Thanks to the tireless, diligent work of so many people, we are well on the way to reopening this Monday (7/22)! I am pleased to provide an update, as well as important details to assist us in preparing for returning to campus.

By now, you have likely seen the emergency update. Due to a power outage caused by a vehicle accident, campus buildings including the University YMCA Student Center, are currently closed through July 20 and possibly longer.

As faculty scheduled to teach either full or B term this summer, we wanted to send some updates about the ongoing power outage on campus. Currently, campus operations are fully remote through July 20.

Teams including staff and leaders from UW Tacoma, along with representatives from UW’s central emergency management and IT, have been working tirelessly to identify a solution to the outage. The extent of the damage is significant.

On July 6, a tragic car accident resulted in severe damage to the campus electrical system. This has led to a campus-wide power outage, with the exception of Court 17 and other limited areas. We do not yet have an estimated day or time for power to be restored.

Throughout June and into July, we celebrate Pride Month and honor the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, intersex, ally, asexual plus other identities) members of our community.

It is my pleasure to announce that Tanya Velasquez has agreed to serve as Interim Vice Chancellor for Equity & Inclusion.

This year, June 19 marks 159 years since enslaved people in Confederate territory learned in 1865 they had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation.

You may have noticed the field of flags recently placed on campus. Our Veterans & Military Resource Center (VMRC) brings together members of our military community to plant these small flags as a tribute to the meaning of Memorial Day.

We are delighted to announce the 2024 recipients of annual awards recognizing distinguished teaching, research, community engagement and alumni. These individuals have been selected by their colleagues to recognize outstanding work that upholds the mission of UW Tacoma.