September 2021

UW Bothell COVID-19 Communications

Communications sent in September 2021:

September 29, 2021 | Starting the new school year — together


Dear UW Bothell campus community,

This new academic year is a time for new beginnings. Many of you have yet to take a class or participate in campus activities outside the virtual environment. For others, it has been 18 months since we were together in person as a community. And while the world may not feel the same as when we were last on campus before remote operations, some things — some of the best things about being at a university — have not changed.

For students, there is the adventure of taking new courses, of seeing old friends or making new ones, of getting involved in campus activities, of getting to know your professors and staff who want to partner with you along your educational journey.

For faculty, there is the joy of getting to know new students, of sharing your expertise and research, of working with colleagues to create a learning environment that prioritizes curiosity, discovery and innovation.

For staff, there is the satisfaction of helping the campus come to life, of working with students and faculty on myriad programs and projects, of knowing that the resources and services you provide help make this campus thrive.

And for all of us at UW Bothell, there is a shared desire to make our University a welcoming, inclusive and vibrant community. Indeed, it is a goal shared by the entire UW tri-campus community, as UW President Ana Mari Cauce noted in her welcome message earlier this week.

As we move together into this new year, we must also acknowledge that some things have changed since the pandemic began.

We have faced challenges — as part of the UW Bothell community and in our personal lives — that we could not have imagined two years ago. And yet being together, we can continue to overcome them.

We have continuing concerns about the physical and mental health of our campus and home communities. And yet working together, we will continue to make safety our top priority.

We wonder or worry about what we can and should do next to address ongoing social inequities and increasing conflict in our society. And yet looking forward together, we can and will make a difference.

So, as we pass the baton of leadership of this amazing community between us, know that we are both here to celebrate and help you in any way we can. We look forward to sharing this journey together with all of you.

Bjong Wolf Yeigh, Ph.D., F.ASME
Chancellor
Professor of Engineering

Kristin Esterberg, Ph.D.
Incoming Chancellor
Professor of Sociology

September 27, 2021 | As we return in person, kindness, grace and compassion are our gifts to one another

 

From Ana Mari Cauce to UW Bothell Faculty, Staff, Students

The start of every academic year at the University of Washington is unique and exciting in its own way, but in all of our University’s 160-year history — and UW Bothell's 31-year history — we have never had an autumn quarter like this one. I expect we are all feeling a mixture of both anxiety and excitement about the transition back to shared spaces and experiences. As we manage through, remember to pace yourself, and please respect the choices and boundaries that others set to keep themselves safe; you can never know what health or life issues others may be dealing with or what losses and disappointments they have experienced. Our great strength is our deep sense of caring and the recognition that we are all interconnected. By extending grace, patience and kindness to one another — and ourselves — we can co-create a healthier community, grounded in equity, wellness and compassion. And, please don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. At the end of this message you will find resources that can be useful as you ease into the year.

Over the last few weeks, as I’ve attended my first in-person meetings with colleagues and students, I’ve been bolstered immensely by once again being engaged with our outstanding community of people united by a mission of teaching, learning, discovery, patient care and public service. It’s exciting to welcome not only the more than 8,800 first-year and 3,000 transfer students across our three campuses who are new to the University, but also our sophomores and last year’s incoming transfer students who will be experiencing the UW’s campuses and classrooms for the first time. In addition to our many returning faculty and staff, we also get to welcome new faculty and staff who joined our community over the last year and a half, as well as several new deans and leaders. And I’m delighted to be welcoming two new chancellors — Chancellor Kristin Esterberg at UW Bothell and Chancellor Sheila Edwards Lange at UW Tacoma, making this the first time in history that all three UW campuses have been led by women.

I am so proud of the commitment we’ve already shown to keeping each other and our surrounding communities safe: from wearing masks and getting vaccinated, to the incredible work of the facilities team and other onsite staff members who have made our physical spaces clean and safe to return to. Thanks to the extremely high rates of vaccination among our students, faculty and academic personnel, and staff, and to the work of our health-care workers throughout our region, we are one of the most vaccinated universities in one of the most vaccinated states in the nation. As a reminder, all students and personnel are required to be vaccinated unless they are granted an exemption, and it’s easy to get a free, safe, effective vaccine if you still need one.

