Academic & University Policies
Academic & University Policies silvaaGeneral Education
General Education silvaaThe general education portion of the degree will be structured to a significant extent by the Areas of Inquiry (AoI), which consist of three broad areas of study:
- Arts and Humanities (A&H)
- Social Sciences (SSc)
- Natural Sciences (NSc)
In addition, students must also complete coursework in these areas:
- English Composition (C)
- Writing (W)
- Reasoning (RSN)
- Diversity (DIV)
What is General Education?
General Education requirements represent the foundation of a UW education and will support the advanced learning students will do the rest of their life. The objective is to introduce students to many new ideas, rather than training them in one specific subject, so that they are in a position to create linkages across a wide expanse of different topics and disciplines. Areas of Inquiry (AoI) are meant to allow students to embrace the exploration of new ideas and work diligently to make connections, especially where none seem to exist.
English Composition courses emphasize how to organize and express ideas effectively. In composition courses, students will refine their skills by rewriting papers after receiving feedback on them.
Basic Skills
- 5 credits English Composition (C) with a minimum 2.0 grade required.
- 10 credits in Writing (W) courses required.
This requirement is intended to ensure that you have the opportunity to practice and use writing, broadly conceived, to deepen your learning, to think critically, and to solve problems. The Writing requirement is divided into two parts: a Composition course and Additional Writing courses.
- 5 credits of Reasoning (RSN) required.
This requirement is intended to ensure that students have the opportunity to improve your capacities for and abilities to critically evaluate and effectively use information utilizing symbolic and/or numeric methods, or the theoretical study thereof.
First-year and transfer students admitted with less than 40 credits who have not completed their world language requirement at the time of admission must complete the requirement prior to graduation. The world language requirement is satisfied by completing college level study through the 102 level or by submission of the high school transcript verifying two sequential years. (If a student is a native speaker of a language other than English, they may already meet this requirement. Contact the Office of Admissions for more information.)
- A minimum of 5 credits from the approved University list; may overlap with other Areas of Inquiry requirements. For students admitted to the University prior to autumn quarter 2023, the DIV requirement is a minimum of 3 credits.
Courses that meet the Diversity (DIV) requirement study diversity in the United States with focus on the sociocultural, political, and/or economic diversity of the human experience and help students develop an understanding of the complexities of living in increasingly diverse and interconnected societies.
Areas of Inquiry (AoI)
A minimum of 180 college credits must be completed (with more required in some programs) and include a total of 40 academic credits in the following areas:
- A minimum of 10 credits of Arts & Humanities (A&H) required.
The intent of this requirement is for students to become familiar with the methodologies, contributions, and limitations of artistic and humanistic inquiry, broadly defined.
- A minimum of 10 credits of Social Sciences (SSc) required.
The intent of this requirement is for students to become familiar with the methodologies, contributions, and limitations of social science inquiry, broadly defined.
- A minimum of 10 credits of Natural Sciences (NSc) required.
The intent of this requirement is for students to become familiar with the methodologies, contributions, and limitations of natural science inquiry, broadly defined.
Other Transcript Designations
The E and R designations appear on the Time Schedule and transcript. The E designation which will signal to employers and professional and graduate programs that students have chosen community engaged learning experiences in their undergraduate education, while the R designation indicates that they have chosen undergraduate research experiences in their undergraduate education.
Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) is defined as "experiential learning with community partners through the mutually beneficial exchange of creativity, knowledge and resources." CEL is considered a High Impact Educational Practice, and has been shown to improve deep learning and persistence in undergraduate students. CEL allows students to engage in educationally purposeful activities and reflection tied to experiences in community-engaged outreach, scholarship, service, teaching/learning, research, creative endeavors or other activity. Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) courses are designated by an "E" in the Time Schedule. Prior to Summer 2024, the course designation was "S" (Service).
To qualify for an R designation, significant and sustained effort in the course must be dedicated to "authentic research/scholarship." Undergraduate research is defined as an original or creative contribution to the discipline, which can include encountering/uncovering new data which is incorporated into existing frameworks, discovering new insights or new data that alter the boundaries and/or contours of the field, drawing novel comparisons or making heretofore unrecognized connections within the field, and/or making new assessments of current knowledge/interpretations what is already known or accepted. Undergraduate Research course(s) are indicated by an "R" in the course schedule.
Special Topic courses are curriculum practice courses to test interest in a course before seeking formal approval.
Majors & Minors
Majors & Minors silvaaMajors
Declaring or Changing a Major
A major is the academic discipline, such as business or environmental science, to which an undergraduate student formally commits. Successful completion of the courses prescribed in an academic major, general education requirements and elective courses for a minimum of 180 credits qualifies a student to apply for an undergraduate degree.
Admission and graduation requirements for every major offered at UW Tacoma are available in the Degree Programs section of the catalog. The process for declaring a major varies depending on the major chosen. Once the major is finalized, a change of major form or notification is submitted by the academic program to the Office of the Registrar for processing up until the second week of the current term; all others will become effective for the upcoming term.
Students are encouraged to declare or apply to a major as soon as possible. Failure to declare a major before a student has earned 105 credits will result in a hold being placed on their registration. Students who have not yet declared or been admitted to a major, and need guidance, should consult University Academic Advising for assistance.
Most majors are not printed on UW undergraduate diplomas. In most cases, it will print "Bachelor of Arts" and "Bachelor of Science" only.
Double Major or Double Degree
Students may complete the requirements of two majors as either a double major or a double degree.
Double Major |
Students will earn a double major when both majors lead to the same degree name even if the two majors are in different schools or programs. Example: if a student completes the requirements for two majors, both of which are deemed bachelor of arts, this is earning a double major. Only 180 credits are required to earn a double major. |
---|---|
Double Degree |
Students will earn a double degree when the two majors lead to differently named degrees. Example: if a student completes the requirements for the bachelor of arts and the requirements for the bachelor of science degree. The student will receive two diplomas. 225 credits are required to earn a double degree. |
Degrees with Two Majors
Students must submit separate graduation applications for each major. Requirements of both majors must be met and each major will appear on the transcript.
Second Baccalaureate Degree
A second baccalaureate degree may be granted, upon readmission, but a student must earn a minimum of 45 credits beyond the number required for the first degree, and must be earned in residence. The student must achieve no less than a 2.0 cumulative grade point average in the credits required for the second degree.
Two Baccalaureate Degrees Concurrently
Students who complete 225 credits and complete the requirements of two majors will be awarded two bachelor’s degrees only if the degree types are different. For example, a student with a major in psychology and a major in social welfare will receive one bachelor of arts degree with a double major. A student with a major in nursing and a major in finance will receive a bachelor of science in nursing and a bachelor of arts in business administration because the two degree types are different.
