Welcome to Autumn 2026 at UW Tacoma

Welcome back for another academic year at the University of Washington Tacoma! On behalf of our entire campus community, we are excited that you're here, and we look forward to all we will accomplish together in the year ahead.

To our new Tacoma Huskies: thank you for choosing to attend UW Tacoma. As a proud “Double Dawg” myself, you should know that you’ve joined a community filled with driven students, dedicated faculty and staff, and infinite opportunities to explore your interests.

For our returning students, faculty and staff — welcome home! If you see someone new on campus, I encourage you to say hello and help them find their way. These small moments can go a long way in helping someone feel welcomed.

Join us for Convocation: Tomorrow (9/30) at 12 p.m.

Tomorrow at noon, we will gather along the Prairie Line Trail for Convocation, an annual celebration marking the start of the new school year.

This joyous event kicks off with a drum line, information booths hosted by campus programs and departments, tasty food trucks, and free giveaways to help you show your Tacoma Husky pride. 

This year's festivities also include some fun surprises. I hope we'll see you there!

We are here to support you

The start of a new school year brings many opportunities and possibilities. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your UW Tacoma experience:

• Get Involved: I encourage you to explore the many resources, supports, and activities available to you across campus. Attending Convocation is a great way to sample them, but you can also learn more by exploring our Student Support resources and visiting DUBNET, UW Tacoma's online student engagement platform.
   
• Know that You Belong Here: UW Tacoma is proud to celebrate the many backgrounds and lived experiences that enrich our university. Each of you brings a unique perspective to our campus community, and with more than 80 registered student organizations, there are plenty of ways to find your place and connect with others. And if what you're looking for doesn't exist yet, you can create it. The Center for Student Involvement can help you get started.
   
• Huskies Work in Packs: One of the things I value most about our university is the way our community shows up for one another. You are not traveling this journey alone, so don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. Our faculty and staff are committed to making UW Tacoma a place where everyone can thrive, and they’re here to support your success.

Thank you for being part of our Tacoma Huskies community. I wish you a wonderful start to the autumn quarter and look forward to seeing you around campus.