On Wednesday, we begin another year of learning, growth and impact — the things that define our shared Husky experience. As we do, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the experiences that have brought you here, and on the future you hope to create, wherever you may be. As you begin acclimating — or reacclimating — to the UW Bothell campus, please take the opportunity to join those around you for moments of reflection throughout these first weeks of the quarter as we begin the process of re-centering ourselves in the places and communities that enable us to pursue the mission that brings us all together.

I also invite you join me on October 19 for my Annual Address, which will once again be held in wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ – Intellectual House and livestreamed. As we continue our efforts to end the spread of COVID-19 and combat the systemic racism and inequity that have so often been amplified by the pandemic, I look forward to talking with our whole community about how we can work together to support equity and the well-being of everyone at the UW.

The last 18 months have been like no other, but through it all, our mission has remained clear: building a better world, for all. Our capacity for kindness, empathy and compassion is great, and our ability to chart our path forward together is strong. I am grateful to be undertaking this crucial work with you.

Welcome,

Ana Mari Cauce
President
Professor of Psychology

Resources

September 22, 2021 | Reminder: Your back-to-school checklist

 

This message is being sent to all incoming and current students at UW Bothell.

Dear UW Bothell Student,

The official start to autumn quarter is a week away, and the UW Bothell campus is already coming to life. As you prepare for the new academic year, I want to remind you about the Back-to-School Checklist and to highlight a couple of key items.

First, starting Oct. 25, all restaurants and indoor recreation venues, as well as large outdoor sporting events, in the Seattle area will be required to check the vaccination status or negative test result of their customers. So be sure to keep a copy of your vaccination documentation with you, either as a paper copy or as a photo on your phone.

Second, if you are traveling to Bothell from another state or country, please get tested after you arrive. You can do that through Husky Coronavirus Testing, which is free to all UW Bothell students. And regardless of where you are traveling from, please enroll in Husky Coronavirus Testing so that you have access to free testing throughout the quarter.

We’re looking forward to helping you have a healthy, successful quarter. See you soon!

Sincerely,

Tim Wilson, Ph.D.
Dean of Student Affairs
University of Washington Bothell

--------------

Below is the original back-to-school checklist email sent out on August 19, 2021 by Dean of Student Affairs, Tim Wilson, Ph.D.

This message is being sent to all incoming and current students at UW Bothell.

Dear UW Bothell Student,

We’re excited to return to in-person learning this fall and to welcome you to — or back to — campus. As you prepare for autumn quarter, there are a number of things that you need to do in advance to ensure you start the quarter safely and successfully.

We’ve created a Back-to-School Checklist to help you get ready. There you’ll find details on steps you need to take before you set out for campus, as well as the things to bring with you.

Some key actions for you to take:

  1. Get vaccinated against COVID-19 and complete your student COVID-19 Vaccine Attestation.
  2. Enroll in Husky Coronavirus Testing, and get tested after arriving to campus.
  3. Bring face coverings — they are required in all UW buildings and facilities, regardless of vaccination status.
  4. If you’re not fully vaccinated and traveling from outside Washington, be prepared to self-quarantine for seven days upon arrival, take coronavirus tests before and after travel, and follow all other CDC travel guidelines. International travelers should also be aware of requirements for travel to the United States.
  5. Be aware of important health guidance related to COVID-19 symptoms and exposure, including the requirement to notify covidehc@uw.edu if you or a close contact test positive.

Again, these are just a few of the steps — the Back-to-School Checklist has all the details, and following it will help to ensure you have a safe, healthy and successful start to the new academic year.

We can’t wait to see you on campus again and to celebrate all that you’ll accomplish as you pursue your educational goals.

Sincerely,

Tim Wilson, Ph.D.
Dean of Student Affairs
University of Washington Bothell

 

September 15, 2021 | Welcome back events and well-being programing


Campus Open Houses

Organizational Excellence & Human Resources is planning two Campus Open House events this month to welcome new staff and faculty hired during remote operations — and to provide an opportunity for everyone in the campus community to connect or reconnect with each other.

