testing for students, faculty and staff, helping prevent single infections from becoming outbreaks. You can enroll at any time and testing is free for you. Your data will be protected, and you will not get in trouble if you test positive.
UW Medicine guide to COVID-19 vaccines
December 17, 2020
UW Medicine has published a page with information on COVID-19 vaccines, which this week began to be administered to healthcare workers at higher risk of infection. The COVID-19 vaccine is not yet available for patients and UW Medicine is not currently scheduling appointments to receive the vaccine. There is no waitlist. President Cauce and leaders…
Coming to campus for winter quarter? Plan ahead to get tested (Message to Seattle students on campus for winter quarter)
December 11, 2020
If you plan to live on campus, take an in-person course and/or live in the Greek community during winter quarter, get a COVID test no more than 72 hours before coming to campus at the start of the quarter or shortly after arriving.
COVID-19 safety during the holidays
December 10, 2020
As autumn quarter comes to a close, the Environmental Health & Safety Department (EH&S) has published a guide for having a happy and healthy holiday season while taking the necessary precautions to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
How instructors can support students’ well-being, and academic and career success (Message to Seattle campus instructors)
November 30, 2020
As the end of the quarter approaches, you may notice that some of your students are struggling emotionally or academically. The pandemic has brought on cognitive, social and economic burdens that so many of our students are carrying. You can help them by referring them to appropriate on-campus resources.
UW employees now have early access to exposure notification app
November 19, 2020
The University of Washington is partnering with the Washington State Department of Health to extend early access to the Washington COVID-19 Exposure Notifications app to UW employees. This early access project will help the Washington State Department of Health pilot mobile phone-based exposure notifications prior to making the app available state-wide.
New state health restrictions and travel recommendations
November 17, 2020
Due to the exponential increase in COVID-19 infections in Washington and around the United States, Governor Inslee has implemented new restrictions, including prohibiting most indoor social gatherings. The Governor has also issued a travel advisory encouraging Washingtonians to stay home and avoid non-essential travel to other states and countries.
COVID-19 testing and safety guidance ahead of Thanksgiving and winter breaks
November 9, 2020
As COVID-19 cases surge in and beyond our region, it will be especially important to protect yourself and your loved ones during the upcoming Thanksgiving and winter breaks. Here are resources and guidance if you are planning to travel or gather in the coming weeks.
Students offered early access to COVID-19 exposure notifications app
November 3, 2020
The University of Washington is partnering with the Washington State Department of Health to offer early access to the Washington COVID-19 Exposure Notifications app to select UW students living on or near campus.
Most winter quarter courses to be offered remotely (Message to students)
October 14, 2020
We hope you’ve had a successful start to the academic year, regardless of where you are learning from. We know that having as much notice as possible is helpful to you in planning your academic path, so we are writing to give you an update on plans for winter quarter prior to the posting of…
The UW’s plans for winter quarter (Message to faculty and staff)
October 14, 2020
We are writing to give you an update on plans for winter quarter in advance of the time schedule for winter being posted this Friday.
Time to step up, Greek Huskies (Message to IFC and Panhellenic members)
October 6, 2020
This message was sent to members of organizations affiliated with the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association. Dear Greek Community Member, The UW Greek community remains in the middle of a significant COVID-19 outbreak. As of October 6, 177 students in 14 fraternities and sororities have tested positive. This morning, the UW and Public Health –…
Health advisory: Surge in Greek community cases (Message to students living on or near the Seattle campus)
October 2, 2020
Messages were sent to students living on or near the Seattle campus to make sure they are aware that the UW Greek community is experiencing a significant outbreak of COVID-19 cases spread across multiple fraternity and sorority houses, associated “live-outs” and individual members. Case counts have increased rapidly over the last several days.
UW COVID-19 testing reveals few positives on campus; new outbreak in Greek community (UW News)
October 1, 2020
The University of Washington’s COVID-19 testing efforts have found few positive cases among residence hall students and students, faculty and staff participating in the Husky Coronavirus Testing program powered by the Seattle Flu Study. Meanwhile, a new outbreak has been identified in the UW Greek community.
Surge in Greek community cases — please get tested (Message to IFC and Panhellenic members)
October 1, 2020
The UW Greek community is experiencing a significant outbreak of COVID-19 cases spread across multiple fraternity and sorority houses, associated “live-outs” and individual members. Case counts have increased rapidly over the last several days.
You can now enroll in Husky Coronavirus Testing (Message to faculty and staff)
September 24, 2020
Husky Coronavirus Testing enrollment is now open. You can spread the coronavirus even if you have no symptoms — so for your health and the health of our community, you’re encouraged to enroll now.
