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Parent and Family Program PSA’s

Finals, Winter Break & What Families Should Know!

December 2025 Parent and Family Programs Newsletter

December is here, and your students are entering the final stretch of fall quarter. Between finals, projects, travel plans, and the anticipation of winter break, this can be a busy and sometimes stressful time. A simple message of encouragement from you can make a big difference in helping your Husky finish strong.

Try asking about how they prepared or the strategies they’re using, rather than focusing on grades, you may be surprised by the thoughtful insights they share!

We also invite you to visit uw.edu/parents for a special holiday message from President Jones. And don’t miss our LA Bowl 2025 page, whether you’ll be cheering on the DAWGS in person or from home!”

Supporting Your Husky During Finals

  • Break tasks into manageable steps  
  • Use campus resources: CLUE, Academic Advising, Writing Center, Peer Wellness  
  • Rest and hydration help more than all-nighters  
  • Receiving delayed text responses? They’re probably studying!

After Grades Post on Dec 17 

Grades may bring celebration, relief, or disappointment. Remind your student: 

  • One quarter does not define their UW journey  
  • Advisors and instructors can help with follow-up questions  
  • Winter Quarter is a fresh start!

Housing & Dining Resources for Your Husky Staying on Campus During Break

Dining locations will stay open with modified hours during Winter Break. Important note: when students visit the dining hours website, the page automatically opens to the By George location, which currently appears as closed. Many students assume this applies to all dining locations, which is not true!

Please remind your Husky to navigate the menu to view each location individually on the right-hand side of the website! 

We also have shared with our HFS teams the issues that our students and families have had with adjusting their Dining Levels with the new Star Rez portal

Share With You Husky: Health Fee Survey   

UW student governments (ASUW) and The Graduate & Professional Student Senate (GPSS) are proposing a new annual $125 health fee to support and stabilize key student wellness services, where demand exceeds current funding.   

To gauge interest, student government is asking students to complete a quick survey. Please encourage your Husky to spend a few minutes over break learning about the fee and taking the survey. It takes less than 3 minutes to complete but will have a major impact on student health and well-being in the future! 

Take the Survey Here


Commencement Lodging Interest List

Commencement Lodging Interest List

Families of seniors, hotel blocks for Commencement fill quickly! If you received our newsletter, reply to that email with your Husky’s name, major/department, and graduation dates (Husky vs. Departmental Ceremonies). We’ll add you to our Hotel Interest List and share your info with nearby hotels including Fairmont Olympic, Graduate Seattle, Stay Pineapple, and Courtyard Marriott.

For More Hotel Info

Bundle Up for Basketball Season

Fuel For Finals Flyer

As the weather cools, Husky basketball heats up! Families can score discounted tickets to select men’s games! This is a great way to stay connected and spirited throughout the winter!

Get your tickets now


Dawg Dates & Deadlines

  • Dec 4: Fuel for Finals (1500 students were fueled!)
  • Dec 6–12: Finals Week 
  • Dec 13–Jan 4: Winter Break
  • Dec 17: Grades posted
  • Jan 5: Winter Quarter begins
  • Jan 12: UW Alert Email/Text Testing Drill 

Support the Parent & Family Fund

Every year, parent and family generosity makes it possible for UW students and families to feel supported from the moment they arrive on campus to the moment they cross the graduation stage. Your support ensures these programs remain accessible and welcoming to all Huskies and families. This year, the Parent & Family Fund helped connect and serve more than 15,000 families and students.

Support Students

November at UW: Gratitude, Growth & Husky Pride

November 2025 Parent and Family Programs Newsletter

With UW Family Weekend 2025 wrapped up, November brings a season of reflection and celebration at the University of Washington and the Parent & Family Program. From honoring veterans to uplifting first-generation students, this month is full of moments that remind us of what it means to be part of the #UWFamily. 

Family Weekend Highlights 

More than 6,600 guests joined us to cheer on their Husky, enjoy volleyball, football, and soccer, and celebrate campus life together. We have captured every moment with our public photo album! Go check it out! 

See photo album here

Celebrate with Us 

Veterans Appreciation Week at UW

Veterans Appreciation Week (Nov 8-15)

UW honors the service of veterans and military-connected Huskies with events and reflections across campus

Explore Events!

UW First gen students

First-Generation College Celebration (Nov 8)

We’re proud to uplift first-generation students who are the first in their families to attend college. UW is here to support and celebrate every step of the journey

Learn More!


Resources for Your Husky During the Darker Months

Shorter days can impact mood and energy. Remind your Husky to take care with on-campus support resources: 

Accessible Accordion

Every Husky gets one free clinic visit each quarter at Husky Health. It’s our way of keeping students healthy, supported, and ready to thrive on campus. Make sure they take advantage of this amazing resource

Husky Health Services

Huskies can tap into free Health Sciences Library resources such as expert research help to light therapy lamps that boost focus and energy during Seattle’s gray days and colder weathers

Health Sciences Library

From the 24/7 Husky Helpline to Let’s Talk drop‑in consultations, your student has free, confidential support each quarter. Whether it’s a late‑night call or a quick chat on campus, UW makes sure mental health care is always within reach

Husky Helpline

Let’s Talk


Fuel For Finals – Thu, Dec 4

Fuel For Finals Flyer

We’ll be on campus with snacks, encouragement, and Husky spirit right before exam week! More details to come on our socials!

Bundle Up for Basketball Season

Fuel For Finals Flyer

As the weather cools, Husky basketball heats up! Families can score discounted tickets to select men’s games! This is a great way to stay connected and spirited throughout the winter!

Get your tickets now


Dawg Dates & Deadlines

  • Nov 8–15: Veterans Appreciation Week 
  • Nov 8: First-Gen Celebration 
  • Nov 11: Veterans Day (no classes) 
  • Nov 27–28: Thanksgiving & Native American Heritage Day (no classes) 
  • Nov 30: Last day to change winter dining plans 
  • Dec 4: Fuel for Finals 
  • Dec 6–12: Finals Week 
  • Dec 13–Jan 4: Winter Break