Each event will be held outdoors in and around the large tent on the Promenade and Plaza, and will feature live entertainment and treats for you to enjoy.

Both open houses also will include:

  • “campus sustainability” tours,
  • an opportunity to get Husky Cards created and activated,
  • updates about parking and commuter services,
  • information about UW CareLink (the UW Employee Assistance Program), and
  • a place where you can get I-9 verification.

New: You will also be able to complete the UW’s new proof of COVID-19 vaccine requirement. To do so, please bring your photo ID and vaccination card (or a photo of your card) so that HR staff can verify your vaccination status.

Please plan to attend the one that best fits your schedule and click on the appropriate link below to RSVP.

Campus Open House #1
Monday, Sept. 20 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Register here
 

Campus Open House #2
Monday, Sept. 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Register here

This is a great opportunity to connect/reconnect with each other (including members of campus leadership) in person after so many months of Zoom meetings!

Transition to campus programs

To support the campus community with the Back to Workplace transition, OE/HR is offering three new well-being programs. 

  1. “Steadfast Leadership for Uncertain Times: Developing a Trauma-Informed Approach”

Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Note: This is a remote event.
Register here 

  1. 30-minute micro processing/counseling sessions with Clinical Social Worker Portia Bajwa

Portia Bajwa works as an individual therapist specializing in trauma, mood disorders and loss. Her therapeutic approach is rooted in systems theory, acknowledging how individuals have been shaped by their cultural upbringing and social surroundings. As such, she strives to practice from an anti-oppressive and trauma-informed framework in order to cultivate a safe environment for individuals to share their experiences. Bajwa received her master’s in social work at the University of Chicago, where she was trained in clinical social work as well as global social development practices.

Sessions are available during the weeks of Sept. 20 and Sept. 27.
Note: OE/HR may be able to schedule more dates.
Click on this link to set a session on through her scheduling platform. Once your appointment is scheduled, you will receive a Zoom link. 

  1. Holistic well-being sessions for managers to review Gallup survey feedback

These sessions will assist managers in supporting staff with the transition back to campus.

October dates for these sessions will be announced soon.


Please email the OE/HR team at uwboehr@uw.edu with any questions you may have. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you (back) to the UW Bothell community!

- The Organizational Excellence & Human Resources team
 

September 15, 2021 | UW Bothell operational guidelines – updated information and resources


Dear UW Bothell faculty and staff:

We write today to update you with more information about campus operations, facilities and safety protocols for the autumn quarter. As promised in the Sept. 9 instructional guidance message sent to all faculty and staff, this operational guidelines message includes more information about plans for our return to campus.

The policies and guidelines governing our fall campus operations are many, lengthy and constantly evolving in response to federal, state and University mandates. In order to provide you the latest information, we are providing you with links to various webpages on these policies and guidelines, rather than reproducing the material itself. Please return as needed to these webpages, which are managed by multiple units across the UW, to see the details again or to check for updates.

University and Bothell campus leadership will also continue to reach out to faculty and staff to announce significant changes or new policies and guidance of note.

Content in this message: (open in web browser for best viewing experience)

Links to recent announcements, resources and main coronavirus information

Staff “Back to Work” plans and telework agreements


If you are seeking hybrid or remote telework arrangements, you should work with your unit lead or supervisor to submit your required individual telework agreement on or before Wednesday, Sept. 22.

The end date for all such telework agreements must be December 31, 2021, by which time campus leadership will review the effectiveness of current hybrid telework policies for the UW Bothell campus, adjusting them if and as needed.

Telework agreements can be signed via the PDF or via DocuSign. Please check with your unit supervisor if you have more questions.

Coronavirus vaccine requirements and information


All University of Washington employees are required to be fully vaccinated by Oct. 18 as a condition of employment, unless they apply and are approved for an exemption by central UW Human Resources on documented medical or religious grounds. The requirement applies to all UW employees, whether on-site or remote, including student employees. All students also have a vaccination requirement to be enrolled at UW.

All staff members should have attested to their current vaccine status through this Workday webpage. If you have not done this yet, please do so immediately.

The University is creating a process by which proof of vaccination must be submitted for verification. More information will be shared as soon as it becomes available.