You can now enroll in Husky Coronavirus Testing (Message to students)
September 24, 2020
Today, we encourage you to take a few minutes to enroll in the Husky Coronavirus Testing program. If you will be on campus for any reason this year, or if you are living with several other people off campus, your participation is even more important.
Resources and support for caregivers (Message to employees)
September 23, 2020
In addition to highlighting several resources for caregivers, we ask everyone at the University to provide as much support, compassion and understanding as they can to those with caregiving responsibilities
Preparing for autumn quarter (Message to instructors and staff)
September 18, 2020
With autumn quarter fast approaching, we want to thank each of you for working over the summer to prepare, from developing courses for remote instruction to readying residence halls and instructional spaces. Your contributions to each student’s Husky Experience are invaluable whether our students are learning online or in person.
UW students: Coronavirus testing for autumn quarter
September 14, 2020
Widespread testing – especially of people who aren’t experiencing symptoms – is one important way to protect you and your community from COVID-19, which is why the UW is launching the Husky Coronavirus Testing program.
Coronavirus testing for UW employees
September 14, 2020
Widespread testing – especially of people who aren’t experiencing symptoms – is one important way to protect you and your community from COVID-19, which is why the UW is launching the Husky Coronavirus Testing program.
UW announces COVID-19 testing program for students, faculty and staff across all three campuses (UW News)
September 14, 2020
The University of Washington on Monday announced a comprehensive COVID-19 fall quarter testing program in advance of some students, faculty and staff returning to the Seattle, Bothell and Tacoma campuses later this month.
Your back-to-school checklist (Message to Seattle campus students)
August 25, 2020
This message was sent to all incoming and current students at the University of Washington’s Seattle campus. Similar messages were sent to UW Bothell and UW Tacoma students from their campus leaders. Dear UW Student, First, I hope you and your loved ones are safe and well. As the University of Washington prepares for autumn…
How the pandemic will affect autumn quarter learning (Message to students from the United States)
August 6, 2020
In July, we committed to communicating, with as much certainty as possible, what to expect at the start of the academic year as our University, nation and world continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic. Today we are sharing what we believe will be our final plans for autumn quarter classes.
How the pandemic will affect autumn quarter learning (Message to international students)
August 6, 2020
In July, we committed to communicating, with as much certainty as possible, what to expect at the start of the academic year as our University and world continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic. We recognize that international students face additional challenges when it comes to being enrolled in a university in the United States,…
New details on the pandemic's effects on autumn quarter learning and working (Message to faculty and staff)
August 6, 2020
In July, we committed to communicating, with as much certainty as possible, what to expect at the start of the academic year as our University, nation and world continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic. As we had feared, COVID-19 has continued to spread in our state and county, and we write today with what…
Things to consider as you prepare for autumn quarter (Message to students)
July 22, 2020
We hope you are well and safe during these difficult times. As we shared in our Back-to-School overview in late June, all of our planning for autumn quarter is subject to where our county, state and nation are in terms of the COVID-19 outbreak. Unfortunately, the news on this front has not been good. Our…
Update as we prepare for autumn quarter (Message to faculty and staff)
July 22, 2020
We hope you are well and healthy during these difficult times. As we shared in our Back-to-School overview in late June, our planning for autumn quarter is contingent upon our county, state and nation continuing to manage the COVID-19 outbreak. Unfortunately, the current news is not good, and our nation is in the midst of…
Back-to-School Town Hall
July 10, 2020
President Ana Mari Cauce hosted a virtual town hall on Friday, July 10, with a panel of UW leaders to address these questions and offer a preview of what back-to-school will mean for the UW community.
Supporting our international students
July 9, 2020
UW leadership and family across the board are as shocked and upset as you are by the recent announcement by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) about proposed modifications to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. If you are on an F1 visa, we know this decision has immediate and significant implications for your…
Housing and Food Services preparing for autumn quarter
July 9, 2020
Housing and Food Services is preparing our on-campus living and dining options for a safe, healthy autumn quarter, and provides details on its current plans in the video below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D6_jN3Qweg Note: Some of the footage in this video was filmed pre-pandemic and shows people not wearing masks on campus and not physically distancing. As…
Keep yourself and your community safe this holiday weekend and beyond
July 2, 2020
As a University of Washington community, we need to continue to do the all of the things that we know work to prevent new exposures and stop further spread of the disease. As we enter the July 4th holiday, we want to remind all faculty, staff and students of the simple steps that are proven…
UW, Public Health – Seattle & King County responding to coronavirus cases in Greek system (UW News)
June 30, 2020
Several dozen students living in fraternity houses north of the University of Washington’s campus have tested positive for COVID-19 in recent days. This is concerning and reminds us that outbreaks can quickly spiral, said Dr. Geoffrey Gottlieb, chair of the UW Advisory Committee on Communicable Diseases, which is involved in the response to the outbreak.
