As part of the Profound Engagement project, University Advancement has developed the following tags to categorize UW content according to university priorities. Each tag comes with a detailed description to help you understand its purpose and application.
Academics
Summary definition: Pertaining to education and scholarship, often within a school, college, or university setting.
At the University of Washington, learning is rooted in discovery, innovation and real-world impact. Across hundreds of programs and disciplines, students learn from leading scholars, engage in hands-on research and prepare to address complex challenges facing communities in Washington and around the world. The UW’s world-class academic experience is designed to foster curiosity, collaboration and critical thinking. Students don’t just study knowledge – they help create it.
Explore stories, programs and initiatives that showcase the UW’s breadth of academic excellence and the UW people shaping the future through teaching, learning and discovery.
Alumni
Summary definition: Graduates or former students, especially of a particular educational institution.
University of Washington alumni are part of a global community making a difference across industries, communities and fields of discovery. From recent graduates launching their careers to longtime leaders shaping business, policy, research and the arts, UW alumni spread the impact of a UW education around the world.
Through mentorship, innovation, service and philanthropy, alumni remain deeply connected to the University and each other. Their achievements reflect the values of curiosity, resilience and public impact that define the UW experience.
Explore stories, accomplishments and opportunities that highlight the UW alumni community and the many ways Huskies continue to shape the future.
Artificial Intelligence
Summary definition: The simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think like humans and mimic their actions.
Artificial intelligence is transforming how we live, work and solve complex challenges. University of Washington researchers and students are advancing AI to improve health, expand access to information, strengthen communities and drive innovation in every industry. The UW brings together experts across disciplines to shape the future of intelligent technologies. This work not only pushes the boundaries of discovery but also considers how AI can be developed ethically and responsibly to benefit society.
Uncover the stories, research and initiatives that highlight how the UW is advancing AI and preparing for a future shaped by intelligent systems.
Arts
Summary definition: The diverse range of creative expressions and practices encompassing visual, performing, literary, and media disciplines, which reflect and shape human experience, foster critical thinking, and contribute to cultural enrichment and personal development.
The arts at the University of Washington inspire creativity, spark dialogue and enrich the cultural life of campus and the broader community. UW students and faculty explore creative expression and discovery while engaging with ideas that shape how we understand ourselves and the world.
With top programs in theater, music and studio arts, as well as museums, galleries and performance spaces across campus, the UW offers opportunities to create, perform and experience the arts in meaningful ways. The arts at the UW bring together artists, scholars and audiences to explore new perspectives and celebrate a diverse array of voices.
Discover the stories, performances and creative work that highlight the vibrant arts community at the UW and its impact on campus and beyond.
Athletics
Summary definition: Competitive physical activities or games which encompass individual or team participation, aimed at maintaining physical ability and skills.
Husky Athletics is a proud and storied part of the University of Washington, bringing together student-athletes and fans through competition, tradition and school spirit. From national championship teams and Olympic athletes to heart-stopping victories at Husky Stadium, UW Athletics embodies a legacy of excellence.
Beyond competition, the UW also advances the study and impact of sports through research in performance, health, civics, leadership and community engagement. Scholars and students explore everything from athletic performance and sports medicine to the social and economic influence of sports in society.
Here you’ll find stories, achievements and research that highlight Husky Athletics and the many ways sports shape the UW and the communities it serves.
Business
Summary definition: The practice of making one’s living by engaging in commerce, involving the production, buying, and selling of goods and services.
At the University of Washington, business education and innovation are driven by a commitment to leadership, collaboration and real-world impact. Through the Foster School of Business, students gain hands-on experience, work alongside industry leaders and prepare to navigate a rapidly evolving global economy.
From entrepreneurship and finance to technology, sustainability and supply chain innovation, UW students and faculty are shaping the future of business across disciplines and industries. Partnerships with companies throughout the region and around the world provide opportunities to turn ideas into action and learning into meaningful careers.
Explore stories, research and initiatives that highlight how the UW and the Foster School of Business are preparing leaders, driving innovation and strengthening communities through business.