Declaring an Option within a Major
Some majors offer formal options within the majors that allow students to obtain a more focused degree. A formal notation of any declared option will be added to the academic record (transcript).
Minors
Declaring a Minor
A minor is an optional program of study (usually 25 to 35 credits) built around a particular subject or discipline. Minors can be helpful by allowing students to focus their degree by choosing a minor related to their major or to broaden their degree by taking an unrelated but complementary minor. The minor appears on the student’s transcript.
Students who are working on their first baccalaureate degree and are in a major with at least 45 credits can declare a minor by meeting with their academic advisor. Minors do not have prerequisites and do not require any additional application materials.
Students are eligible to complete as many as three minors while earning their first undergraduate degree. Post-baccalaureate students are not eligible to earn a minor(s).
Completion of a Minor
A student cannot major and minor in the same discipline. A minor must be awarded at the same time the student’s first bachelor’s degree is awarded. This means:
- A student who does not graduate cannot be awarded a minor.
- A student cannot earn a minor after graduation.
Honors
Honors silvaaAcademic Honors
Quarterly Dean’s List
The quarterly Dean's list includes the names of matriculated undergraduate students who are pursuing their first undergraduate degree and have attained a quarterly GPA of 3.50 in the final grades for at least 12 numerically graded credits. S/NS and CR/NC courses do not count as graded credits. Students who have been approved for a Reduced Course Load through Disability Resource Services must attain a quarterly GPA of 3.50 and complete 6 numerically graded credits.
Dean's Letters
Students are notified of their quarterly Dean's List standing with a Dean's Letter, which are distributed electronically. Recipients receive notification and download instructions via their UW e-mail address. To comply with FERPA regulations, Dean's Letter notifications are not sent to non-UW e-mail addresses.
Dean's Letters are generated once per quarter, after grades are due for that quarter often at the end of the subsequent quarter. Dean's Letters are only generated for students who meet the Dean's List criteria at that time. Dean's Letters are not issued or updated based on late changes to the academic record. Students are notified via email of their academic achievement and presented with an option to access their Dean's Letter (PDF) for the most recent quarter. Students will receive this email no earlier than one quarter after they've made the Dean's List.
The official University record that a student has qualified for the Dean's List is the notation on the student's UW transcript.
The Quarterly Dean's List website is updated quarterly and lists those students included on the previous quarter's Dean's List. Only students who have authorized the release of Student Directory Information and who have received a Dean's List letter appear on the Quarterly Dean's List website.
Annual Dean’s List
The Annual Dean's List high-scholarship award is recorded on the academic transcript of matriculated undergraduate students who are pursuing their first undergraduate degree and have achieved a quarterly GPA of 3.50 in 12 or more numerically graded credits each quarter for three quarters of the academic year (summer through spring).
Students enrolled for four quarters of the academic year (summer through spring) must satisfy the conditions outlined above and attain a quarterly GPA of 3.50 or better in the fourth quarter, if enrolled for 10 or more credits.
The Office of the University Registrar has discontinued the printing and mailing of the Annual Dean’s List Certificate. Students who attain the Annual Dean’s List achievement are recognized only on the UW website. Names will only appear for those students who have authorized the release of Student Directory Information.
Baccalaureate Honors
Baccalaureate honors (summa cum laude, magna cum laude, cum laude) are awarded only to recipients of a first baccalaureate degree. These honors are earned by those students who have completed no fewer than 90 residence credits at this institution. At least 60 of the 90 credits must have been acquired on a graded basis. Only students earning their first baccalaureate degree are eligible to receive honors.
The University’s Honors Committee determines annually the grade-point requirement for each baccalaureate honor. In recent years, approximately 10 percent of the students have been awarded baccalaureate honors. Online courses are included in the UW cumulative GPA and therefore count toward baccalaureate honors.
Faculty Honors
At the University of Washington Tacoma, faculty honors are awarded to those students receiving their first baccalaureate degree whose GPA is in the upper 10 percent of their program and who have earned between 43 and 89 numerically graded credits at the UW. The grade-point requirement is at the same level as baccalaureate honors. Only students earning their first baccalaureate degree are eligible to receive honors.
Departmental Honors
Global Honors Program
The Global Honors Program is the UW Tacoma's interdisciplinary campus honors program, adding distinction to the bachelor's degree. It offers curricular pathways in Global Leadership and Global Citizenship and a Minor in Global Engagement. The program oversees major-integrated honors, connecting them to high impact global learning practices through the Institute for Innovation and Global Engagement.
School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences Honors
The School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences currently offers honors designations in four majors:
School of Engineering & Technology
The School of Engineering & Technology currently offers honors designation for the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Computer Science and Systems.
Recognition & Awards
President's Medal
Each year the UW Tacoma President's Medalist is selected from graduating seniors with the most distinguished academic record and recognized at the commencement ceremony. Candidates must be in the top 2% of the graduating class in their academic program and have either graduated (in autumn or winter quarter) or submitted a graduation application to graduate (in spring or summer quarter) during the respective academic year.
Review the Eligibility and the Selection Process.
Chancellor’s Medal
Each year a student receiving an undergraduate degree is recognized by the chancellor at the commencement ceremony for their extraordinary achievement as a student at UW Tacoma. Nominees must have above a 3.0 cumulative grade point average or above and are earning a degree in autumn, winter, spring or summer of the respective academic year. The award recognizes an individual who has been a consistent source of inspiration for faculty and fellow students alike, and has overcome significant obstacles in order to complete a degree. The Chancellor’s Medal is conferred at Commencement.
Review the Eligibility and the Selection Process.
University Grading System
University Grading System silvaaGrading System for Undergraduate Students
UW Tacoma uses a numerical grading system. Instructors may report grades from 4.0 to 0.7 in 0.1 increments and the grade 0.0. The number 0.0 is assigned for failing work or unofficial withdrawal. Grades in the range 0.6 to 0.1 may not be assigned. Grades reported in this range are converted by the registrar to 0.0. Numerical grades may be considered equivalent to letter grades as shown in the chart below. Some instructors use their own grade scale which they include in their course syllabus.
