Autumn 2025 Quarterly Newsletter

Message from the Executive Vice Chancellor

Dear Colleagues,

As we wrap up the last week of classes and prepare for finals, I want to thank you for your dedication and hard work throughout the quarter. This is always a demanding time, and I hope you’re also looking forward to some well-deserved rest and time with family and friends during the upcoming holidays.

As the days grow shorter, I find myself thinking of snow on the mountains and the promise of skiing—or quieter moments by the fire with a cup of tea and a good book. Whatever brings you joy and renewal, I hope you find time for it in the weeks ahead.

In this newsletter, you’ll find highlights from schools and units across Academic Affairs that showcase innovative programs and collaborative initiatives that make our campus thrive. These examples reflect the creativity and commitment that define our community.

Thank you for everything you do to advance our mission. Your engagement and expertise make this work possible. Wishing you a successful end to the quarter and a joyful holiday season!

With gratitude,

Brian F. Martensen, Ph.D.
Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

2025/26 Academic Affairs Priorities

We want to share a few priorities guiding our work. Given the challenges facing higher education and the number of initiatives underway, our division is prioritizing efforts focused on supporting schools and units in meaningful, practical ways. We welcome your input on how we can best partner with you.

University and Campus Strategic Planning

We are actively engaged in building our shared vision for the future. Please participate in upcoming listening sessions and other opportunities to share your perspectives on shaping the future of UW Bothell and the University of Washington as a whole. Your input is critical as we think about how to operationalize and implement this vision.

Data, Communication, Transparency, and Process Improvements

We continue to work closely with schools, GFO leadership, and campus committees to ensure we have the tools and processes needed to collaborate effectively. These efforts strengthen communication and decision-making across Academic Affairs.

Artificial Intelligence Initiatives

AI remains a major focus for higher education, and our campus is helping lead the way as we explore positive applications, operational impacts, and ethical considerations. This work is happening at many levels, at both the Bothell and tri-campus levels, as well as in the community, including:

• An AI Community of Practice focused on classroom applications and pedagogy
• The School of Business AI Series, highlighting AI’s influence on industry and community partnerships
• The IEEE New Era AI Conference is coming to Seattle and Bothell, with our campus hosting sessions including AI for Humanity Grand Challenge and the World Leaders AI Summit
• UW’s appointment of its first Associate Provost for AI, underscoring our commitment to leadership in this evolving field

Our division will be developing an online hub for resources and information that will highlight the many ways our campus is engaging with AI. Stay tuned!

Support for UW System Initiatives

We are coordinating tri-campus efforts related to curricular cleanup, promotion and tenure guideline revisions, and compliance checklists to ensure alignment with federal and state regulations.

Key Division Updates

Transforming Experiential Learning

Based on two external program reviews, an internal workgroup’s recommendations and consultation from the chancellor’s executive team, Chancellor Esterberg recommended that the Offices of Career Services and Connected Learning be merged.

• A steering committee was formed in June 2025 to develop an implementation plan for merging the two offices.
• The goal of the merger is to create an experiential learning portfolio that better serves all UW Bothell students.
• The committee is currently in the discovery phase, and initial recommendations are expected in the winter quarter.
• Campus community members will have opportunities to review the recommendations in the coming months, and their engagement and feedback will help shape the future of experiential learning at UW Bothell.

Vice Chancellor’s Leadership Council Updates

The Vice Chancellor’s Leadership Council (VLC), which is comprised of the campus deans and leadership of the central academic units, received updates and deliberated on the following matters:

• UW Bothell Strategic Planning
• Academic Affairs FY26 Priorities
• Graduate Recruitment
• Operational Efficiency
• Advancement
• Course Materials
• Course Curriculum Readiness for Accreditation
• Scholarship Awarding
• AY25-26 Enrollment

Office of Student Academic Success

New Grants

We’re excited to announce that the hard work and dedication of our Student Success faculty and staff have resulted in two new grants that will help us continue advancing our mission:

• NSF S-STEM Grant: Through this grant, the UW Bothell Engineering & Tech Scholars (BETS) Program will provide scholarships to academically talented, low-income students pursuing degrees in eligible engineering and technology disciplines.
• Department of Education TRIO SSS Grant: This program will help eligible undergraduate students graduate by providing academic coaching, tutoring, financial guidance, and professional development. We will launch our TRIO program in Winter Quarter, led by interim director Eva Navarijo.

