2026-27
Parent
& Family
Guide
1
Congratulations!
We’re honored that your student has chosen to become
a Husky. And we’re excited to show you everything the
UW has to offer for your student — and for you.
Contents
01
Welcome
02
Stay connected
04
The Husky Experience
06
Finding community
08
Academics
10
Health & safety
12
Living & dining
14
Finances
16
Transportation
18
Policies
20
Resources
22
Talk with your Husky
24
Calendar
We mean “family” in the broadest sense, aware that behind
each Husky, there may be a variety of loved ones and role
models who helped them get where they are. If you've
helped guide, raise or care for a UW student, you are part
of the UW family. We're glad you're here!
You and your Husky are about to embark on a life-changing
experience with the University of Washington — and we’ll
be here to help and celebrate with you along the way!
UW vision & values
The UW educates a diverse student
body to become responsible
global citizens and future leaders
through a challenging learning
environment informed by cutting-
edge scholarship. Our core values
are integrity, diversity, excellence,
collaboration, innovation and
respect. The University’s vision and
strategic priorities reflect the core
values and culture that make us
great and unique.
uw.edu/about/visionvalues
welcome to
the uw family
3
OFFICE OF PARENT &
FAMILY PROGRAMS
Jannah Maresh, Director
uwparent@uw.edu
UW FAMILY NEWS, EVENTS
AND ANSWERS TO YOUR
QUESTIONS
•
uw.edu/parents/connect
Sign up for the UW Parent Insider
newsletter, listen to the Husky
Huddle Up podcast and more!
•
Family events throughout the year:
uw.edu/parents/family-events
•
UW family social media:
Share the digital
version of this
guide with your
UW family!
STAY CONNECTED
WITH PFP
What I enjoyed most was
how everyone at the UW
participated as a team — that
makes me confident my Husky
will be in good hands, in a place
where she feels safe and will
have the proper support."
Your role in your student's life is changing —
but it's as important as ever.
The UW Parent & Family Programs (PFP) team is your on-campus partner at the UW.
We look forward to welcoming you to our UW family, keeping you connected to
campus, enriching your family's UW experience and providing equitable access to
resources and information in support of your Husky's success.
Join us for New Family Orientation sessions, where you can connect with other
first-year families, meet UW staff and learn about programs to support your Husky's
successful transition to college.
Licona family,
SeaTac, WA
@uw family
@uw_parents
Student advising guides
Whether your Husky is a first-year, second-year
or transfer student, our online advising guides help
them explore their interests, get involved in campus
life and set goals for a rewarding college experience.
uw.edu/uaa/advising/guides
Community Engagement
& Leadership Education
(CELE) Center
Programs that combine academic coursework with
community-based learning, democratic engagement
and leadership, including paid internships in nonprofit
and public-sector organizations.
cele.uw.edu
UW Athletics
The whole UW community takes pride in Husky
sports! Full-time UW students can buy discounted
Dawg Pack tickets for football and men’s
basketball. Other sports events are free for
students with a Husky Card.
gohuskies.com
CIRCLE
The Center for International Relations & Cultural
Leadership Exchange (CIRCLE) supports and
advocates for international students at the UW
and brings together international and U.S.
students for community, cultural exchange,
leadership experiences and more.
uw.edu/circle
Student clubs
With more than 1,000 choices, student clubs are a
great way to find community and get involved in
campus life.
huskylink.washington.edu
Fraternity & sorority life
The UW is home to nearly 60 fraternities and
sororities, creating a vibrant community of about
4,000 students. Fraternity & Sorority Life at the
UW takes pride in upholding high standards of
academic excellence, leadership and philanthropy.
uw.edu/ofsl
UW Recreation
UW Recreation helps your Husky stay healthy, be
fit and have fun! From yoga to weight-lifting, golf to
climbing, swimming to kayaking, plus a wide range
of intramural sports, UW Rec offers endless ways
to enjoy being active.
uw.edu/ima
Arts events, programs
and museums
Hundreds of music, theater, dance, literary and
other performance events across campus each
year, and free admission for students to the UW’s
world-class museums: the Burke Museum of
Natural History and Culture, Henry Art Gallery
and Jacob Lawrence Gallery.
