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Student Life Staff Blog

Student Life Staff Blog

Hello from Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith

Hello Student Life! I am so thrilled to have an opportunity to get to know and serve this community. I really appreciate the warm welcome I received and the great introduction. I just wanted to follow up and let you know a little bit more about me, what I hope to do and how to reach me.

So, I’m Allison Briscoe-Smith and use she/her pronouns. I am Black and am part of a multiracial family (my 3 children are mixed-Black, Mexican and White). I am originally from Hawaii- or as I like to say- “I am from and and for Hawaii!” and am deeply indebted to the kānaka maoli on whose land I lived and thrived. Almost ⅓ of my high school graduating class went to UW and it’s been great to connect up with so many high school friends as I moved up here. I’ve spent my entire adult life in Oakland Bay Area becoming and working as a child psychologist.

In particular I have focused on trauma and issues of race. In my clinical service I get to work with kids and families who are coping with unimaginably difficult things. I get to bear witness and at times help folks develop the gumption, resilience and strength to overcome. I’ve spent much of my career as a professor and administrator, or as a leader of clinical services. But all the way through I’ve had the opportunity to teach, train, support and facilitate opportunities for justice.

I am looking forward to expanding my skills and knowledge with the large and vibrant UW community. In the next few weeks I hope to get a chance to meet more of you and listen to your needs as I help support the actualization of your Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DEI) plans. Specifically I will be providing support for various Division DEI Taskforce work; working with the Strategy Map Implementation Teams; implementing recommendations from various work groups in the areas of DEI; creating and infusing a culture of inclusion and support in the Division; and working on the next iteration of our strategic initiatives. I’d also love to hear from you directly if possible. You can reach me at briscoea@uw.edu.

Thanks again for the warm welcome – and I’m ready to get to work!

Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith is working with the Division of Student Life to help lead our ongoing division-wide efforts for staff around issues of equity, social justice, and belonging. Her responsibilities include providing support for various Division Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Taskforce work; working with the Strategy Map Implementation Teams; implementing recommendations from various work groups in the areas of DEI; creating and infusing a culture of inclusion and support in the Division; and working on the next iteration of our strategic initiatives.

Announcing new Diversity Lead for Student Life

An update from Vice President Denzil Suite

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith to the Student Life team. Dr. Briscoe-Smith will help lead our ongoing division-wide efforts for staff around issues of equity, social justice, and belonging.

Dr. Briscoe-Smith will report directly to the Vice President for Student Life. Among her responsibilities will be providing support for various Division Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Taskforce work; working with the Strategy Map Implementation Teams; implementing recommendations from various work groups in the areas of DEI; creating and infusing a culture of inclusion and support in the Division; and working on the next iteration of our strategic initiatives.

Dr. Briscoe-Smith currently serves as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Wright Institute and will be working with us on a consulting basis until that work wraps up early in the new calendar year. She will then take on a staff role in the Division to help ensure that we continue to advance programs and priorities that are commensurate with our commitment to inclusion and support. You can read her background and work here.

I am sure you will all join me in welcoming Allison to our team.

Requesting staff support for the Husky Career Closet

From the UW Career & Internship Center

On February 9th and 10th, 2022, the Career & Internship Center will be hosting a Grand Opening event for our new Husky Career Closet where students can ‘shop’ for clothes to support their job and internship search process, free of charge and with the support of Career & Internship Center staff members, all year-round. We want our students to feel confident and prepared as they attend career fairs and interviews or start new jobs and internships. For some, the workplace attire component of feeling confident and prepared can prove prohibitively expensive, and we want to help.

We know you already make incredible contributions of time and resources to the University of Washington community, but we’re hopeful you might help us continue this successful initiative. We’re looking for help in the following areas:

  • Donations of new or gently used clothes: Click here for a list of suggested items.
  • Donations of funds (no amount too small!): Click here to donate. Career & Internship Center team members will be thrifting in the weeks leading up to the event to fill clothing gaps and ensure that a diversity of item type and size are available for shoppers.
  • Share this donation opportunity with your networks: We’d love your help in spreading the word to potential donors!

