A regular digest for UW faculty with updates on federal, national and local issues of relevance to their teaching, research and service; actions the University is taking; and ways for faculty to be involved.
From the Provost?
Dear colleagues:?
One of the many joys of spring quarter is the opportunity to take in all that our students are learning, discovering and doing – and to celebrate their creativity, innovation and accomplishments, whether they are completing their first academic year or their degree program. And we have plenty of occasions to do that from now until commencement.?
On Monday, May 4, we will celebrate the 11th Husky 100 cohort – 100 undergraduate, graduate and professional students from all three campuses. By actively connecting all that they are learning and experiencing at the UW, these students are writing their own futures and making a difference across the University and our communities. Learn all about these amazing students.?
I also urge you to check out the many student showcases across our campuses in the coming weeks – from the Community Engagement & Leadership Education Center’s May 6 and the Undergraduate Research Symposium May 15 on the Seattle campus to the May 12-14 at UW Bothell to UW Tacoma’s May 1 and June 11. At each of these – and at the many unit-level events – students will highlight their research, leadership and impact through talks, poster presentations, performances and exhibits.?
Whenever I attend student showcase events and exhibits, I always learn something new. Often, I begin to see things from a different perspective, or understand a novel approach to solving a problem. Most of all, I am reminded that students are the reason we are here – and that when they take their dreams, goals and passions into the world, our collective future is a bright one.
Tricia R. Serio
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Professor, Biochemistry
Federal Landscape
National Science Foundation board dismissed
All members of the National Science Foundation’s board were dismissed last week by the Trump administration.?At the time of the dismissals, 22 of the 25 seats were filled.? The public rationale for the firings, provided by The White House to , is that a decision from a 2021 U.S. Supreme Court case created uncertainty about whether non-Senate confirmed appointees?could exercise the authority of the board.
Keep in mind that the administration does not have the authority to eliminate the board, as it is Congressionally created.?The just-released House appropriations bill that funds NSF provides funding for the board for fiscal year 2027.
UW Federal Relations continues to monitor these developments. Check the Federal Relations blog for details. ?
Resources for Researchers & Instructors
Share your thoughts on computing, data science and AI?
The Computing & Data Science Task Force is asking for on how the UW can maintain and grow its leadership in computing, data science and AI. The task force is gathering?input from faculty, staff, students and alumni until Wednesday, May 13 on
- curriculum and degree programs;
- research opportunities and infrastructure;?
- interdisciplinary collaboration;?
- student pathways and education;?
- organizational structure and coordination; and?
- industry and workforce development.
Key links
- Office of the Provost’s Federal Policy Updates
- (UW NetID required)
- Office of Research’s Federal Policy Guidance
- UW Research Makes America
Tell us what you think
New ADA deadline, same UW commitment
The U.S. Department of Justice has extended the deadline by one year for state and local governments to comply with Title II Digital Accessibility Rule of the Americans with Disabilities Act. While the deadline has changed to April 26, 2027, the University’s goals and commitment have not. The UW also has responsibilities under other federal and state laws, as well as the University’s new digital accessibility policy. The University’s goal is that by the end of summer quarter each Canvas course’s content will receive an 80% score by the Ally accessibility checker. Additional information on the extended deadline is available for both ?and staff.
REMINDER: Open private funding opportunities for faculty, researchers
Faculty and researchers may from private sources for their research and programs through a dashboard developed by the UW Corporate & Foundation Relations team.