Once again, Autumn quarter seems to have flown by! As we all continue to grow accustomed, (or not!), to this different way of working and interacting, let's pause to celebrate the great work we've done and the resilience we share with each other and with our students. 

While we are still not able to work and gather in person, we have certainly found innovative and effective ways to engage our students. According to the UW-Seattle Office of Admissions, as of the 10th day of this quarter, we enrolled 1,518 transfer students. This is slightly less than 2018 but more than 2019. 

For the third consecutive year, UAA Advising and OMAD ACS sponsored a successful Dawg Daze welcome lunchtime meet and greet for new transfer students. It allowed  incoming transfer students to get to know their advisers a little better. Also, in collaboration with the Office of Admissions, UAA Advising will host the Third Annual Transfer Student Preview Day event on December 14th and 15th, 2020. It is designed for prospective transfer students as well as family and friends to virtually visit campus and learn more about major readiness, degree programs and opportunities at UW. Again, the event coincides with the December 15th opening of the application period for Autumn and Summer 2021 admission. 

As a reminder, Transfer Thursday is held every week, unless it falls on a holiday, even during quarterly breaks. There is an Admissions Information session at 1:30 p.m., followed by departmental and general advising. Check out the TT schedule on the UW Transfer Portal. Admissions also offers a Transfer Webinar once a month, on Tuesday afternoon, and more frequently during application periods. More information on this may also be found on the UW Transfer Portal. 

In this issue of the newsletter, we are again featuring profiles of transfer students from several programs across campus, as well as updates from departments and news about other offices of interest to students. We hope you enjoy reading about the student experiences and learning about some of the many opportunities available at the UW!

Wishing you all a healthy and safe holiday season! 

-Tim McCoy

Transfer and Alumni Spotlight: UW School of Social Work

Prospective Student Advising

- Schedule a Zoom or Phone appointment

- Attend an information session

- Join virtual drop-in advising hours

Calling all changemakers! Mass incarceration, COVID-19, racial injustice – how will you change the world, and your community? Prospective UW transfer students are invited to winter BASW events, including our BASW Open House for prospective students who are passionate about equity, social justice, and a career that makes a difference. Social work is social change!

• BASW Prospective Student Open House
   Tuesday, January 26, 2021 | 6:00 - 7:30 PM Pacific Standard Time
• Pathways to Social Work for Transfer Students: Advice + How to Pay For College
   Wednesday, February 3, 2021 | 5:30 - 7:00 PM Pacific Standard Time
• Living Your Passion for Social Change: What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Social Welfare?
   Wednesday, February 24, 2021 | 5:30 - 7:00 PM Pacific Standard Time
• Tips For a Strong Application: Q&A with BASW Admissions
    Monday, March 15, 2021 | 5:30 - 6:30 PM Pacific Standard Time
• Internships and Experiential (Field) Education in the BASW Program
    Tuesday, March 30, 2021 | 5:30 - 6:30 PM Pacific Standard Time

Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare (BASW)

• Autumn 2021 BASW Application Deadline: April 15, 2021. Students are admitted just once per year, to begin in September.
• Transfer applicants must FIRST apply for UW transfer admission; UW’s Autumn 2021 transfer deadline: February 15th, 2021.
• BASW applications will be available by mid-February. Eligibility: see BASW prerequisites and application information.
• Explore our event calendar for upcoming info sessions, open houses, and special Zoom events for prospective BASW and MSW (Master of Social Work) students.
• Email us at sswinfo@uw.edu with questions, or if you’d like to have a representative virtually visit your classroom/office. Advisers and students can also book an advising appointment.

BASW Transfer Spotlight

Cassandra Chiles (She/Her)
Transferred from: Shoreline Community College

Cassandra Chiles | Photo credit: Violeta Alvarez

What advice do you have for prospective transfer students thinking about applying to UW’s BASW program?
If the community college has honors classes, take those! Being involved with that at Shoreline really helped me in my current courses. There’s a heightened sense of workload and quality and expectations that the professors have in those honors programs.  It makes it much easier to transfer to the UW, so that you don’t experience as much of a culture shock as students who don’t have that experience already. 

