Parent and Family Program PSA’s

With mid‑quarter here we’re getting a mix of rain, stress, and campus sickness. Lately we’ve been hearing one big question:

“My student is sick on campus and I can’t be there — how do I help?”

One easy way: send soup! Broth, noodles, veggies, and protein covers all the necessary elements to fueling and soothing the body when it’s under immense stress from sickness and school.

Here are a few parent‑tested, student‑approved U District spots we recommend:
🔸Saigon Deli — 4142 Brooklyn Ave NE
Our top sick‑day pick. Affordable, comforting pho
🔸Lee’s Kitchen — 4106 Brooklyn Ave NE
Mild wonton soup that’s easy on the stomach
🔸Panda Noodle Bar — 4508 University Way NE
Rich broth; ask for light or no spice
🔸Ba Bar (U Village)
Excellent pho and healthy options.

As we move through these last few winter weeks, we’re wishing all our Huskies a smooth recovery and the strength to finish the quarter strong. Brighter days are on the way! Spring is just around the corner, and soon the cherry blossoms will be here to greet us all 💜🌸

February can be the “wait…is it still winter?” month in Seattle 😅 Here’s our quick mid-quarter check-in with a few key dates, support resources, and some easy ideas to help your Husky feel a little more grounded mid-quarter!

Dawg Dates & Deadlines

• Feb 16: Presidents Day (no classes)
• Feb 28 (11:59 p.m.): Deadline to lower a dining plan level for spring quarter (for students using HFS dining plans).
• Jan 23: Winter Tuition and Residence Hall charges due

See All Dawg Dates

Tax-Time 101: What is the 1098-T and Why Should We Care?

If this is your family’s first time navigating college finances, tax season can feel confusing — especially for first‑generation, international, or first‑in‑college households.

One simple step: have your student check MyUW for their 1098‑T (if available) and save it with their important records.

What’s the 1098‑T?

A tax form colleges provide that summarizes certain tuition/fee charges and scholarships/grants for the year. It’s not a bill or a refund — just documentation.

Why it matters

• Helps families file taxes correctly
• May be used when checking eligibility for education‑related tax benefits
• Reduces “surprise moments” when sorting out scholarships, grants, loans, and payments
• Builds good financial‑literacy habits year to year

For international families

Tax requirements vary by residency status and income. It’s still helpful to download the form and use UW guidance or a qualified tax professional to determine what applies.

Don’t panic

• Not every student will have a 1098‑T
• Having one doesn’t guarantee a tax credit or refund
• UW can share general info, but not personal tax advice

How to find it

1. Log into MyUW
2. Search “1098‑T”
3. Download and save if available

Check out Student Fiscal Services for more info

Husky Tips: Helping Your Husky Through the Winter Gloom with UW Resources

If your student is feeling the gray days a little extra, you’re not alone — and UW has support ready. 

• Husky HelpLine (24/7): 206-616-7777 (same-day, confidential support). 

• UW Counseling Center (mental health support and referrals for ongoing care). 

• A “happy lamp” option on campus: the UW Health Sciences Library has light therapy lamps available for in-library use. 

Sometimes a simple ‘I’m really glad you told me’ can be the support someone needed all along!

Quick tip you can share: borrow tech instead of buying it 

If your student needs a laptop/tablet/camera/mic/projector for a class or project, UW’s Student Technology Loan Program (STLP) lets students borrow equipment for free (availability varies).  

Student life roundup (share this section with your Husky) 

One of the best winter-quarter “mood boosters” is something low-pressure and in-person — even if they show up solo. Craft nights, board games, bake/paint events, ceramics workshops, public lectures… it all counts. 

Where to browse what’s happening: 

• HuskyLink (student org events): https://huskylink.washington.edu/ 

• UW Seattle Campus Calendar: https://www.washington.edu/calendar/ 

• Q Center events: https://www.washington.edu/qcenter/ 
• UW Libraries events: https://www.lib.washington.edu/ 

Visiting your Husky this winter? Make it a “Winter UW Family Weekend” 

Seattle in February is peak cozy-drizzle season — and a visit can be a big morale boost mid-quarter. We pulled together winter-friendly ideas (packing tips, indoor favorites, athletics and even a mountain day trip): 

• Check out our Wintertime in Seattle (visiting guide) blog from last year!
• For General visitor info such as parking, maps, basics we have the UW has great tips as well

Bonus tip: Presidents’ Day weekend can be a great time to visit if your student’s schedule is lighter

Talk with your Husky: February check-in questions 

Copy/paste (works for all living situations and families near or far): 

• “What’s one small win from this week?” 

• “What’s taking the most energy right now — classes, people, or logistics?” 

• “Want help making a plan, or do you just want me to be your hype person today?” 
• “What’s one thing you want March-you to thank February-you for?” 

Check out our parent guide for more prompts

Summary 

If you missed Provost Tricia Serio’s Town Hall on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, here’s a quick family-friendly recap of the main themes, why they matter for students, and a simple conversation starter you can use at home. 

Key takeaways for families 

• UW acknowledged the pressures students and families are navigating right now — and emphasized staying grounded in community, purpose, and practical action. 

• Student success and access were front and center, including academic support through the UW Instructional Center (IC). One highlight shared: students who participate in IC programs are 45% more likely to graduate, and nearly 32% of undergraduates across UW’s three campuses identify as first-generation students. 

• AI is part of learning today. UW is advancing AI literacy and responsible use through efforts like AI@UW — with a focus on equity and real-world readiness. 

• UW emphasized the importance of critical thinking and constructive dialogue (including work through the UW Dialogue Initiative) to help students navigate information, disagreement, and complex issues. 

• UW reaffirmed its public mission and research impact for Washington and beyond — and described work to strengthen research infrastructure and partnerships during a time of uncertainty in higher education. 

A simple “Talk with your Husky” prompt 

Try one of these low-pressure check-in questions: 

• “What’s one UW resource or support that has helped you this quarter?” 

• “What’s one thing you want to try next (office hours, tutoring, advising, a student org, a wellbeing resource)?” 

Want the full details? 

We’ll share the full transcript (and any available replay link) when it’s posted. In the meantime, this recap is intended to help families understand the themes and talk about them together. 

Replay & Transcript link: https://www.washington.edu/provost/townhall/