Communications sent to the UW Bothell community in August
August 25, 2020 | Your back-to-school checklist from Tim Wilson, Dean of Student Affairs
This message is being sent to all incoming and current students at the University of Washington’s Bothell campus.
Dear Students,
First, I hope you and your loved ones are safe and well. I wake up every day giving thanks for my and my family’s health.
As University of Washington Bothell prepares for autumn quarter, I write to share information and expectations for all students to protect your health and the health of our community.
The rise of cases this summer made clear how important it is for every one of us to remain personally committed to stopping the spread of COVID-19. The science is clear: Young people are just as likely to contract COVID-19, even if they are less likely to experience serious illness. Studies also show that serious illness is possible at any age and that the long-term effects of this disease are still unknown.
With that in mind, I also write to equip you — and those around you — with how to stay healthy as you return to or start your Husky Experience.
In addition to UW Bothell’s steps to reduce density, increase physical distancing and provide testing and contact tracing, the UW’s Advisory Committee on Communicable Diseases has developed guidelines for students. Huskies have shown time and again a great capacity to care for each other in the face of great challenges, and I know you will respond with compassion to meet the needs of this moment.
For EVERY Husky, including if you plan to access all services and classes remotely:
- Familiarize yourself with resources for students to make your time as a UW Bothell student safe and successful, whether you’re learning on campus or remotely.
- Review and take the Husky PACK Pledge, which outlines the responsibilities Huskies have to protect themselves and each other.
- Bookmark UW Bothell's "Learn Remotely" webpage for students to quickly find physical and mental health and wellness resources — along with other services — when you need them.
- Save the information for UW Environmental Health & Safety to your personal devices and contact them if you receive a positive or suspected COVID-19 diagnosis: covidehc@uw.edu / 206-685-1026.
- If you plan to live with other students off-campus, please review our sample roommates agreement together before the quarter starts so you can develop and reach consensus on guidelines for your shared living situation.
- Wherever you are this autumn, please keep practicing good hygiene and remember the 3 Ws: Wash your hands. Wear a mask. Watch your distance.
If you have questions about your courses, please contact your school, department, instructor or academic adviser.
If you have questions about on-campus housing, refer to UW Bothell’s Residential Life website.
You can also find many resources and more information at UW’s uw.edu/coronavirus webpage (which has an FAQ about autumn quarter) and UW Bothell’s uwb.edu/coronavirus webpage.
If you will live in a residence hall or will be on campus for ANY reason this autumn, we strongly recommend you do the following:
- If you have not been on campus this summer, please quarantine for 14 days before coming to campus for the first time by staying home and away from gatherings and from people outside your household. (Right now, avoiding even small gatherings is good advice in general.)
- If you can, please get a COVID-19 test before leaving your home, within 72 hours of coming to campus. If you test positive, immediately notify the UW Environmental Health & Safety Department (EH&S) at covidehc@uw.edu.
- If you become ill or test positive for COVID-19 within 10 days of your planned return to campus, whether or not you have COVID-19 symptoms, you MUST self-isolate before coming to any UW campus.Contact your advisers and instructors to make coursework arrangements.
- If you have symptoms, self-isolate until your symptoms improve, your fever is gone for 24 hours without fever reducing medications, AND it’s been at least at least 10 days since your symptoms started.
- If you don’t have symptoms, self-isolate for 10 days after receiving your positive COVID-19 test result.
- If you come into close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 (by spending at least 15 minutes within 6 feet of them) within two weeks of your planned return to campus, quarantine at home for 14 days and get tested before coming to any UW campus. (See “I may have been exposed to COVID-19. What should I do?” for more information.)
- Get a flu vaccine this year. You can get a flu shot before coming to campus. We are also looking into the possibility of offering flu shots on campus and will share more information in the coming weeks. Please note: all nursing students are required to receive flu vaccines before returning to campus.
- If you are traveling to the Seattle area, take precautions by following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guide for how to stay safe while traveling.
The UW is finalizing a COVID-19 campus testing program for autumn quarter. We will share more information in the coming weeks.
What to bring to campus with you:
- Face coverings, which are required to enter all UW buildings, including classrooms and labs. If you have a U.S. address listed as your permanent residence, the University will send you two UW masks in the mail. If your address is outside the United States, you can receive your masks when you arrive on campus.