Climate Change
Summary definition: The long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place, often linked to the global phenomenon of increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activities.
From rising temperatures and shifting ecosystems to impacts on communities, economies and public health, climate change is one of the defining challenges of our time. At the University of Washington, researchers, students and partners are working across disciplines to better understand climate impacts and develop solutions that support a more sustainable and resilient future.
From ocean and atmospheric science to clean energy innovation, policy, public health and environmental justice, the UW’s work spans the local and global – helping communities adapt, develop alternative solutions and prepare for a changing world.
Explore stories, research and initiatives that highlight how the UW is advancing knowledge, informing policy and driving meaningful action on climate change.
Community
Summary definition: A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common, or a feeling of fellowship with others due to shared attitudes, interests, and goals.
Community is at the heart of the University of Washington’s mission – bringing people together to learn, collaborate, improve quality of life and create positive change. Across our campuses and throughout Washington and beyond, the UW fosters connections among students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners who share a commitment to service, discovery and opportunity.
From neighborhood partnerships and public programs to student organizations and community-engaged research, the UW helps build stronger, more equitable and more connected communities. This work reflects a shared belief that universities thrive when they are deeply connected to the people and places they serve.
Discover stories, partnerships and initiatives that highlight how the University of Washington creates community on our campuses and partners with communities across Washington and around the world.
Culture
Summary definition: The social behavior and norms found in human societies, including language, customs, arts, and institutions.
The University of Washington is shaped by the cultures of the Pacific Northwest and the diverse communities it serves. From artistic expression and scholarship to traditions, events and shared experiences, culture is woven into the fabric of UW life.
Through learning, creativity and community engagement, the UW celebrates cultural expression and fosters understanding across perspectives.
Explore stories that highlight the different cultures, traditions and ideas that shape the University of Washington.
Discovery & Exploration
Summary definition: The act of finding something unknown or unrecognized by others, as well as the act of traveling through an unfamiliar area to learn about it.
Discovery and exploration are at the core of the University of Washington’s mission – pushing boundaries, asking new questions and unlocking new possibilities. Across disciplines, UW researchers and students are uncovering new knowledge, advancing innovation and exploring ideas that shape our understanding of the world.
From scientific breakthroughs and technological innovation to fieldwork, global learning and creative inquiry, discovery at the UW is driven by curiosity and a commitment to solving real-world challenges while blazing new trails for the future.
Here, you’ll find stories, research and experiences that highlight how the UW is advancing discovery and inspiring exploration – on campus, across Washington and around the world.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Summary definition: A framework for fostering an environment that recognizes and appreciates the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and contributions of individuals, ensuring fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement while striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups.
At the University of Washington, diversity, equity and inclusion are essential to learning and public service. The UW is strengthened by the many identities, experiences and perspectives that shape our campuses and the communities we serve.
Across classrooms, gathering spaces, research, programs and partnerships, the University works to expand access, reduce barriers and create welcoming environments where people can contribute fully and thrive. This commitment helps build a more just, inclusive and innovative future.
Explore stories, initiatives and programs that reflect the UW’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Education
Summary definition: The process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and habits through various forms of instructional methods.
Helping people gain the knowledge, skills and perspective to shape their lives and communities is pivotal to the University of Washington’s mission as a premier public research institution. Across classrooms, labs, fieldwork and public programs, UW students and educators learn together through curiosity, collaboration and discovery.
From preparing future teachers and leaders to advancing new approaches to learning, the UW is committed to education that opens doors, broadens understanding and creates lasting impact.
Explore stories, programs and initiatives that highlight how education at the UW changes lives and strengthens communities.
Engineering
Summary definition: The application of scientific principles to design and build machines, structures, and other items, including bridges, roads, vehicles, and buildings.
Engineering at the University of Washington is about designing solutions that improve lives and shape the future. Across disciplines, UW engineers apply scientific principles, creativity and collaboration to address challenges in infrastructure, technology, health, sustainability and beyond.
