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Mentha Hynes-Wilson joined the University of Washington Tacoma team as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs in August 2017. Her portfolio includes oversight of the many programs and services that contribute to enhancing student success. She previously served as Associate Vice President at Salisbury University in Maryland, Dean of Student Affairs at the University of San Diego, Director of Student Life at Princeton University, and Associate Dean of Multicultural Affairs and Student Affairs at Smith College.
Ms. Hynes-Wilson is a champion for students and fiercely committed to educational equity. She has devoted her career to developing, assessing, and improving programs and policies that facilitate access while maximizing opportunities for student success, earning recognition as a trusted, “student-friendly” resource.
Mentha holds a B.A. degree in Ethnic Studies from California State University, Sacramento, and an M.Ed. in Educational Policy and Research from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Her office is located in the Mattress Factory, and all are welcome to stop by and say hello!
From the Desk of Ms. M.
As the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Mentha consistently communicates important campus updates, news, and information to students. Below are records of these emails, sorted by date (recent to oldest).
July 13, 2024
Dear student:
By now, you have likely seen the emergency update. Due to a power outage caused by a vehicle accident, campus buildings including the University YMCA Student Center, are currently closed through July 20 and possibly longer.
Classes, labs, and other instruction will occur online. A few classes will be held in person at different locations, and your instructor will let you know if that is the case for you.
All student support offices within Student Affairs, Academic Advising, Library, Equity and Inclusion, and the Teaching and Learning Center remain open remotely. Additionally:
- Students without reliable computers or internet access can borrow laptops, mobile hotspots, and other equipment. For more information, see the IT website or email tachelp@uw.edu.
- Students can access a cool place to study and relax at their local Y. UW Tacoma students have free access to YMCA facilities across the region and the United States.
- The HuskiesCare virtual resource hub identifies additional supports: https://uwtacoma.concerncenter.com.
- Emotional support is available through a variety of services, including Psychological and Wellness Services and TELUS Health (formerly MYSSP).
- The Pantry and the Cupboard will remain closed until further notice. Here is a link to find food resources within the local community: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/454/Food-Banks.
I understand this isn’t the start to the session we had all hoped for. We are working as quickly as possible to resolve the problem, and the University's webpage is the place to find all the latest detailed information. If you have any specific inquiries about your personal situation, please contact your school, department, or the Division of Student Affairs (uwtstudentaffairs@uw.edu).
Sincere regards,
Mentha Hynes-Wilson
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Hello Huskies,
Due to the power outage on campus that started in the early morning of Saturday, July 6, we anticipate interruptions to our food resources. Although we will make every effort to reopen as soon as possible, please keep in mind that if we continue to experience the outage, the Pantry and the Cupboard will remain closed until further notice.
Off-campus resources are available for UW Tacoma students. Here is a link to find food resources within the community: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/454/Food-Banks
The HuskiesCare virtual resource hub identifies additional supports: https://uwtacoma.concerncenter.com/
As soon as we are operational again, we will let you know.
Thank you for your patience, and should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Surtida Shelton at shelton8@uw.edu.
Sincerely,
Mentha Hynes-Wilson
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Dear Students:
I wanted to reach out to you and let you know that YOU have been on our minds! The Division of Student Affairs is your champion, and we believe in you! As you prepare for your finals, please remember the following important messages:
YOU CAN DO IT!
We know you are likely very tired! Don't give up now, we know you can do it! Finish your quarter off strong - we are rooting for you! Please know that If you need any help, you have so many resources available to you in the Division of Student Affairs! Take a look at our website to find the resources best for your needs (look at the dropdown menus or scroll down on the site for all the potential resources and support we provide) or talk to one of our amazing staff members about your needs and the support we may be able to provide!
LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO STUDY FOR FINALS?
The Dawg House Student Lounge in the Mattress Factory (MAT) is a great place to study for your finals in a private area. Quiet space is also available near MAT 103, MAT 213, and MAT 352, as well as in the UW Tacoma Library, computer labs, or the University Y. There are multiple spaces all around the campus, and there are even places where you can reserve your campus study space to ensure it is yours alone.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!
Most importantly, our message to you is, "Please take care of yourself! Your mental health is extremely important!" We hope you will seek out services and resources on campus that can support you if you need them (i.e. Psychological & Wellness Services and TELUS Health [formerly MYSSP]). We also have a virtual resource, HuskiesCare, that was created to help you with your basic needs and many other concerns you may be having. Please don't hesitate to reach out for support as you need it! And, if you know a friend who may need help, please do what you can to help them find the resources they need.