Previewing autumn quarter at the University of Washington (Message to Seattle students)
June 29, 2020
We know you and your families are eager to learn more about autumn quarter. Over the past few months, we have been hard at work preparing for how we can be safely together on our campuses while offering robust experiences for students who aren’t yet able to return in person.
New details on our plans for autumn quarter (Message to Seattle faculty & staff)
June 29, 2020
Over the past few months, people across the University have been hard at work preparing for how we can be safely together on our campuses when conditions in our region allow us to do so. We are now able to share more details about plans for autumn quarter.
Update on planning for autumn quarter (Message to instructors)
June 26, 2020
We are writing to update you on plans for autumn quarter, which will begin as scheduled on Sept. 30. Because our classes start roughly a month later than many schools on the semester system, we have a bit more time to build on what we learned in spring quarter and refine our new practices.
University of Washington issues COVID-19 face covering policy
June 18, 2020
The University of Washington has issued a face covering policy for all university personnel, students, staff, contractors and visitors who are on campus amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Most summer B term courses to be offered remotely
June 5, 2020
As we continue to put safety and health first, we have decided that summer B term will be taught remotely, with the exception of a handful of courses, most of which are in the health sciences.
New S/NS and Former Quarter Drop grading options announced
June 3, 2020
This message was sent to students across the University of Washington from the Office of the University Registrar. The University recognizes the impact these extraordinary times are having on students. To provide more flexibility, the faculty have approved two new grading options. For spring quarter 2020, S (Satisfactory) grades will count toward degree and graduation…
Supporting our students (Message to instructors)
June 1, 2020
We are deeply appreciative of the compassion and caring that you have shown for all members of our community and we are writing to urge you, in these final weeks of the quarter, as assignments become due and exams are taken, to be especially responsive to the needs that your students.
COVID-19 Prevention Plan and Safe Start Checklist provided to unit leaders
May 29, 2020
Chancellors, deans, vice presidents and other direct reports to President Cauce and Provost Richards have received the COVID-19 Prevention Plan and Safe Start Checklist to use as the basis for developing unit-specific plans. These unit plans will then be submitted to the Executive Office for review and approval.
Resiliency planning for autumn quarter
May 28, 2020
We are writing with an update on instructional planning for autumn quarter and look forward to spending the next few months improving upon what we were able to accomplish for our students this spring.
Effects of the pandemic on the UW's budget are becoming clearer
May 13, 2020
President Cauce sent a message to staff, faculty and other academic personnel to provide context regarding these initial impacts and describe the recent directives from the state of Washington that will guide budget planning.
COVID-19 town hall
May 1, 2020
UW President Ana Mari Cauce The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic crisis have upended lives and disrupted operations across the University of Washington. President Ana Mari Cauce hosted a virtual town hall on May 1 with a panel of UW leaders to address questions about how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected our community and what…
Food pantry, emergency grants help students in need during all-remote spring quarter (UW News)
April 28, 2020
The UW Food Pantry has shifted to an online ordering system for spring quarter. Volunteers place items for each order in baskets, and customers bag their own. Olivia Hagan/U. of Washington At the University of Washington’s food pantry, the shelves are stocked with cans, jars, boxes and bags, but not for customers to browse. The…
As we face challenges ahead, the UW will put people first
April 24, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live, study, work and connect with each other. Now, we are coming to grips with the fact that many of these changes and costs will be felt far into the future.
Academic accommodations for students
April 14, 2020
Thank you for your continued efforts to adapt your courses and teach remotely. We recognize that this academic environment is challenging, requiring flexibility and patience from all of us. Below, we address a few recent concerns and resources.
Plans for commencement and summer quarter
April 8, 2020
As our state continues social distancing and other practices that show signs of effectiveness, our University continues to plan for the future to ensure we serve our students and community well, both in this quarter and throughout the upcoming recovery and rebuilding.
Learning remotely: Resources for instructors and students
April 6, 2020
Our first week in virtual classrooms has introduced a range of questions and concerns as well as new opportunities for all of us. What follows are summarized links to important information for both the short and long term, which supplements a special page with spring quarter resources that is updated frequently.
