Category: Messages to the Community

 

 

HUSKY PAWKET GUIDE

FROM THE DESK OF DR. DENZIL SUITE

UW DIVISION OF STUDENT LIFE

 

Hello Huskies,

Early November brings more than just beautiful autumn colors and, yes, rain to our campus – it also brings several important events.

• Daylight saving time ends Nov. 2, so enjoy the extra hour of sleep!
• Election Day is Nov. 4. The UW has one of the highest voter participation rates of any university in the country – let’s continue that this year! On the ballot are Seattle mayor and city council seats, King County executive and more. Find voting information on the Huskies Vote page and the Secretary of State website.
• On Nov. 8, we’re celebrating National First-Generation Day – a day recognizing first-gen students (aka, Huskies like me who are the first in their families to attend college). Learn more about our first-gen students and, if you’re first-gen, share your story.
• Veterans Day is Nov. 11, and we’re honoring the service and sacrifice of military veterans on our campus and around the country. Please note that most University offices will be closed.

Finally, Halloween is on Friday – have fun and be safe.

Sincerely,

Denzil

 

Husky Experience

Public Trust in Science and Why it Matters

As science becomes increasingly woven into our daily lives, public trust in it — or the lack thereof — matters more than ever. On Nov. 12 from 6-8 p.m., join a dynamic conversation among UW Honors faculty on what happens when scientific research and scholarship are misunderstood, mistrusted or misused. Registration is required.

QUIZ TIME!

How many pieces of candy corn (on average) are produced each year?

A. 950 million

B. 2.5 billion

C. 9 billion

D. 16 billion

Scroll to the bottom to see the answer!

Connections

Have a Culti-Date

Grab your special someone or your pals for an elevated night out at Cultivate! On Nov. 13 from 4–8:30 p.m., treat yourself to a three-course meal and drink for $35 per person. You can commemorate the night at a photo booth and be entered in a raffle for dinner for two at Cultivate! Reservations required.

Make a reservation

 

 

 

UW Rec Friday Night Activities

Looking for something fun to do on Friday nights? Join UW Recreation for Friday Night Activities! Try archery, rollerskating and log rolling. Admission is free for Rec members and equipment is provided. Archery is $9.40/session and requires preregistration and a safety training.  

Join the fun

 

 

 

UW Libraries Trivia Contest

Think you know UW’s libraries? Find out in the Annual Family Trivia Contest from UW Libraries! Open to all UW students, plus faculty, staff, alumni and their family members through Nov. 30.  Test your knowledge for a chance to win great prizes!

Test your knowledge

 

 

 

Health and Well-Being

Take care of your mental health

Midterms can be stressful. Find support for your mental health with these offerings from UW Counseling Center!

• Join virtual co-working sessions if you need help with accountability! You can share your goal at the beginning of the session, work quietly on tasks from your to-do list on camera and take facilitated breaks led by a counselor.
• Learn about the principles of intuitive eating and develop a healthier relationship with food at the intuitive eating workshop on Nov. 13.
• Take a mid-day break, relax and recharge with some furry friends at Paws 4 a Break! Dogs are available on select days from 12–1 p.m. in the 4th floor lobby of Schmitz Hall. Sometimes the best self-care is a wagging tail and a wet nose!

 

Navigating the UW

Cool Courses for winter quarter

As you’re planning your winter quarter classes, check out the unique offerings from the College of Arts & Sciences. They’re open to all students, have no prerequisites and fulfill Areas of Inquiry requirements as noted.

Check out the classes

 

 

 

Awards of Excellence nominations

Recognize Huskies who are making a difference: nominate them for Awards of Excellence! This is your chance to celebrate faculty, staff and fellow students who are making a difference in our communities.

Submit a nomination

 

 

 

Student tech loans

Need tech? Check out the Student Technology Loan Program (STLP)! STLP has laptops, cameras, headphones, VR headsets and more that you can rent for a few days or the whole quarter. Equipment is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Rent equipment

 

 

Career and Internships

2025 Nonprofit & Government Career Fair is TODAY!

Don’t miss out on today’s Nonprofit & Government Career Fair, happening TODAY from 12:30–3:30 p.m. in the Mary Gates Hall Commons! Join the Career & Internship Center for this special event, open to all majors and years of study. Meet with employers representing nonprofit organizations and government agencies!