arts.uw.edu
Study, travel or volunteer abroad
The Husky Experience goes global with opportunities
around the world where students can spend a summer,
quarter or year. Courses may count toward a major, a
minor or general-education requirements. Scholarships
are available.
uw.edu/studyabroad
Undergraduate research
When students participate in research, they get hands-
on experience, collaborate with mentors, develop
critical-thinking skills and gain a deeper understanding
of their field — helping them reach their academic and
professional goals.
uw.edu/undergradresearch
5
A student club where lifelong friendships are forged. An
internship that opens up unexpected career paths. Performing
arts or sports where your student can share their talents.
Volunteering in the community to help those in need.
These are all part of the Husky Experience.
At the UW, pursuing a
degree is just part of the
education. Here are some
resources to help your
Husky make the most of
their experience.
the husky
experience
7
At the UW, we value and honor the spectrum of lived experiences, and we strive to
create a home away from home for students of all backgrounds. Across campus, your Husky
will find welcoming groups and spaces where they can build cultural community with
others who know where they’re coming from. And the Office of Minority Affairs &
Diversity (OMA&D), rooted in student-led activism, works to foster diversity and equity
on campus and support students from communities that have often been excluded from
higher education.
uw.edu/omad
Student clubs & activities
The Student Activities Office encourages
students to participate in clubs and student
government as an excellent way to find
community on campus, develop new skills and
meet new friends. Just a few examples of many:
American Sign Language Club
Black Student Union
Desi Dhamaka
First Nations at UW
First Generation Leaders in pre-Law
Latine Student Union
Mixed Student Union
Trans Collective
Vietnamese Student Association
Women in Computing
... and many more!
For more info on identity-based student clubs,
contact the Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center:
depts.uw.edu/ecc
Or search the full directory of student clubs and
activities:
hub.washington.edu/get-involved
Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic
Cultural Center
The largest and oldest college cultural center in the
U.S., the ECC provides welcoming spaces to study and
meet, including a computer lab, dance studio, social
justice library, wellness room, Leadership Without
Borders center and much more.
depts.uw.edu/ecc
Disability Resources for
Students (DRS)
Part of the Division of Student Life, DRS works
to ensure access and inclusion for students
with temporary or ongoing physical, health,
learning, sensory or psychological disabilities.
depts.uw.edu/uwdrs
The Q Center
The professionally supported Q Center offers
resources, advocacy, mentoring and community for
LGBTQIA+ students. From its welcoming space in the
HUB, the Q Center serves students, faculty, staff and
alumni of all sexual and gender orientations, identities
and expressions.
sites.uw.edu/qcenter
wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ
– Intellectual House
A longhouse-style facility on campus,
wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ
–
Intellectual House is a learning and gathering space
for American Indian and Alaska Native students, faculty
and staff, and a place where people of all cultures
and communities come together in a welcoming
environment to share knowledge.
uw.edu/omad/intellectual-house
Women’s Center
At the UW Alene Moris Women’s Center, people of all
genders collaborate to build a culture of gender equity
campuswide, locally and globally — with education
programs, leadership development and advocacy for
girls and women.
uw.edu/womenscenter
finding
community
9
Academic advising & support
GENERAL ADVISING
Most UW students begin their academic
journey with advising from Undergraduate
Academic Affairs (UAA). UAA advisers help
students clarify their academic and personal
goals, explore majors, register for courses
and track progress toward their degrees.
uw.edu/uaa/advising/about-us
SCHOOL OR DEPARTMENTAL
ADVISING
As students research specific majors, they
may consult advisers in those programs.
Once they’re admitted to their degree
programs, they’ll continue to work with
advisers until they graduate.