- Hand sanitizer for times when handwashing isn’t possible
- A thermometer for daily symptom monitoring
- Cleaning supplies and disinfectants for high-touch surfaces inside your living space like door handles, light fixtures and bathrooms
- Contact information saved on your personal device:
This autumn quarter will be different than any we have experienced. Yet, many key elements will remain the same. We will welcome new Huskies into the fold and welcome back those of you who are continuing your educational journeys. We will celebrate achievements and overcome challenges. We will learn, grow and add to the vibrancy and diversity of our world.
Whether you are joining us in person or online, I look forward to the unique commitment and contributions every Husky brings to our community — and to what we will accomplish together.
Tim Wilson
Dean of Students
August 7, 2020 | Autumn quarter library update
The UW Libraries has published a new blog posting that summarizes our tri-campus reopening approach and current plans. This includes a statement from the Dean of Libraries and a Phased Reopening Chart that provides an overview of potential services from Phase 2 forward. We are evaluating what specific onsite activities we can support and safely phase back into our operations while keeping everyone safe.
In thinking ahead to Fall, a few main points from our planning that I want to highlight:
- We will continue to offer a range of online services, including 24/7 research help.
- Phase 2 onsite operations for the Libraries will likely include a re-opening of selected book drops and some form of “curbside” checkout. I will send along updates on timing as soon as I know more.
- We are looking at the potential to open some limited space for individual study when we are approved to move to Phase 3.
- For faculty: As you are preparing your Fall courses, please see our UWB/CC Library online learning support guide. It includes links to information on choosing online materials and teaching support. Please do reach out to me, your subject librarian, or our Reserves staff if you have questions or need help!
- Our COVID guide always has the latest information. Should updates to our plan and services occur, I will be sure to notify you all as soon as that information is available.
Please do let me know if you have any questions. I appreciate your patience and support as we navigate the uncertainties that surround COVID-19 planning!
Sarah Leadley | Associate Dean & Director
UW Bothell/Cascadia College Library
August 6, 2020 | Message to international students regarding autumn quarter
Dear International Students,
In July, we committed to communicating, with as much certainty as possible, what to expect at the start of the academic year as our University and the world continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic. We recognize that international students face additional challenges when it comes to being enrolled in a university in the United States, and we are committed to doing everything possible to help you pursue your education at UW Bothell. With this message, we are sharing what we believe will be our final plans for autumn quarter classes.
In light of current and expected coronavirus case counts in Washington, approximately 95% of all class sections on the Bothell campus will be held online. Only those classes that cannot be taught remotely will be held in person, with all appropriate safety measures and physical distancing in place.
To see what this may mean for you, please check the time schedule. It already indicates for most courses whether they will be taught in person or remotely, although the time schedule will continue to be updated as schools may further refine their plans. Your advisers and program directors also continue to be important sources of information and support.
UW Bothell’s International Student Services will follow up with F and J visa holders to share more information you may need as you prepare for autumn. You can also find updates at CIRCLE.
While we have every expectation that classes which begin in person will remain so throughout autumn quarter, we’ve all seen that the trajectory of the coronavirus pandemic can change rapidly. Further revisions to our plans could occur if, for example, state or local governments re-introduce more restrictive health measures. But, we remain fully committed to ensuring your academic progress regardless of the mode of instruction or any changes that may occur.
Student services such as advising, tutoring, counseling and technology support will be offered primarily remotely. Research will continue in the same manner in which it has been conducted since the spring, with all necessary health and safety protocols for laboratory and field work.
We are studying extended food vending options and investigating what else may be possible on campus, in part based on health restrictions placed on food trucks, cafes and restaurants. We also will be welcoming residential students back to Husky Village, following the same physical distancing and other safety protocols being used on campus.
We are all disappointed that the continued spread of the virus has made most in-person instruction impractical. We also continue to be excited about the learning and discovery in store for our community. Our faculty, teaching assistants and staff have been engaged in developing innovative and creative approaches to online learning. We are looking forward to a meaningful and academically rich autumn, even as our community does its part to protect health and safety.