Postsecondary Data for Action Network

We are thrilled to announce that we have been accepted to be part of the Postsecondary Data for Action Network. Our work in SSEI laid the groundwork for our application and made us a strong candidate. Read the full press release to learn more.

STARS Program Updates

Our STARS program is thriving this year as we welcome our 2025 cohort, who have been diving into campus resources, building connections, and forming a strong community. Our 2024 inaugural cohort is now in their second year—hard at work on prerequisites and preparing to apply to their tech and engineering majors. This quarter, students from both cohorts connected through events like Speed Friending and the Monster Murder Mystery, with our final event, Puzzle Battle, still ahead.

Academic Advising

Our Academic Advising unit is excited to begin its second year as a centralized unit for the 2025–2026 Academic Year! In our first year, we focused on documentation, development, and assessment, completing 11,559 unique advising appointments from Sep. 2024–Jul. 2025 (read the 2024–25 assessment here). As we move into the next academic year, we look forward to refining support paths, developing strategic priorities, and continuing to help students succeed on their academic journeys.

Office of Faculty Success

Promotion & Tenure Review

In response to Provost’s request for units to review and revise their promotion and tenure guidelines, the Office of Faculty Success is working with the Campus Council on Promotion and Tenure (CCPT) and each School’s faculty council to review and revise promotion and tenure guidelines to reflect recent changes in the faculty code.

Learning & Teaching Collaborative

This quarter, the Learning & Teaching Collaborative hosted events on digital accessibility, teaching tools, and the evolving role of AI in teaching and learning. Join our AI Community of Practice on December 5 and explore ongoing faculty development resources. You can find the updated Teaching@UW webpage on alignment, including a new panel recording featuring IAS faculty member Kristin Gustafson. Stay tuned for upcoming programming on Canvas accessibility, supporting student executive functioning, and addressing attendance challenges. Work with us!

Office of Connected Learning

New Staff!

The Office of Connected Learning recently welcomed Sarah Ramírez, our new Community-Engaged Learning & Research Program Manager, who will support the implementation of community-engaged courses at UW Bothell. Sarah will work with students, faculty, and partners to create high-quality learning experiences where students leverage academic knowledge to address real-world challenges. Sarah will also act as staff lead for the Latino Leadership Initiative, a cohort program that provides leadership training and engages students in service projects on behalf of the Latino community.

Student Academic Showcase

Mark your calendar! As fall quarter wraps up, we encourage faculty and staff to submit names of their students involved in research, special projects, and high-impact learning while their work is fresh in your mind. Updates and marketing materials will be posted on the Showcase website, and submissions close in late March. Learn more and submit today!

Collaborative for Socio-Ecological Engagement

Community Engagement

CoSEE continues to grow as a hub for community-engaged undergraduate research and education in our region! This summer and fall featured community-centered workshops and programs on topics like native plant restoration, salmon conservation, and habitat connectivity, supporting learners of all ages. We also contributed to field-based undergraduate courses at St. Edward State Park in ecological storytelling, relational ecology, and nature and health. Additionally, over 20 local high school students participated in our Environmental Careers Preparedness program, earning UW credit through interdisciplinary modules on socio-ecological thriving.

Internships

In the past year, CoSEE supported over 40 interns across UW Bothell, in both paid and credit-only positions, contributing to our engagement with faculty, community organizations, and agencies. Our internship program is funded by grants from the UW Climate Collaborative, UW Civic Health Initiative, AmeriCorps, and others, with more proposals pending. We offer four emerging pathways for intern engagement and welcome faculty, staff, and community partners to share these opportunities and collaborate with us. Learn more about internships with CoSEE here!

• Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration: Camera traps, GIS mapping, and native plant projects.
• Inclusive Environmental Learning: Adaptive programs for students with special needs and teacher support.
• Place-Based Learning Kits: Hands-on resources for PreK–12 students with educator training.
• Environmental Communications: Social media and outreach to boost community engagement and ecological well-being.

Campus Library

Did you know that the library checks out a variety of equipment? This includes:

• Calculators
• Mobile device chargers
• Laptops
• Headphones
• Variety of accessibility equipment
• Light therapy lamps
• And more!