Tell us about yourself, and what social issues you’re passionate about?
I’m a little bit of a non-traditional student, because I’m 47 and transgendered. In my 20s and 30s, I moved around a lot. I started figuring things out on the gender spectrum pretty early on in my life, but of course in 1982, there was not a lot of things you could do and not a lot of resources. I found a book by Renee Richards called Second Serve, that was like a revelation and secret to me. Flash forward: once I got to college, I went to art school—where people were a lot more outgoing around gender identity and sexuality. There, I found myself pretty fast, but it wasn’t until I was in my mid-20s that I acted on [my gender identity]. I had one of those “end of the road moments” and decided to transition. Even though my family was pretty left leaning, it was still a shock; having to explain to people what [being trans was] and what I was doing, it was like reading a big book to them as I tried to explain the concepts. I was really fortunate and had a strong support network. I got actively involved with the Human Rights Campaign and started my own Gender Organization with another trans person. By the time I finally had my surgery, I was 30. When you transitioned at that time, there was a lot of gatekeeping that you experienced medically and psychologically to be approved for surgery; you’re expected to live stealthily, which I did for a while. I wanted to help other trans people, but I was also trying to acclimate to experiences that other cis-women would have experienced, so it was kind of a culture shock. Soon, I started pursuing music and growing a fan base for our band. At one point, we were invited to a local music festival, but the main event booker started posting really transphobic things on Facebook. I decided that it was an educational moment—I contacted the local LGBTQ center and sat down with all the promoters to explain why this was wrong. The promoter backpedaled and really promoted our work after that, which made me reassess what I was really doing to support the community. So l started volunteering at the LGBTQ drop-in center, where they trained me as a facilitator and worked with kids. Being a mentor to kids was so much more rewarding than my day job; I loved working with the kids and hearing their stories. I decided to go back to school to continue supporting the LGBTQ community, specifically trans youth. 

Why did you choose UW’s BASW program?
I went back to school at Shoreline Community college for my B.A., and then did some research on the UW. It happened to be a “happy accident” because UW has an amazing School of Social Work—it appeared to be superior to other programs. 

What do you appreciate about your experience in UW’s BASW program?
It’s still very new, but before COVID, I went down to campus and talked to a number of people in the program and I felt that everyone was so approachable, which I really appreciated. From my experiences in the past with major universities, there can be a certain kind of coldness—but there was a warmth and ease here from the professors and others, and it feels easier to build community. 

What are your current plans for after you graduate with a BASW?
I want to get my masters and continue working with LGBTQ & Trans youth, and generally in the public school system. In the past, a lot of social work has been reactionary...you go into an institution and there’s a problem, so you fix it; but I think on the school level, especially where kids who maybe need a mentor or role model, that's really the critical point where you can intervene so those problems are more manageable for the client. You can go into the system and try to support youth there to hopefully, later on in life, have a better sense of self-worth. I look back at my own experience and I think if I had had somebody like that when I was 13-14 who I could talk to, ask for support, and if they told me “it's going to be okay,” that probably would have made a pretty big difference in my life.

Have you found LGBTQ community in the BASW program?
I’ve met some people that I think I’m going to continue building with. So far, it’s been really good. Professors have been trying to make an attempt to make material as comprehensible and as enjoyable as possible, given the current pandemic circumstances. I look forward to fostering more community once we return to campus.

Thank you to Cassandra, and all of our transfer scholars! Explore UW’s BASW program and follow our Instagram for student takeovers, events, and application reminders; join us for BASW events, including our BASW Open House.

- SSW Admissions (sswinfo@uw.edu)

Student Profile: John Paul Gaston- UW Seattle-Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Student name: John Paul Gaston

Degree program: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Area of interest: Structural Engineering

Year: Senior

Hometown: Everett, Washington

Transferred from: Everett Community College

Why did you choose engineering?

Engineering provides opportunities to utilize and grow my analytical mind while providing a steady and comfortable income. Civil engineering adds a few extra benefits, which include additional interpersonal communication skills and opportunities to experience activities outside of an office environment.

How would you describe the transition from community college to UW?

I would describe my transition from community college to UW as seamless. Community college provided an excellent foundational engineering education that prepared me well for the rigors of university study.

What do you enjoy most about the CEE program?

The community with other civil engineering students and faculty. The faculty are passionate and are happy to share information even beyond class scopes. Other students are welcoming and are extremely helpful with both coursework and club projects.

Have you participated in any research, internships, or other activities?

Prior to my transition to UW, I spent two summers and a school year interning at a civil engineering firm called Reid Middleton. So far at UW, I have been heavily involved with the Steel Bridge Team and Structural Engineers Association of Washington UW chapter.