SPECIALIZED ADVISING
•
Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity
(OMA&D) Advising:
Holistic advising
and academic support for students in the
Educational Opportunity Program, College
Assistance Migrant Program, Champions
Program and TRIO Student Support
Services.
depts.uw.edu/omadcs
•
The
Honors Program
and
Student-
Athlete Academic Services
offer
specialized advising for the students
they serve.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
•
Academic Success Coaching:
Peer
coaches help students develop study
strategies and create a personalized
plan to achieve their academic goals.
academicsupport.uw.edu/coaching
•
Center for Learning & Undergraduate
Enrichment (CLUE):
In-person and online
tutoring center and exam reviews for
specific subjects, faciliated by peer tutors.
academicsupport.uw.edu/clue
•
Odegaard Writing & Research Center:
Individualized writing and research help
for all students.
depts.uw.edu/owrcweb
•
OMA&D Instructional Center:
Tutoring,
study groups and supplemental instruction
for Huskies who are affiliated with OMA&D
and the Instructional Center.
depts.uw.edu/ic
•
First-year Interest Groups (FIGs):
Learning is more fun with friends. Through
FIGs, small groups of students take a series
of courses together and often form study
groups outside of class.
fyp.uw.edu/figs
•
University Libraries:
With up-to-date
research sources and support, individual
and group study spaces and help in person
and online, UW Libraries connects students
to the resources they need.
lib.uw.edu
Exploring majors
Your UW student can pursue one or more
of over 180 majors. No matter what they
choose, they’ll gain a great education from
one of the world’s top universities. Learn
more about majors:
uw.edu/uaa/advising/
degree-overview/majors
Exploring careers
Pursuing a major at the UW opens up many
career paths and directions that a student
might not have considered or even heard
of before. English majors might work at
Microsoft. Anthropologists could work in
government. A degree in public health opens
doors to a multitude of health-care careers
beyond physician and nurse. With a UW
degree, anything is possible.
careers.uw.edu
academics
11
HEALTH & SAFETY
Physical & mental health
Husky Health Center
Your student has access to an on-campus
medical clinic — part of UW Medicine —
for everything from a lingering cold to
a sports injury. No need to find an off-
campus doctor; walk-in and scheduled
appointments are available.
wellbeing.uw.edu/topic/medical-get-
started
LiveWell
College is where your student builds the
health habits they’ll carry for life — handling
sleep, stress, nutrition and substance use.
LiveWell offers programs and practical tools
to help them make good choices.
wellbeing.uw.edu/livewell
Counseling Center
When your student needs someone to talk
to, the Counseling Center offers one-on-
one and group counseling, phone and video
appointments, and online workshops — at
no out-of-pocket cost. It’s one of the most
important resources on campus, and
students don’t need to be in crisis to use it.
mentalhealth.uw.edu
Husky Assist
If your student is in distress — emotional
crisis, substance concerns or just a moment
that feels like too much — Husky Assist
can send a mental health professional
directly to them on campus. Available
Mon.–Fri., 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Call 206-543-9331.
uw.edu/husky-assist
Concerned about your student?
If something feels off — a worrying phone call,
a change in behavior, or a situation you’re not
sure how to navigate — Parent & Family
Programs can help you connect with the right
campus support. You don’t need to have all
the answers; you just need to reach out.
uw.edu/parents
From exceptional medical care and mental-health counseling to
recreation classes, safety resources, peer advocates, trainings
and more, the UW offers a breadth of resources to keep students
healthy and well cared for. Learn more:
wellbeing.uw.edu
Safety
Nothing is more important than the safety of our UW students and community. With a range
of services and systems, from peer supports to the full-service UW Police Department (UWPD)
with its 911 dispatchers and detectives, the UW is dedicated to the safety of students, faculty,
staff and visitors 24/7.
Division of Campus Community
Safety
Oversees UW safety and emergency response.
uw.edu/safety
UW Police Department
police.uw.edu
Emergency:
911
Non-emergency:
206-685-UWPD (8973)
SafeCampus
A non-police resource for student
safety and well-being. Trained, caring
professionals provide support and guidance.
uw.edu/safecampus
206-685-7233
UW Alert
Text-message and email alerts about
emergencies affecting campus operations
or the health or safety of the UW
community. Your Husky can sign you up.
uw.edu/safety/alert
Safety resources for students
Huskies watch out for each other. Review
the University’s many personal and campus
resources to help keep our Husky community
safe.
uw.edu/safety/resources
Nighttime safety escorts
NightRide is a free nighttime shuttle for riders
with a Husky ID card. And SafeTrip offers a
safe ride home at night with a uniformed
UW security guard.
police.uw.edu/services/
safetyescortservices
Civil Rights & Title IX reports
Report concerns related to discrimination,
harassment or sexual misconduct through the
online Civil Rights & Title IX reporting form.