Letter Grade | Numerical Grade |
---|---|
A | 4.0 - 3.9 |
A- | 3.8 - 3.5 |
B+ | 3.4 - 3.2 |
B | 3.1 - 2.9 |
B- | 2.8 - 2.5 |
C+ | 2.4 - 2.2 |
C | 2.1 - 1.9 |
C- | 1.8-1.5 |
D+ | 1.4 - 1.2 |
D | 1.1 - 0.9 |
D- | 0.8 - 0.7 (Lowest passing grade) |
E | 0.0 (Failure or unofficial withdrawal; no credit earned) |
Grading System for Graduate Students
At the graduate level, instructors may report grades from 4.0 to 1.7 in 0.1 increments. Grades below 1.7 are recorded as 0.0 by the Registrar and do not count toward residency, total credit count, or grade and credit requirements. A minimum grade of 2.7 is required in each graded course that is counted toward a graduate degree. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation. Numerical grades may be considered equivalent to letter grades as follows:
Letter Grade | Numerical Grade |
---|---|
A | 4.0 - 3.9 |
A- | 3.8 - 3.5 |
B+ | 3.4 - 3.1 |
B | 3.0 - 2.9 |
B- | 2.8 - 2.5 |
C+ | 2.4 - 2.1 |
C | 2.0 - 1.7 |
E | 1.6 - 0.0 |
Other Letter Grades
Definitions for the following letter grades that may also be used:
Letter Grade | Description |
---|---|
CR: Credit Awarded | Credit in a course offered on a credit/no-credit (C/NC) basis only or in courses numbered 600, 601, 700, 750 and 800. The minimum performance level required for a CR grade is determined, and the grade is awarded directly by the instructor. CR is not computed in GPA calculations. |
NC: Credit Not Awarded | Credit not awarded in a course offered on a credit/no-credit (C/NC) basis only or in courses numbered 600, 601, 700, 750 and 800. The grade is awarded directly by the instructor and is not included in GPA calculations. |
S: Satisfactory |
Satisfactory grade for courses taken on a satisfactory/not-satisfactory (S/NS) basis. An S grade is automatically converted from a numerical grade of 2.0 or above for undergraduate classes and 2.7 or above for graduate classes. The grade S may not be assigned directly by the instructor, but is a grade conversion by the Office of the Registrar. Typically, undergraduate students may elect this option only for free electives and cannot be used to satisfy a university, college or department course requirement unless the quarter is deemed as one of extraordinary circumstances where courses will count towards prerequisites, major and degree if the student earns an S grade. With the approval of their program advisor, graduate students may elect to be graded S/NS in any numerically graded course for which they are eligible. A maximum of 25 credits of S/NS grades may be applied to an undergraduate degree. S is not computed in GPA calculations. For graduate students, see an academic advisor. Read about late grading options during Extraordinary Circumstances Quarters. |
NS: Not Satisfactory |
Not Satisfactory grade for courses taken on a satisfactory/not-satisfactory (S/NS) basis. A grade less than 2.0 for undergraduate classes and 2.7 for graduate classes is converted to NS. NS is not included in GPA calculations. No credit is awarded for courses in which an NS grade is received. Read about late grading options during Extraordinary Circumstances Quarters. |
I: Incomplete |
"Incomplete" given at the discretion of the faculty only when a student has been in attendance and has done satisfactory work until within three weeks of the end of the quarter and has furnished proof satisfactory to the instructor that the work cannot be completed because of illness or other circumstances beyond the student’s control. Instructors are not obligated to grant a student's request for an Incomplete. Instructors will use the designated process of their school for students to request and for instructors to approve the awarding of an Incomplete grade. For undergraduate students, an Incomplete not made up by the end of the next quarter is converted to a grade of 0.0. However, an instructor can assign a grade other than 0.0 even if the student does not complete the assigned course work. The submitted grade will replace the "I" on the transcript. If no grade is submitted the Incomplete will convert to a grade of 0.0 and the "I" will be removed from the official transcript. If a default grade was submitted by the instructor this grade will replace the "I" on the transcript. An instructor may approve an extension of the Incomplete removal deadline by contacting the Office of the Registrar no later than the last day of the quarter following the quarter in which the Incomplete grade was assigned. Extensions, which may be granted for up to three additional quarters, must be received before the Incomplete has been converted into a failing grade. In no case can an Incomplete received by an undergraduate be converted to a passing grade after the lapse of one year. For graduate students, an Incomplete grade does not automatically convert to 0.0 but remains a permanent part of the student’s record. To obtain credit for the course, a student must successfully complete the work and the instructor must submit a grade. In no case can an Incomplete received by a graduate student be converted to a passing grade after a lapse of two years or more. |
W: Official Withdrawal | Official Withdrawal or drop from a course from the third through the seventh week of the quarter for undergraduates. A number designating the week of the quarter is recorded with the “W” when a course is dropped. It is not computed in GPA calculations. Effective through Summer 2020. |
HW: Hardship Withdrawal | Grade assigned when a student is allowed a hardship withdrawal from a course after the fourteenth calendar day of the quarter. HW grades are not computed in GPA calculations. Effective through Winter 2020. |
RD: Registrar Drop | "RD" is assigned when a student is allowed to withdraw from a course(s) after the 14th calendar day of the quarter (click here to learn more about Current Quarter Drop and Former Quarter Drop policies). It does not impact cumulative GPA or academic standing. Effective beginning Spring 2020. |
N: Hyphenated Course | N: Indicates that the student is making satisfactory progress and a final grade will be given at the end of the quarter the work is completed. Used only for hyphenated courses (courses not completed in one quarter) and courses numbered 600, 601, 700, 750 or 800. An N grade carries with it no credit or grade until a regular grade is assigned. |
X Missing Grade Annotation
If after the grading deadline a student has not been assigned a grade by the instructor, the system will insert an X missing grade annotation that appears on the student's record. The GPA is not affected and no credit is granted. The student does not receive credit for the course until a passing grade is submitted.
Grade point average (GPA)
The cumulative GPA includes credits granted for courses taken in residence at all campuses of the University of Washington and those with a “DL” (Distance Learning) offered when fully online. The UW transcript also reflects grades for other Continuum College courses that are not residence credit and grades for credit by examination. Credits by exam grades do not affect the student’s UW cumulative GPA.
Computation of GPA
The grade point average for graduation is computed by dividing the total cumulative grade points by the total credits attempted for courses taken in residence at the university. Grade points are calculated by multiplying the number of credits by the numeric value of the grade for each course. The sum of the grade points is then divided by the total credits attempted. Courses elected on an S/NS basis are counted as follows: Satisfactory grades are printed on the permanent record as an S and do not count in the quarterly or cumulative grade point average, but they do count as credits earned toward graduation. Not-satisfactory grades (NS) do not count in the quarterly and cumulative grade point averages and do not count as credits earned toward graduation.
Examples of How to Calculate your GPA:
COURSE | CREDITS | GRADE | GRADE POINTS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
TWRT 211 | 3 | X | 0.0 | = | 0.0 |
TMATH 324 | 5 | X | 2.9 | = | 14.5 |
TCSS 390 | 5 | X | 3.2 | = | 16.0 |
= 13 total credits attempted | = 30.5 total grade points |
Total credits earned toward graduation: 10
Total graded credits attempted: 13
Total grade points: 30.5
To calculate the Grade Point Average (GPA): 30.5 ÷ 13 = 2.35 GPA
The total graded credits attempted (13 credits), not the credits earned (10), are used in computing the GPA.
