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Provost’s blog

Updates from the Provost – Sept. 30, 2026

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A regular digest for UW faculty with updates on federal, national and local issues of relevance to their teaching, research and service; actions the University is taking; and ways for faculty to be involved.

Welcome to the new year, state revenue projections and more

Dear colleagues:

Welcome to the new academic year!  

While our work takes different forms throughout the calendar year, I always find the return of our students – an estimated 63,000 in total this year – to our campuses a particularly visible reminder of the curiosity, hope and possibility that higher education nurtures for us all. That so many people with different experiences, expertise and aspirations have chosen to come together at the UW is also, for me, an expression of our shared trust in the power of knowledge, discovery and innovation to uplift society. And, we are in good company. 

That trust is deeply personal for the families I met during move-in and Convocation on the Seattle campus. I recognized their mix of excitement and apprehension especially clearly this year; just a few weeks earlier, I helped my youngest settle in for his own first year of college and sent my oldest off for his senior year. As both a parent and provost, I am keenly aware of the trust families place in faculty and staff – not only to educate our students, but also to support their growth and well-being and to create the experiences that will shape who they become. 

Trust in our University also comes from the communities we serve. I experienced this trust firsthand recently at UW Bothell, where community members gathered for a documentary screening and panel discussion on the important role of beavers in shaping the North Creek Wetland and preserving ecosystem health. We learned together from UW Bothell alumnus Dash Paulson, who shared his undergraduate capstone research; his faculty advisor, Avery Shinneman; gardener lead, Gabe Barnes; and video producer Kenny Katz. Their collaboration crossed roles, disciplines, and the boundaries of campuses; created knowledge together; and shared it in ways that strengthen our communities.

Sometimes, these connections emerge when we least expect it. Earlier this summer, I joined a crowd that spontaneously assembled to watch as Rachel Lincoln danced on the side of Meany Hall. Together, we marveled at the beauty of her movement and the shadows she cast across the building, as well as the unexpected gift of someone sharing her creativity and talent with us. It was a small, unplanned expression of trust in what the UW creates and contributes, and of the value people find in engaging with it.

At other times, the scale of that trust is staggering. We heard it in the cheers of more than 63,000 people as our faculty teaching award recipients were recognized on the field during last Saturday’s football game at Husky Stadium. We see it in the more than 2.6 million visits to UW Medicine physicians and providers each year and in the generosity of more than 174,000 donors who supported the UW in the past year alone.

All of this is to say that UW and our work hold an important place in the lives of others, and this impact is worth our effort to protect. That responsibility feels particularly important at this moment when the world is asking much of us. I have unwavering trust that we will bring our expertise and ideas to our shared purpose and listen and learn across our differences so that the UW can be the best version of itself. I look forward to doing that work together with you, especially during my visits to each school, college and campus throughout autumn quarter.

I am deeply grateful for all that you bring to the UW and look forward to a new academic year filled with shared curiosity, hope and possibility.

Tricia R. Serio

Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

State Landscape

Economic and revenue forecast released

The Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council (ERFC) released its September 2026 revenue forecast on Friday, Sept. 25. Overall, revenue projections were revised upward for the 2025-27, 2027-29 and 2029-31 biennia. However, revenues for certain accounts were revised downward. The UW Finance, Planning and Budgeting blog has details.

Student Support

Welcoming the UW’s newest students 

All three campuses welcomed incoming students with Convocation ceremonies this past weekend. In a yearly tradition on the Seattle campus, more than 5,000 students – and several UW leaders – gathered to form a giant purple W. President Jones and I also met new students and their families as they moved into the residence halls on the Seattle campus, some highlights of which are captured in President Jones’ welcome video. 

