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Student Life

5 Cool Things – Spring 2020 News & Updates

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

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…


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


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:

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.


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.

Spring Events & Activities Hub: The HUB has launched a new virtual engagement hub featuring opportunities across UW and around the world to connect with, learn from, and have fun with each other. Here are a few offerings, for starters:

Virtual Recreation: The IMA may be closed, but UW Recreation is hosting a number of ways to stay healthy together, even when apart, including:

  • Virtual Mindfulness: Join in for a virtual yoga or meditation class!
  • Virtual Fitness: Sign up for Boot Camp, Total Body, CORE Conditioning, or Zumba!
  • Virtual Spring Intramurals: A great way to have fun while feeding your competitive side (for free!), virtual intramurals include trivia nights, step count competitions, the Trick Shot Challenge, and more.

Photo by UW Student Life photographer Vivian Tran

Careers: Preparing for an Uncertain Economy

The Career & Internship Center’s robust range of virtual services and resources are here to help you navigate an uncertain economy and focus your job search, including virtual resume review, coaching appointments, webinars, and a new “Ask Me Anything” series.

Looking for an Internship or Job? Check out the Career & Internship Center’s Virtual Resume Books! You can submit your resume to any of 14 resume books, and Career & Internship Center staff can pass along your resume to employers with hiring needs. Log in to your Handshake account, navigate to “Jobs,” and enter “resume book” in the search field.

Virtual Career Coaching: Connect with career coaches via Zoom or phone through a virtual appointment or virtual drop-in.

Finding your Path: These resources help you explore career paths that could be a great fit for you:

  • Pathway U: Take an online assessment to help get clarity on potential majors and career paths.
  • Vault Guides help you explore careers, industries and more from the comfort of your couch.
  • Candid Career has 7,000 short video clips of professionals sharing the ins and outs of their industry, field, and position.
  • WOIS/The Career Information System has assessments, career descriptions, and more.
  • Interest Community pages have advice, videos, alumni stories, and resources related to seven career interest areas.

Also, see the “Career Corner” section below for a handful of current internship postings.

Photo by UW Student Life photographer Vivian Tran

Self-care and Managing Stress

UW mental health support services have adapted to our “new normal” and are here to help during these challenging times with a robust range of care as well as resources for coping with COVID-19 stress.

Mental Health Support: You can still connect with UW’s mental health professionals remotely, and most importantly, securely  – therapists are using a HIPAA-compliant version of Zoom with end-to-end encryption.

Let’s Talk connects UW students with support from experienced UW counselors without an appointment, and is being offered in an online format during spring quarter. Let’s Talk offers informal consultation – it is not a substitute for regular therapy, counseling, or psychiatric care.

Healthy Huskies is a new online wellness magazine from UW LiveWell for students, featuring weekly content from UW students, LiveWell staff, and voices across the nation on a range of wellness topics.

Accessing Health Care: Medical and mental health services from Hall Health are primarily being conducted by phone or a secure video-conferencing platform, but in-person appointments with a health care provider are still possible for urgent needs. Please call Hall Health before coming in.

Photo by UW Student Life photographer Vivian Tran

Staying Safe during an Extraordinary Time

Among the many impacts of COVID-19, the changes to our norms brought about by the pandemic can create new opportunities for potential threats to our well-being. It is as important as ever to remain vigilant in physical and digital spaces, and to be mindful of the resources available to you.

SafeCampus is still fully operational. If you ever need to anonymously discuss safety and well-being concerns for yourself or others, contact SafeCampus at 206-685-7233 any time. And remember, online harassment is still harassment.

The UW Emergency Alert Blog regularly posts updates, such as recent UWPD advice on staying safe in the U-District now that fewer people are around. If you haven’t already, sign up for UW Alert for important real-time safety alerts.

Coronavirus-related scams have been on the rise, as criminals try to capitalize on confusion and concerns on topics including government stimulus money, tests and treatments, debt relief, and more. Please be careful with regard to potential scams as well as misinformation on COVID-19.

A Few Cool Extras…

Career Corner

The Career & Internship Center is here to support you with guidance and resources, including Handshake, UW’s online job and internship database. Although overall posting numbers in Handshake are down due to the COVID-19 pandemic (locally and nationally), there are still some great opportunities out there. Here’s a look at some current postings:

Primarily for Undergrads:

Primarily for Graduate Students:

NOTE: Decisions about internships, including whether they are being transitioned to virtual, are changing daily as employers work to navigate what works best for them as an organization, and for their candidates. The Career & Internship Center is encouraging flexibility, adaptability, and patience right now, and is here to help you if you are impacted by internship changes.

Key Dates

Many events and engagement opportunities are continuing virtually – below are just a few! For a regularly-updated list of student-focused opportunities, keep an eye on the Spring Quarter Events & Activities page.

Apr. 20 – Job Search Workshop

A Couple Graduation Updates

A Note on Commencement

While the COVID-19 pandemic has required that we postpone our in-person Commencement ceremony this year, the University is dedicated to honoring the incredible achievements and sacrifices of the Class of 2020. In addition to a June 13 “Celebrating Worldwide” virtual recognition to cap off the 2020 academic year, the University is committed to a future, in-person ceremony for the Class of 2020. We are excited to work with our graduates in the coming weeks on how they would like this event to take shape, which could include a separate ceremony.

Free UWAA Membership for 2020 Grads

In honor of the Class of 2020’s perseverance and achievements, the UW Alumni Association is granting a free one-year membership to our 2020 grads. Visit UWalum.com/2020grad for more details