A broad-based, community testing program, in partnership with the Seattle Flu Study, will be in place to help proactively identify and mitigate the spread of the virus. Students will have access to tests if they are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms or believe that they may have been exposed. Students who come to campus for in-person coursework or reside on campus also must wear a face covering and can expect all gathering and learning spaces to be routinely sanitized. Face coverings will be provided to all students and will be required in all indoor public spaces or when physical distancing outside is not possible. We also urge you to bring your own face coverings in order to rotate them as needed.
As we continue to wrestle with extraordinarily demanding times, the path forward remains uncertain. But we are on this journey together, and our commitment to each other’s health will be our North Star as we carry out our missions of teaching and learning, discovery and service. The UW community has been a leader in the fight against COVID-19, not only locally but in the nation and world. We are also committed to leading in the fight to overcome the racial and economic inequities this pandemic has highlighted and revealed. With great challenges, come great opportunities. Indeed, because of those challenges, your achievements will be all the more meaningful. We look forward to continuing to support you in your journey. The world needs your talent and dedication, now more than ever.
We can’t wait to see you this fall, whether virtually or in person. The many and varied experiences of our international students are a treasured and vital part of our Husky community, and no matter where you are this fall, know that you are a valued part of our University.
We remain optimistic that soon we can all be together in person, creating a better and brighter future.
Finally, to get the latest updates before the quarter starts, we invite you to attend a Back-to-School Info Session on September 10 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. (Pacific Time). Please mark your calendars to join us.
Bjong Wolf Yeigh, Ph.D., F.ASME
Chancellor and Professor of Engineering
Sharon A. Jones
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Tim Wilson
Dean of Student Affairs
August 6, 2020 | Message to current and incoming students regarding autumn quarter
Dear Students,
In July, we committed to communicating, with as much certainty as possible, what to expect at the start of the academic year as our University, nation and world continue to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic. Today we are sharing what we believe will be our final plans for autumn quarter classes.
In light of current and expected coronavirus case counts in Washington, approximately 95% of all class sections on the Bothell campus will be held online. Only those classes that cannot be taught remotely will be held in person, with all appropriate safety measures and physical distancing in place.
To see what this may mean for you, please check the time schedule. It already indicates for most courses whether they will be taught in person or remotely, although the time schedule will continue to be updated as schools may further refine their plans. Your advisers and program directors also continue to be important sources of information and support.
With a few exceptions based on your academic program, you should have the option to choose an entirely online schedule if you wish.
While we have every expectation that classes which begin in person will remain so throughout autumn quarter, we’ve all seen that the trajectory of the coronavirus pandemic can change rapidly. Further revisions to our plans could occur if, for example, state or local governments re-introduce more restrictive health measures. But, we remain fully committed to ensuring your academic progress regardless of the mode of instruction or any changes that may occur.
Student services such as advising, tutoring, counseling and technology support will be offered primarily remotely. Research will continue in the same manner in which it has been conducted since the spring, with all necessary health and safety protocols for laboratory and field work.
We are studying extended food vending options and investigating what else may be possible on campus, in part based on health restrictions placed on food trucks, cafes and restaurants. We also will be welcoming residential students back to Husky Village, following the same physical distancing and other safety protocols being used on campus.
We are all disappointed that the continued spread of the virus has made most in-person instruction impractical. We also continue to be excited about the learning and discovery in store for our community. Our faculty, teaching assistants and staff have been engaged in developing innovative and creative approaches to online learning. We are looking forward to a meaningful and academically rich autumn, even as our community does its part to protect health and safety.
A broad-based, community testing program, in partnership with the Seattle Flu Study, will be in place to help proactively identify and mitigate the spread of the virus. Students will have access to tests if they are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms or believe that they may have been exposed. Students who come to campus for in-person coursework or reside on campus also must wear a face covering and can expect all gathering and learning spaces to be routinely sanitized. Face coverings will be provided to all students and will be required in all indoor public spaces or when physical distancing outside is not possible. We also urge you to bring your own face coverings in order to rotate them as needed.
As we continue to wrestle with extraordinarily demanding times, the path forward remains uncertain. But we are on this journey together, and our commitment to each other’s health will be our North Star as we carry out our missions of teaching and learning, discovery and service. The UW community has been a leader in the fight against COVID-19, not only locally but in the nation and world. We are also committed to leading in the fight to overcome the racial and economic inequities this pandemic has highlighted and revealed. With great challenges, come great opportunities. Indeed, because of those challenges, your achievements will be all the more meaningful. We look forward to continuing to support you in your journey. The world needs your talent and dedication, now more than ever.