A civil rights case manager will respond with
information and guidance.
uw.edu/civilrights/make-a-report
Hazing prevention
Hazing can happen in any student organization,
club, fraternity, sorority, athletic team or
beyond. Hazing behavior can cause emotional,
psychological or physical danger or harm. For
more information about hazing-related UW
policies, practices, services and resources:
uw.edu/hazingprevention
Nearly 10,000 UW students live, study and socialize in campus
residence halls and apartments managed by UW Housing &
Food Services (HFS). These home bases promote academic
success with supportive residential communities, study spots,
makerspaces, fitness centers and more.
UW Dining offers more than 20 dining
locations across campus, including two
large residential dining halls and the
Husky Den food court, several cafes and
restaurants including Starbucks, two
grocery stores and a micromarket.
Learn more about how to make the UW
your #HuskyHome:
hfs.uw.edu/live
For off-campus housing, check out these
guides for help starting your search:
uw.edu/studentlife/living-dining
13
CONTACTS
UW Housing & Food Services
hfs.uw.edu
hfs.uw.edu/parents-families
HFS Student Services
myhfs.housing.uw.edu
hfsinfo@uw.edu
206-543-4059
LIVING & DINING
15
Paying tuition and fees
Students pay tuition and fees each
quarter they are enrolled. Tuition can
be paid through the student’s MyUW
account. Your student must submit an
online Information Release Authorization
to give family members or others access
to tuition billing and reminders.
finance.uw.edu/sfs/students/info-
release
Paying for housing and food
UW housing and dining payments are
made to Housing & Food Services (HFS) —
by credit card on your Husky’s MyHFS
homepage, by check (in person or by mail)
or with Flywire for international students.
Any financial aid remaining after paying
tuition and fees will be automatically
transferred to pay quarterly housing and
dining charges.
myhfs.housing.uw.edu
(NetID required)
Students living in residence halls can
authorize family members to access their
housing and dining accounts and billing
reminders through MyHFS.
hfs.uw.edu/parents-families
Husky Card
Your student’s Husky Card is not only
their student ID — it’s also linked to their
Husky Card account and can be used to
pay for on-campus dining, vending
machines, copying, printing and more! You
can deposit funds into your student’s Husky
Card account online.
hfs.uw.edu/husky-card-services
huskycrd@uw.edu
206-543-7222
Submit your Husky Card photo
online now!
Avoid the lines when your student gets
to campus — ensure they submit their
Husky Card photo online before Sept. 1 to
have their card mailed to their permanent
address on file.
hfs.uw.edu/hc-photo
CONTACTS
Student Fiscal Services
finance.uw.edu/sfs
sfshelp@uw.edu
206-543-4694
Office of Student Financial Aid
finaid.uw.edu
osfa@uw.edu
206-543-6101
Office of Merit Scholarships,
Fellowships & Awards
expd.uw.edu/scholarships
UW Work Study
uw.edu/workstudy
FINANCES
Tuition & housing payment
due dates:
Oct. 16 • Jan. 22 • April 16
Student employment & internships
The Career & Internship Center offers career
coaching, career planning workshops and
quarterly employer events. It also sponsors
Handshake, the UW’s online job-and-internship
database. With Handshake, any student can
search for part-time or full-time jobs and
internships, throughout the University and
beyond. Students whose financial aid includes
work-study awards can be employed in work-
study jobs up to 19 hours a week when classes
are in session.
careers.uw.edu
Money management
Tools and tips to help your Husky build their
financial well-being and literacy:
uw.edu/financialaid/money-management
17
The
U-PASS
makes getting around a
breeze — no car required.
Each student’s quarterly U-PASS fees let them access public
transit with their Husky Card, including unlimited rides
on Metro and regional buses, as well as Link light rail. The
U-PASS also provides discounts on vanpools, carpools and
transportation-related items.