REGISTER ON HANDSHAKE

Featured jobs & internships

Looking to build your skills, experience and network? Check out these featured jobs and internships for undergrads and grad students.

 

Campus Safety

UW Emergency Alerts

In an emergency, seconds matter. You need to know what happened and how to protect yourself. Sign up now for UW Alert text messages and email. You can list up to three cell numbers and five email addresses. If you’ve already signed up, make sure your contact information is current and that you’ve selected a campus for messages (after you’ve logged into UW Alert, look for Groups in the top right corner).

ANSWER

C. 9 billion, according to the National Confectioners Association!

 

 

HUSKY PAWKET GUIDE

FROM THE DESK OF DR. DENZIL SUITE

UW DIVISION OF STUDENT LIFE

 

Hello Huskies,

Welcome to Week 3! As we settle into the academic year, I want to share some important reminders:

• Keep your academics as your #1 priority, but remember that your Husky Experience will be incomplete if you don’t take advantage of ALL that the UW has to offer! Getting involved lets you meet people and discover new interests — and it’s been shown to improve grades and graduation rates. Check out the opportunities below and visit the Student Activities Office website to find ways to plug into campus.
• Huskies have integrity! Make sure you understand our shared academic standards and expectations by reading your syllabi, asking for assistance when needed and reviewing the Student Conduct Code.
• We want you to succeed! Whether you need academic support, career coaching, well-being resources or ideas on getting connected, we can help.

Finally, I want to acknowledge that these are challenging times as we all grapple with regulatory changes, global conflicts and other disruptions. As we navigate these difficult times, it’s important to remember that our strength lies in our shared values and purpose, and that we are committed to being the same Husky community we’ve always been: welcoming, inclusive, curious, kind, innovative and boundless!

 

Sincerely,

Denzil

 

Husky Experience

Face your fears with an interactive wall exhibit

Reflect, create and discover meaningful lessons about fear and courage at LiveWell’s interactive wall exhibit at the Odegaard Undergraduate Library, Oct. 20-24 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Fear is a natural part of being human, but how we respond to it shapes its impact on our mental and emotional well-being. When met with courage, fear transforms into a teacher, guiding us toward growth and illuminating what truly matters.

Visit the exhibit to reflect on and share your own experiences and uncover meaningful insights. Don’t miss out — something spooky awaits!

QUIZ TIME!

What is Dubs’s astrological sign?

1. Gemini
2. Aquarius
3. Leo
4. Capricorn

Scroll to the bottom to see the answer!

Connections

Huskies@Work

Explore career paths through Huskies@Work! Connect 1-on-1 with alums who can give you the inside info you need, whether you’re curious about a new career field or already have a dream job in mind.

Applications open through Nov. 2

 

 

 

Meet Me at the Henry

Meet Me at the Henry is a twice-a-year celebration of contemporary art and ideas. On Oct. 25, you can explore new exhibits, see performances, get hands-on with an art-making workshop and discover rarely seen works from the Henry’s collection.  

Learn more about the Henry

 

 

 

Family Weekend

UW Family Weekend is Oct. 24-25! Explore campus, visit academic departments, and play games and get active at the IMA and the HUB — all while spending quality time with your fam.

Check out the schedule

 

 

 

 

Health and Well-Being

Respiratory illness resources

Feeling sick this fall? UW Environmental Health & Safety has updated its Respiratory Illness Resources guide with the latest public health guidance.

If you’re not feeling well, check out the Respiratory Illness Flowchart to learn what to do, how to take care of yourself and how to help keep your campus community healthy. You can also find local options to stay up-to-date on seasonal vaccines.

 

Navigating the UW

What’s happening at UW Libraries

Check out UW Libraries October newsletter to find resources like self-guided tours, info on new exhibits and updates on what’s happening with Suzzallo — plus details about the new recording studio!