Donations can be dropped off at the Career & Internship Center in 134 Mary Gates Hall anytime between 9am – 4pm, Monday-Friday. Please note, the physical office space of the Career & Internship Center will be closed from December 20th – 31st, 2021. To receive a tax receipt, please complete and provide this Donation Form upon dropping off your donated items at the Career & Internship Center.

Thank you for considering, and for all that you already do to support our Huskies! Questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact cicevents@uw.edu.

Together Remotely – Work From Home Hacks

Now more than ever, it is important that we stay connected to one another. The Student Life Staff Development Committee has launched Together Remotely, a series of posts to help staff across the Division of Student Life keep up with each other and share their experiences, successes, and stories during these extraordinary times. We hope that these posts can in some way brighten your day, give you a great idea, or just help you to feel a little more connected.

Content is staff-generated, informal, and open-ended… and we need more! To submit your own content, please visit the content submission form and respond to any of the areas that interest you, or email Nathan Miglich.

Teleworking Tips and Tricks from Student Life Staff

THE PROMPT: For those working from home, what are you doing to increase productivity, functionality, or overall happiness at your work station?

Ashlee Norris

Operations and Accounts Manager, Housing & Food Services – Student Services

Get up and move every hour. Each lunch outside if the sun is out. Setting daily goals and being ok if they are all not completed. Knowing it’s ok if my kiddo pops their head into a zoom call dressed up as Elsa.

Danny Arguetty

Mindfulness Manager, UW Recreation

Breaks, and a stand-up desk (constructed from yoga blocks and my roller).

Farzana Khan

HR Manager for Recruiting, Housing & Food Services

The Bollywood Exercise Break!

Jannah Maresh

Director, Parent & Family Programs

I took it upon myself to accentuate my surroundings buying flowers and put up the art on my walls — so that my Zoom backgrounds look interesting. Pink wireless headphones and aggressively making sure that I am dressed for work, because I am using fashion as a crutch!

Meghan Matthews

Access Coordinator, Disability Resources for Students

Breaking up where I do my work. When it’s nice, getting outside to enjoy fresh air while on my computer, putting my computer away when it’s time to be done working so I’m not tempted to look at it. Here is a link we were sent from LinkedIn with some good hacks: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/paths/remote-working-setting-yourself-and-your-teams-up-for-success

Tera Figueroa

Administrative Specialist, Shared Services

I get up at the same time every day, go through a similar routine to when I worked in the office. I try to take a walk or a break around lunch time, then after work I usually do some online exercise class. It helps to provide a pseudo structure. I also continue to make lists and review them before the end of the work day so I feel motivated for work the next day.

Thanks for reading! Remember, to submit your own content, please visit the content submission form and respond to any of the areas that interest you, or email Nathan Miglich.

Together Remotely – Kids & Animals

Now more than ever, it is important that we stay connected to one another. The Student Life Staff Development Committee has launched Together Remotely, a series of posts to help staff across the Division of Student Life keep up with each other and share their experiences, successes, and stories during these extraordinary times. We hope that these posts can in some way brighten your day, give you a great idea, or just help you to feel a little more connected.

Content is staff-generated, informal, and open-ended… and we need more! To submit your own content, please visit the content submission form and respond to any of the areas that interest you, or email Nathan Miglich.

Kids & Animals

THE PROMPT: Stories, adventures, and other content related to your tiny
or non-human companions.

Ashlee Norris

Operations and Accounts Manager, Housing & Food Services – Student Services

During this time my five year old has learned to ride their bike with no training wheels, has been practicing sight reading, and has taken on roller skating. They also have more Zoom calls with their preschool friends than me some days.

Deanne Liu

Conduct Officer, Community Standards & Student Conduct

I have two mini dachshunds: Oscar (age 15) and Rolo (age 5). They are so different, but they are also such good companions to each other. I love watching them cuddle these days. No lie: I’m a little jealous, honestly!

