UW and the Community

"I approach every day that I access education and challenge systems of learning within the university setting as a radical form of change which applies to my attendance at UW." - Yasmine Gomez, Student 

"My experiences as a first-generation college student shaped my values of learning, growth, and community, which led to the start of my career working at various nonprofits and pursuing a Masters degree in Nonprofit Leadership." - Kimmy Nguyen, Alum

"My goal was to get into college, I hadn't thought much about what to do after I was accepted. With the encouragement of my family, classmates, professors, and colleagues, I have accomplished more than I thought was possible for myself." - Teyloure Ring, Alum

"Being a first-generation student can, at times, make it feel like much is working against you. When you feel this way, I urge you to take advantage of the resources available at UW. There is an entire first-gen community here at UW, along with your advisors, who can support you in times like this." - Jacob Russell, Student

"To be the first in my family to go to college means breaking generational cycles and healing generational trauma. While I may be the first in my family to graduate, I most certainly will not be the last." - Anisa Navarro, Alum

"Being the first person in my family to go to college means that I enter every space as an excavator, a fugitive, a conspirator, a fighter, a bridge builder, a fire starter, and an advocate for myself and for my communities." Julie Feng, Student

"I encourage first-gen students to ask lots of questions, to develop community, to celebrate their accomplishments, and to value the unique contributions they will make from their specific perspectives and background." - Rebecca Cummins, Professor, Art, Photo/Media + New Genres, Floyd and Delores Jones Endowed Professor in the Arts

"Being a first-gen means that I do not make assumptions about the support students might have or the struggle they face outside of school." - Kelli Kirk, Human Resources Manager, Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture & UW Alum (American Ethnic Studies, '96)

"The lack of familiarity most of us bring to the higher education academy is a detriment to successful navigation. I ask students to learn and share with fellow students and those who aspire to join the academy both course subject matter and the operation of the institution." - John Macklin, Professor Emeritus, Chemistry

"Whether it's talking to students about what it's like being the child of immigrant parents to talking about being the first in their family to work in a white-collar job, it's a privilege to share my story with students so they don't feel out of place at the UW." - Stanley Choi, Graduate Program Advisor, Department of Speech & Hearing Sciences & UW Alum (Communication, '04)

"Have faith in yourself. Guide the decisions you make with YOUR passions, YOUR insight, and YOUR questions, what feels good to YOU!" – Alexes Harris (B.A., Sociology), University of Washington Presidential Term Professor, Professor of Sociology; Faculty Regent to the University of Washington Board of Regents; and UW Faculty Athletics Representative

Museum and gallery shows in Seattle, New York, England and beyond are engaging visitors’ hearts and minds through all of their senses. Nina Bozicnik, affiliate associate professor of art, art history and design at the UW and curator at the Henry Art Gallery, is quoted.

From campus to wherever you call home, we welcome you to learn from and connect with the College of Arts & Sciences community through public events spanning the arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. We hope to see you this November. Election & Democracy Events November 7 | Trust on the Ballot: Voting in...

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 Family Weekend.

This week, attend the Frontiers of Physics lecture, join the South Asia Center for a film screening, head to Kane Hall for a Washin Kai lecture, and more. Election & Democracy Events October 22 | State of Trust: Washingtonâs Political Climate and Voter Priorities, Online What is the current level of trust in our electoral system?...