Read the newsletter

 

 

 

Lecture by Fields Medalist

Hear from Fields Medalist Andrei Okounkov on “The Language of Mathematics” at the Walker-Ames Scholar Special Lecture today, Oct. 15, from 5-6 p.m. in Kane Hall. The talk is geared toward a general audience.

Find out more about the lecture

 

 

 

Academic accommodations

If you need accommodations, contact Disability Resources for Students (DRS): They’ll work with you to ensure equal access to UW academic programs and services. Please note the process can take up to 5 weeks.

Learn about accommodations

 

 

 

Career and Internships

Find your next job at two career fairs

The Career & Internship Center is holding two job and internship fairs in the coming weeks:

• Virtual Job & Internship Fair: Tuesday, Oct. 21, 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Handshake. Sign up for private, dedicated timeslots with recruiters from 13+ employers! Open to all majors and class levels. Please note that you must register for the fair itself AND sign up for recruiter slots.  You can read more about how to prep for virtual career fairs on the C&IC website.
• Nonprofit and Government Job & Internship Fair: Wednesday, Oct. 29, 12:30-3:30 p.m., Mary Gates Hall Commons. This fair features 22 employers from the nonprofit sector and city, county and state governments. Open to students in all majors and class levels who are interested in meeting with organizations serving our community!

All are welcome at these fairs!

Featured jobs & internships

Looking to build your skills, experience and network? Check out these featured jobs and internships for undergrads and grad students.

Campus Safety

Great ShakeOut

Practicing what to do when the ground starts shaking — drop, cover and hold on — can help you feel more confident and prepared for an earthquake. UW Emergency Management invites you to participate in this year’s Washington Great ShakeOut earthquake drill at 10:16 a.m. on Oct. 16. Watch for the UW Alert message, then, wherever you are, stop and practice!

ANSWER

D) Dubs is a Capricorn! His birthday is Jan. 4.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT DUBS

 

 

HUSKY PAWKET GUIDE

FROM THE DESK OF DR. DENZIL SUITE

UW DIVISION OF STUDENT LIFE

 

Hello Huskies,

To our new students, welcome! And to our returning students, welcome back!

I couldn’t be more excited to start a new academic year with you. For those of you who are new to the UW, I’m Denzil Suite, your Vice President for Student Life.

The Division of Student Life is your support team during your time at the UW. From the HUB to UW Recreation, from Disability Resources to Husky Health Center to the Counseling Center and many more, we’re here to help you make your Husky Experience the best it can be. 

Student Life is also committed to being an inclusive, welcoming environment to a broad range of backgrounds, lived experiences, values and viewpoints. We know, as do all of our partners around campus, that we all belong here, and we are all stronger when we learn with and from one another.

Starting this week, I’ll be sending you these messages (Pawket Guide — get it? Anyone?) every other week with quick tips and need-to-know info to help you make the most of your time here. You can also follow us on Instagram and Bluesky to stay in the loop. 

And now, let’s get started!

Sincerely,

Denzil

 

Husky Experience

W Day is Oct. 10!

Join fellow Dawgs worldwide in a celebration of Purple Pride. Tune in to UW social media on Homecoming game day for ways to engage and share your purplest pics on your own socials using #WDay. We’ll be rounding up the best of these stellar snaps on our website!

CELEBRATE W DAY

QUIZ TIME!

How many first-year students joined the Husky Family this fall?

A) 6,950

B) 7,175

C) 7,225

D) 7,350

Scroll to the bottom to see the answer!

Connections

Join the Body Project

Increase your body satisfaction – join the Body Project! The Body Project is an evidence-based program designed to increase body acceptance. You’ll confront, discuss and fight against appearance ideals pressed on us by society and social media in small groups of 6-8 people in weekly 1-hour sessions for 4 weeks.

Learn more about the Body Project!

 

 

Learn self-defense at the IMA

In a free class designed for everyone — with a focus on creating a safe and inclusive environment — you’ll learn about statistics and legalities of self-defense, strategies for avoiding risky situations, and practical techniques like defending against grabs and strikes. Classes are open Oct. 12 and Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.  

Register today!