What is your dream job?

My dream job is to be a structural engineering designer. To me, it is like having an interesting new puzzle to solve every time you get to work. Also, getting opportunities to get out of the office and do site visits adds more variety beyond normal office jobs.

Any advice for prospective transfer students?

Before transferring, make sure that your basic math and engineering skills are solid because they are essential for success in subsequent classes. Once you finish the transfer process, make the most of your resources. Everyone around you from advising, to fellow students, to the faculty are there to help you succeed.

Student Profile: Phil Tao- UW Seattle-Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering

Student name: Phil Tao

Degree program: Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering

Area of interest: Biomimicry, biophilic design (connecting people to nature within built environments)

Year: Senior

Hometown: Xianning, Hubei China

Transferred from: Tacoma Community College

Why did you choose engineering?

I’ve always been interested in the environment ever since I was little. Both my parents are Chinese, and they used to praise America for its clean air and water, which taught me to never take nature for granted. As I progressed through the school system, I began to learn about climate change and deforestation and all the negative things we’re doing to our planet. It seemed like such a big issue, yet few people were trying to do anything about it. So, after high school, since I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do yet, I decided to pursue environmental science at Tacoma Community College. After a couple of years at TCC, I learned about the environmental engineering field, switched my major to engineering a week before my third year began, and transferred to UW the year after.

How would you describe the transition from community college to UW?

It was a bit daunting at first. Going from a very small high school to a community college, and then to a school as big as UW gave me somewhat of a culture shock. Thankfully UW made this process a lot smoother through the transfer student orientation, which gave me a tour around the main buildings my classes would be in and helped me register for the classes I needed. After a few weeks, I figured out a routine and felt pretty comfortable with my new environment.

What do you enjoy most about the CEE program?

I really enjoy how small our ENVE cohort is. Everyone has the same focus and the classes become more specialized which is a much different experience compared to the first couple of years of college. The professors are teaching content that is not just tailored to your major but also your future careers. Also, all the professors are really nice and understanding and want to see you succeed.

Have you participated in any research, internships or other activities?

I interned with the City of Lakewood’s stormwater management department as a GIS intern. My day consisted of analyzing plans to locate storm drains that were either modified or newly installed and then going out to GPS and record their measurements. There were also several opportunities for me to help another intern assess pavement conditions and help with various projects the engineers were working on. Overall, the internship was a very enjoyable experience and taught me a lot of things that can’t be learned in the classroom. Everyone was super nice and supportive, and I was very sad I couldn’t return this past summer due to COVID.

What is your dream job?

I hope I get to take designs from nature and incorporate them into our own designs and products. I also hope I can find ways to incorporate more nature into our everyday lives.

Any advice for prospective transfer students?

This advice is tailored to post COVID students. Talk to teachers and students. Ask to help out with research. Ask people about their majors. Join clubs. Get out of your comfort zone.

For those of you who are introverts like me. Go to the library between classes and work on homework. Manage your time, your classes aren’t necessarily hard but time-consuming. Go to office hours, even if you’re scared or embarrassed. Your teachers want to help you, but you have to ask for it.

In the end, college is what you make of it. If you want to make the most of it then go out and make those connections, you never know which ones could help you years from now. But if that’s really not your thing then don’t feel pressured

Martin Family Foundation Scholarships

Martin Family Foundation Scholarships

The Martin Family Foundation was formed with the vision of its founder, Benn Martin. His goal was to fund scholarships for students currently attending Washington State community colleges who desired to complete their baccalaureate degree at the University of Washington Seattle. Benn Martin was particularly interested in assisting students who have had a positive impact in their community. Complete program and eligibility information is available at http://expd.uw.edu/scholarships/martin/.

The Foundation offers two scholarship programs:

• The Martin Achievement Scholarship funds students who have demonstrated signs of exceptional ability in art, humanities, music, science, and/or leadership at one of the fifteen community colleges located around the Puget Sound region. The program will select Martin Achievement Scholars early in their community college career and provides $5,000 in support for their second year in community college and up to $12,000 per year for up to three years at UW-Seattle. Apply at least year in advanced of anticipated transfer to UW. Annual deadline is in April.

• The Martin Honors Scholarship enables Washington State Community College students (from any WA community college) of exceptional ability and outstanding achievement to complete their baccalaureate degrees at UW-Seattle. Martin Honors Scholars are encouraged to participate in departmental honors opportunities at UW. The scholarship provides $12,000 per year for up to three years at UW-Seattle. Annual deadline is in July for students planning to transfer in summer, fall or winter of the application year (including those who already transferred but have not yet earned more than 18 credits at UW).