COVID-19 symptoms, testing and contact tracing


What if you are sick or are worried you may have COVID-19? If you have symptoms, or confirmed or suspected COVID-19, notify the UW Environmental Health & Safety COVID-19 Response Team at covidehc@uw.edu. You can find more information on this FAQ.

If you enrolled in the Husky Coronavirus Testing program and are doing your daily attestations, you will be offered an at-home test as needed. Starting Monday, Sept. 27, for those who are enrolled in the program, HCT program test kits also will be available on the UW Bothell campus in the Commons Hall (UW2) lobby Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A drop box for completed test kits will be made available.

If you are not enrolled in the HCT program, you will be able to enroll in the program in the Commons Hall (UW2) lobby during the times noted above. At any time, you can find a link to enroll on this webpage.

Contact tracing for the UW community is conducted by UW Environmental Health & Safety. If you are a Washington state resident, you are also encouraged to enroll in WA Notify, a smartphone app that lets you know when you’ve potentially been exposed to COVID-19. This tool is free, private and does not track your activity or identity.

Required masks or face coverings


In order to ensure the health and safety of the University campus community and the public, face coverings are required to be worn at every UW campus, regardless of vaccination status.

All employees can request two free, reusable cloth masks from Facilities. If you forget your mask, you can get one from the single-use mask dispensers that are located next to hand-sanitizing stations in buildings throughout campus.

For more information about how this policy is being enforced across the UW, go to this Face Covering Requirements webpage. Please also see www.uwb.edu/academic-affairs/covid-policies.

Employees violating the masking policy can be reported to Human Resources, and student violations can be reported to Student Conduct, for disciplinary processes. Members of the public not complying with the policy may be reminded of the policy and offered a mask. Should they refuse to wear it, they may be denied service.

Do not attempt to physically block any individual or remove anyone not wearing a mask, and please avoid confrontations over masks. If you are worried about your safety, call Campus Safety at 425.352.5359. Campus Safety personnel are unarmed and trained in de-escalation and trauma-informed mediation. In case these methods do not work, they are authorized to seek the assistance of law enforcement.
 

Building safety, access and hours


Information about safety procedures, testing and related work undertaken by Facilities Services and Campus Operations — including air quality, cleaning and disinfection — can be found in the this FAQ. The FAQ also includes information about capacity restrictions and physical distancing.

For more information on building readiness guidelines, see the link in the center of the main Facilities Services and Campus Operations webpage.

Details on current building hours and access can be found on this Campus Safety webpage. Note: The hours will be extended once autumn quarter starts, and this webpage will be updated. The current plan is to have buildings with classrooms remain open during scheduled class hours.

Eating and drinking protocols, and related information


You can find information about eating and drinking protocols in the this FAQ. New, more detailed UW guidance on eating and drinking can be found on this EH&S webpage.

For the latest information on food options while on the UW Bothell campus, go to this Dining Services webpage.

Campus parking


Autumn quarter and academic annual permits are now available for purchase on this Commuter Services webpage.

Note: In addition to offering two- and three-day permits for fixed days each week, Commuter Services is piloting a flex option during autumn 2021. Employees driving to campus can purchase a supply of 32 daily parking codes for parking on campus any two days per week or 48 daily parking codes for parking on campus any three days per week. This option is available through payroll deduction. These permits expire on Dec. 31, 2021.

Commuter Services has also adjusted hourly rates to provide more value by allowing you to pay by the hour at $1.50 per hour or $10 for all-day parking.

Campus event guidance


For more information on planning and hosting events on the UW Bothell campus — including required forms — go to this Campus Space Reservation webpage.

Note: To host an in-person event, you are required to submit an In-Person Event COVID-19 Prevention Plan form, which can be found on this EH&S webpage.

Welcome back to campus events


We hope that this information-filled email will help answer some of your questions about returning to campus.

We invite you to attend one of the Campus Open Houses that are being hosted by Organizational Excellence & Human Resources to help welcome faculty and staff back to campus.

We encourage you to attend these outdoor events to safely connect with colleagues, have refreshments, hear music and enjoy our beautiful campus.

Please also watch your email for new well-being programming from OE/HR.