COURSE | CREDITS | GRADE | GRADE POINTS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
TBUS 300 | 5 | X | 2.3 | = |
11.5 |
TBUS 310 | 5 | X | 2.9 | = | 14.5 |
TBUS 320 | 5 | X | I | = | 0.0 |
= 10 credits completed (5 are incomplete | = 26.0 total grade points |
Total credits earned toward graduation: 10
Total graded credits attempted: 15
Total grade points: 26
Grade point average = 26.0 ÷ 10 = 2.60
The student attempted 15 credits, but has received an incomplete (I) for TBUS 320, so only 10 are graded initially; the I is not computed in the grade point average. If the work in TBUS 320 is not made up by the end of the following quarter, the I grade will convert to a numeric grade of 0.0 and the grade point average will be recomputed and the 15 total credits attempted will now used to re-calculate the grade point average. When a grade of 0.0 is received, it is computed in the grade point average, but no credit is awarded toward graduation.
Grading Procedures
Change of Grade
Except in case of error, an instructor may not change a grade that they have submitted to the Registrar. A student who finds administrative omissions or errors in a grade report must make application for review no later than the last day of the student’s next quarter in residence. Grades cannot be changed after the degree has been granted. Students are not automatically notified of grade changes posted and should review their unofficial transcript.
Changing or Appealing Final Grades
Except in case of error, no instructor may change a final grade that they have turned in to the Registrar. Grades cannot be changed after the degree has been granted.
Written Appeal of Grade Error
If a student believes that the instructor made an error in the assignment of a grade, or believe a grade recording error or omission has occurred, the following procedures are required to resolve the matter:
- The student must first discuss the matter with the instructor before the end of the following academic quarter.
- If they are not satisfied with the instructor’s response, the student may submit a written appeal that must include documentation(2) to the director or the dean of the program(3) that offered the course, with a copy of the appeal to the instructor. This must be done no later than 10 class days after your discussion with the instructor. The director or dean will consult with the instructor to ensure that the evaluation of your performance was fair and reasonable or whether the instructor's conduct in assigning the grade was arbitrary or capricious. Should the dean or director believe the instructor's conduct to be arbitrary or capricious(4) and the instructor declines to revise the grade, the director, with the approval of the voting members of his or her faculty, shall appoint an appropriate member, or members, of the faculty of that program to evaluate your performance and assign a grade. The vice chancellor for academic affairs and the provost will be informed of this action.
Once the student submits a written appeal, this appeal, any supporting documentation, and all subsequent actions on this appeal may be maintained and/or recorded in written form for deposit in a department, school or college file.
(1) Final grade means the grade received in the course and reported to the Office of the Registrar.
(2) Documentation means all materials relevant to the grade determination and to the grade appeal process. Examples include grade reports, graded work, syllabus, student/faculty correspondence, etc.
(3) Director or Dean means the administrator responsible for the respective school or program offering the course, which is under appeal.
(4) Arbitrary or Capricious means in a manner deemed to be inappropriately subjective or otherwise inconsistent.
Extraordinary Circumstances Quarter Late Grading Option
Undergraduate and graduate students may amend their original grading options for courses during Extraordinary Circumstances Quarters (ECQ). Review the Extraordinary Circumstances Quarter website for specific information about the following terms that have been deemed an Extraordinary Circumstances Quarter. Students may continue to move between numeric to S/NS grading or from S/NS to numeric for grades earned only in Extraordinary Circumstances Quarters until their degree has been posted. A change of registration fee is assessed for each change of grading option made, except for changes to Spring 2020 courses. Satisfactory (S) grades will count toward degree and graduation requirements.
Academic Standards
Academic Standards silvaaAcademic Standards
Students are expected to meet the traditional standards of honesty and truthfulness in all aspects of their academic work at UW Tacoma. In particular, all work submitted to an instructor in fulfillment of course assignments, including papers and projects, written and oral examinations, and oral presentations and reports, must be free of plagiarism. Plagiarism is using the creations, ideas or words of someone else without formally acknowledging the author or source through appropriate use of quotation marks, references and the like. Student work in which plagiarism occurs will not be accepted as satisfactory by the instructor and may lead to disciplinary action against the student submitting it. Any student who is uncertain whether their use of the work of others constitutes plagiarism should consult the course instructor for guidance before formally submitting the work involved.
Satisfactory Progress
The university requires students to declare a major by the time they have earned 105 credits. Students are urged to meet with an advisor to determine a major. A registration hold is placed on students who have reached 105 credits and not declared a major. In rare cases, a student who has met with an advisor will be granted a pre-major extension.
Students who have completed 165 or more credits, completed eleven or more academic satisfactory progress quarters and who do not have a graduation application or graduation plan on file will receive a registration hold and must meet with their advisor to start planning for graduation. In order to remove the hold, the student must submit a graduation application or a graduation plan.
The university’s satisfactory progress policy requires that students complete their undergraduate degree within 30 credits beyond the minimum required for the degree. Because most degrees require 180 total transfer and UW credits, students generally must complete their programs by the time they earn 210 credits.
Undergraduates who have completed more than 210 credits will be notified by the end of the third week of the quarter that a block is being placed on their registration due to lack of satisfactory progress. Students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisors to prepare a graduation plan or complete a graduation application.
Low Academic Standing
Academic Alert Status
An undergraduate student whose grade point average falls below 2.00 in their first quarter at the university receives an academic alert status. If a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 for courses earned in residence at the university is not achieved by the end of the next quarter, they are placed on academic warning status.
Academic Warning and Dismissal
Academic warning status is essentially a warning that the student must show improvement if the student is to remain at the University. An undergraduate student is placed on academic warning if their cumulative GPA falls below 2.00, except for their first quarter when an academic alert is issued. They must achieve a 2.00 GPA for each subsequent quarter until their cumulative GPA is raised to 2.00 or they are put on academic drop status.
Senior in Final Quarter
A senior who has completed the required number of credits for graduation, but whose work in what would normally be their final quarter places them on academic warning status, does not receive a degree until removed from academic warning status. A senior who has completed the required number of credits for graduation, but whose work during the last quarter results in academic drop status, does not receive a degree until readmitted and removed from the academic warning status.
Reinstatement
An undergraduate student who is placed in academic drop status will be readmitted to the university only at the discretion of the pre-major reinstatement committee or if in a major, the student’s academic program. In most cases, a student may be required to sit out one quarter. A student readmitted after being dropped under these rules reenters the university on academic warning status. The student’s GPA is the same as when dropped from the university, and the student may not use grades from other colleges or universities to raise their UW grade point average. A readmitted student is dropped if they fail to attain either a 2.00 grade point average for the following quarter’s work or a cumulative UW grade point average of 2.00 at the end of that quarter.