Two dogs sitting together cuddling

Glenna Chang

Associate Vice President, Student Life

Let’s just agree not to apologize for a small person interrupting a Zoom call, shall we? Also, we have rediscovered the joy of a backyard campfire.

Jannah Maresh

Director, Parent & Family Programs

I am childless and dogless — but my husband is like a large adult child.

He walks me some days. I walk him other days — we are good human doggies for each other.

We’ve been enjoying my daily walks, where we talk about our fun day at work. We are both working from home so we are grateful to have the ability to have defined work spaces and only see and interact with each other during coffee breaks.

UPDATE: So it took a pandemic to add to our family — We wanted to announce a new member– Sambal Oelek Dacanay Maresh. First of His Name, the UnBothered, King of the Pawndals and the First Pitweenies, Kahless of the Great Grass Pee, Breaker of Hearts, and Son of Dacanay Mareshes.

He is a little over 4 months old. Born in Houston, Texas, and migrated north to Seattle with love and help from the 3 Little Pitties Rescue Folks. Sambal has added just the right amount of spice to give full flavor to our family. His arrival has also precipitated a move to the “burbs” or at least the burbs in my definition – we too have migrated north to the Bryant/Ravenna neighborhood as we have lovingly said “see you later” to our CapHill/Central District neighborhood!

Mariam Mead Yaqub

Assistant Director for Student Engagement and Success, Housing and Food Services
– Residential Life

With preschool closed, we’ve had to up our craft game! We’ve had a lot of fun turning items from the recycle bin into a village, complete with critters, a garden, public transportation, and even a castle. I was an art major a long, long time ago, and don’t do creative hobbies as much as I would like now that I’m busy with two kids age 3 and under, so to be honest this has been really fun for me too. Getting the old glue gun out of the closet and putting it to use!

Natasha Hawkins

Program Coordinator – Operations, Housing & Food Services – Residential Life

My furry coworkers are not very technology savvy. One feels the best way to respond to emails is by stepping on the keyboard. The other responds to Zoom calls by hiding under the coffee table. Both have been dropping subtle hints that they would prefer I return to my typical office as soon as possible.

Tera Figueroa

Administrative Specialist, Shared Services

We have a college freshmen doing on-line classes, an 8th grader participating in 4-5 hours a day of Zoom instruction, and two adults working full-time remotely. We’ve had to put Post-It notes everywhere to inform one another when we are in class or in meetings and it’s been quite hilarious at times.

Thanks for reading! Remember, to submit your own content, please visit the content submission form and respond to any of the areas that interest you, or email Nathan Miglich.

Together Remotely – Staff Spotlight: Deanne Liu

Now more than ever, it is important that we stay connected to one another. The Student Life Staff Development Committee has launched Together Remotely, a series of posts to help staff across the Division of Student Life keep up with each other and share their experiences, successes, and stories during these extraordinary times. We hope that these posts can in some way brighten your day, give you a great idea, or just help you to feel a little more connected.

Content is staff-generated, informal, and open-ended… and we need more! To submit your own content, please visit the content submission form and respond to any of the areas that interest you, or email Nathan Miglich.

Staff Spotlight: Deanne Liu

Conduct Officer, Community Standards & Student Conduct

In the Kitchen

Share favorite recipes, go-to snacks, or other culinary creations.

Pasta — I’ve become obsessed with different recipes. I gave a try at making my own noodles, but in the end I got too hungry to wait, and decided I was better off with TJ’s cappellini (thinnest and also takes the least amount of time to make). Living by myself, and usually not remembering to fix my meal until I am hungry, makes easy recipes the best for my current COVID lifestyle.

My current favorite recipe: Pasta Primavera – featuring my favorite veggies!