 

 

Celebrating First-gen Huskies

Are you a first-generation student? The College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) wants to hear from you! CAS invites all first-gen Huskies to share their story through videos, pictures, stories and quotes! (Not sure if you’re first-gen? First-gen students are those whose parents or guardians didn’t attend or complete college.)

Fill out the form to participate!

 

 

Health and Well-Being

Your health & well-being support teams

Husky Health Center, LiveWell, the UW Counseling Center and others are here to support your health and well-being so you can make the most out of your Husky Experience! 

Did you know?:

• Husky Health Center offers primary care and more, including sports medicine, physical therapy, OB/GYN, immunizations, travel medicine and nurse advice, plus free public health supplies.
• LiveWell provides programs focused on health promotion, education and prevention, such as workshops, coaching, events, confidential advocacy, peer groups and more. 
• The Counseling Center offers workshops, groups, individual therapy and crisis support at no out-of-pocket cost.
• Husky HelpLine gives you 24/7 access to same-day, confidential mental health and crisis intervention support. 

Learn more on the UW Student Well-Being website — your go-to spot to see your health and well-being services in one place.

WELL-BEING WEBSITE

Navigating the UW

The next era of Husky pizza

UW Dining has ended its partnership with Pagliacci Pizza and is now making pizza in-house. The new pizza program will continue to serve the high-quality ingredients you expect at a more accessible price point (save about $1 per slice compared to previous prices!)

Learn more about pizza on campus

 

 

See what awaits: ArtSci Roundup

Connect this autumn quarter through an incredible lineup of events, exhibitions, podcasts and more. Engage in thought-provoking talks and boundary-pushing performances, and kick off the academic year with a celebration of bold ideas and creative energy!

Check out the lineup

 

 

Fall exhibits at the Henry

Celebrate fall at the Henry with an evening of bold, boundary-pushing art and vibrant community! On Oct. 3 from 7-9 p.m., you can experience the Henry’s four new exhibitions, meet the artists, mingle with friends, and enjoy music by KEXP DJ Diana Ratsamee.

Visit the fall exhibitions

 

 

Career and Internships

2025 In-Person Fall Job & Internship Fair

Join the Career & Internship Center at the In-Person Fall Job & Internship Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the HUB! The fair is open to all majors and years of study and will feature employers representing all industries.

REGISTER ON HANDSHAKE

Featured jobs & internships

Looking to build your skills, experience and network? Check out these featured jobs and internships for undergrads and grad students.

Campus Safety

You are not alone. Call SafeCampus at 206-685-7233 — no matter where you work or study — to anonymously discuss safety and well-being concerns for yourself or others. Caring and trained professionals will share options, help develop individualized safety plans and connect you with additional resources when requested.

ANSWER

B) 7,175. We’re also welcoming 1,650 transfer students this fall!

PRESIDENT'S FALL WELCOME

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Halloween will look much different this year.

There are many things to consider to ensure the safety of yourself and our UW community. Many traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk for spreading viruses, and COVID aside, Halloween is a good time to be vigilant about your personal safety.

Staying healthy

The CDC has compiled a list of low-to-high-risk Halloween activities to help you plan safely from a virus standpoint. Examples include:

Lower risk activities:

• Carving or decorating pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with friends.
• Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with.
• See the full list.

Medium risk activities:

• Attending a costume party held outdoors where protective masks are used and people can remain more than 6 feet apart.
• Having an outdoor Halloween movie night with friends with people spaced at least 6 feet apart.
• See the full list.

Higher risk activities (avoid these):

• Attending crowded costume parties held indoors.
• Going to an indoor haunted house where people may be crowded together and screaming.
• See the full list.

Staying safe

The UW Police Department has shared the following tips on staying safe on Halloween:

• If walking in a group, keep it small (2 – 4 persons) and keep at least 6 feet of distance between each other.
• If you walk alone be alert of your surroundings at all times. Call Nightwalk at 685-WALK for a campus escort!
• Whether walking alone or in a group, try to avoid dark or poorly-lit areas whenever possible.
• Avoid parties and other large gatherings where the risk for the spread of COVID-19 is high.
• If you wear a costume, make sure it includes a face covering that fits snugly over your nose and mouth.
• Remember to wash your hands often or carry hand sanitizer with you.
• Avoid playing pranks (particularly on strangers) that can be perceived as threatening.
• Trust your instincts – if something doesn’t feel right, get yourself out of the situation as soon as possible.
• Carry your cell phone with you at all times and don’t hesitate to call 911 to report suspicious or criminal activity.
• Please be safe!