Please note: The University of Washington transcript is comprised of course work and grades from all three campuses. Students who are dropped for low scholarship from one campus and reinstated at another will remain on academic warning status until their cumulative grade point average reaches 2.00.
Graduation Requirements for the Baccalaureate Degree
Graduation Requirements for the Baccalaureate Degree silvaaTo graduate with a bachelor’s degree, a student must meet minimum general education and basic skills requirements in addition to the requirements of their academic program. This section outlines only the general education and basic skill requirements. Graduation requirements for each degree program are explained in this catalog.
Students must earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 for all work done in residence at the university. The graduation grade point average is computed when the student has completed all work for the degree and includes only credits earned while in residence at the university.
Students must complete a minimum of 180 academic credits in the following areas:
General Education | No fewer than 40 credits of general education courses, to include a minimum of 10 credits in each of three areas of study: Natural Sciences (NSc), Social Sciences (SSc), and Arts and Humanities (A&H) |
---|---|
Writing/Composition | A minimum of 15 credits of writing to include 5 credits of English Composition (with a minimum 2.0 grade) and 10 credits of designated writing-intensive courses |
Reasoning | A minimum of 5 credits of Reasoning (RSN) course work |
Diversity | A minimum of 5 credits from the approved University list; may overlap with other Areas of Inquiry requirements. For students admitted to the University prior to autumn quarter 2023, the DIV requirement is a minimum of 3 credits. |
Final-Year Residency Requirement
Students are required to complete 45 of their final 60 credits as matriculated students in residence at UW Tacoma. Some degree programs may have stricter residency requirements. Fully online degree programs are exempt from this requirement.
The following are considered non-resident credit:
- Cross-campus courses taken at UW (Seattle campus) and UW Bothell
- Credit from external sources (AP/IB credit, transfer coursework, by exam, Armed Forces Training School, etc.)
To seek an exception to the residency requirement the student needs to submit a graduation petition two quarters in advance to their academic advisor. Petitions requesting approval of 16-25 non-resident credits will be reviewed by the department awarding the degree. Petitions requesting more than 25 credits will be reviewed by the Academic Policy & Curriculum Committee. See details in the “Waiver of Graduation Requirements” section. If an exception is granted, the student still must present a minimum of 45 credits taken in residence as a matriculated student to be awarded a UW degree.
Catalog for Graduation Requirements
With advisor approval, a student may choose to graduate under the requirements of either the current catalog or the catalog in effect at the time they entered the program from which they are to graduate.
If the student graduates more than 10 years after enrolling in the program, the current catalog must be used for graduation purposes. Exceptions to this rule cannot be made without official approval by the academic program.
Waiver of University or Program Requirements for Graduation
To request a waiver of a program degree requirement a student must submit a petition to their academic program. Students should confer with their advisor before completing the petition. Review is done by the academic program faculty committee or director/dean, as procedures specific to each academic program dictate.
If the student is requesting to waive a university requirement (e.g., residency or the minimum grade for composition), the petition will be submitted to their academic advisor for review by the Faculty Assembly’s Academic Policy and Curriculum Committee (APCC). Once a determination has been made, the student is contacted. The 180-credit minimum and cumulative 2.00 GPA requirement for an undergraduate degree are university requirements that are not petitionable.
To ensure a determination is made in time for graduation, petitions must be submitted at least two quarters before the student’s graduation date to allow time for committee to review and registration.
The decision of the APCC is final. An exemption from a university graduation requirement becomes void at the end of two calendar years from the date the exemption was granted if all degree requirements have not been completed by that date.
Filing a Graduation Application
The student must make an appointment with their advisor to complete an application for graduation. The application may be filed as early as three quarters before the expected date of graduation. The absolute deadline for filing an application is the Friday of the third week of the quarter in which the student intends to graduate.
Students who will complete their degree requirements in summer quarter but wish to participate in the preceding spring commencement must adhere to the spring deadline.
It is the student’s responsibility to apply for a degree; degrees are not automatically awarded when requirements have been satisfied.
If a student declared a minor but it does not appear on the graduation application, the graduation specialist in the Office of the Registrar will remove it. On the other hand, if a student lists a minor on the degree application, the student must complete that minor or drop it officially, otherwise they will not graduate. This protects the student from being graduated when the actual intent is to continue in order to complete the minor.
Adding minors after applying to graduate
A student who wants to add a minor after the graduation application has been submitted must see their advisor, who will update the application and notify the graduation specialist in the Office of the Registrar.
Commencement
Formal Commencement exercises are conducted at the end of spring quarter. Programs also hold separate hooding ceremonies for their master’s degree graduates. Information on participating in these ceremonies is posted on the UW Tacoma commencement website.
Students who graduated during the previous autumn or winter quarters and those who anticipate graduating in spring or summer quarters of the current year are eligible to participate in an in-person event if they have filed a graduation application. It is the student’s responsibility to apply for graduation by the deadline, please see Filing a Graduation Application.
Diploma Distribution
Diplomas are mailed three to four months following graduation. The Office of the University Registrar in Seattle will send graduated students an email with a link to a form where students can indicate a desired diploma name and mailing address. The diploma name does not need to match the student record name. The form may be used to indicate a preferred name, hyphens, spaces, lower/upper case letters, accents, or other special characters. If a student does not complete the form, or misses the deadline provided in the email, the diploma will be printed using the student record name and mailed to the permanent address per UW records.
The diploma will list a student’s name, degree, and any applicable honors. Majors and minors are not listed on UW diplomas.
Students do not receive their diploma at the Commencement ceremony.
Graduate Academic & University Policies
Graduate Academic & University Policies silvaaOn this page:
- Time to Completion
- Graduate Courses
- Graduate Requirements for the Master's Degree
- Graduate Degree Application Process
- Transfer Credit
- Graduate Credits Taken as an Undergraduate
- Graduate Non-Matriculated Students
- Visiting Graduate Students
- Graduate Student On-Leave Status
- Reinstatement to Graduate School
- Doctoral Degree Policies
The following section contains detailed information concerning policies and procedures relating to graduate students and graduate studies. Students should verify all information with the program advisor of the individual academic program or appropriate staff.
For more information on the University of Washington Graduate School and graduate student policies, please visit the Graduate School website at https://grad.uw.edu/.
Time to Completion
The Graduate School normally allows six years to complete requirements for a master’s degree. Periods spent on leave or out of status are included. UW Graduate Non-matriculated credits used toward the total credits are also counted in the six years.