The last 18 months have tested our determination both individually and as a campus. We are still in the midst of a pandemic, and we will adjust as needed to keep our community safe. This autumn quarter is a transition period; some things will not go as smoothly as we might like. Please bring any concerns or issues to your manager for resolution.

We are looking forward to being on campus, in community with you once again.

Bjong Wolf Yeigh, Ph.D., F.ASME
Chancellor and Professor of Engineering

S. Gowri Shankar
Vice Chancellor for Planning & Administration

 

September 10, 2021 | Community Conduct Guide on Face Coverings

 

Sent to all Faculty and Staff from the VCAA on behalf of the Office of Student Conduct

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Our Office of Student Conduct has created the University of Washington Community Conduct Guide on Face Coverings (accessible along with other important policies on the Selected COVID Policies page on the Academic Affairs website), which outlines the recommended process for responding to a student who is not wearing a face covering. I know that here have been questions around this and we thank you for your patience. This process is consistent across all three UW campuses. If you need consultation or have questions about the document please email uwb-StudentConduct@uw.edu.

Katie Horowitz & Mary Toll
UW Bothell Office of Student Conduct

September 9, 2021 | UW Bothell instructional guidelines – updated information and resources


Dear UW Bothell faculty and staff:

We write today to update you with more information and resources you may need for the autumn quarter.

As we prepare for fall, it’s helpful to reflect on our strategic plan. One of the three priorities states “UW Bothell is committed to community and campus engagement that enhances the collaborative and reciprocal relationships between students, staff and faculty.” Our instructional responsibility is informed by this strategic plan, by our mission, and by policies and guidance shared across the tri-campus community.

Within the context of the latest (and constantly evolving) state, local and University safety guidelines, UW Bothell will offer a primarily in-person instructional experience for our students. This is in alignment with consistent and repeated messaging from UW leaders and communications from UW Bothell leadership.

We want to provide support to our faculty as they prepare and deliver such an experience. Faculty: We acknowledge the relentless dedication to creativity in teaching that you have always shown, and we want to make resources available to you to continue the spirit of innovation that is a hallmark of scholarly work at UW Bothell.

The chancellor has set aside $175,000 to support emergency instructional needs during academic year 2021-22. Schools should initiate such requests starting now and throughout the autumn quarter. These funds are designated to support faculty who are teaching in-person during the transition back to campus with priority for those who are the most vulnerable within our community. Funding requests will be considered for: a) providing compensation for faculty who substitute for their colleagues when they miss classes because of a COVID-related emergency, b) purchasing technology to support pedagogical needs in the classroom due to COVID-related issues, and c) providing additional peer facilitators to support faculty with their in-person class during a COVID-related emergency.

This is not an exhaustive list so please consult with administrative leaders in your school as they are eager for ways to further support you.

Expectations for instructors during the 2021-22 school year:

  • The UW instructional responsibility policy remains in effect for 2021-22. Following this overarching framework, it is expected that faculty members who are paid from funds generated from tuition, fees and state appropriations will generally be in residence. Note: “in residence” means faculty are physically present to fulfill these instructional duties.
  • The UW instructional responsibility policy also states that “… each academic unit shall establish its own appropriate instructional requirements and implement them.” For the purposes of this policy, UW Bothell is considered an academic unit, thus these guidelines apply equally to all instructional activities occurring within the UW Bothell campus.
  • Faculty who are teaching with a hybrid format are doing so because of pedagogical reasons and have designed these courses to optimize active learning in the classroom.
  • Our hybrid courses will be offered as listed in the time schedule and will not change during the quarter based on personal (or student) preference.
  • Fully remote courses need to be designated as DL (distance learning) and must follow the appropriate designation process.

Options for instructional situations that may occur during 2021-22:

We understand that the pandemic is not over and that unforeseen circumstances may occur during the quarter. Here are the contingency plans we have identified to date.