The Martin Family Foundation Scholarships are supported by the UW Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards. Please feel welcome to contact us for additional information or with questions.

UW Tacoma Milgard School of Business

The Milgard School of Business at UW Tacoma offers a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration degree with options in Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, and General Business as well as unique minors in Business Data Analytics, Corporate Responsibility, and Sports Enterprise Management.

NEW MINOR STARTING AUTUMN 2020 – SPORTS ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT

Milgard is excited to announce a new interdisciplinary minor in Sports Enterprise Management. This minor is designed to provide knowledge and experience in the business of sports: amateur or professional; major league or minor leagues; local or global; motor sports; outdoor adventuring; E-sports; and much more! Sports is a growing business with job opportunities at all levels. This minor was developed in partnership with the Tacoma Rainiers, who generously gifted $1 million to the Milgard School of Business to develop sports enterprise management programming. We have a strong advisory board with a former NBA executive, a current MLS executive, a current minor league executive of the year, and others.           

AUTUMN 2021 APPLICATIONS

Milgard’s Autumn 2021 application will open February 1. Students must first apply to transfer to UW Tacoma and then second apply to the Milgard School of Business. The priority application date is March 15.

Milgard has many scholarship opportunities for incoming students, including transfer students. Students with 3.0 or higher transfer GPA are encouraged to submit our scholarship application which opens annually around April 1.

Prospective students may visit our website, check out our new virtual brochure, and are encouraged to register for one of our regularly scheduled online information sessions to learn more.

Heidi Norbjerg

Undergraduate Recruiter & Advisor

Milgard School of Business

University of Washington Tacoma 

UW Seattle Humanities Advising Service Center-Update: Testing in World Languages

As transfer students, you may have questions about how to take tests in a given world language taught at the UW so you can either register for a specific class or clear a language proficiency graduation requirement. Previously, students would take these tests at the UW’s Testing Center, which also offered placement tests in subjects like Mathematics and Chemistry. With the permanent closure of the Testing Center on Nov 2nd, 2020, the Humanities Academic Services (HAS) Center has been working with Undergraduate Academic Affairs, the UW Language Learning Center, and individual departments to put plans in place for world language testing moving forward. For now, students who are looking to be exempt from the UW’s world language entrance requirement or place into a certain class will want to contact HAS via hascenter@uw.edu to get more information on what’s involved and next steps. Not everyone will need to test; for example, if you took French 102 at your previous institution and had that transfer credit approved, you would not need to take a placement test and can register for French 103 at UW during Registration Period II. The goal of the placement tests is to help students take the FL course that best fits their current skill level in a language so that they aren’t repeating material they already know or trying to take on material they’re not ready for. Our goal is to help our students be in charge of making their own educational decisions, while providing an accessible assessment to all. Testing processes vary by language at the UW, so when in doubt, please contact HAS for the latest information.

UW Seattle-New Humanities Academic Services Center in the College of Arts and Sciences

New Humanities Academic Services Center in the College of Arts & Sciences

 

The new Humanities Academic Services (HAS) center opened (virtually) to undergrad students for the first time on July 1st, 2020. Once we’re able to safely return tocampus, HAS will open its doors on the colorful ground level floor of Padelford Hall’s A-wing, just across the street from the Husky Union Building. We look forward to becoming a place that students feel comfortable visiting for both academic advice and for community. 

For now, transfer students will find HAS advisors available throughout the day by email, by Zoom appointment or during virtual Zoom drop in hours. HAS can answer questions about the majors, minors and courses offered in Asian Languages and Literature, Cinema and Media Studies, Classics, Comparative History of Ideas (contact chid@uw.edu), English, French and Italian Studies, Germanics, Linguistics, Near Easter Language and Civilizations, Scandinavian Studies, Slavic Languages and Spanish and Portuguese. 

In addition to major and minor advising in the Humanities, HAS wants to help students connect with resources and opportunities beyond the classroom. Resources and opportunities at UW are numerous, and HAS staff look forward to working with you make suggestions based on your individual needs and circumstances. We work closely with partners in the Office of Merit Scholarships, UW Study Abroad, UW Disability Resources, the Q Center, and more to make sure we can help you effectively. 