The Graduate School normally allows ten years to complete all work for the doctoral degree. This includes quarter spent on leave or out of status as well as applicable work from the master's degree from the UW or a master's degree from another institution, if applied toward one year of resident study.
Graduate Courses
Graduate courses numbered in the 500s through 800s are intended for and ordinarily restricted to either students enrolled in the Graduate School or graduate non-matriculated students who meet the requirements of Policy 3.3.
Graduate courses should be presented at a level that assumes enrolled students bring to the class a background at least equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in the field or a related interdisciplinary field. Graduate courses must not be used to correct deficiencies in the student’s undergraduate work; courses normally expected to be part of undergraduate preparation for graduate study must be identified by undergraduate course numbers.
Some courses at the 300 and 400 levels are open to graduate students; see Policy 1.1 for using these courses for graduate degree requirements.
Graduate Requirements for the Master's Degree
In addition to the requirements listed under Policy 1.1.1 that apply to all graduate degree programs:
- Master’s degree requirements must include a minimum of 36 credits. A master’s program may require more than this minimum.
- A student must complete all work for the master’s degree within six years from the time of first enrollment. Periods spent on leave or out of status are included in these limits. Exceptions to time to degree will be made at the program level.
- A master’s program generally should require a final culminating or integrated experience, with the exception of applied professional programs where a coursework-only program can be thoroughly justified in the program proposal (e.g., a coursework-only program is the standard in the field).
1.1.2.1 Coursework that may be applied towards master’s degree requirements
A maximum of 6 quarter credits of graduate-level coursework taken at another recognized academic institution may be transferred and apply to UW master’s degree requirements, when acceptable to the graduate program and the Graduate School.
No more than 12 credits derived from any combination of GNM credits and transfer credits may be applied towards the total degree requirements.
1.1.2.2 Thesis Programs
The master’s thesis provides evidence of the graduate student’s ability to carry out independent investigation and to present the results in clear and systemic form.
A thesis program must include a minimum of 9 thesis credits (700).
Thesis credits (700) will not apply to requirements for a non-thesis master’s degree.
See Policy 4.2.1 for any thesis that will include human or animal subjects.
1.1.2.3 Final Examination
If a master’s program requires a final examination, it may be either oral or written. A majority of the supervisory committee must approve for satisfactory completion, and all members of the supervisory committee must certify examination results. If the examination is not satisfactory, the committee may recommend to the Dean of the Graduate School that the student be allowed to take another examination after a period of further study.
Graduate Degree Application Process
The Graduate School defines minimum degree requirements for all University of Washington graduate programs. Individual graduate programs may have degree requirements that exceed the Graduate School minimum requirements.
The Graduate Faculty with oversight of a graduate program have primary responsibility for assuring that students recommended for graduation have satisfactorily fulfilled the degree requirements for the program in which they are enrolled.
A student must satisfy the requirements for the degree that are in force at the time the degree is to be awarded. Exceptions may be made for programs that have undergone changes to degree requirements.
Learn more about the Graduate School’s Graduate Degree Requirements and Policy 1.1
Master’s Degree Request Schedule
The academic department may require an earlier request submission date; students should consult with their department.
For all quarters, the deadline to file a Master’s request is the last day of the academic quarter (the last day of finals week).
Completing the Master’s Degree Request
- When completing the master’s degree request, the program will automatically run a degree audit to inform the students of any unsatisfied Graduate School requirements.
- Students will receive an email confirming receipt of their master’s degree request and the program will be notified through the MyGrad Program that a request has been submitted.
- Authorized departmental users enter department contingencies into MyGrad Program and can elect to send an email to the students to notify them of the departmental contingencies. Authorized departmental users will print the master’s degree warrants and the warrants will be routed to the students’ master’s committees in a manner determined by the department.
- By signing the master’s degree warrants, the students’ committees certify that the students have met all departmental requirements for the degree (except the thesis if one is required) and the warrants must be placed in the students’ department file.
- Once the warrants have been signed, the authorized departmental users will recommend whether or not the students are to graduate that quarter and these recommendations are conveyed to the Graduate School through MyGrad Program following the end of the quarter. Emails are sent to the students notifying them that their departments have made a recommendation on their request.
- Once the Graduate School receives the degree request recommendation, a final transcript audit and a review to determine if all Graduate School and department contingencies are met, will be completed by Graduate School staff.
- The Graduate School enters the final graduation decision into MyGrad Program, email notifications are sent to the students informing them of their graduation status, and authorized department users can view their quarter graduation list in MyGrad Program.
Commencement
Formal commencement exercises are conducted at the close of spring quarter. Academic programs also hold separate hooding ceremonies for their master’s and doctorate degree graduates in early June. Information on participation in these ceremonies is posted on the UW Tacoma Commencement website at tacoma.uw.edu/commencement.
Diploma Distribution
Diplomas are produced approximately three to four months after the end of the quarter in which they are earned and are mailed to the student's address on file with the University.
Transfer Credit
For Master’s and Educational Specialist degrees:
- A maximum of 6 quarter credits of graduate-level coursework taken at another recognized academic institution may be transferred and apply to UW degree requirements, when acceptable to the graduate program and the Graduate School.
- No more than 12 credits derived from any combination of GNM credits and transfer credits may be applied towards the total degree requirements.
For Doctoral degree other than Practice Doctorate:
- With the approval of the graduate program and the Graduate School, a master’s degree in a relevant field of study from an accredited institution may substitute for up to 30 of the required 90 credits. No other transfer credits are allowed for doctoral programs.
- With the approval of the graduate program, any number of credits applied to a UW master’s degree in the same program may be counted towards doctoral degree requirements.
For Practice Doctoral degrees:
- With the approval of the graduate program and the Graduate School, a Ph.D. or a master’s degree in a relevant field of study from an accredited institution may substitute for up to 30 of the required 90 credits.
- With the approval of the graduate program, any number of credits applied to a UW master’s degree in the same program may be counted towards doctoral degree requirements.
- A maximum of 10 quarter credits of graduate-level coursework taken at another recognized academic institution may be transferred and apply to UW practice doctorate degree requirements, when acceptable to the graduate program and the Graduate School.
- No more than 12 credits derived from any combination of GNM credits and transfer credits may be applied towards the total degree requirements.
- No more than 30 credits derived from any combination of GNM, transfer, and substituted credits may be applied towards the total degree requirements.
More information may be found in the Graduate School’s Policy 1.1.5.1
Graduate Credits Taken as an Undergraduate
University of Washington students who are within six credits of completing their undergraduate work and who have met the requirements for admission to the Graduate School may register the quarter immediately preceding admission to the Graduate School for up to six credits in 500-level courses in addition to the last six credits they require of undergraduate work. For example, a student admitted for autumn quarter may take graduate credits during the preceding spring quarter.
