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Mentha Hynes-Wilson joined the University of Washington Tacoma team as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs in August 2017. Her portfolio includes oversight of the many programs and services that contribute to enhancing student success. She previously served as Associate Vice President at Salisbury University in Maryland, Dean of Student Affairs at the University of California San Diego, Director of Student Life at Princeton University, and Associate Dean of Multicultural Affairs and Student Affairs at Smith College.
Ms. Hynes-Wilson is a champion for students and fiercely committed to educational equity. She has devoted her career to developing, assessing, and improving programs and policies that facilitate access while maximizing opportunities for student success, earning recognition as a trusted, “student-friendly” resource.
Mentha holds a B.A. degree in Ethnic Studies from California State University, Sacramento, and an M.Ed. in Educational Policy and Research from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Her office is located in the Mattress Factory, and all are welcome to stop by and say hello!
From the Desk of Ms. M.
As the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Mentha consistently communicates important campus updates, news, and information to students. Below are records of these emails, sorted by date (recent to oldest).
Dear Students:
Welcome back to campus for spring quarter 2025. For many of you, these are your final classes before you graduate and become Husky alumni. Wherever you are in your student journey, I’m so glad you’re here with us today.
All of us in the Division of Student Affairs know that what’s happening in Washington, D.C., has impacts on many of our students, their friends and families, and their communities. We want to remind you that, whatever challenges you’re facing, you don’t have to get through them alone.
I encourage you to visit the Student Affairs website and explore the Student Support dropdown menu, which includes specific information for immigrant students, veterans and military-connected students, free mental health counseling through Psychological & Wellness Services (PAWS), and many other services and resources. We also have a virtual resource, HuskiesCare, to help with your basic needs and other concerns related to your specific life circumstances.
In times like these, one of the best things you can do is build your community. You may find yours through the Center for Student Involvement, home to UW Tacoma’s Registered Student Organizations, Student Government, and Husky Volunteers. And I’d recommend visiting the Center for Equity and Inclusion for more opportunities to connect with and care for each other.
If you need support, please reach out to us! And please, check in on your friends and encourage them to ask for help, too. We are here to support YOU so you can thrive while you’re a Husky and throughout your life.
Best,
Mentha
This November, you can use your civic voice for matters that impact your daily life by voting in upcoming state and national elections for the President of the United States, the Governor of your home state, Congress, local officials, and numerous ballot initiatives. Voting is a way to exercise your rights and participate in the democratic process.
Our campus is dedicated to educating both a registered and informed citizenry. We encourage civic engagement, brave conversations, and civil discourse, and it starts with registering to vote!
Registering to vote online takes an average of two minutes or less to complete. You can register online here.
Here are some helpful links and notes:
- Voting Resources: Check if you are already registered to vote, request an absentee ballot to receive a ballot to vote from your home (even if you are registered currently in another state or will be in another state at election time), or register to vote through this link.
- The deadline to register or update your voter registration online or by mail for the November 5th election is quickly approaching: October 28th is the last day! After that, you'll need to register in person.
- If you miss the online registration deadline, you can still register in person until November 5th at your county election office. The Pierce County Elections Office is located at 2501 S. 35th St. C., Tacoma. Other county offices can be located at the Find Your Polling Place option under the Voting Resources link above.
- Huskies Vote: This is a UW Tacoma resource where you can get guidance on voting, maps of ballot drop box locations, and details on election-related events and workshops.
On Election Day, the Center for Student Involvement (UWY 107) will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. for in-person assistance. If you've misplaced your Washington state ballot, you can still print a new ballot, vote, and submit it on this day.
Let’s make our voices heard! #HuskiesVote
Best,
Mentha Hynes-Wilson
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Tanya Velasquez
Interim Vice Chancellor, Office of Equity and Inclusion
Holly Wetzel
President, Associated Students of the University of Washington Tacoma (ASUWT)
We want to reaffirm our commitment to fostering a safe, equitable, and inclusive learning environment for all members of our University community. We are also excited to update you on new and expanded services and options available through the UW Title IX Office.
New Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for Students
We are pleased to announce the upcoming launch of a new ADR option for students. ADR is a voluntary, informal process designed to help parties reach mutually agreeable solutions. It will be available later this quarter as an option for resolving allegations of Title IX-related policy violations.
Expanded Services and Support
The Title IX Office now features a team of dedicated and experienced case managers. Navigating resources and options related to sex- and gender-based discrimination, harassment, and violence, or support for pregnancy and related conditions, can be overwhelming. Our team is committed to providing you with the information and support you need. Case managers can help with:
- Supportive measures - Whether you are looking for academic adjustments, mutual restrictions on communication between parties, or other forms of assistance, the Title IX office serves as a centralized resource for accessing support if you have experienced discrimination, harassment, or violence.
- Resolution Options - Formal or informal University processes may be available to address allegations of sex- and gender-based discrimination, harassment, and violence. Our office can provide the information you need to make informed decisions that are right for your situation.
- Pregnancy & related conditions support - Our case managers can help you identify and request modifications to help you stay in school and maintain your academic progress.