If you’re considering the humanities, there are a lot of funding opportunities to keep in mind. For the world language scholars among you there’s the FLAS. For those who love to travel the Boren or the Bonderman. 

Please know that for every challenge along your path to graduation, there are resources in place to help! We’re looking forward to helping you and the Humanities Academic Services office is open and ready to be part of your UW experience. Come visit us! 

Sabrina, Nancy, Amaris, Giovanni, John, and Kamryn 

Student Profile: Laura Amador-UW Tacoma School of Social Work & Criminal Justice

Laura Amador, transfer student from Bellevue College

B.A. in Criminal Justice, 2020

Why did you choose to student Criminal Justice? I chose to study criminal justice after a sociology class opened my eyes to how differently our system is set up in comparison to that of other countries. UWT offered me the opportunity to learn, from a social justice perspective, about the system that has such devastating impacts on our communities. Ultimately, I wanted to educate myself in order to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

Which part of your UWT experience stands out the most? Internship for a state legislator. I was able to intern full-time for an entire quarter and earned credit for doing it. The experience was unique and changed the path that I had planned for my future career.

Advice for future UWT transfer students? Put yourselves out there and get involved. Join the Registered Student Organizations, apply for internships, and make the most of your time there. The connections you make along the way are very valuable. Getting involved also presents more learning opportunities connected to the real world.

Post-graduation plans? I work for the state of Washington in the Department of Children, Youth, and Families.

Student Profile: Divine Alexa Yagumyum-UW Tacoma School of Social Work & Criminal Justice

Divine Alexa Yagumyum, transfer student from Bellevue College

B.A. in Criminal Justice (expected June 2021)

Why did you choose to study Criminal Justice? Through the many elective courses I have taken at Bellevue College, I found myself constantly wanting to learn more about the criminal justice (CJ) system and finding ways in which it can be improved upon. I understand that the CJ system in the United States demonstrates various kinds of inequality and bias; I have a passion to positively change the current system.

Which part of your UWT experience stands out the most? Joining the Filipino-American Student Association at UWT (FASA Sa UWT) has been the most memorable part of my UWT experience. This RSO helped build upon the friendly environment that I felt as an incoming UWT student. FASA Sa UWT continues to be a community where I am able to make new friendships within and outside of UWT. It has given me an insight of what I could do as a Filipino-American student in my major.

Advice for future UWT transfer students? First, do your own research on the UWT website to find ways to have a smooth transfer. This helps you find the resources you may need now or later. Another thing I recommend is to contact/meet with an advisor. Hopefully this human interaction will help answer any underlying questions you may have and will create a clearer pathway for you through your time at UWT.

School of Public Health-Nutritional Sciences Program: Announcing Changes to the Nutrition Minor

The UW Nutritional Sciences Program is excited to announce recent changes to the Nutrition minor. These updates make the minor more flexible and accessible for students who wish to pursue the minor, which can complement a wide variety of majors. Under the new requirements, students take only two specifically required courses for the minor – Nutrition for Today (NUTR 200, 4 credits, available at many community colleges) and Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health Seminar (NUTR 400, 1 credit). The remaining 20 credits for the minor come from an electives list which includes coursework from the Nutritional Sciences Program, Anthropology, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, and Geography.

The Nutrition minor provides students with a foundation of knowledge in nutritional sciences, food studies, food systems, and population health. Students examine food and nutrition practices and policies that affect sustainable diets and long-term health. The minor offers a multidisciplinary perspective of the food environment, including the interplay of food and nutrition, human behavior, business, culture, and the environment. To read about past students who’ve declared the nutrition minor, check out the undergraduate profiles page on our website.

Have questions about the Nutrition minor? We’re happy to chat with you! Along with our colleagues from other School of Public Health undergraduate programs, we’re available for drop-in advising on Transfer Thursdays and for information sessions throughout the quarter. We also offer weekly drop-in advising hours for the Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health major and Nutrition minor. All drop-in advising and info sessions are currently being offered via Zoom. See the prospective student calendar for details.

Student Profile: Jeffrey Campbell-UW Seattle Foster School of Business

Studying: Entrepreneurship & Human Resources Management at Foster School of Business

His story:
I transferred to Foster/UW from South Seattle College ((SSC) Go Otters!). Prior to starting my first quarter at UW in the Fall of 2019 I spent time researching available campus resources, registering on Handshake and searching for upcoming events. Albeit preparation was taken, nothing could have prepared me more for my first quarter better than just starting classes and getting into the flow. My first quarter at Foster/UW I had a hard time adjusting to the workload and speed of classes, especially four classes and working a part-time job. I am also a very social person and finding community is important to me. I learned the importance of getting involved from an early age.