Sending you all the best!
Mentha
This message is being sent to all students enrolled at the University of Washington’s Tacoma campus.
Dear UW Student:
Title IX and other federal and state laws prohibit all forms of sex- and gender-based discrimination. Sex- and gender-based discrimination includes sexual harassment, relationship violence, stalking, sexual exploitation, and sexual assault. Title IX also prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, and pregnancy and related conditions.
How can the Office of the Title IX Coordinator help? Title IX case managers can:
- Provide information, resources and options to individuals who experience sex- and gender-based violence, harassment and discrimination; they can help you support a friend, too
- Implement supportive measures — like changes in class schedules or mutual restrictions on communication between two individuals
- Explain the formal complaint option, which is a request for the University to investigate prohibited conduct, and discuss how an investigation will progress and what to expect
- Assist students who are pregnant or experiencing related conditions to get support and reasonable adjustments to ensure they are not denied or limited access to their classes or related activities
You can submit online reports directly to the UW Title IX Office
Starting this year, students can submit online reports directly to the UW Title IX Office. When submitting a report, students can choose to remain anonymous and/or not share their own or others’ names to protect an individual’s identity. Learn more about how to make a report and what happens after you submit a report on the Title IX “Make a Report” page.
Consider seeking confidential support before submitting a Title IX report
The Office of the Title IX Coordinator strives to protect the privacy of individuals involved in Title IX-related matters but is not a confidential resource. If you have experienced sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking or sexual harassment, and are seeking confidential support, consider contacting the UW Tacoma confidential advocate before submitting an online Title IX report.
New Title IX regulations
We are awaiting new Title IX regulations from the U.S. Department of Education. When those regulations are finalized, the Office of the Title IX Coordinator will post information on the UW’s Title IX website and follow up with an email message to all students and employees.
Have an excellent year and thank you for working with us and with each other to provide inclusive, welcoming communities for all UW students.
Sincerely,
Mentha Hynes-Wilson
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Valery Richardson
Title IX Coordinator
Dear Huskies:
Welcome to the Autumn 2023 quarter! This time of the academic year is always exciting as I enjoy welcoming both our new and returning students back to campus. As you participate in the various Welcome Days activities and settle into the quarter, you will quickly sense that UW Tacoma is a campus community fully devoted to your support, engagement, and success.
As paert of that support, I am pleased to announce a new service available to all UWT students. Student Legal Services (SLS), funded through the generosity of the Services and Activities Fee Committee, provides free 40-minute consultation sessions on legal matters via Zoom or in-person at the SLS office on the UW Seattle campus. SLS also offers low-cost legal representation for students. (SLS cannot provide representation in matters where the opposing party is another UW student or entity.)
Please visit the SLS website to learn more about the full scope of services and the process for setting an appointment. You are also welcome to contact Tanya Fekri, Director of Student Legal Services, at slsuw@uw.edu.
Have an enjoyable Autumn quarter, and I look forward to seeing you around campus.
Best,
Mentha Hynes-Wilson
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Dear Husky,
I am delighted you will join us for the 2023-2024 academic year. UW Tacoma is a close-knit community, and here are a few details to help you make connections with classmates, faculty, and staff and campus resources.
Convocation: It is a tradition for students, faculty, and staff to come together to kick off the start of the academic year. Join us on Wednesday, September 27, on the Prairie Line Trail from noon –1:30 pm. We will have free snacks, entertainment, and special UW Tacoma swag!
HuskiesCare: HuskiesCare, managed through the Office of Student Advocacy & Support, is a Virtual Resource Hub that will help you find resources that include emergency relief and support services to address your basic needs.
Student Discounts: Many shops and stores offer student discounts. Check out Dancing Goats Coffee at 2102 Commerce Street, Zeeks Pizza, 1702 Pacific Avenue, and the UW Tacoma Shop - offering UW Tacoma clothing and accessories - at 1754 Pacific Avenue. Student ID is required.
Welcome Days: There are many rewarding and fun ways to get involved on- and off-campus. Explore all that UW Tacoma has to offer, from Boxing Basics, Donut Thursdays, and Karaoke nights to resume workshops to discussions of identity during Welcome Days events the first week of the autumn quarter. With over 65 student organizations, something is bound to be for you.
