SafeCampus

Frequently Asked Questions

Our program is jointly administered by the University of Washington and UAW 4121, the union representing academic student employees and postdocs. Because of this unique setup, some questions frequently arise about how to schedule sessions. We’ve gathered the answers to several of them below.

Is the EPIC training required?

The contracts negotiated between the university and UAW2121 require that EPIC trainings be made available to ASEs and postdocs. The contracts do not require ASEs and postdocs to attend. As our program’s capacity is limited, attending a training should not be a prerequisite for beginning work or class.

Are we allowed to make it required at a department level?

Yes. Making EPIC trainings required at the department level is one of the best ways of ensuring high attendance. It also communicates that preventing harassment and creating an inclusive environment is a priority for the department. We can work with you to track registration and attendance.

If I reach out early enough, does that guarantee my department can be trained during my requested quarter?

No, unfortunately. Each quarter, the EPIC team schedules 10-15 sessions. Once those sessions are scheduled, we let the other departments that have requested a training know that they are on our list for future quarters.

This limited capacity is partly due to our peer-to-peer model. Our trainers work for EPIC part-time because they are also ASEs and postdocs, and as such are best equipped to understand the unique pressures UW trainees experience. Because their other academic obligations and commitments vary on a quarterly basis, they often do not know their schedules early enough to be able to schedule EPIC sessions many quarters in advance.

This peer-to-peer dimension of our program is a critical component of our training’s efficacy, despite the occasional scheduling complications it can create. While we would always like to offer a training for the quarter it is requested, we also want to follow through with departments who have reached out previously and to prioritize providing training in areas with greater need due to filed grievances or trainee feedback.

I’ve been told that my department cannot receive a training this quarter. Why is that?

We cannot train every department that reaches out because of our limited capacity. The program currently has 2 ASE trainers (50% FTE) and 2 postdoc trainers (20% FTE; we’re funded for 3 of each), and we put a lot of time into each training. Although we reach 500-800 ASEs and postdocs each year, our capacity is limited. We want to reach as many ASEs and postdocs as possible while also prioritizing areas where we know the need is higher, which means that choosing where to focus our energy can be a complicated process. We are always working to improve efficiency and we appreciate your understanding and your help.

What happens if my department can’t have a training this quarter?

The EPIC team will work with you to schedule a training in a future quarter. There is no sanction for your department if we are not able to schedule a training for you this quarter. Just by working with us to schedule a training, you are already meeting the requirements of the contract.

How much lead time do you need to schedule a training?

Our typical practice is to schedule a training at least 4 weeks in advance, so that we can give prospective attendees enough notice.

Who can attend a training?

Our trainings are for academic student employees, both hourly and salaried, as well as postdocs. You can request a training with SafeCampus, which offers a version of the EPIC training for faculty and staff. If you are interested in a training for students who are not ASEs, consider reaching out to LiveWell.