Stay Home, Stay Healthy continues; UW stays the course
April 2, 2020
Today, we learned from Governor Jay Inslee that the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order issued March 23 will remain in place until at least May 4. We had expected the extension of this directive, which continues our practices already in place to protect our community, slow the spread of COVID-19 and enable remote-only instruction throughout…
Students together in spirit - A message from our student leaders (Message to students)
March 31, 2020
As we start a spring quarter unlike any other, President Cauce gives the virtual floor to the ASUW and GPSS leaders who represent our students across our campuses.
In gratitude (Message to instructors)
March 30, 2020
As you continue to reach deep within yourselves to serve the students whom we all care about so much, and as we all grieve the many losses we have suffered and will suffer in the days ahead, please pause for a moment to meditate upon your accomplishment, which is hard to describe as anything less…
Impact of new COVID-19 measures on UW operations
March 24, 2020
On March 23, Governor Inslee issued a "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" directive. At the University of Washington, we are already operating with many of these rules in place, though this directive will require additional efforts to ensure that our region’s efforts to “flatten the curve” are successful.
Research update on "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" directive
March 24, 2020
The Governor's March 23 directive allows for all research carried out remotely to continue, and in addition, for critical in-person research to continue, with additional restrictions and important requirements noted in this message.
Our Husky family will get through this together (Message to alumni and friends)
March 21, 2020
In this new and uncertain landscape, I have never been more grateful for our community. The ties that unite our Husky family are strong. Together with the strength of the University you have built, we will care for and lead our community and the world forward.
All official UW travel outside of the United States is restricted until further notice
March 20, 2020
All official travel outside the United States by University of Washington employees and students is restricted until further notice, effective immediately. No exceptions to this restriction will be made as the UW travel waiver process has also been suspended.
Information for instructors regarding teaching remotely spring quarter
March 18, 2020
At the end of winter quarter, you quickly transitioned, concluding your courses and final exams remotely in order to give your students the best academic experience possible. Because of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, we must pivot again and deliver all of our courses remotely for spring quarter in order to protect the health of our…
Updated guidance and resources for UW researchers
March 18, 2020
As you have probably heard, the UW will be holding classes online for the duration of spring quarter, and you are likely wondering what that will mean for research. My goal in this communication is to provide you with guidance and resources to help you in planning during this time when constraints due to COVID-19…
COVID-19 and spring quarter updates (Message to graduate students and postdocs)
March 18, 2020
We recognize how trying the current circumstances are as you try to move forward with your studies, research and work, while also caring for your family and loved ones who may be differentially impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.
UW spring quarter classes will be held remotely (Message to students)
March 18, 2020
Spring quarter will begin as scheduled on March 30, with remote instruction that will continue through the end of the quarter. As country-wide social distancing requirements continue to increase and evolve daily, we believe this is the best course of action for reducing uncertainty and anxiety and establishing a reliable, high-quality method of instruction and…
Spring quarter classes at the UW will be held remotely (Message to parents and families)
March 18, 2020
Today we are announcing our path forward for spring quarter 2020. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate difficult, uncertain and rapidly changing times in our country and the world. We are grateful for the trust you have placed in us to prioritize the safety, well-being and educational needs of your students.
Moving spring quarter to remote learning (Message to faculty and staff)
March 18, 2020
Spring quarter will begin with remote instruction on March 30, with fully remote instruction continuing through the end of spring quarter. There will be no in-person classes this spring.
Updated state restrictions on events
March 16, 2020
Updating March 11 state and county directives regarding events and gatherings, effective March 16, 2020, events with expected attendance of 50 people or more in the state of Washington are prohibited by order of Governor Jay Inslee. Events of fewer than 50 people are also prohibited unless event organizers can take steps to minimize risk.…
Five UW community members recently tested positive for COVID-19
March 15, 2020
Today, we are reporting the following positive tests for COVID-19 that UW Environmental Health & Safety learned of recently, all of them from individuals associated with the UW's Seattle campus: A student employee who last came to work on February 27. The student has not been on campus since developing symptoms on March 1. The…
New state guidance will inform spring quarter instruction and operations
March 13, 2020
Today Governor Jay Inslee announced new measures requiring the University of Washington, and all higher education institutions in the state, to discontinue in-person instruction on our campuses through April 24. This will require us to begin spring quarter classes with online instruction.