INGREDIENTS

  • 12 oz. angel hair
  • 2 c. broccoli florets
  • 1 pt. cherry tomatoes (yellow and red)
  • 1 (8-oz.) package baby bella mushrooms
  • 1 15-oz. can artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped
  • 2 tsp. garlic powder
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 3/4 c. grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish
  • Sliced fresh basil, for serving

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water, and return to pot.

On a large baking sheet, toss broccoli, tomatoes, mushrooms, and artichoke hearts with oil and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Roast until tender and caramelized, stirring once, 15 to 20 minutes.

Add vegetables to pot along with parmesan and 1/2 pasta water and, over low heat, stir vigorously to create a sauce. (Add more pasta water until you reach your desired consistency).

Garnish with Parmesan and basil before serving.

Pan full of pasta primavera

Self Care Activities

What have you been doing to take care of yourself and unwind?

Goal for May: the 5 Minute Journal.

I used this journal when I was a Resident Director and it was crucial to gathering and remembering joy. I remember my heart swelling one evening, and I think it made all the difference in my work life balance. I’m excited to try it again during this time when work and home life are again mixed up.

Kids & Animals

Stories, adventures, and other content related to your tiny or non-human companions.

I have two mini dachshunds: Oscar (age 15) and Rolo (age 5). They are so different, but they are also such good companions to each other. I love watching them cuddle these days. No lie: I’m a little jealous, honestly!

Two dogs sitting together cuddling

Giving Back

Information about organizations or causes you have been able to support.

I sit on the Board of Theatre Puget Sound, a non-profit that rallies around the theatre community in our region by offering programs, spaces, advertising, networking, and support to our artisans and actors. In this time where no funding is available and rehearsal spaces are not used because of the virus, we are searching for other ways to help our community and keep those connected. It’s a great organization, and it’s definitely one of those that serves, but also suffers financially in this time. It’s a strange season for all those around.

Read/Watch List

What entertainment content are you binging or finding interesting currently?

I just discovered this book series called “The St. Mary’s Chronicles,” which is about historians who time travel to preserve history in a time where technology has given people the ability to time travel and change history with lots of unintended consequences.

Connecting with Community

How have you stayed in touch with friends, family, and other communities?

Zoom all day every day! My friends and I have had cocktail parties, birthday parties, Netflix watching parties, and weekly karaoke. It really isn’t the same, but I’m grateful for some connection as a gal who lives by herself.

Thanks for reading! Remember, to submit your own content, please visit the content submission form and respond to any of the areas that interest you, or email Nathan Miglich.

Together Remotely – Living Room Concert with Marty Perlman and Family

Now more than ever, it is important that we stay connected to one another. The Student Life Staff Development Committee has launched Together Remotely, a series of posts to help staff across the Division of Student Life keep up with each other and share their experiences, successes, and stories during these extraordinary times. We hope that these posts can in some way brighten your day, give you a great idea, or just help you to feel a little more connected.

Content is staff-generated, informal, and open-ended… and we need more! To submit your own content, please visit the content submission form and respond to any of the areas that interest you, or email Nathan Miglich.

A timely take on a timeless tune

Marty Perlman

Communications Specialist, Housing & Food Services

Back in May my family and I came up with a casual musical number with a message embedded in it—a parody of Sunny Side of the Street renamed Other Side of the Street. It was a home-based family project that included myself, my wife Lane on guitar, and my daughter Lila (who had returned home and was completing her spring semester online) on vocals and violin.

Thanks for watching! Remember, to submit your own content, please visit the content submission form and respond to any of the areas that interest you, or email Nathan Miglich.

Together Remotely – Staff Spotlight: Danny Arguetty

Now more than ever, it is important that we stay connected to one another. The Student Life Staff Development Committee has launched Together Remotely, a series of posts to help staff across the Division of Student Life keep up with each other and share their experiences, successes, and stories during these extraordinary times. We hope that these posts can in some way brighten your day, give you a great idea, or just help you to feel a little more connected.

Content is staff-generated, informal, and open-ended… and we need more! To submit your own content, please visit the content submission form and respond to any of the areas that interest you, or email Nathan Miglich.