We can’t wait to see you this fall, whether virtually or in person. We remain optimistic that soon we can all be together in person, creating a better and brighter future.
Finally, to get the latest updates before the quarter starts, we invite you to attend a Back-to-School Info Session on September 10 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. (Pacific Time). Please mark your calendars to join us.
Bjong Wolf Yeigh, Ph.D., F.ASME
Chancellor and Professor of Engineering
Sharon A. Jones
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Tim Wilson
Dean of Student Affairs
August 6, 2020 | Message to UW Bothell faculty and staff regarding autumn quarter
Dear Colleagues,
In July, we committed to communicating, with as much certainty as possible, what to expect at the start of the academic year as our University, nation and world continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic. As we had feared, COVID-19 has continued to spread in our state and local counties, and we write today with what we expect to be final plans for autumn quarter classes. We are also sharing this information with our students today.
In light of current and expected coronavirus case counts in Washington, approximately 95% of all class sections on the Bothell campus will be held online. Only those classes that cannot be taught remotely will be held in person, with all appropriate safety measures and physical distancing in place. An updated time schedule has been shared with students with the reminder that the trajectory of the pandemic can change rapidly. Further revisions to our plans could occur if, for example, state or local governments re-introduce more restrictive health measures.
Student services such as advising, tutoring, counseling and technology support will be offered primarily remotely. Research will continue in the same manner in which it has been conducted since the spring, with all necessary health and safety protocols for laboratory and field work.
We are studying extended food vending options and investigating what else may be possible on campus, in part based on health restrictions placed on food trucks, cafes and restaurants. We also will be welcoming residential students back to Husky Village, following the same physical distancing and other safety protocols being used on campus.
In any instances where UW Bothell employees are teaching, conducting research or providing critical services in person, we are committed to ensuring that you can do so with the appropriate protective measures and in sanitized spaces. Staff who can telework will continue to do so throughout the autumn quarter, and we remain committed to supporting all faculty and staff with maximum empathy and flexibility throughout the challenging months ahead. If you have questions about your specific work circumstances for the fall, we encourage you to speak with your chair or supervisor about your unit’s local COVID-19 Prevention Plan.
We are all disappointed that the continued spread of the virus has limited our ability to provide more in-person teaching safely. We also continue to be excited about the learning and discovery in store for our community. So many of you, including faculty, teaching assistants and staff, have engaged in developing innovative and creative approaches to online learning and remote work. Your inspiring commitment to our educational mission ensures we will have a meaningful and academically rich autumn, even as our community does its part to protect health and safety.
Everyone who comes to campus for any reason must wear a face covering and can expect all gathering and learning spaces to be routinely sanitized. A broad-based, community testing program, in partnership with the Seattle Flu Study, the program that first detected community spread of the coronavirus in the United States, will be in place to help proactively identify and mitigate the spread of the virus. Our Environmental Health and Safety team will continue to be dedicated to University-wide contact tracing, including connecting close contacts potentially exposed to COVID-19 with testing support as needed. Face coverings will be made available to all faculty and staff who are required to come to campus and will be required in all indoor campus public spaces or when physical distancing outside is not possible. Any faculty and staff who need to be on campus must also complete an attestation of good health each visit before they arrive, as has been the case for several months.
As we continue to wrestle with extraordinarily demanding times, the path forward remains uncertain. Our commitment to each other's health as well as the shared mission of our great public University must continue to be our North Star. The UW community has been a leader in the fight against Covid-19, not only locally but in the nation and world. We are also committed to leading in the fight to overcome the racial and economic inequities this pandemic has highlighted and revealed. With great challenges, come great opportunities. Indeed, your achievements will be all the more impressive as a result of what we will overcome together.
On behalf of the entire UW Bothell leadership team, let me again share our deep appreciation for your dedication to our educational mission and the success of our students.
Finally, to get the latest updates before the quarter starts, please mark your calendar to attend our rescheduled Back-to-Work Info Session on September 9 from 3 to 4 p.m.
Bjong Wolf Yeigh, Ph.D., F.ASME
Chancellor and Professor of Engineering