UW and the Community

The College of Arts & Sciences welcomes students and their families to connect with faculty and staff, learn about a variety of topics, and explore our spaces throughout UW Family Weekend.

Connect, explore, get involved! Dawg Daze will take place from September 17 to 26, 2025. It is a great way to discover resources, familiarize yourself with important campus landmarks, and connect with UW staff and other UW students.

A growing number of school districts are implementing new cell phone bans in the classroom, and a University of Washington study found that while teachers generally support the policies, students are less positive, though some concede the policies improve concentration. Luca Magis-Weinberg, assistant professor of psychology at the UW, is interviewed.

Derek Sheffield, ’90, ’99, a poet and English teacher, was appointed Washington State’s Poet Laureate in April by Governor Bob Ferguson. A passionate naturalist known for co-editing the best-selling “Cascadia Field Guide: Art, Ecology, Poetry” with Elizabeth Bradfield, ’94, and CMarie Fuhrman, Sheffield is “always packing” binoculars and hand lens and birds by ear—often in the woods near his home in Leavenworth. He has butterflied alongside Robert Michael Pyle, ’69, ’73, the lepidopterist, and once exchanged letters with Pulitzer-winning biologist E.O. Wilson.

Looking for galleries to visit this fall? Check out these visual arts shows by UW alumni.

Art meets technology at the SPAM New Media Festival, an exhibition of creative works that use technology in unexpected ways. The event will be held September 12-14.

Lady Gaga topping the charts with her pop tunes. Fashionistas stepping out in low-rise jeans and chunky belts. Coke bottles with names, again. These are just a few things social media users see as signs of a recession in the U.S. But experts dont share the same assessment as actual economic indicators hold steady despite clouds of uncertainty. Zack Almquist, an associate professor of sociology at the UW, is quoted.

Seattles population growth has brought its own frustrations for both new and longtime residents. Housing prices, traffic congestion and overall cost of living are among the growing pains. Sara Curran, director of the UW's Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology and professor of international studies, of sociology and of public policy and governance, is quoted.

Launched in Spring of 2025, the pilot season includes seven episodes – each featuring a School of Art + Art History + Design alum in conversation with host Liz Copland.

Burke Smithers (BDes 2024) discovered a passion for typography at UW that led to award-winning work, international experience, and the launch of his own type foundry, Nightjar Type. His designs reflect personal interests in nature and climate—showing how type can be both expressive and deeply personal.

Throughout history, iterations of the waterfront have propelled Seattle and reflected the citys essential character. Thats why the latest, revamped version of the space is so important, aside from its $800 million price tag. Will the new waterfront reconnect residents with the Salish Sea? Cater to selfie-taking tourists? Build Seattles global brand? The project says something about the city today and where it could be headed next. James Gregory, professor of history at the UW, is quoted.

Inspired by her family’s journey, Kimberly Il found her voice — and her future in the field of law — at the University of Washington.

Adrienne Fairhall and David Hertzog are among 120 new members and 30 international members elected in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research."

Before women could vote, Clara McCarty of Steilacoom became the UW's first graduate and a pioneer for women in public service.

MFA alum Brian Christian explores the tricky dynamics between human behavior and artificial intelligence. After moving to Seattle—drawn by both it’s tech and literary scenes—he decided to pursue a master’s in creative writing at the UW. He studied creative nonfiction and poetry but did not lose touch with his affinity for computer science.