Staff Spotlight: Danny Arguetty

Mindfulness Manager, UW Recreation

In the Kitchen

Share favorite recipes, go-to snacks, or other culinary creations.

Energy Treats:

  • 1 cup nut butter
  • 1/2 cup frozen or fresh berries
  • 2 tbs raw cacao
  • 1tsp pure vanilla extract (optional)
  • 2 tbs Ceylon cinnamon (optional)
  • 3 tbs maple syrup (or mash up some dates in hot water)
  • Mix together, roll into balls, if you like coconut roll in unsweetened coconut flakes

Savory Pancakes (makes 2-3):

  • 1/2 a cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup organic cottage cheese
  • 1 organic/pasture raised egg
  • 2 tbs curry powder (if you like more of this flavor add more) dash of salt
  • 1/2 tsp arrowroot powder (or use baking soda/powder)

Mix by hand or in a blender. Ensure mixture is thick enough but not too runny (think conventional pancake batter).

Cook up with raw coconut oil/organic butter on medium heat.

Serve with sauerkraut, olives, and/or fresh cut veggies.

Self Care Activities

What have you been doing to take care of yourself and unwind?

  • Bath with Epsom salts (2 cups) and essential oils
  • Foot massage with coconut oil
  • Coloring (mandala) intricate patterns
  • Watching stand up (laughter boosts immunity)
  • Small movement breaks throughout the day (if you want guidance go here)
  • Gratitude journal
  • Mailing cards to friends

Read/Watch List

What entertainment content are you binging or finding interesting currently?

  • Hidden Brain Podcast
  • Living on Earth Podcast
  • Natural MD Radio (Avvia Romm) Podcast
  • Science of Happiness Podcast
  • The Expanse (books, Sci-Fi)
  • Outlander (show, scenery and costumes, wow!)

Connecting with Community

How have you stayed in touch with friends, family, and other communities?

https://www.jackboxgames.com (has been fun to play with my 7-year-old nephew).

Work from Home Hacks

For those working from home, what are you doing to increase productivity, functionality, or overall happiness at your work station?

Breaks, and a stand-up desk (constructed from yoga blocks and my roller).

Thanks for reading! Remember, to submit your own content, please visit the content submission form and respond to any of the areas that interest you, or email Nathan Miglich.

Reflections on this moment (Message from Vice President Suite)

This message was sent to UW Student Life staff from Vice President for Student Life Denzil Suite on June 3, 2020.

Dear Student Life Colleagues,

I realize I have sent you more emails over the last few months than I have done in the years past. However, I wanted to offer some personal reflections on the circumstances in which we find ourselves.

The tragic killings of Black Americans in recent months, most recently George Floyd, and the ensuing response have profoundly shaken our society at a national level and throughout our local communities. I know they’ve shaken me deeply. This comes on top of a pandemic which has resulted in deaths coupled with xenophobic and hateful acts directed at those perceived to be of Asian descent.

In the midst of this pain, I desperately hope this moment also shakes awake a broader and deeper conversation and understanding of the challenges our country faces; a new sense of urgency; a greater sense of responsibility for being active participants in our democracy and compelling the changes that we so desperately need.

I hope this moment shakes away complacency, apathy, or obliviousness with regard to the epidemic of inequity and injustice that has long plagued communities all around the US, including in our own community.

I am also painfully distressed by the opportunistic acts of violence that dilute, distract from, and ultimately hijack the message and the meaning at the heart of this movement.

Even before the murder of George Floyd and the pain, outrage, and actions that have followed, the last few months have been marked by unprecedented personal and professional challenges for all of us. I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: I have been thoroughly impressed and so grateful for the many ways in which staff across the Division have adapted and risen to the occasion in the name of supporting our students, their families, and our UW community.

I have been particularly impressed by the efforts of our Counseling Center and Hall Health Mental Health counselors, CIRCLE, Housing & Food Services, medical providers, and so many others. Additionally, our very professional UW Police Department team has been out on the front lines during the pandemic and is now facing challenging civil unrest with care and empathy. These are just a few examples of great work that you all have continued to do while wrestling with your own feelings and reactions to what’s happening in society.