Learn more:
transportation.uw.edu/students
The
Commuter & Transfer Commons
in the Husky Union
Building (HUB) offers day-use lockers, phone chargers,
a kitchenette, changing and lactation rooms, a study area
and other resources.
fyp.washington.edu/ctc
Limited parking options
are available to students.
TRANSPORTATION
19
Sharing student
information with families
Parent notification and student privacy
To learn how your student can give you
access to financial, health, housing and dining
records, please visit
uw.edu/parents/forms
.
Talk to your student about how they can share
their information with you.
Learn more about how we protect student
privacy:
privacy.uw.edu
Student conduct
As a member of the UW community,
your student is expected to demonstrate
integrity in all their endeavors. The
Student Conduct Code outlines
behavioral expectations intended to
foster a community that is welcoming and
supportive of all students. The Student
Conduct Code also outlines academic
expectations that students are expected
to uphold as they work toward earning
their degree.
The Washington Administrative Code
(WAC) 478-121 and two companion
policies, Student Governance Policy
Chapter 209 and Chapter 210, apply to
all students; students are expected to
make themselves aware of and comply
with the law and with Washington and
campus policies and regulations.
The UW Student Conduct Code was
developed to maintain a safe, supportive
and inclusive community that engages
students in order to foster their
academic success, personal growth and
responsible citizenship.
uw.edu/cssc
19
POLICIES
21
HUSKY EXPERIENCE & FINDING COMMUNITY
ArtsUW
arts.uw.edu
206-543-4880
Center for Experiential Learning and
Diversity (EXPD)
expd.uw.edu
206-543-4282
expd@uw.edu
Center for International Relations &
Cultural Leadership Exchange (CIRCLE)
uw.edu/circle
206-685-4004
uwcircle@uw.edu
Community Engagement &
Leadership Education (CELE) Center
cele.uw.edu
206-616-9768
celecenter@uw.edu
Husky Union Building (HUB)
hub.washington.edu
206-543-8191
thehub@uw.edu
International Student Services (ISS)
iss.uw.edu
206-221-7857
Office of Fraternity and
Sorority Life (OFSL)
uw.edu/ofsl
206-543-1810
ofsl@uw.edu
Office of Student Veteran Life (OSVL)
vetlife.washington.edu
206-221-0830
vetlife@uw.edu
The Q Center (LGBTQ+
resource center)
sites.uw.edu/qcenter
206-616-7296
qcenter@uw.edu
Residential Life Activities &
Living Learning Communities
hfs.uw.edu/experience
Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center (ECC)
depts.washington.edu/ecc
206-543-4635
ecc@uw.edu
Student Activities Office (SAO)
hub.washington.edu/sao
206-543-2380
sao@uw.edu
Undergraduate Research Program
uw.edu/undergradresearch
undergradresearch@uw.edu
Undocumented Student Resources
uw.edu/admissions/undocumented
206-685-6301
undocu@uw.edu
UW Study Abroad
uw.edu/studyabroad
206-221-4404
studyabroad@uw.edu
Washington Athletics (Go Dawgs!)