This registration and these arrangements must be approved by the graduate program that the student will enter. However, students so enrolling are not reclassified as graduate students until the baccalaureate degree has been granted and after their official admission. At that point, it is necessary to petition to permit the six credits to apply toward the master’s degree. Only under these circumstances may graduate work taken as an undergraduate be applied toward an advanced degree. Further registration for graduate work is contingent upon completion of the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.
Graduate Non-matriculated Students
A Graduate Non-matriculated student is a post-baccalaureate student who wishes access to a limited number of graduate courses, but who has not been admitted by the Graduate School to a degree program. These Graduate Non-matriculated students must not be enrolled in any courses where they would displace admitted degree-seeking graduate students. This status is not appropriate for international students on F-1 visas.
Applicants for GNM status must meet Graduate School minimum admission requirements and must be evaluated for acceptance by the academic unit according to the typical criteria for admitting students to the unit’s graduate programs.
Tuition and fees charged GNM students for graduate level courses cannot be less and may be more than those charged to graduate students.
Acceptance as a GNM student confers no guarantee or priority for later admission to a graduate degree program.
More information may be found in the Graduate School’s Policy 3.3
Visiting Graduate Students
Visiting Graduate Student status allows certain students to take University of Washington coursework without being admitted to a University of Washington graduate degree program.
All applications for Visiting Graduate Student status are processed by the Graduate School’s Graduate Enrollment Management Services (GEMS) office. All documentation submitted by the applicant must be in English or official translations into English accompanied by the original foreign language document.
If a student with Visiting Graduate Student status later applies for admission to the Graduate School in order to pursue a graduate degree, the student must formally apply and submit complete credentials as outlined in Policy 3.1.
Not all graduate programs accept visiting graduates, so please contact the program before you apply. You may find contact information in the graduate program listing.
More information may be found in the Graduate School’s Policy 3.4
Graduate Student On-Leave Status
Graduate students are required to maintain graduate status during their program of study. Failure to maintain this status requires reinstatement to the University of Washington. Students who desire to take a quarter or quarters off without going through the reinstatement process must apply for on-leave status for each quarter they do not register. Learn more about Policy 3.5: On-Leave Policy to Maintain Graduate Student Status.
On-leave Eligibility
- Must be a graduate student in good standing.
- Must have been registered or on-leave the previous quarter.
- Must satisfy any graduate program policies pertaining to going/remaining on-leave.
- Must have registered for at least one quarter of graduate study at UW and have approval from their graduate program.
- Must request this leave on a quarterly basis.
- Students on F-1 & J-1 visas should review International Student Services’ webpages on Time Off to ensure they understand the enrollment requirements and exceptions related to their visas.
- Pre-registered students must officially withdraw via MyUW or the Registration office prior to the first day of the quarter. Registered students are not eligible for on-leave status.
Students on-leave are entitled to:
- Return as a graduate student to the graduate program
- Use University libraries
- Maintain access to the UW email account
- Use Hall Health Primary Care Center on a pay-for-service basis
Students on-leave are not entitled to:
- Faculty and staff counsel/resources (very limited counsel/resources are permitted)
- Examinations of any type (except for language competency)
- Thesis/dissertation filing
- University housing
- Student insurance
- Financial assistance
Procedure for Requesting Leave
Students requesting on-leave status must submit an online Request for On-Leave Status via MyGrad Program. For a given quarter, students can submit the request as early as two weeks prior to the first day of instruction and must submit payment of the non-refundable fee no later than 5 p.m. on the last day of the quarter.
Leave is granted on a quarterly basis, though the following students may request up to four consecutive quarters of leave at one time: Peace Corps Master’s International (PCMI) students, military personnel with deployment orders, and some UW Fulbright grantees (with the exception of military personnel with deployment orders, these students will be required to pay the fee for each quarter of leave requested). All students pay for on-leave, with the exception of military personnel on deployment orders (deploying students must still log onto MyGrad to “Pay” after receiving the departmental approval email, but they will be exempted from payment at the last step).
- Complete and submit the online Request for On-Leave Status via MyGrad Program. Student will receive a confirmation email that the request has been submitted.
- Request will be reviewed and approved by the departmental Graduate Program Coordinator (faculty advisor). Upon approval, students will receive a confirmation email that the department has approved the request.
- Return to MyGrad Program to pay the $25.00 non-refundable On-Leave fee via credit card. Students will receive a confirmation email that their quarterly leave has been processed and their registration status for that quarter is “On-Leave.”
- Print confirmation of on-leave verification to be presented for access to the UW libraries.
- Students on F-1 & J-1 visas should review International Student Services’ webpages on Time Off to ensure they understand the enrollment requirements and exceptions related to their visas.
- Complete and submit the online Request for On-Leave Status via MyGrad Program.
- Request will be reviewed and approved by the departmental Graduate Program Coordinator (faculty advisor). Upon approval, students will receive a confirmation email that the department has approved the request.
- Request will then be reviewed and approved by the ISS office. Upon approval, students will receive a confirmation email that the ISS has approved the request.
- Return to MyGrad Program to pay the $25.00 non-refundable On-Leave fee via credit card. Students will receive a confirmation email that their quarterly leave has been processed and their registration status for that quarter is “On-Leave.”
- Print confirmation of on-leave verification to be presented for access to the UW libraries.
Reinstatement to the Graduate School
A matriculated student previously registered in the Graduate School who has failed to maintain graduate student status (on-leave status or registration) but who wishes to resume studies in their previous graduate program must submit a reinstatement request to the Graduate School. Students approved to reinstatement must pay a $250 reinstatement fee to process their reinstatement and return to active student status.
Reinstatement Eligibility
- Must be an inactive matriculated graduate student wishing to return to their previous degree program. Non-matriculated, undergraduate, or active graduate students are not eligible for reinstatement.
- Must have been registered for at least one quarter of graduate study at UW.
- Must have approval from the graduate program to reinstate.
- Must satisfy any additional graduate program policies pertaining to reinstatement.
- International students must have confirmation from the International Student Services office that an I-20 can be issued in time to meet registration deadlines.
- Original admission date was less than six years ago (for master’s students) or ten years ago (for Doctoral students). The Graduate School normally allows six years to complete requirements for a master’s degree and ten years for a doctoral degree. Periods spent on-leave or out of status are included.
Students who do not meet these requirements are not eligible for reinstatement without a petition from their graduate program. Ineligible students should instead submit a new application for admission after consulting with their graduate program. Please note that students who meet reinstatement requirements but instead submit a new application for admission will have their application fee refunded and be assessed the $250 Reinstatement Fee.