Guiding UW students in the use of AI with judgment 

Whether they are entering their first year at the UW or their last, students have had varying levels of access to and experience with AI. To guide students in the use of AI for their coursework and daily life, Noah Smith, vice provost for AI, has written “What every UW student should know about AI.” Developed after conversations with many faculty and staff engaged in our educational mission, the guidelines are intended to help students build good judgment whenever they consider using AI. While primarily written for a student audience, the advice is relevant to everyone in the UW community. Learn more about Smith’s advice and how new students are using AI.

Department of Education to implement new loan restrictions

This summer, the Department of Education published a final rule implementing a new Title IV-program earnings premium measure established by the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” The negotiated rulemaking process drew nearly 10,000 public comments.

The final rule overhauls the existing accountability framework by eliminating the current debt-to-earnings metric in favor of an earnings premium test alone, along with the two-out-of-three-year failure standard. The revised earnings premium measure is through a new Student Tuition and Transparency System (STATS) and the department has stated the goal is to increase institutional accountability for graduate earnings, expand transparency regarding program costs and outcomes, and protect students from low-earning programs.

Under this standard, a program passes if its graduates’ median earnings equal or exceed those of working adults aged 25-34 with only the next-lower credential level, such as a high school diploma for undergraduate programs or a bachelor’s degree for graduate programs.

The final rule represents a fundamental shift for higher education by implementing for the first time a congressionally mandated earnings-based metric that applies to all Title IV institutions and all of their Title IV eligible programs. The rule will not take effect until July 1, 2027, a full year later than originally proposed.

Community

Welcome reception for new faculty Oct. 6

President Jones, UW Faculty Senate Chair Raina Hussein and I will welcome the UW’s newest faculty at a reception from 4:30 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 6 in the Bill and Melinda Gates Center for Computer Science and Engineering on the Seattle campus. If you are a new faculty member, please join us, along with other new faculty from across our three campuses, for an evening of conversation, community building and celebration. You may RVSP here. 

Civic technology focus of upcoming lectures 

Civic by Design is a new civic technology learning series presented by the Civic Health Initiative, in partnership with the Provost’s Office. The series provides opportunities for students, faculty, staffand the general public to explore the important field of civic technology. Several upcoming lectures and conversations highlight the components of civic technology: art and human-centered design, public service and digital platforms and emerging technologies.

Key links

Tell us what you think

Resources for Researchers & Instructors

Is your Workday information still correct?

The start of the academic year is a good time to make sure your personal information in Workday is still correct, especially if you’ve moved recently. With Open Enrollment and tax season ahead, an outdated home address or other incorrect information can affect your benefits options, tax withholding, pay and retirement contributions. Use this checklist to see what to review and update.

Flu vaccines, COVID-19 boosters available

The Whole U’s fall flu shot and COVID-19 booster clinics are underway, with 24 clinics across 12 UW locations. The 2026–27 COVID booster and seasonal flu vaccine are available at no cost to most employees covered by UW health plans. Find a clinic and make an appointment.

When your childcare plan falls through

A sick caregiver or unexpected school closure can quickly upend the day. PEBB-eligible UW employees have access to Bright Horizons back-up childcare, with up to five uses each calendar year for unexpected gaps in regular care. Options include in-center care, in-home care and, when those options aren’t available, reimbursement for care arranged through your own network. Register now so the benefit is ready when you need it.

Hone your teaching with support from Teaching@UW 

Teaching@UW provides one-on-one support for instructors who are interested in refining their teaching. Contact Teaching@UW with your teaching challenge or to get feedback on a new idea for your class.

Upcoming information sessions for researchers

The Office of Research offers a number of information sessions and workshops for researchers on a range of topics, from securing research funding to communications to AI resources. The sessions are presented throughout the year in collaboration with campus partners such as Corporate and Foundation Relations, UWIT, AI@UW, and Shared Facilities and Resources. Upcoming sessions include:

REMINDER: Open private funding opportunities for faculty, researchers

Faculty and researchers may search current open funding opportunities from private sources for their research and programs through a dashboard developed by the UW Corporate & Foundation Relations team.