The Annual Class Photo: Each year, new first-year and transfer students assemble on the Court 17 lawn for the celebrated photo were new students arrange themselves in a “W.” Let’s establish a new record on Tuesday, October 3, for the largest participation!
Obviously, I am excited to meet you! The Division of Student Affairs is here to offer guidance and support and we all look forward to seeing you on campus.
Best,
Mentha Hynes-Wilson
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
P.S. Be sure to obtain your Husky ID Card and check your UW Tacoma email account regularly. The ID is needed to access certain buildings, and the University will use UW email to communicate with you through your years on campus.
Dear student:
We recognize that, as of late, you may have received notifications or heard things around campus that may be causing you to be concerned about your safety. We are aware of these issues, taking them seriously, and working to address them. We care about you and the safety of everyone on this campus.
We encourage you to update your emergency contact information in MyUW and to sign up for UW Tacoma Alerts to stay informed about what is happening on campus should an emergency occur. Additionally, we encourage you to visit the Campus Safety & Security website and review the resources they have provided for your safety and emergency concerns.
Finally, we hope you will to seek out services and resources on campus that can support you whenever you need (i.e. Psychological & Wellness Services and MySSP). We also have a virtual resource, HuskiesCare, that was created to help you with your basic needs and many other concerns you may be having. Please don't hesistate to reach out for support as you need it! And, if you know a friend who may need help, please do what you can to help them find the resources they need.
We commit to keeping you updated on campus safety measures. As part of this effort, we are holding a Town Hall on Addressing Campus Safety, where your input is welcomed, on Wednesday, May 3 at 4 p.m. I hope to see you there!
Best,
Ms. M
Mentha Hynes-Wilson (she, her)
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Dear students,
We are excited to announce the details for our Commencement celebration. This year, UW Tacoma will hold one Commencement ceremony on Friday, June 9, 2023 beginning at 10 a.m. at the Tacoma Dome. We expect it to last about two and a half hours.
Please check out the Commencement website for details. Information on guest tickets and cap and gown pickup are being finalized right now and should be sent to students eligible to graduate by March 15. Registration for Commencement will open in late April.
Our planning committee is working hard to bring joy and excitement to this pivotal moment in our students’ lives. This includes more opportunities for you to celebrate with friends, family, and faculty.
We look forward to seeing all graduating students and their families there on June 9!
Sincerely,
Sheila Edwards Lange, Ph.D.
Chancellor
Mentha Hynes-Wilson
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Jai’Shon Berry
President, Associated Students of UW Tacoma
Dear Huskies,
As Chancellor Lange noted this past Friday in her outreach message to the campus community, we find ourselves yet again grappling with intensely painful and tragic moments taking place across our nation. On the heels of the heinous shooting in Monterey Park, CA, that claimed 11 lives and wounded nine others, we most recently witnessed Memphis police engaged in the violent killing of Tyre Nichols, yet another unarmed Black man, during a traffic stop. There are no words to adequately express the outrage, grief, and fear that can settle in during the aftermath of such senseless acts of violence.
As we continue coping — individually and collectively — with the aftermath of the frightening and increasing numbers of mass shootings and incidents of police brutality that have targeted Black, Asian, and LGBTQ communities, I invite you to consider guidance from the American Psychological Association for managing distress brought on by traumatic events:
- Talk about it. Ask for support from loved ones and seek professional help should you feel like you are unable to function or perform basic activities of daily living.
- Find your balance. When everything seems negative and overwhelming, remind yourself of the people, events, and things in your life that bring you happiness and encouragement.
- Turn it off and take a break. Set limits for how much news or other distressing information you take in every day. Try to do something that will instead lift your spirits.
- Honor your feelings. Remember that it is common to feel a range of emotions after a traumatic event.
- Take care of yourself. Engage in healthy behaviors that help you cope with stress: drink water and eat nutritious, comforting meals and snacks; exercise; re-establish routines; and avoid substances.
- Help others and/or do something productive. Helping someone else often has the benefit of making you feel better, too.
If you are feeling impacted by the cumulative effects of the societal violence we face, know that you have resources and support within the Division of Student Affairs to assist you. I encourage you to call or visit Psychological & Wellness Services, if needed, for free, confidential counseling services.
On behalf of the Division of Student Affairs, I offer my deepest condolences, support, and empathy to all those who are impacted.
In solidarity and support,
Mentha Hynes-Wilson
Vice Chancellor
To view older communications, see the Vice Chancellor's Communications page.