New Student & Family Programs

Welcome to the University of Washington Tacoma!

Welcome Huskies! We are excited for you to join the UW Tacoma community and hope you are, too! We know joining a campus community mid-year can be challenging. Orientation can help the transition go smoother and enhance your connections to campus. 

Spring 2023 Students: Spring Orientation registration will open in February 2023. 

Autumn 2023 students: Advising and registration sessions and Orientation registration will open in May 2023. 

Here are steps you need to complete to support your transition.

Required Online Steps

 

**Multi-Factor Authentication: The UW requires 2FA for your UW NetID account. You’ll need Duo for 2FA, then you’ll enable 2FA for your UW NetID to access UW online systems, such as Canvas, Zoom, MyUW and others.  Enable 2FA here.

  1. Immunity Verification: You are required to show that you have been vaccinated against or are otherwise immune to measles, mumps and meningococcal meningitis. The deadline is the first day of the quarter. Submit documentation and learn more here.
     
  2. COVID-19: In order to protect the health and safety of our students, faculty, academic personnel, staff and broader community, the University of Washington is requiring all students to be vaccinated against COVID-19, with certain exemptions allowed. Learn more here.
     
  3. Take any placement tests
    Many students need to take a Math Placement Test and all  Admitted Freshmen will receive information about completing the self-directed writing placement reflection. If you plan on taking any Spanish language courses at UW Tacoma, there is also a Spanish Placement Test.

  4. Freshmen & Running Start students must meet with an Academic Advisor before registering for classes. Schedule an appointment with your advisor here. 

    Transfer students are also encouraged to meet with an Academic Advisor, but first let's connect you to the right person!

    Visit our page on How to submit transcripts.

  5. In-person orientation registration 
    Join your fellow new husky classmates for a 2-hour session to learn more about what to expect this Autumn, learn about key resources and where to find your classes, participate in the challenge coin tradition, and be a part of our open house where you will have the opportunity to meet staff & faculty, learn where key offices are, and have an opportunity to win amazing prizes!

    Freshmen & Running Start Students should attend our annual in-person orientation. Please contact uwtstp@uw.edu if you have a hardship and need to request an exemption.

  6. Online Orientation transition course will open February 2023 and you will be sent a link to access to your UW email. Email us at uwtstp@uw.edu if you are having any difficulties accessing the course.
     
  7. Submit your Husky ID card photo at the Photo Submission Portal. After you complete the online orientation, you can pick up your Husky ID at orientation or request ID cards to be mailed to your local address. 

 

Optional Experiences

Pack Advisors

Learn more about and engage with your Pack Advisor!

In-Person Group Orientation

Transfer Students are not required to attend our in-person orientation; however, we highly encourage you to attend so you will be able to meet your fellow new husky classmates as well as receive all of the benefits we offer at our annual in-person orientation. We hope to see you there!

Family Orientation

The Family Orientation experience takes place during the student orientation and will allow you to:

  • Gain more of a feel for the campus community
  • Learn about Campus resources
  • Connect with staff, faculty and current students
  • Learn what it means to be a Husky

Additional Information

Check your UW email often for more information, and reach out to uwtstp@uw.edu if you have any questions! 

International Students

If you are an international student, visit the International Student & Scholar Services website for additional orientation requirements: www.tacoma.uw.edu/oga/isss-orientation

Disability Resources for Students

Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made at least 10 days in advance to an event. To request an accommodation, including American Sign Language interpretation, contact the office of Student Transitions & Success at 253-692-4421 or by email at uwtstp@uw.edu. 

COVID-19

The University of Washington has been taking actions to support the region’s efforts against the COVID-19 outbreak. For current information about campus operations, please read the Coronavirus/COVID-19 Facts and Resource: https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/chancellor/resources-students-during-coronavirus-pandemic

Questions?

If you have any questions, email uwtstp@uw.edu. Please be prepared to provide your first name, last name and student ID number in your email.