A message from Denzil Suite, UW Vice President for Student Life.

Hello Huskies,

Whether you are here in Seattle or engaging remotely from another state or country, I am thrilled to welcome you to the 2020-21 academic year. It goes without saying, this will be a year unlike any other. In fact, each of you is making history right now.

While it is sometimes hard to imagine looking back on this past year without just focusing on the negative, when we do reflect on this moment in history, as individuals and as a society, what will really stand out is what we chose to do with this time; how we chose to navigate these uncertain waters and extraordinary circumstances and come together as a community in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Whether you are a returning student or completely new to the UW, we in the Division of Student Life are here to help guide and support you as you navigate this transformational journey of discovery.

We’re here to listen when times get tough, help you with career choices, and make sure you have a friendly and inclusive community within the larger University environment. We also offer you a wide variety of activities to enhance your personal health, which we know is important to your academic success.

This year is no exception, and regardless of what the coming months bring, we are here for you and are committed to a great Husky Experience. We have adapted our programs and services to support your success, growth, connections, and well-being, even in this remote environment.

We have created virtual spaces for you to find opportunities to connect and engage with your fellow Huskies and opportunities across UW and beyond. We have also adapted recreational activities as a way for you to explore fun and active pursuits, on your own or with other Huskies, including virtual intramurals and free virtual mindfulness and fitness classes.

We are also offering remote counseling and well-being support in a variety of formats and languages, and you can access online workshops and other content to proactively bolster your self-care and wellness.

Student Life, in conjunction with our partners in the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity, Undergraduate Academic Affairs, the Graduate School, and more, serves as the hub of many of the activities that complement your academic pursuits. And make no mistake, your academic pursuits need to remain your #1 priority.

BUT you must also get involved! I want you to know that your UW experience will be incomplete if all you do is attend class and then study all night.

We know from years of experience and research that students who participate in clubs and organizations, who get involved with their residence hall associations, who participate in engagement opportunities, or who hold office in student government —these students graduate at higher rates, they are more satisfied with the college experience, have better grades, and are less likely to drop out.

As I have said, while many things are not normal this autumn quarter, we are committed to making these same opportunities available to you. As distracting and distressing as the pandemic is, do not let these things deter you from getting involved or from making this experience an enriching one.

In fact, let these things propel you to be more proactive, more engaged, to put yourself out there, and to really make the most of your Husky Experience given the circumstances.

My message for you is that whatever your course of study, whatever your passion, just remember WHY you are here and stay focused on your goals. It is critically important for you to do well in the classroom, but also to get involved with YOUR campus on every level, even virtually, starting with the faculty but also including the wonderful staff and your fellow students.

Welcome to a new academic year. I’m excited for the things we will achieve together.

Sincerely,

Denzil J. Suite
Vice President for Student Life

 

This message was sent to UW Seattle students from Vice President for Student Life Denzil Suite on April 17, 2020.

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Five Cool Things from Denzil’s Desk (Spring Edition)

Contents

Academic Support during a Remote Quarter
Staying Close at a Distance
Careers: Preparing for an Uncertain Economy
Self-care and Managing Stress
Staying Safe during an Extraordinary Time

A Few Cool Extras…

• Career Corner
• Key Dates
• A Couple Graduation Updates

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Dear Huskies,

So much has changed since my winter quarter newsletter to you. Before anything else, I’d like to convey my heartfelt hope that you and those dear to you are healthy and doing as well as possible during these challenging times.

I want to recognize the extraordinary circumstances into which each one of you has been thrust. I also want to recognize the ways in which so many of you have risen to the occasion with resilience, grace, courage, and, critically – empathy. While the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted us all, it will affect each of us at different times and in different ways. It is now more important than ever to practice intentional and unyielding compassion for one another and for ourselves.