From building resilient cities and advancing clean energy to developing cutting-edge technologies and improving human health, UW students and researchers are turning ideas into real-world impact.
Explore stories, research and innovations that highlight how engineering at the UW is driving progress locally and around the world.
Environment
Summary definition: The sum of all external conditions affecting the life, development, and survival of an organism, including natural forces and other living things.
The environment shapes every aspect of life – from the health of ecosystems to the well-being of communities. At the University of Washington, students and researchers study the natural world and the systems that connect land, water, climate and people.
From oceanography and forestry to urban planning and environmental policy, the UW brings together students and experts from a variety of disciplines to better understand environmental change and develop solutions that support a more sustainable future. Work happens in labs, in the field and in partnership with communities across Washington and around the world.
Discover stories, research and initiatives that highlight how the University of Washington is advancing environmental understanding and stewardship.
Ethics
Summary definition: Moral principles that govern a person’s behavior or the conducting of an activity, often underpinned by concepts of right and wrong.
Ethics shapes how we make decisions, conduct research and engage with one another. At the University of Washington, students, faculty, staff and researchers examine questions of responsibility, justice and the public good across fields ranging from medicine and technology to business, law, public policy and the humanities.
This work helps prepare thoughtful leaders, guide responsible innovation and ensure that knowledge is used in ways that serve people and communities.
Learn more through stories, research and initiatives that highlight how the University of Washington explores ethics in action.
Healthcare
Summary definition: The organized provision of medical care to individuals or a community through services offered by health professionals and allied health fields.
Healthcare at the University of Washington brings together patient care, research and education to improve the health of individuals and communities. Through UW Medicine and a broad network of partners, the UW delivers high-quality care while advancing new treatments, technologies and approaches to medicine.
From training future health professionals to leading breakthroughs in clinical care and public health, the University of Washington is working to expand access, improve outcomes and address the evolving needs of patients across the region and beyond.
Discover stories, innovations and initiatives that highlight how the University of Washington is shaping the future of healthcare.
Law & Policy
Summary definition: The system of rules created and enforced through social or governmental institutions to regulate behavior, along with the principles that guide decision-making and strategies in various contexts.
Law and policy shape how communities make decisions, resolve conflicts and define rights and responsibilities.
From legal scholarship and public policy to regulatory frameworks in health, technology, environment and business, the UW brings together disciplines to address complex challenges and inform effective, equitable solutions.
Explore stories, research and perspectives that highlight how the University of Washington is shaping law and policy in a changing world.
Leadership
Summary definition: The action of leading a group of people or an organization, or the ability to do this.
Leadership at the University of Washington spans every level of the institution – from students, faculty and staff to senior leaders shaping the University’s direction, priorities and public mission, as well as partnerships with community and government leaders who amplify the importance and impact of higher education.
Across classrooms, research teams, campuses and communities, UW leadership reflects a shared responsibility to serve students, support discovery, engage alumni and partners and create meaningful impact. The Husky Experience includes countless ways for students to gain leadership skills and mentor others. And under the leadership of the president and provost, the University continues to advance the work that defines its future.
Explore stories, priorities and initiatives of leadership at the University of Washington.
Philanthropy
Summary definition: The desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes.
Philanthropy at the University of Washington fuels opportunity, discovery and impact. Through the generosity of alumni, donors and partners, the UW can expand access for students, advance research and invest in programs that serve communities across Washington and beyond.
From scholarships and student support to groundbreaking research and community initiatives, philanthropic support helps turn ideas into action and possibility into progress.
See how philanthropy at the University of Washington is making a difference – and how you can be part of it.
Population Health
Summary definition: The health outcomes of a group of individuals, including the distribution of such outcomes within the group, influenced by policies, cultural norms, and socioeconomic conditions.
Population health focuses on improving the health and well-being of communities by understanding how factors like environment, access to care, education and policy shape outcomes. At the University of Washington, this work brings together experts across public health, medicine, social sciences and beyond to address complex challenges at scale.
From preventing disease and advancing health equity to improving systems of care and community conditions, the UW is working to create healthier populations across Washington and around the world.
