The Graduate Student Handbook serves as a comprehensive guide to graduate education at the University of Washington. It is designed to support graduate students in navigating the academic, administrative, and community aspects of graduate study across all three UW campuses.
Campus: Seattle
SafeCampus (Tri-campus)
Call SafeCampus at (206) 685-7233 — no matter where you work or study — to anonymously discuss safety and well-being concerns for yourself or others. SafeCampus is the University of Washington’s violence-prevention and response Program. We support students, staff, faculty and community members in preventing violence.
We’ll listen to your concerns and provide guidance and safety plans tailored to your situation. Our caring, trained professionals will talk you through options and connect you with additional resources if you want them.
Food Pantry (Seattle)
We provide food to students, staff, and faculty who may be experiencing short-term food insecurity. It could be the result of a short-term disruption in finances, a food desert in the local community, or a lack of access to other financial assistance.
If you are making a choice between the food you need for a healthy life and other pressing priorities, we are here to relieve some of the stress of that experience.
Student Legal Services (Tri-campus)
Student Legal Services (SLS) is an on-campus law office that provides a safe and confidential space for all UW-Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell students who have legal questions or concerns. We offer free 40-minute consultations on a broad range of issues. Students can also hire us for ongoing representation for a low hourly rate. We are located in Husky Union Building (HUB) 306.
SLS can assist only currently enrolled UW-Seattle, UW-Tacoma, and UW-Bothell students (undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree-seeking) who have paid the Services & Activities Fee as part of their tuition. Learn more about eligibility.
Emergency Aid (Tri-campus)
Emergency Aid funding assists UW students by providing financial support when assistance is needed with unexpected, unavoidable, and unplanned expenses surrounding situations such as accidents, illness, fire/water damage, or a need for emergency housing and food.
More information:
Civil Rights Compliance Office (Tri-campus)
The Civil Rights Compliance Office (CRC) is responsible for compliance with civil rights laws and University policy. Federal and state laws collectively prohibit discrimination based on protected characteristics, including age, citizenship, disability, national origin or shared ancestry, race, sex, gender, veteran status, and more. We serve the University by making it welcoming to all through education, compassionate response, and fair and timely resolution.
Graduate Student Affairs
Graduate Student Affairs (GSA) uses a holistic approach to supporting current graduate students through student-centered services & programming, timely resources, and intentional university partnerships.
Mission
We strive to promote the well-being of our diverse graduate student body, so they can thrive and be successful at the University of Washington and beyond.
We accomplish this by:
- Coordinating wellness, community, and professional development events
- Sharing tools to plan for your success in graduate school
- Providing informational resources on getting the mentoring you need
- Creating programming for first-generation grad students
We are a unit of The Graduate School and located on the Seattle campus.
Study Abroad (Tri-campus)
Bothell
Spending a part of your university experience abroad will expand your understanding of the world and help you develop global skills – adaptability, intercultural communication, learning on the fly, etc. – that are in high demand by employers and graduate programs. For many students, studying abroad is a transformational experience. Learn more here.
Seattle
Depending on your learning goals, UW Seattle graduate students can participate in faculty-led programs, exchanges, international internships or independent learning. Learn more here.
Tacoma
Studying abroad can expand your understanding of the world and can help you develop cultural awareness all while earning credits towards your UW Tacoma degree. Learn more here.
Office of the Ombud (Tri-campus)
The Office of the Ombud serves the UW community by providing high quality, client-focused services for preventing, managing, navigating and resolving conflict at the UW. We act as thought-partners with clients to assist them in navigating any issue to do with their lives at the UW. Through active participation in the problem-solving process, clients develop the ability to prevent, manage, and resolve future conflicts.
*Patients of UW Medical Center visit the UW Medicine Patient Relations page for resources
Campus Safety (Seattle)
You have a right to live, work, study and socialize in an environment that’s free of violence and harassment. If you have concerns about your or another person’s wellbeing, these services can help.