  • Faculty members and/or those with whom they reside might need to quarantine because of a COVID-19 situation. Should this be the case, you may switch to emergency remote synchronous instruction for the period during which you are quarantined and then resume in-person instruction upon quarantine completion. Please provide information in your syllabus that helps students know how to access technology/spaces that they may need for these occasional situations. There is no expectation that this temporary, emergency transition will require you to develop courses with multiple instructional modes.
  • Faculty members may be quarantining on a full-time basis because of particularly challenging medical issues with those who share their residence. Should this be the case, and if DSO accommodations do not apply, you can make a request to teach remotely for the quarter to your dean. If your dean supports the request, they will submit it for further review to the vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. Please make any such necessary requests as soon as possible. These will be the primary changes to the current time schedule that may occur as we approach the start of the autumn quarter.

Thank you again for your commitment to our students and their success.

As part of our commitment to your success, we continue to work with colleagues across the UW to make and update plans for our return to campus this fall. Watch for more information about campus operations and safety protocols in the coming days and weeks.

Sincerely,

Bjong Wolf Yeigh, Ph.D., F.ASME
Chancellor and Professor of Engineering

Sharon A. Jones, Ph.D., P.E. (CA), BCEE, F.ASEE
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Professor in the Division of Engineering & Mathematics and in Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences

September 7, 2021 | Library Updates

 

Hello everyone,

With Fall Quarter nearing I wanted to share with you our Library re-opening plans.  

Building Hours

We re-opened the Library building on Monday September 20. The Library is open our usual interim hours until classes begin on Wednesday September 29.

  • Interim Hours (September 20-28):  Monday - Friday 9:00am-5:00pm
  • Fall Quarter Hours begin Wednesday September 29
    • Monday - Thursday 8:00am-10:00pm
    • Friday 8:00am-5:00pm
    • Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm
    • Sunday 12:00pm-8:00pm
  • We will be following COVID health and safety protocol

Borrowing Services 

  • On September 20, contact-free pickup was suspended and checkout resumed from the Information Desk on the first floor of the library.
  • Book return locations are available on all 3 campuses.  
  • Items are now being kept on our hold shelves for the standard 7 day period
  • User-initiated renewals and standard loan periods will resume between now and the beginning of fall quarter.
  • Overdue fines accrued between March 6th, 2020 and the first day of Fall Quarter will be cancelled. Overdue fines will resume the first day of the fall quarter.
  • For questions, contact Circulation staff at botcirc@uw.edu. 

Reserves Services

  • UWB and Cascadia College faculty can now drop off materials for scanning and physical Reserves during open hours
  • Access to the Reserves Office space (LB1-311) will be limited to library staff only until further notice. Faculty should drop off materials at the Circulation Desk on the first floor of the Library.
  • All requests will be processed in the order received. 
  • For questions, contact Reserves staff at reserves@uw.edu or 425.352.3650.

Research & Instruction

  • General research help is available 24/7 through our online chat service. This service is staffed by UW Librarians but at peak service times or off-hours you may be chatting with a librarian from another academic library.
  • Librarians are available to work with faculty to integrate information literacy into their courses. Contact your subject librarian to arrange instruction modes for fall quarter; online and remote teaching is encouraged.
  • Open Educational Resources (OER) can save students money on textbooks and provide equitable access to instructional materials. Find open textbooks and more with the Library’s OER Guide.
  • The Library offers platforms such as SPLOTs for open pedagogy projects and can work with faculty to design assignments. Explore the Teaching with Digital Scholarship Tools and Methods guide for ideas.

Digital Scholarship and Open Access Publishing

  • Digital Scholarship Hosting services are available for digital scholarship projects and sharing research. Help is available for project planning, choosing platforms, and learning new tools. Find out more on the Digital Scholarship Guide.
  • Scholarly Publishing and Open Access services support open publishing, the UW’s Faculty Open Access Policy and use of the UW’s open institutional repository, ResearchWorks.
  • For questions, contact Digital Scholarship staff at uwbdsc@uw.edu

In-person services may be limited initially - we very much appreciate your continued support and patience. We are currently working to hire and train 20+ new student employees and fill several staff vacancies.  Any status updates will be posted on the Library website: https://library.uwb.edu/covidupdates and via email.

For more information about the UW Libraries Seattle re-opening plans please see their status updates. 

Wishing everyone all the best.

Sarah Leadley | Associate Dean & Director 
UW Bothell and Cascadia College Library
University of Washington Libraries
425-352-5387 Voice & Relay
leadley@uw.edu
Pronouns: she/her