What I really ask of you now is that you be good to yourself and to each other. For some, the recent high-profile murders as well as their aftermath are acutely triggering due to personal experiences or traumas that span generations. For others, the cumulative effects of grief and uncertainty from the present intersection of natural and manmade tragedies feel altogether overwhelming. For all, there is an undeniable undercurrent of stress and emotional fatigue in these times that is constant and very real.

It is also important that we remain vigilant and present for our students and our community. The Counseling Center has compiled resources for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students in response to these recent traumas. Instructors have been asked to be mindful of how we are supporting our students, including recognizing that students are affected by these events in different and sometimes profound ways. Finally, the Race and Equity Initiative’s COVID-19 Resources page hosts valuable resources and information for all students, with a focus on helping students who face challenges and barriers to belonging based on their marginalized identities.

Most importantly, you cannot be your best for the people you care about if you’re not caring for yourself. Staying connected with each other, being present for one another, and approaching others with compassion and open-mindedness is more important than ever. Please know that CareLink connects UW staff with a variety of helpful resources and services for staying well, including confidential counseling.

While the landscape looks again different today than when I last wrote, the core message is the same: now is the time for unity, self-compassion, and empathy for others. We are better when we are there for each other and help one another out. And, during the time in which I have had the privilege of working with you all, never has that been more important than right now.

With gratitude,

Denzil J. Suite
Vice President for Student Life

Together Remotely – Giving Back

Now more than ever, it is important that we stay connected to one another. The Student Life Staff Development Committee has launched Together Remotely, a series of posts to help staff across the Division of Student Life keep up with each other and share their experiences, successes, and stories during these extraordinary times. We hope that these posts can in some way brighten your day, give you a great idea, or just help you to feel a little more connected.

Content is staff-generated, informal, and open-ended… and we need more! To submit your own content, please visit the content submission form and respond to any of the areas that interest you, or email Nathan Miglich.

Student Life Staff Giving Back

THE PROMPT: Share information about organizations or causes you have been able to support during the pandemic.

Deanne Liu

Conduct Officer, Community Standards & Student Conduct

I sit on the Board of Theatre Puget Sound, a non-profit that rallies around the theatre community in our region by offering programs, spaces, advertising, networking, and support to our artisans and actors. In this time where no funding is available and rehearsal spaces are not used because of the virus, we are searching for other ways to help our community and keep those connected. It’s a great organization, and it’s definitely one of those that serves, but also suffers financially in this time. It’s a strange season for all those around.

Glenna Chang

Associate Vice President, Student Life

Staying steady with our philanthropy to UW Student Life, Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Markets, the Mountaineers.

Jannah Maresh

Director, Parent & Family Programs

I have been actively volunteering for UW Medicine to accept PPE donations, which I have continued to do weekly. I also gave blood and will continue to do so. I have also reached out to local small businesses, newsrooms and newspapers in Seattle and Los Angeles about the following grants from Facebook:

Meghan Matthews

Access Coordinator, Disability Resources for Students

This is still an area I’m looking to find ways to invest in more, but more practically it has been donating to specific organizations that help provide meals and resources to those in need.

Tera Figueroa

Administrative Specialist, Shared Services

I am currently assisting UW Medicine Northwest with their temporary Resource Labor Pool to assist in managing over staffing and under staffing and the experience has been very rewarding and humbling.

Victoria Adams

Victim Advocate, UW Police Department

Local orgs like Organization for Prostitution Survivors, API Chaya, King County Sexual Assault Resource Center, Seattle COVID-19 Mutual Aid, and national orgs like Abolitionist Mutual Aid Fund, Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Rights, and Justice for Migrant Women.

Thanks for reading! Remember, to submit your own content, please visit the content submission form and respond to any of the areas that interest you, or email Nathan Miglich.