gohuskies.com
206-543-2200
tickets@uw.edu
wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ
– Intellectual House
uw.edu/omad/intellectual-house
206-616-7066
welebalt@uw.edu
Women’s Center (Alene Moris
Women’s Center)
uw.edu/womenscenter
206-685-1090
womens@uw.edu
ACADEMIC ADVISING & SUPPORT
Academic Support Programs (ASP):
CLUE Tutoring & Academic
Success Coaching
academicsupport.uw.edu
aspuw@uw.edu
206-543-5755
Undergraduate Advising
advising.uw.edu
206-543-2550
advice@uw.edu
Departmental & Major Advising Offices
advising.uw.edu/academic-support/
advising-offices-by-program
College of Engineering Undergraduate
Academic Advising
engr.washington.edu/current/academics
206-543-1770
engradv@uw.edu
Disability Resources for Students (DRS)
depts.washington.edu/uwdrs/
parents-and-family
206-543-8924 (Voice & Relay)
uwdrs@uw.edu
Foster School of Business Advising
foster.uw.edu/academics/degree-programs/
undergraduate-programs/advising
206-685-3400
bizinfo@uw.edu
Honors Advising & Resources
honors.uw.edu/advising
206-543-7444
uwhonors@uw.edu
Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity
(OMA&D) Academic Counseling Services
depts.washington.edu/omadcs
206-543-7132
Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity
Instructional Center (IC)
depts.washington.edu/ic
206-543-4240
ic@uw.edu
Student-Athlete Academic Services
gohuskies.com/sports/academics
saas@uw.edu
University Libraries
lib.uw.edu
Suzzallo & Allen Libraries: 206-543-0242
Odegaard Undergraduate Library &
Computer Lab: 206-543-2990
LIVING & DINING
Housing & Food Services (HFS)
hfs.uw.edu
206-543-4059
hfsinfo@uw.edu
Resident Online Account
myhfs.housing.uw.edu
Resident Dining Program
Dining Accounts
hfs.uw.edu/eat/resident-dining
Off-Campus Housing
Housing options, estimated costs
& neighborhoods
uw.edu/studentlife/living-dining
Student Legal Services (SLS)
Free service rental & lease agreements review
depts.washington.edu/slsuw
Husky Union Building 306
206-543-6486
slsuw@uw.edu
SAFETY
Division of Campus Community Safety
uw.edu/safety
Safety Resources:
uw.edu/safety/resources
Nighttime Safety & Escort Services
police.uw.edu/safety-escort-services
SafeTrip: 206-685-9255
NightRide: 206-685-3146
Office of the Title IX Coordinator
uw.edu/titleix
206-221-7932
titleix@uw.edu
SafeCampus
uw.edu/safecampus
206-685-7233
safecampus@uw.edu
UW Alert
Text & email alerts
uw.edu/safety/alert
UW Police Department
police.uw.edu
Emergency: 911
Non-emergency: 206-685-UWPD (8973)
HEALTH
Counseling Center
mentalhealth.uw.edu
206-543-1240
Hazing Prevention
uw.edu/hazingprevention
206-685-2376
nohazing@uw.edu
Husky Assist
uw.edu/husky-assist
206-543-9331
Husky Health Center
wellbeing.uw.edu/unit/husky-health
206-685-1011
After-hours nurse advice: 206-520-7511
uwhhc@uw.edu
Husky Health & Well-Being
wellbeing.uw.edu
LiveWell: Health Promotion &
Prevention
wellbeing.uw.edu/livewell
206-543-6085
livewell@uw.edu
UW Medical Center–Montlake
uwmedicine.org
206-598-3300
CAREER & MAJOR EXPLORATION
Academic Planning for Major &
Careers
uw.edu/uaa/advising/degree-overview/
majors/majors-and-careers
Career & Internship Center
careers.uw.edu
206-543-0535
askcic@uw.edu
Career Center @ Engineering
engr.washington.edu/current/careercenter
206-221-8423
engrhire@uw.edu
Community Engagement &
Leadership Education (CELE) Center
cele.uw.edu
206-616-9768
celecenter@uw.edu
Foster School of Business Career
Services
foster.uw.edu/careers
206-221-6858
bzcareer@uw.edu
Graduate School Planning
careers.uw.edu/channels/graduate-school
Handshake
Job & internship search
careers.uw.edu/resources/handshake
UW PathwayU
Career & degree planning tool
uw.pathwayu.com
FINANCES
Husky Card Office
hfs.uw.edu/husky-card-services
206-543-7222
huskycrd@uw.edu
Office of Merit Scholarships,
Fellowships & Awards
Scholarship search
expd.uw.edu/scholarships
206-543-2603
scholarq@uw.edu
Office of Student Financial Aid
Scholarships, loans, veteran benefits
uw.edu/financialaid
osfa@uw.edu
206-543-6101
Student Fiscal Services
Tuition payments
finance.uw.edu/sfs
206-543-4694
sfshelp@uw.edu
Work Study Office
uw.edu/workstudy
206-685-1985
workstdy@uw.edu
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation Services
Public transportation, passes & parking
transportation.uw.edu/students
206-221-3701
ucommute@uw.edu
U-PASS
Public transportation pass
transportation.uw.edu/u-pass
206-221-3701
Commuter & Transfer Commons
Dedicated space for commuter & transfer students
ctc.fyp.uw.edu
206-616-6326
ctcuw@uw.edu
POLICIES
FERPA for Students
registrar.washington.edu/students/ferpa
FERPA for parents and families
uw.edu/parents/forms
Community Standards & Student
Conduct
uw.edu/cssc
206-685-6194
cssc@uw.edu
RESOURCES
SUPPORT STUDENTS FIRST
Gifts to the UW Parent & Family Fund support programs
that enrich the Husky Experience for all students,
bolstering academic support and research, safety and
community resources, major and career preparation
and health and wellness.