UW undergraduate student tests positive for COVID-19
March 13, 2020
Today, we learned that a Seattle campus resident from Lander Hall has tested positive for COVID-19. The student is doing well, recovering in isolation and we are providing them support during their recovery. Anyone known to be in close contact with the student is self-isolating and monitoring symptoms for 14 days per public health guidance.…
UW graduate student tests positive for COVID-19
March 12, 2020
Today, we learned that a UW Seattle campus graduate student has tested positive for COVID-19. The student is recovering at home, out of state, and we wish them well. The student was last on campus on March 6. The student was tested March 11, at home, and informed the University of the results on March…
Thank you for your strength and resilience as we prepare for what’s next
March 11, 2020
These last few weeks have put our community to the test as we work together to combat the effects of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. But as stressful as I know this experience has been for all of us, I am uplifted and reassured by all the ways people across our University community are…
Moving classes online and concluding the winter quarter
March 6, 2020
Following up on a message from President Cauce this morning, in consultation with public health officials, starting Monday, March 9, classes will no longer meet in person. For the remainder of the quarter, instructors have been asked to conduct classes and/or exams remotely, as possible, until the quarter concludes on March 20.
Presumptive positive COVID-19 test - staff member in Roosevelt Commons East
March 6, 2020
The UW ACCD has learned that a University of Washington staff member who works in Roosevelt Commons East has received a presumptive positive test for COVID-19. The employee is in self-isolation at home, and we wish them the best in their recovery. Out of an abundance of caution, the building, which is located west of…
Beginning March 9, classes and finals will not be held in person (Message to students)
March 6, 2020
For the remainder of the quarter, instructors have been asked to conduct classes and/or exams remotely, as possible, until the quarter concludes on March 20. Our goal is to make sure that your academic work is fairly recognized and that any disruption does not present any disadvantage to your future academic progress, including admission to…
Beginning March 9, classes and finals will not be held in person (Message to faculty and staff)
March 6, 2020
With the continued spread of COVID-19 in the region, and in consultation with public health officials regarding social distancing, I write today to announce actions the University of Washington is taking to increase precautionary health measures and ensure the successful conclusion of the quarter for UW students on all of our campuses.
Your well-being is our paramount concern
March 4, 2020
We are working closely with the Washington Department of Public Health and local public health agencies, as well as following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and our own experts at UW Medicine and the health sciences schools, to align our plans with the most current recommendations from experts. This…
Mitigating impacts to research activities due to COVID-19
March 3, 2020
The Office of Research is providing guidance to researchers regarding ways to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on operations, while following public health guidelines on social distancing.
Mitigating impacts to student instruction due to COVID-19
March 2, 2020
The University of Washington is closely monitoring the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and associated COVID-19 disease. Recent news of infected persons in Washington state demonstrates that the circumstances regarding the virus are changing. UW leadership is working closely with public health officials to keep up to date on recent events regarding the virus and potential impacts to…
Update on the UW’s preparations related to the novel coronavirus
February 29, 2020
Today public health officials announced that the first death in the United States attributed to the novel coronavirus has occurred in King County. I write today to ensure you are aware of how the University is working with public health officials to be as prepared as possible to protect the health of the UW community.
COVID-19 update: New guidelines and recommendations for travel
February 27, 2020
Our priority remains to keep each other safe and healthy and support one another. We write today to provide travel guidance, and to remind you of best practices to safeguard our community and find and monitor updated information.
Working together is our best defense against threats to health
February 11, 2020
As important as our response to the coronavirus threat is our responsibility to avoid stigmatizing, stereotyping, and perpetuating the racism that can accompany diseases associated with a country or people.
New information and CDC guidance on the novel coronavirus
February 6, 2020
Sent on behalf of the University’s Advisory Committee on Communicable Diseases We recognize there have been several messages regarding the novel coronavirus outbreak over the past few weeks. This email contains new information and guidance, and we ask that you read it carefully. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this week issued new guidance for…
Official UW travel to China restricted until further notice
February 4, 2020
Dear UW community: Effective immediately and until further notice, University of Washington students, faculty and other academic personnel, and staff may not travel to China using UW resources or in an official University capacity unless a waiver has been granted. This is due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus and in light of travel warnings issued by the…
Update: Negative coronavirus test results for two people; awaiting results of third
January 28, 2020
Sent on behalf of the University’s Advisory Committee on Communicable Diseases Dear members of the UW community, The UW Advisory Committee on Communicable Diseases (ACCD) is pleased to inform you that we have received negative test results for the second student who was tested for coronavirus. We anticipate receiving test results this week for the third…
Three UW students in Seattle screened for novel coronavirus
January 27, 2020
Sent on behalf of the University’s Advisory Committee on Communicable Diseases Dear members of the UW community, The University was notified by Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC) that three students from the UW's Seattle campus are being screened for the novel (new) coronavirus. These three students recently traveled to Wuhan, China, and developed…