This is new for all of us and certainly unprecedented. Nevertheless, it will pass, and it’s my sincere belief that we as a UW community will emerge more united than before. But I’ll be the first to acknowledge that this sentiment doesn’t negate the uncertainty and challenges that confront us right now, nor does it ameliorate the profound impacts this pandemic has had on academics, operations, and traditions across our UW community.

Nobody chose this, and yet, it is the difficult reality in which we find ourselves. It is also a reality that we all share. While the last month has undoubtedly been marked by anxiety, frustration, and fear, I am so impressed – though not at all surprised – by how you have collectively met this moment.

This crisis has showcased a uniquely UW trait that has stood out to me since my first week on this job, seven years ago: Huskies have an uncommon proclivity and capacity for altruism and for helping others. This is evident when I work with your amazing student leaders, and it consistently rings true for every one of you I meet.

There is no denying that we are living through a historic moment. Let’s make this a time that we remember, above all else, for how we came together as a community in kindness, patience, gratitude, and support for one another.

While so much is different this spring, we have been hard at work to ensure that as many services, resources, and engagement opportunities as possible are still available to you, including a few new ones. Below I’ve highlighted a handful of information and programming to support your success and well-being during a quarter like no other.

Please take care of yourselves and those around you.

Gratefully,

Denzil J. Suite, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Life

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Academic Support during a Remote Quarter

As we continue to adapt to UW’s first-ever full-remote quarter, many helpful resources have emerged to help you navigate studying from home and succeeding in an online learning environment.

Academic Support Programs’ Online Learning page houses a variety of helpful content, including:

• Quick tips for being a successful online student
• Pro tips for setting up your “classroom”
• 10 successful online study habits
• Technology access information (including tech tips and deals on things like free Comcast for new customers)

The Race and Equity Initiative’s COVID-19 Resources page hosts valuable resources and information for all students, with a focus on helping students who face challenges and barriers to belonging based on their marginalized identities.

And let’s not forget Zoom backgrounds… Whether you’re tired of showcasing your personal space to 700 of your closest friends in a virtual lecture, or simply feel your background is lacking a certain Boundlessness, consider grabbing a Zoom Background for Huskies! Or, if you’d like to mix things up, there is plenty of other inspiration around the world wide web.

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Staying Close at a Distance

These are trying times, and keeping connected and engaging with each other are more vital than ever as we remain physically apart.

Dear Huskies,

I couldn’t be more excited to welcome you to a new academic year. We in the Division of Student Life serve to connect both undergrads and grad students with opportunities and resources to more fully engage while at UW, and to have a well-rounded, healthy, and fulfilling Husky Experience.

We regularly collaborate with students to create transformative experiences that encompass student voices and priorities in order to meet the real needs of our community. We’ve been hard at work over the summer, and I’m excited to share with you a couple big student-fueled developments:

A New Home for the Global Husky Experience

Introducing CIRCLE

CIRCLE is UW’s new hub for international student support and cross-cultural engagement. Opening this fall, the CIRCLE office will house FIUTS and Unite UW and provide a unified “front door” for domestic and international students’ global Husky Experience.

Explore CIRCLE

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A Unified Portal for your Health Services

Husky Health & Well-Being

Nothing is more important than your health and well-being. Husky Health & Well-Being is UW’s new one-stop wellness website. A student collaboration from the start, the site streamlines access to UW’s full spectrum of care and resources.

Husky Health & Well-Being

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We are here to support not only your educational journey, but also your growth and well-being beyond the classroom. College is a unique and transformational experience, and our top priority is to help you make the most of your time on campus.

On behalf of myself and all Student Life staff, welcome to the 2019-20 academic year!

Go Dawgs!

Denzil J. Suite, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Life

An Important Note on Safety

If you ever need to anonymously discuss safety and well-being concerns for yourself or others, contact SafeCampus at 206-685-7233 any time. Additionally, any UW student who has experienced sexual assault, sexual harassment, partner violence, or stalking has access to advocates for confidential support, information, and assistance at no cost. To connect with an advocate, visit: uw.edu/sexualassault.