uw.edu/parents/support
23
The Parent & Family Programs team suggests the following topics to help you
spark conversation, strengthen understanding, seek resources and support a
growth mindset during your Husky's first year.
talk with your husky
SUMMER BEFORE COMING TO CAMPUS
STAYING CONNECTED
»
How you and your student will communicate while
they’re at school: what methods and how often
»
Coordinating holidays and travel (use the calendar
in this guide)
FINANCES AND FORMS
»
Submitting their Husky Card photo online now, to
avoid the lines in September
(hfs.uw.edu/hc-photo)
»
Giving family members access to tuition and housing
bills
(see uw.edu/parents/forms)
»
Learning how to fill out medical and financial forms
»
Budgeting and building credit with responsible use
of credit and debit cards
LIFE SKILLS
»
Keeping a screenshot/photo of the front and back of
their health insurance card
»
Learning how to cook — perhaps an easy favorite
meal and basic cooking skills
»
Learning how to clean their spaces and bathroom,
how to do laundry
»
Adding important dates and deadlines to shared
family calendar (first day of class, UW Family
Weekend, winter break)
PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH
»
Learn about the services provided at Husky Health
Center, the UW student health center
»
Learn how to access mental-health services at UW
Counseling Center
»
Learn about after-hours and emergency care on
and near campus
(uw.edu/parents/resources/
health-safety)
»
International families can get ISHIP insurance for
their student
(iship.uw.edu)
BEFORE OR DURING MOVE-IN WEEK
LIFE SKILLS
»
How to pay tuition, housing and food fees — and
add due dates to family calendar
»
Explore University Way (“the Ave”) and U Village for
nearby groceries, pharmacies, restaurants and shops
PERSONAL SAFETY
»
Have your student add/confirm their current contact
information on
my.uw.edu
»
Confirm that they’re signed up to receive emails
and/or texts from UW Alert
(uw.edu/safety/alert)
»
Make a personal safety plan by sharing emergency
contacts (like a friend or roommate) for family
members to call in case of emergency
»
Being aware of their surroundings (on public transit,
late at night, etc.)
»
Add contacts on their phone for UW nighttime safety
services (NightRide and SafeTrip)
(police.uw.edu/
safety-escort-services)
PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH
»
Visit Husky Health Center, the UW student health
center
»
Explore UW Recreation — visit the IMA gym and the
Waterfront Activities Center
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
»
Developing time-management and planning skills
»
Spending at least two hours studying for every
hour in class
»
Seeking tutoring and academic support before they
need it
»
Using general-education courses to discover career
options
STUDENT PRIVACY & FAMILY ACCESS
»
How to know about your student’s grades — they
can only be accessed and shared by your Husky, per
FERPA guidelines
»
Reviewing the forms students can fill out to give
families access to tuition and housing bills, financial
aid info and more
(uw.edu/parents/forms)
»
Keeping UW user IDs and passwords private, even
with family members, as part of student conduct,
data privacy and academic policies
TRANSPORTATION
»
How to use public transportation (buses, light rail,
water taxi) with their Husky Card
»
Transportation safety (being aware of surroundings,
using Seattle & King County transit apps, etc.) during
the day or night
»
Bicycle and scooter safety
»
Connect with UW Transportation for commuting
options
THROUGHOUT THEIR FIRST QUARTER
STAYING CONNECTED
»
Communicating after their first midterms and finals
»
If you initiate the conversation, try asking about their
time-management or test-preparation experiences
rather than grades
»
Ask what types of encouragement and support your
student wants or needs
»
Listen to their frustrations, disappointments, ups
and downs — consider empathizing rather than
immediately offering solutions. Try asking them what
solutions they’ve considered. Sometimes they might
just want a listening ear.