Here, you’ll find stories, research and initiatives that illustrate how the University of Washington is advancing population health.
Research
Summary definition: The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
Research at the University of Washington drives discovery, fuels innovation and expands understanding across disciplines. From asking fundamental questions to developing new tools, treatments and technologies, UW researchers are working to address challenges that matter to people and communities. And as a preeminent research university, the UW creates opportunity for students from undergraduate to postdoc to contribute to the world’s knowledge through hands-on research and discovery.
With strengths spanning medicine, engineering, public health, the environment, the humanities and beyond, the University of Washington is one of the nation’s leading public research institutions – advancing knowledge and creating solutions that shape the future.
See how UW research turns ideas into impact.
Scholarship
Summary definition: Academic study or achievement; learning at a high level, or a grant or payment made to support a student’s education, awarded based on academic or other achievement.
The University of Washington is deeply committed to the power of learning, investigation and academic excellence. Across disciplines, students, faculty and researchers engage in rigorous study, exploration and creative work that advance learning and contribute to society.
Scholarship also expands access to education through financial support that helps students pursue their academic goals and reach their potential. Together, these efforts strengthen the academic experience and open doors for future leaders and innovators.
Learn how scholarship at the UW supports discovery, achievement and opportunity.
School Spirit
Summary definition: The sense of identity, belonging, and community shared among members of an educational institution.
School spirit at the University of Washington brings our community together through pride, tradition and a shared Husky Experience. From game days and campus events to everyday moments, it’s the energy and connection that make our UW community one of a kind and unmistakably purple and gold.
Across locations and generations, students, alumni, faculty and fans show their Husky pride in ways big and small – creating a sense of belonging that extends far beyond campus.
Experience the pride, traditions and stories that define Husky spirit.
Science
Summary definition: The systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment.
Science at the University of Washington is fueled by curiosity, discovery and a drive to understand how the world works. Across disciplines – from biology and chemistry to engineering, computer science, space and aeronautics – UW faculty, researchers and students explore the fundamental principles that shape our lives.
This work spans the foundations of discovery and the frontiers of innovation, connecting core scientific understanding with new ideas, technologies and breakthroughs that impact society.
Discover how science at the UW is deepening understanding and driving innovation.
Student Experience
Summary definition: The comprehensive range of interactions and activities students engage in throughout their educational journey, including academic, social, and extracurricular experiences, which contribute to their learning and personal development.
The student experience at the University of Washington extends far beyond the classroom – shaped by a sense of community, trying new things and personal growth. From academic programs and research opportunities to student clubs, campus life and enduring traditions, the UW offers a dynamic environment where students can experience belonging, explore their interests and find their place and purpose.
Across campuses, students engage with ideas, build connections and take part in activities that nurture them as whole people and prepare them for life after graduation. It’s a journey defined not just by what Huskies study, but by how they grow.
See how the UW student experience comes to life – on campus and beyond.
Technology
Summary definition: The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry – machinery and equipment developed from such scientific knowledge.
Technology at the University of Washington connects ideas, tools and expertise to improve how people live, work and understand the world. Across fields like computer science, engineering, medicine, data science and human-centered design, UW students and researchers are developing innovations that respond to real needs.
From artificial intelligence and robotics to health technologies, accessibility tools and sustainable systems, this work reflects the UW’s strength in turning knowledge into practical impact.
Explore stories about how technology at the UW is helping shape a smarter, more connected future.
World Events
Summary definition: Significant occurrences of global importance, including political, social, and economic happenings that have widespread influence or impact.
When the world shifts, universities play an important role in helping people understand what’s happening and why it matters. At the University of Washington, students, faculty and researchers engage with major global developments across politics, society, economics, science and the environment – offering insight, expertise and perspective.
From international conflicts and policy shifts to scientific milestones and cultural moments, the UW contributes to conversations that help make sense of a rapidly changing world – and help students and our communities develop the critical skills to find their own insights and understanding.
Follow how the UW engages with and responds to events shaping our world.