Programs and initiatives
Programs in Undergraduate Academic Affairs work in concert with one another to create and support academic opportunities that have a lasting impact in undergraduates’ futures; provide leadership to create a supportive University ecosystem for undergraduate learning and success; advocate for undergraduate education in shaping University policy; and serve as a local catalyst and national leader for innovation in undergraduate education.
Alphabetical list of programs in Undergraduate Academic Affairs
Academic Support Programs
Academic Support Programs helps UW students realize their potential through the Center for Learning and Undergraduate Enrichment (CLUE) and academic success coaches. CLUE offers free drop-in tutoring, class discussions, exam review and a writing center. Academic success coaches help students identify challenges and develop study skills.
Center for Experiential Learning & Diversity
Programs in the Center for Experiential Learning and Diversity (EXPD) offer opportunities for undergraduates to connect with mentors to participate in research, engage in community-based learning and leadership and apply for scholarships to support their undergraduate education and to participate in post-graduate opportunities.
UAA programs located in the Center for Experiential Learning & Diversity include:
- Community Engagement and Leadership Education (CELE) Center
- Dream Project
- Husky Leadership Initiative
- Jumpstart
- Mary Gates Endowment for Students
- Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards
- Riverways Education Partnerships
- Undergraduate Research Program
Community College Research Initiatives
Community College Research Initiatives (CCRI) conducts research on equitable college access, progression and transfer, degree completion and employment in living-wage careers for underserved and diverse students. CCRI researchers provide strategies and guidance to institutions across the country about using data to increase student success and access to higher education.
Community Engagement and Leadership Education (CELE) Center
Provides students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to contribute to thriving communities; building authentic community and campus partnerships drive the Center’s work. Our programs include CELE Fellowships, Community Engaged Learning Courses, Dream Project, Husky Leadership Initiative, Jumpstart, Othello-UW Commons, Riverways Education Partnership and Undergraduate Community Based Internships.
Dream Project
UW undergraduates mentor students at under-resourced middle and high schools to support planning for life after high school, including the college applications process. UW students develop leadership skills and learn about education equity, college access and social justice. Course credit and/or paid positions are available.
First Year Programs
Empowers entering students to become engaged and confident learners poised to succeed at the UW. Programs focus on increasing a sense of belonging and help students connect to the University. These include Advising & Orientation, Dawg Daze, First-year Interest Groups, Commuter & Transfer Commons and faculty led Collegium Seminars.
Honors Program
Honors brings together students and faculty from all across campus to learn through cross-disciplinary curriculum, experiential learning, research and critical reflection. Honors’ curriculum offers a rigorous, interdisciplinary education, while Departmental Honors programs provide deep disciplinary education.
Husky Leadership Initiative
The Husky Leadership Initiative provides and promotes leadership education opportunities for undergraduates within and beyond the classroom. Through its programs, curriculum and cross-campus collaboration, students cultivate the knowledge, skills and mindsets of effective and ethical change agents and involved community members.
Jumpstart
Through Jumpstart, UW students provide language, social-emotional and literacy programming for preschool children from under-resourced communities and promote quality early learning for all children. UW students gain experience in preschool classrooms, setting goals, teamwork and leadership skills. Workstudy paid positions and class credit are available.
Mary Gates Endowment for Students
Mary Gates Endowment scholarships enable students to pursue original research or leadership projects, or participate in the CoMotion Mary Gates Innovation Scholars summer program. Undergraduates carry out their own projects and work closely with a mentor to guide their work, helping them become independent learners, scholars, innovators and community leaders.
Office of Educational Assessment
Provides a variety of evaluation and assessment services to the UW and outside organizations. Office of Educational Assessment researchers conduct assessment of student and program outcomes and evaluate grant-funded programs. The office also facilitates student course evaluations, classroom test scoring and proctored test administration.
Office of Educational Assessment
Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards
A resource for UW undergraduate students and alumni in developing the skills and personal insights necessary to pursue scholarships that fit their goals. Advisers mentor students through the scholarship application process by offering individual feedback, resources, and advising to support students in developing competitive applications.
Office of Undergraduate Research
The Office of Undergraduate Research helps students engage in research with UW faculty mentors in all disciplines.The Office of Undergraduate Research offers research scholarships, hosts summer research programs, provides courses and workshops, convenes the Undergraduate Research Symposium and summer symposia, and supports the Undergraduate Research Leaders program.
Office of Undergraduate Research
Othello-UW Commons
The Othello-UW Commons includes community partnerships and academically grounded community service informed by research, teaching and scholarship. Located in the Othello neighborhood, it’s a physical space for the UW community and local partners to come together to benefit Southeast Seattle.
Resilience Lab
The Resilience Lab promotes stress management skills and self-compassion among students, staff and faculty at the UW. Through leading-edge research, education, social-emotional learning, skills group, seed grants and programs, the Resilience Lab aims to support the mental health and well-being of the campus community.
Riverways Education Partnerships
UW undergraduates tutor and mentor in K-12 schools in Seattle and across Washington state. Through Alternative Spring Break, seminars and tutoring K-12 students, undergraduates become familiar with diverse cultures, build relationships with communities, gain leadership skills and study issues of equity and access in education. (The Pipeline Project was renamed Riverways Education Partnerships in 2020.)
Riverways Education Partnerships
Robinson Center for Young Scholars
The Halbert and Nancy Robinson Center for Young Scholars prepares younger students for college and provides them with challenging, accelerated learning opportunities in a vibrant, intellectual community at the University of Washington. We also provide professional development and outreach through Saturday, Summer, and Online programs.
Student Academic Services
Student Academic Services supports all students on their path into and through the university, while also advocating for students who need more connection and support. Their programs include Advising, Academic Support Programs and First Year Programs.
Student-Athlete Academic Services
Student-Athlete Academic Services (SAAS) empowers student-athletes to pursue excellence in school, sport and life by encouraging active goal-setting and development; creating individualized support plans to help achieve goals; providing career opportunities to prepare for life after graduation; and building connections across local and global communities.
Undergraduate Advising
Advisers partner with undergraduates to help them identify and articulate their academic and personal goals, pick majors and plan their course schedule. They educate students about tools, opportunities and resources to connect to the UW and navigate their Husky experience.