I identify as a non-traditional, transfer, first generation student, former SSC Student Body President, a TRiO student and peer mentor, tutor, and unfaltering advocate to my LGBTQ+ community and ALL diverse communities. After the RSO fair in the fall (which I highly recommend all transfer students attend), I found it easier to connect with others, and learn ways of continuing to get involved. It takes time to find your clutch crew, trust me they are there! 

I have learned a great deal as a transfer student at Foster/UW, and I want to support all transfer students on their undergrad journey! We transfer students bring a depth of experience and life skills that lend to the salad bowl of making UW's students who they are. For this reason I helped form and joined the Transfer Student Advisory Board (TSAB). The TSAB is a committee of undergraduate students who were admitted as transfer students to the Foster School. TSAB meets once per month between October to May, advises the Undergraduate Programs Office regarding the transfer student experience, and acts as ambassadors for the transfer student community at Foster.

This past summer I had an amazing opportunity to intern with Washington State's Employment Security Department (ESD). Of the 87 interns at ESD - I was in a small cohort of three interns on the administrative side. The other two were also UW Seattle students! It was a lot of work - I pulled over time nearly every week to help them on not just the day to day operations of the division (especially due to Covid-19), but also to help create new systems and training that they had never used before, and have since integrated into their normal work flow. I was also asked by the commissioner Suzi LeVine and senior management to create an internship program proposal that was received very well and will be used to guide the efforts of the ESD moving forward in their internship program for next summer 2021 and the years to follow. I loved doing it and I miss my team already.

Congrats to all past, current and future UW Seattle, Bothell and Tacoma transfer students! Go Dawgs! 

Student Profile: Daniel Phung-UW Seattle-Bioresource Science and Engineering (BSE)

Daniel, a 2019 graduate of the UW Bioresource Science and Engineering (BSE) program, now works as a process engineer for International Paper in Pine Hill, AL. Daniel started his career as a true transfer student. He moved to the US when he was 16, then transferred to Tacoma Community College (TCC) and then transferred to the UW to major in BSE.

When asked about these decisions, Daniel believes that every change gave him more opportunities to have the best education and begin a rewarding career. Looking back at those changes, he chose to enroll at TCC first because it gave him an economical way to begin his college career. Moreover, TCC offers a strong pre-engineering program which aligns well with the UW’s engineering programs. While attending an information session about the UW and BSE, Daniel saw how the opportunity to earn an ABET accredited degree, to work in substantial internships and to engage a number of potential employers fit his career goals. He applied and was accepted to both the UW and the BSE major.

Daniel discovered the most significant benefits of BSE were not shown in a course catalog. He found a tight-knit group of students and faculty that knew one another, worked together and succeeded. In particular, the hands-on experience in the pilot laboratory brought the student teams together. The ratio of students to faculty means you know every professor by their first name, and they know you. BSE is not a major where one can stay incognito.

Internships are a big part of the BSE experience. Daniel worked a year in a fully integrated kraft mill in the Southeast US. This was his first significant job in a new location with a different culture. “But,” he says, “I learned things about myself that can never be taught in class.” Not only did he learn to communicate better, but he realized that one must communicate effectively with both operators and managers to be successful. Now a recent alumnus and full time process engineer, Daniel reflects on his BSE experience and says, ”the technical and engineering foundation gave me some of the tools to be successful, but the hands-on time in the lab, working in teams and my internship gave me the confidence to work effectively with anyone in this organization.”

BSE is a rigorous program, but also a welcoming community. For community college students transferring to the UW who want to dive into an engineering degree, BSE is a real option.

UW Seattle: Health Informatics & Information Management Bachelor's Degree- HIHIM

HIHIM is an exciting and evolving field in information and data governance which involves the practice of acquiring, analyzing and protecting digital and traditional medical information vital to providing quality patient care. Students learn about secure collection and maintenance of personal health data; legal, regulatory and compliance issues.  

