Hi Huskies,
I hope you had a happy and rejuvenating break and that you are again finding your rhythm in this new quarter. 2021 has gotten off to a turbulent start, between alarming political turmoil and surging COVID-19 cases. But, there is meaningful hope on the horizon.
Vaccines are being administered around the world. This will take time, and it is critical right now that we remain vigilant and adhere to the public health practices we know to be effective (washing hands, wearing masks, watching our distance) in order to get back to normal as quickly as possible.
We must also remain vigilant with regard to our own well-being. These are strange, stressful times, and while there are brighter days ahead (figuratively and literally), I ask each of you to proactively pay attention to your mental and emotional health. As a UW student, support is just a call or text away — any time, every day.
Contents
1. COVID health and safety
Vaccines bring the promise of an end to the pandemic. However, broad distribution will take months, and we must remain as careful as ever right now.
- COVID-19 is currently surging at unprecedented levels, and a different, more contagious variant is now spreading.
- This is not the time to let your guard down.
Widespread transmission likely occurred in recent weeks due to holiday gatherings.
- A big problem: people who don’t feel symptoms continue to spread it without realizing they have it.
- If you learn you were in close contact with someone infected with COVID-19 over the break, it’s a good idea to get tested, even if you don’t feel sick.
The WA Notify app can inform you if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 — it’s free and anonymous.
Plantdemic > pandemic: In search of fulfilling indoor activities and creative outlets during a COVID winter, many people are becoming first-time plant parents. Here are some ideas on plants that enliven (and survive in) indoor spaces.
IF YOU HAVE COVID-19 SYMPTOMS
If you are currently experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please stay home and follow the instructions for what to do if you feel sick.
2. Connecting with community
Winter Dawg Daze is happening now through Jan. 16 with virtual events ranging from academic workshops to fitness/mindfulness classes.
Become a student leader: Applications for the Orientation Leader & FIG Leader roles are now open (due Jan. 17).
Winter recreation: UW Recreation is providing a variety of ways for you to stay healthy and connected with other students, including:
- Virtual intramurals (board game tournaments, trivia, the Winter Activity Challenge, and many more) are a great way to do something you love or try something new, and meet other Huskies along the way.
- The Recreation Class Pass is back for winter quarter and is free for students! Classes are running now through Mar. 14. Sign up now!
Mystery craft kit: Stop by the HUB between Jan. 19-22 to pick up a free craft kit to take home and make a mystery craft.
Get involved for MLK Week: There are many ways to mark the MLK Day holiday, including a community rally and a panel discussion on advancing racial equity.
VIRTUAL EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
The HUB’s Student Events & Activities page highlights opportunities to connect with other Huskies.
3. Mental health moment
Winter Toolkit: COVID-19 Edition
The Counseling Center has compiled tips and tools to help you navigate a pandemic winter and sustain your mental well-being.
TALK TO US
24/7 mental health and counseling support is available to UW students.
If you feel overwhelmed, concerned about a friend, or you’re not sure what you need but you’d like to talk, take a few minutes to connect with us.
Learn more at mentalhealth.uw.edu.
4. Career & internships
There are still jobs and internships out there, and it’s as important as ever to build your skills, experience, and network. Year-over-year data from the Career & Internship Center, above, show that Handshake internship postings in 2020 largely kept up with (and at times exceeded) 2019 numbers.
In other words, don’t give up! Here are a few things you may want to check out:
Job/internship postings (undergrad):
- Intern, PR Communications Specialist – BECU (Applications due 2/2/8/21)
- Engineer 1 – Nordstrom Technology (Applications due 4/30/21)
- Health Consulting Summer Intern – Mercer Health & Benefits (Applications due 1/24/21)
- Digital Marketing Summer Intern – Epic Games (Applications due 2/26/21)
- Global Manufacturing Trainee Program – The Kraft Heinz Company (Applications due 2/1/21)
Job/internship postings (graduate):
- Sr. Business Process Analyst – Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (Applications due 2/28/21)
- Soil Conservationist – USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (Applications due 7/15/21)
- Device Ecosystem Software Engineer Intern, Partner Ecosystem – Netflix (Applications due 2/26/21)
- Data Visualization Intern – Northwestern Mutual Corporate Office (Applications due 2/25/21)
- Youth Therapist – Compass Health (Applications due 2/17/21)
LinkedIn Learning courses available to you now:
CAREER SUPPORT
The Career & Internship Center is here to support you with guidance and resources, including Handshake, UW’s online job and internship database.
5. Helpful resources
The What’s Open page highlights helpful student spaces that are operational during winter quarter.
The Student Technology Loan Program allows students to borrow laptops, cameras, and other equipment to support your Husky Experience for free.
UW Academic Support Programs’ Welcome to Winter series features a variety of programs to help you start this quarter right, including:
- Lessons Learned from a Virtual Fall Quarter (Jan. 13); and
- Staying Motivated and Successful Time Management Workshop (Jan. 14)
The 2021 Major Guide from Husky Media Group provides tips on choosing and navigating your course of study at UW.