Visit the Information Desk on the 1st Floor of the library for more information and to check out equipment. Learn more about checking out equipment from the library.

ICYMI: Recent Events Roundup

Fall Preview Day

Academic Advising partnered with Admissions to lead Meta-Major info sessions for prospective students and families.

Fall Quarter Faculty Writing Group

The Office of Faculty Success hosted one-hour writing sessions twice a week, giving faculty across all five schools dedicated time to advance their scholarship in a supportive community.

First-Generation Student Celebration

The library hosted a pop-up for National First-Generation College Student Day, offering snacks, resources, stickers, pins, and reflection prompts for students to share their stories and pride.

Graduate Student Welcome & Campus Orientation

For the second year, our Graduate Programs team welcomed 2025 incoming graduate students, joined by Dean Williamson-Lott. The first Welcome Week event, Grad Social Hour @ UWB, gave students a chance to meet, socialize, and build community across schools and programs.

Library Focus Group

The library held a World Café–style focus group with 16 UW Bothell and Cascadia students to gather feedback on library spaces. Participants received a $25 gift card, and their input will guide future space planning.

Lo-Fi Lounge Series

The Lo-Fi Lounge Series, led by Housing and Residence Life with Academic Advising, transformed residence hall lounges into drop-in spaces where students could get quick guidance and build connections.

Native Art Walk of the Library

Participants met in the Inclusion and Advocacy Center before touring selected pieces from the library’s Rose Collection. Using Visual Thinking Strategies, the group discussed the artwork—especially wildlife-themed pieces—in a reflective and engaging setting.

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Community of Practice

The Office of Faculty Success recently launched a SoTL Community of Practice, bringing together faculty to discuss interests, develop the group, and determine its scope.

UW Bothell Data Day 2025

Hosted by the Office of Connected Learning, the School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, and the Office of Student Academic Success, this event brought together 150+ students, faculty, and industry partners to explore how data drives research, learning, and social change. Read more about Data Day!

Upcoming Events

Yoga at the Campus Library – Dec. 3, 2pm–2:45pm

Join a relaxing yoga session co-hosted with ARC Fitness at the library to stretch, breathe, and unwind.

Pilates at the Campus Library – Dec. 8, 4pm–4:45pm

A Pilates session co-hosted with ARC Fitness designed to help students de-stress and stay active during the busy quarter.

Finals Extended Hours & Programming – Dec. 8–9, 8am–Midnight

The Campus Library will be offering extended hours and additional programming to support students during finals, including snacks, crafting, puzzles, and games. No registration required, come and go as you please!

Student Academic Showcase – May 12–14, 2026

The Student Academic Showcase is a campus-wide celebration of student learning, research, and collaboration, featuring work from students across all academic disciplines. Learn more and submit today!

Faculty Spotlight Series

Continuing our Faculty Spotlight blog series, we’re proud to share more stories that celebrate the diverse and impactful contributions of UW Bothell faculty. Each installment highlights educators whose work—both in and beyond the classroom—advances our mission of innovative curricula, interdisciplinary teaching, and a dynamic, multicultural learning community.

Centering Justice & Identity in Education

Dr. Hakimali Merchant is committed to constantly rethinking what justice looks like and how to foster change within teaching and research.

read more

Bridging Business & Technology Through Engaged Teaching at UW Bothell

At UW Bothell, Nielubowicz is recognized for his engaging teaching style and commitment to student success.

read more

Awards & Deadlines

Publication & Production Award

Funding for publishing/producing scholarly or creative work. Rolling quarterly application. Learn more about the Publication & Production Award.

Methods Exploration & Enhancement Award

Up to $2,000 for full-time faculty to enhance research or teaching methods. Next deadline: Dec. 23, 2025. Learn more about the Methods Exploration & Enhancement Award.

Midcareer Faculty Fellowship

One course release for associate professors to focus on scholarship. Next deadline: Jan. 31, 2026. Learn more about the Midcareer Faculty Fellowship.

Important Dates

• Dec. 7–13, 2024: Autumn finals week
• Dec. 17, 2024: Autumn quarter grades due
• Jan. 6, 2025: Winter quarter begins
• March 15-21, 2025: Winter finals week
• March 26, 2025: Winter quarter grades due
• March 31, 2025: Spring quarter begins