Methods and technologies for acquiring and analyzing and protecting health care information are key skills central to this practice.  Students work in a variety of settings including health care organizations, consulting firms, government research, technology, insurance and marketing.  A balanced curriculum of theory and practice provides students with team training, mentors, and professional portfolios. A senior capstone project allows a team of students to work together on a real world problem.  Some of the capstones have included:  Expanding a Healthcare Quality Program Into the Alaska Market by researching potential customers, facilities, and health care networks, Researching and implementing data management policy and processes related to centralized data access control and Development of Electronic Health Record Training Plan for Clinicians Developing a comprehensive training plan to orient new clinicians to the VA electronic health record.  

Early acceptance deadline for this exciting major is February 15th and the regular application deadline is May 1.  Attend one of the monthly information meetings offered via Zoom or one of the three online application workshops offered in November, January or February.  For information about HIHIM visit the web site to learn more about this exciting major at:  www.healthinformationmanagement.uw.edu

Student Profile: Eva Perez- UW Seattle-Bachelor of Science in Informatics

https://ischool.uw.edu/news/2019/11/informatics-students-take-diversity-efforts-local-high-schools

Student Profile: Cassie Kays- UW Seattle-Bachelor of Arts in French and International Studies

                   

Hi friends! I’m Cassie Kays,

I was born and raised in Palmdale, California; A larger but rural town in Southern California in the Mojave Desert. After HS I moved to Seattle with my mom. My goal was to be the first in my family to attend college and forge an academic plan that blended with full time work.

I started out on the Bothell campus and managed to take General Ed courses that interested me while also volunteering and working at Target. I wanted to transfer to the Seattle campus so I could keep studying French both at home and abroad. I transferred a year after starting out at Bothell and went on the UW (French and Italian Studies) Paris Program the first summer after I transferred. It was in Paris that I met many of the French and Italian Studies faculty and staff who contributed to my academic success at UW.

Some advice:

When you transfer remember that time is a constraint. Map out the courses required for your intended major and have a plan B to your intended major incase you don’t get in. Make connections early; I feel grateful towards the faculty and advisors I found at UW that helped me deal with the challenges presented by commuting to campus, working full time, a painful loss in my immediate family to suicide, and the disappointment of not getting into my intended major the first time I applied.

Take on an internship while in school and start apply for jobs your senior year. 

Towards the end of junior year, I applied to a job at Microsoft despite having no technical skills. Being a Humanities major has been a plus since what worked in the classroom has worked when it comes to learning about basics and intro into cybersecurity (which contributed to my role now at Microsoft).

I have found that learning tech skills has been easier than developing the personal skills I bring to the table. I didn’t expect to be where I am today in such a short time. I graduated winter 2020 and it was soft skills, the ones that are not easily taught, that helped me get to where I am today. Soft skills and a lot of support. My advice to you is to find the support you need at UW. From the Study Abroad Office to the Career Center, there is someone for everyone.

I hope what I’ve shared will resonate with those of you who are anxious about transferring and that you’ll find some positive take away in what I have shared. We all face challenges, doubt, uncertainty, and personal struggle; it’s what helps us recognize and celebrate our achievements. I'm wishing you all good health and a smooth transfer going into 2021.

Student Profile: Maya Esquivido- UW Seattle-Bachelor of Arts-American Indian Studies/MSW

Hometown?

Hestum (Greetings)! My name is Maya Esquivido, and I am an enrolled member of the Nor Rel Muk Wintu Nation and Hupa. My tribal people come from Hayfork, located in Trinity County, CA. I was born and raised in Sacramento, CA and relocated to the Pacific Northwest, where I started a family and pursued my dream for higher education.

· Why did you choose your programs (major and minor)

After completing my undergraduate degree in AIS, my passion for social justice led me to pursue a Masters in Social Work (MSW). The MSW program is teaching me the fundamental skills needed to address inequality created from racialized policies, while providing me with the foundational knowledge to empower underprivileged communities.

· Any advice for potential transfer students

As a former transfer student the best advice I can offer is to build community. College is a great place to make life-long friends, but also, is often a place where you can feel isolated. UW holds many events throughout the year and with numerous student clubs and programs, generate may opportunities to create community.

· Any plans for the future/next steps (how amazing is grad school?) 

Once I complete my MSW, I plan to continue my educational endeavors and seek a Ph.D. to continue researching the problematic issues that arise with the denial of Native Nations seeking federal recognition. Often written out of the narrative, Native Americans that lack federal acknowledgment are even further silence and forgotten. My ultimate goal is to continue uplifting Indigenous voices, and influencing policy that will promote equity to marginalized communities.