There has been an undeniable uptick in our tempo over the past few weeks as we welcome new students, faculty and staff — and their families — to our community. To all of you, whether this is your first year at the UW or your 40th, welcome. You infuse the UW with a vast potential that is truly inspiring, and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together this year.
You’re invited to the Annual President’s Address
President Cauce invites you to her annual community address. This year, she will discuss how public reinvestment in higher education is necessary for the UW to honor its public promise.
Audience Q&A and reception to follow.
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
3:30-5 p.m.
wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ — Intellectual House
Our University is always changing and evolving, and those of you returning to the Seattle campus will notice some new additions, including the recently opened Life Sciences Building and the new North Campus Residence Halls. At UW Tacoma, an endowment by the Simon family will support a new offering in the Master of Social Work program to train professionals in lifelong care and advocacy for adults diagnosed with autism or other intellectual/developmental disabilities. At UW Bothell, we welcome UW School of Law professor Anita Krug as our new interim vice chancellor of academic affairs.
I also want to extend a special welcome to Provost and Executive Vice President Mark Richards, who arrived this summer. As the University’s chief academic officer, Mark has been immersing himself in every aspect of our work and culture, and I look forward to working with him this year.
To our new faculty: We are thrilled to add your talent, curiosity and intellect to our academic community statewide. Your teaching, research and service will contribute enormously to the University’s passion for learning and discovery. And we welcome new and returning staff members whose contributions are vital to the success of our students, our care of patients, and the advancement of knowledge and service to the public that is the hallmark of our mission.
At the core of the UW’s mission is ensuring that every student has a pathway to fulfilling their potential, whether by earning a bachelor’s degree or achieving a Ph.D. or professional degree. Honoring that mission means giving students access to our world-class faculty and every chance to explore and discover the UW’s many opportunities in and out of the classroom. This year, we’re welcoming a historically large class of students from across the state and around the world. Part of our commitment to excellence is a commitment to increasing inclusion — creating welcoming spaces for everyone — and we are deeply proud that so many promising students from a wide range of backgrounds have chosen the UW, including those of you who are first-generation college students. Take advantage of your time here at the University. Ask questions. Get involved.
Together as teachers, learners, explorers, creators and change-makers, we in this community seek to make a difference in people’s lives and contribute to the public good. We strive to make the University of Washington the greatest public university in the world, as measured by our collective impact. That impact is immense because of you — and is amplified when we come together as a community.
So as we start the year, let’s make a commitment to uplift each other. Seek each other out as friends, collaborators and allies. Be kind to each other and to yourselves. Be fearless, determined and resilient. Your contributions will be felt and your community, starting with me, will cheer you on. Have a great year, and welcome back!