For questions regarding on-leave status, please contact your graduate program advisor or Graduate Enrollment Management Services at uwgrad@uw.edu or 206-685-2630
Doctoral Degree Policies
The Doctoral Degree other than Practice Doctorates
- In addition to the requirements listed under Policy 1.1.1 that apply to all graduate degree programs, the following requirements apply to all doctoral degrees other than practice doctorates. For the composition and responsibility of the doctoral supervisory committee, see Policy 4.2.
- Doctoral degree requirements must include a minimum of 90 credits beyond the baccalaureate. A doctoral degree program may require more than this minimum.
- Doctoral programs require a culminating experience, with PhD programs requiring original research reflected in the dissertation.
- All work applied to the doctoral degree must be completed within ten years, including credits counted from a master’s degree at UW. Periods spent on leave or out of status are included in these limits. Exceptions to time to degree will be made at the program level. Additional Doctoral Degree requirements may be found in the Graduate School policy 1.1.4
The Practice Doctoral Degree:
- A practice doctorate is intended as preparation for professional practice at the frontiers of existing knowledge (see Policy 1.7.2).
- In addition to the requirements listed under Policy 1.1.1 that apply to all graduate degree programs:
-
- Practice doctoral degree requirements must include a minimum of 90 credits beyond the baccalaureate.
- The practice doctorate requires successful completion of 12 credits of dissertation, project or capstone credit (801 Practice Doctorate Dissertation/Project/Capstone).
- There is no formally recognized candidacy status for practice doctoral students. Requiring a general exam or other milestones is at the discretion of the program and is not reported to the Graduate School.
Residency
Residency silvaaResidence Classification Requirements
The Office of the Registrar has detailed information on residency classification, the residency affidavit and the residency questionnaire. Residency is determined by several factors in addition to physical residence in Washington and may be established through the submission of documentary evidence. Any student seeking clarification regarding residency classification should review the information at the Understanding Washington Residency website or contact the Office of the Registrar.
Veteran and Military Residency
Active-duty military personnel stationed in the state of Washington, their spouses and dependent children are eligible for resident (in-state) tuition. An exemption to Washington residency is allowed for many veterans and their families, based on state law, who would otherwise not qualify due to the 12-month physical presence requirement. Please review all of the options available to veterans, active military and their families. Consult the Veteran and Military Resource Center for further assistance.
Student Rights & Responsibilities
Student Rights & Responsibilities silvaaIt is the responsibility of the student to become familiar with all academic and administrative regulations and procedures relating to their course of study at the University of Washington Tacoma.
Student Conduct Code
All students who are enrolled on any of the three University of Washington campuses (Tacoma, Seattle, or Bothell) are held accountable to the Student Conduct Code. The Student Conduct Code outlines both the expectations for behavior and the procedures for handling violations of the conduct code.
Contact Office of Student Conduct & Academic Integrity for additional support.
Academic Misconduct
Admission to the University of Washington carries the expectation that students will conduct themselves as responsible members of the academic community. All students assume responsibility to observe standards of conduct that will contribute to the pursuit of academic goals and to the welfare of the academic community. This responsibility includes practicing high standards of academic and professional honesty and integrity, and complying with the rules, regulations, procedures, policies, standards of conduct, and orders of the university and its schools, colleges, and departments.
Behavioral Misconduct
Students must respect the rights, privileges, and property of other members of the academic community and visitors to the campus, and refrain from any conduct that would interfere with university functions or endanger the health, welfare, or safety of other persons. Students should be familiar with the Student Conduct Code.
Off-Campus Misconduct
The University shall have the authority to hold students accountable under the Student Conduct Code for certain off-campus behavior (i.e., behavior that does not occur on university premises or in the context of a university-sponsored event or activity) that directly affects an University interest, or has continuing adverse effects or may create a hostile environment on University premises or in the context of a University-sponsored program or activity.
Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedure
Title IX and other federal and state laws collectively prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, pregnant or parenting status, and LGBTQ identity. These laws impose legal requirements and protections that serve as a foundation from which UW has created policies, practices, services, and programs that work in concert to advance equity for students, staff, and faculty of all identities
Students, staff and faculty members and other users of university services who have a concern or complaint regarding sexual harassment should contact the Title IX Office. The Title IX Office provides options for reporting sexual violence and harassment, and resources and support for victims of sexual violence and harassment.
Computer Use and Software Copyright Policy
All faculty, staff and students are responsible for using university computer resources in an ethical and legal manner. For example, it is not appropriate to share computer accounts or use them for commercial purposes, to send unwanted email, or to distribute copyrighted software, music or images. Those who do not follow the rules could lose their UW computing privileges. For detailed information, see the UW Information Technology website.
Student Privacy Rights & FERPA
Release of Student Directory Information
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) protects the privacy of student educational records. However, the following information is considered public or directory information and may be released to anyone unless the student requests otherwise: name, street address, email address, telephone number, date of birth, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, major and minor field(s) of studies, class, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, and for students who are members of intercollegiate athletic teams, weight and height.
If a student chooses not to authorize release of directory information, they can restrict this information using MyUW. Except under provisions of the USA Patriot Act of 2001 or a lawfully-issued subpoena, no information will be released on students who have restricted release of directory information, including degrees awarded and dates of attendance.
Currently enrolled students may submit a one-time request for their own education records to be provisioned to themselves. The one-time records request is submitted to the Office of the Registrar.
Complete details regarding FERPA and students’ rights concerning educational records are available from the Office of the Registrar.
Student Education Records
As a general rule, the University will not release a student’s education records to a third party without the written consent of the student. This includes tuition account information. The complete university policy on student education records and the location of such records may be found in the Washington Administrative Code under WAC 478-140-024.
Transcripts
Transcripts silvaaOfficial Transcripts
A transcript is the official record of a student's academic history at the University of Washington, including declared major(s) and minor(s), courses taken, grades received, grade-point average, and degrees awarded. Official transcripts are printed on special paper, and certified and issued directly by the University through use of Parchment. Official transcripts may be needed for most scholarships, academic institution applications, and employment verification.
Ordering Official Transcripts
Contact the Office of the Registrar at UW Tacoma, or visit the Ordering Transcripts webpage for more information.
Unofficial Transcripts
Unofficial transcripts are not certified by the University. They are intended to provide a student with their academic standing for informational and planning purposes. Students can print out an unofficial University of Washington Tacoma transcript online at MyUW.
University Records Retention
University Records Retention silvaaDisposition of Records
Office of the Registrar maintains the academic records for all enrolled undergraduate students as well as registration transactions for graduate students at the University of Washington Tacoma in electronic format based on the University of Washington's Records Retention Schedule. Student records are maintained for up to 9 years after the beginning of the fall quarter of the admission year. Once the retention period has ended, the record is set for disposal.