A new academic year brings fresh opportunities, new students and plenty of excitement. It also gives us the chance to think about how we make our campus safe and welcoming for everyone.
Being part of the UW Pack means knowing that no Husky — student or employee — has to face challenges alone. We are a strong, safer campus when Huskies watch out for each other.
As we begin the year, here are some important updates and resources to help you stay connected and informed.
Practice makes us prepared — earthquake and active threat drills
On Oct. 16, the UW community will take part in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill, a worldwide event that helps us practice how to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” during an earthquake. We’ll also be testing our emergency communications system during that time, so watch for a UW Alert email and text message. Make sure you’re signed up to get UW Alerts via text — it’s the fastest way to get information during an emergency.
Next quarter, students, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to learn and reflect on important safety procedures in the unlikely event of a violent threat on campus. Like the earthquake drill, it will include a test UW Alert email and text message. During this time, you will be asked to think critically about how to respond to an incident in your space. This will be a communications drill and will not include live actors, simulated gunfire or sirens.
In Seattle, the drill is scheduled for Jan. 22. At UW Tacoma, the active threat drill is on Feb. 19. UW Bothell will also hold a drill during Winter quarter, with the date to be determined. Watch for more information about the drills later this quarter.
New training opportunities
UW Emergency Management is offering a new Preparedness 101 training to teach students, faculty and staff about the risks and hazards in our area and how to personally prepare at home and in the workplace. To request training for your UW group, organization or team, submit a UWEM training request form.
SafeCampus offers violence prevention learning opportunities for all campuses. In addition, SafeCampus provides training in how to de-escalate tense or unsafe situations with people who may be experiencing substance use disorders or a mental health crisis. To request this training, fill out the Tailored Training request form. Hot tip: The SafeCampus deescalation training is great for groups that have some level of public interface.
Take a campus safety walk
On the Seattle campus, join us and our friends from ASUW for this year’s annual safety walk on Wednesday, Nov. 12, starting at 5 p.m. We’ll walk through campus, talk about personal safety after dark and answer your campus safety questions. Keep an eye out for more details next month!
If you’re on the Bothell campus, you have this opportunity to walk and talk safety with the Chancellor on a safety walk each quarter. UW Tacoma, you have a safety walk soon to be scheduled. Check the calendar on UW Tacoma’s Campus Safety & Security website for upcoming events.
Safety resources
As we get into this academic year, you may want to bookmark some of these resources, including these:
UW protocol for responding to requests from federal law enforcement agencies: Learn what to do in the unlikely event you are contacted for information by federal law enforcement at a UW campus or other UW location. This question comes up related to potential immigration enforcement actions, but could involve other agencies.
Support for UW scholars experiencing targeted harassment: Find out ways to get help if you, a student or a colleague experience harassment via email or social media due to your academic work, your research, your practice or your beliefs.
Resources for people experiencing homelessness: Unhoused and sometimes unwell people can be present on all campuses. Each UW campus has resources to support individuals who appear to be unhoused and in need of assistance.
- UW in Seattle: A Homeless Outreach Specialist is available to engage with individuals in need. To request assistance, contact the UW Police Department (UWPD) non-emergency line at 206-685-8973. A skilled person from REACH will respond.
- UW Tacoma: Campus Safety will coordinate with Tacoma’s Homeless Engagement Alternatives Liaison (HEAL) team. For support, call 253-692-4416.
- UW Bothell: Campus Safety will contact the City of Bothell Police Department to initiate a referral to Hopelink. For assistance, call 425-352-5359.
Additional safety information and resources for your campus:
Here’s to a great year ahead, Huskies. Watch out for each other!