I am pleased to report that work has progressed according to plan and we are on track to switch from generators to the main power source on Tuesday. Please plan for the campus to be in suspended in-person operations all day on Tuesday 8/6.

Our plans for moving from phase 1 (generator power) to phase 2 (reconnection to the power grid) are coming together and work is underway. The switch from phase 1 to 2 requires advanced preparation, as well as another day of suspended operations.

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.