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Presidential Blog

Creating a more welcoming working and learning environment at the UW

The University plans to undertake a university-wide climate survey to examine the learning and working experiences of our students, faculty and staff on our three campuses. This survey is a critical tool for gathering information and perspective about our community’s lived experiences to understand what fosters – and impedes – the sense of belonging that is so necessary to thrive and succeed. In the coming months, you will hear more about this confidential survey, which will take place from October 8 to November 8, 2019. Students, faculty, and staff across all three campuses will be invited to participate.

Attack on Christchurch mosques is an attack on values we ALL share

Today we join the global community in grief and sympathy for the victims of the attacks on the Al Noor and Linwood Mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, one of Seattle’s sister cities. This despicable act of terror aimed at Muslims is an assault on the values honored by ALL people of good faith: love, peace, friendship and awareness of our shared humanity.

Mourning the loss of Vikram Jandhyala

This has been a difficult quarter for our community. We’ve experienced several heartbreaking losses, including some recent tragic losses in our student community. Some of these losses have been private, and some well-known, and all are profoundly felt by the family and friends left behind. I’m deeply saddened to report another loss for our community. Vikram Jandhyala, UW vice president for innovation strategy, has died by suicide.

Snow disruptions

This past week, Mother Nature reminded us who is in charge — giving Seattle our largest snowfall in 70 years. And she’s still at it. With more snow in the forecast, we expect continued fluidity this week in campus operations. Sign up for UW Alert and see emergency.uw.edu for the most current information as we continue to evaluate conditions for tomorrow.

A tragic accident and a loss to our community *UPDATED*

We are all in shock and sadness over the death of a UW student after a tragic fall on the Seattle campus yesterday. I have spoken with the student’s father and my heart is with her grieving family and friends and all who knew her. This was a tragic accident, one that is felt very personally by me and all the UW staff who work to keep our campus safe, every day.

Responding to proposed Title IX changes

The Department of Education released a set of proposed new regulations that would govern how universities address charges of sexual harassment and sexual assault under Title IX. During the comment period for the proposed changes, we conducted an analysis of the proposed rules and held public forums and solicited online feedback to encourage the UW community to provide their thoughts. We have submitted a formal response to the Secretary of Education with the UW’s comments about the proposed changes.

Shutdown’s effects on lives and research continue to grow

As the partial federal government shutdown continues, its consequences are increasing daily and are profoundly felt in the lives of federal government employees and contractors – and those who they serve. They are in our thoughts as they deal with the impact and overwhelming stress of this unprecedented shutdown on their families and livelihoods. At the University of Washington, we are seeking to mitigate the effects of the shutdown wherever possible.