UW and the Community

The Henry Art Gallery scrapped admission fees this summer and saw a jump in visitors.

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.

Featuring exhibitions at the University of Washington.

UW-trained conservationists helped launch a movement to save some of the world's most elusive animals. Here's how they did it.

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.

Dr. Kroll joined the UW Chemistry faculty in September 2024. With his first year as a Husky in the books, we took the opportunity to get to know him.

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.

Lucia Flores-Wiseman (B.A., Communication), a Mexican American singer-songwriter, brings an inspiring emotional depth to her craft.

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.