Undergraduate Academic Affairs

October 1, 2018

New Huskies kick off 2018 academic year – watch the video

Bryan Nakata

This year’s entering class of undergraduates is the University of Washington’s largest group in history. Freshmen and transfer students arrive from all over Washington state, across the country and throughout the world. It may be their first time being away from home, taking college courses or living in the Pacific Northwest climate. Programs in Undergraduate Academic Affairs, specifically First Year Programs, work to welcome these students, support their transition and create a baseline from which they can begin to shape their academic journey. As they commence classes and befriend fellow Huskies, we hope to lay the foundation for a meaningful Husky experience both in and out of the classroom. When early challenges do come, new students can know they are not only supported, but welcomed and valued.

One of the first ways new students engage with campus resources and experience life on campus is through Dawg Daze, the UW’s week of welcome for new and returning students. Husky Kickoff is one of more than 270 Dawg Daze events, where thousands of new students gather at Husky Stadium for the first time together. They play welcome games, learn Husky traditions and watch performances by the cheer team before taking the iconic “W” photo.