LIVING & DINING
»
How is it going with roommates or others in their
residence hall?
»
Managing conflict or roommate issues with their
resident advisers (RAs)
»
Encourage your student to seek out their Residence
Life team — they host academic and social
gatherings to build community
PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH
»
Taking time for self-care
(wellbeing.uw.edu/
recreation/self-care)
»
How are they sleeping, eating, getting exercise?
»
Do they know how and when to seek physical and
mental health care if they need it?
DURING WINTER BREAK OR THEIR
SECOND QUARTER
THE HUSKY EXPERIENCE
»
Looking for campus jobs or internships, scheduling
a meeting with a UW career coach
(careers.uw.edu)
»
Finding and building their UW family on campus,
balancing academic and social life
»
Seeking out research opportunities
(uw.edu/
undergradresearch)
, or consider applying for a UW
Honors program
(honors.uw.edu)
»
Spring quarter might be a great time to try out a
class in a new subject or department
PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH
»
Check in about physical and mental health
»
Making time for self-care, exercise, being outdoors
»
How are their eating and sleeping habits? What are
they doing for fun? Do they have friends that they
spend time with?
SPRING BREAK PLANNING
»
Scheduling a spring check-in with their adviser
»
Developing leadership skills and getting involved in
UW clubs and organizations
»
Choosing one or two places to explore in Seattle by
bus or light rail
»
Making sure to enjoy the cherry blossoms on the Quad!
25
SUMMER 2026 QUARTER
July 9–Aug. 20
New Family Orientation sessions
August
Regional summer sendoffs
Aug. 21
College Edge residence hall move-in
Aug. 24–Sept. 18
College Edge course session
Aug. 31
Last day to change autumn quarter
dining plan
Sept. 10–16
Interfraternity Council (IFC) &
Panhellenic Association (PHA) primary
recruitment
Sept. 22–25
Residence hall move-in and family
lounge
Sept. 25
Check tuition account for financial
aid disbursements
Sept. 27
Convocation & Husky Kickoff
AUTUMN 2026 QUARTER
Sept. 30
Classes begin
Oct. 6
Last day to make changes or withdraw
without fees
Oct. 16
Autumn tuition and residence hall
charges due
Nov. 6–7
UW Family Weekend
Nov. 11
Veterans Day (no classes)
Nov. 26
Thanksgiving (no classes)
Nov. 27
Native American Heritage Day
(no classes)
Nov. 30
Last day to change winter quarter
dining plan
Dec. 11
Classes end
Dec. 12–18
Finals week
Dec. 19–Jan. 3
Winter break
Dec. 31
Check tuition account for financial aid
disbursements
WINTER 2027 QUARTER
Jan. 4
Classes begin
Jan. 10
Last day to make changes or withdraw
without fees
Jan. 18
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (no classes)
Jan. 22
Winter tuition and residence hall
charges due
Jan 30
1098 tax form available at my.uw.edu
Feb. 15
Presidents Day (no classes)
Feb. 28
Last day to change spring quarter
dining plan
March 12
Classes end
March 13–19
Finals week
March 20–28
Spring break
March 26
Check tuition account for financial
aid disbursements
SPRING 2027 QUARTER
March 29
Classes begin
April 4
Last day to make changes or withdraw
without fees
April 16
Spring tuition and residence hall
charges due
May 31
Memorial Day (no classes)
June 4
Classes end
June 5–11
Finals week
June 11
Commencement — Tacoma
June 12
Commencement — Seattle
June 13
Commencement — Bothell
June 12–20
Summer break
Family events — visit
uw.edu/parents/family-events
for details
Religious accommodations
Students may request religious accommodations online
during the first two weeks of each quarter.
registrar.washington.edu/religious-accommodations
Post this page somewhere handy!
And consider adding these dates to your
family calendar.
View digital Dawg Dates & Deadlines
UW academic calendar (current and future)
uw.edu/students/reg/calendar.html
2026-27
dawg dates & deadlines
1410 NE Campus Parkway, Box 355852
Seattle, WA 98195-5852
