As Suzzallo Library emerges from its earthquake retrofitting cocoon, bike racks fill up and coffee lines get longer, we don’t need a calendar to know the start of Autumn quarter is right around the corner.
Whether you’re a brand new Husky or have studied or worked here longer, it’s the start of a new year of great experiences and opportunities. We know, though, that some of us will face challenges. Please take a moment to check out some important personal safety services, training and resources for the academic year ahead.
Husky Assist is here to help
This will be the first Autumn quarter for Husky Assist, the UW’s new mobile crisis response team for the campus in Seattle.
This dedicated, skilled team of on-call mental health workers are ready to respond to students, staff and faculty in a variety of situations like emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, substance use concerns, connecting to resources and checking on someone’s well-being.
The team is available to respond on the Seattle campus 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday (except for holidays). To contact Husky Assist, call 206-543-933, and a dispatcher will ask you a few questions about what’s going on before mobilizing the team
Build your skills in de-escalation, awareness, preparation
Creating a culture and practice of community safety across three campuses involves learning – which is great since we’re a university and learning is kind of our thing!
SafeCampus offers multiple trainings including Violence Prevention & Response, Building Healthy Workplaces, De-escalation and other tailored trainings for teams and units. Visit the SafeCampus website for more information.
Campus Community Safety will partner again this year with the great team at the Whole U to offer several Situational Awareness training sessions for employees, starting with a session noon-1:15 p.m. on Sept. 29. This training is great for people who feel they can use a bit more knowledge, skill and confidence as they move through their commute, around campus and anytime they’re out in the world with concerns for personal safety. To attend, register through the Whole U’s website.
If you’re looking at winter weather coming or watching news about earthquakes here and elsewhere, UW Emergency Management has training for you. Check out Preparedness 101, which helps people understand common hazards and risks in Western Washington and begin thinking about simple preparedness steps they can take in their personal lives and workplaces.
As long as we’re talking about earthquakes – the annual Great Shakeout earthquake drill will happen on Oct. 15 at 10:15 a.m. Watch for more information soon and get ready to drop, cover and hold on!
Resources
Some things of concern last year, unfortunately, will be of concern again this year. As we enter the academic year, please bookmark these important resources:
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 ways to get help if you 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. Call 253-692-4416.
- UW Bothell: Campus Safety will contact the City of Bothell Police Department to initiate a referral to Hopelink. Call 425-352-5359.
Additional safety information and resources for your campus:
Welcome to a new year of learning, connecting and being part of the UW community. And remember – Huskies watch out for each other!