Online Title IX report
Last year we launched the Title IX online reporting form, which significantly increased student outreach to Title IX. It has proven to be an easy way for students to request support and options, or simply share information with the Title IX office. This tool allows for anonymous reporting if you prefer to not disclose names. For confidential support, consider contacting the confidential advocate before submitting an online Title IX report.
2024 Title IX Regulations
As you may already be aware, a federal court issued an injunction which paused the implementation of new Title IX rules at UW and many schools across the nation. While this uncertainty may feel unsettling, we want to reassure you that the protections of Title IX remain in effect. Our Title IX office continues its vital work to promote a safe and equitable environment for all students, including protections against discrimination and harassment for LGBTQ+ members of our community.
Thank you for your continued engagement and for being part of our community. We are here to support you, and we look forward to working together to foster a safe and inclusive environment at the University of Washington Tacoma.
We are finishing the first week of the quarter, and I hope you have experienced a good beginning. There is much to explore at the university, like the Makerspace, Husky Commons lounge, and the University Y. The campus community is committed to enriching the student experience, and I want to introduce you to several services.
Food Truck Tuesday
Food trucks will roll through campus every Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to bring you the best local eats. Accepted payment options are cash, debit, credit, and Apple Pay.
The Pantry
The Pantry is open! Now located on the ground floor of William Philip Hall (WPH 010), it provides food and other essentials to students with immediate food needs.
Nourish Mobile Food Truck
Another resource for free groceries operates every Thursday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The Nourish Mobile Food Bank is a large semi-truck that offers a grocery-style setting in the parking lot across from Tacoma Paper & Stationery (TPS).
Safety and Wellbeing
Are you concerned about your well-being or the well-being of others? Counselors at Psychological and Wellness Services (PAWS) and TELUS Health (24/7 mental health and crisis support in multiple languages) can provide individual consultations. Additional resources include the Office of Student Advocacy and Support, and the Health Promotion Specialist. Quiet space is available in the Center for Equity and Inclusion Meditation Room and the UW Y Reflection Room. Individuals who have experienced or observed a bias incident may report it by filing a report.
Student Discounts
Many small businesses near the campus offer discounts, so it's a good idea to ask about student deals when visiting places like Anthem Coffee, Indochine Asian Dining Lounge, Tim’s Kitchen, and the UW Tacoma Shop.
Student Legal Services (SLS)
Student Legal Services provides free 40-minute consultation sessions on legal matters via Zoom or in person at the SLS office on the UW Seattle campus. SLS also offers low-cost legal representation for students.
All of us in Student Affairs and our colleagues across campus are rooting for your success. Multiple resources are available for first-generation students, students with disabilities, veterans and military-connected families, finding childcare, and so much more. Feel free to contact our offices for assistance, and if you see me around campus, please say hello — I will do the same.
P.S. Be sure to obtain your Husky ID Card and check your UW Tacoma email account regularly. The ID is needed to access certain buildings, and the University will use UW email to communicate with you through your years on campus.
July 13, 2024
Dear student:
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.
Classes, labs, and other instruction will occur online. A few classes will be held in person at different locations, and your instructor will let you know if that is the case for you.
All student support offices within Student Affairs, Academic Advising, Library, Equity and Inclusion, and the Teaching and Learning Center remain open remotely. Additionally:
- Students without reliable computers or internet access can borrow laptops, mobile hotspots, and other equipment. For more information, see the IT website or email tachelp@uw.edu.
- Students can access a cool place to study and relax at their local Y. UW Tacoma students have free access to YMCA facilities across the region and the United States.
- The HuskiesCare virtual resource hub identifies additional supports: https://uwtacoma.concerncenter.com.
- Emotional support is available through a variety of services, including Psychological and Wellness Services and TELUS Health (formerly MYSSP).
- The Pantry and the Cupboard will remain closed until further notice. Here is a link to find food resources within the local community: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/454/Food-Banks.
I understand this isn’t the start to the session we had all hoped for. We are working as quickly as possible to resolve the problem, and the University's webpage is the place to find all the latest detailed information. If you have any specific inquiries about your personal situation, please contact your school, department, or the Division of Student Affairs (uwtstudentaffairs@uw.edu).
Sincere regards,
Mentha Hynes-Wilson
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Hello Huskies,
Due to the power outage on campus that started in the early morning of Saturday, July 6, we anticipate interruptions to our food resources. Although we will make every effort to reopen as soon as possible, please keep in mind that if we continue to experience the outage, the Pantry and the Cupboard will remain closed until further notice.
Off-campus resources are available for UW Tacoma students. Here is a link to find food resources within the community: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/454/Food-Banks
The HuskiesCare virtual resource hub identifies additional supports: https://uwtacoma.concerncenter.com/
As soon as we are operational again, we will let you know.
Thank you for your patience, and should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Surtida Shelton at shelton8@uw.edu.
Sincerely,
Mentha Hynes-Wilson
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
To view older communications, see the Vice Chancellor's Communications page.
