Undergraduate Education

In this lecture and follow-up conversation, distinguished teaching awardee and Professor of sociology Alexes Harris shares her research into how people’s interactions with institutions — like the criminal justice system — shape the outcomes of people’s lives. She delves into how those outcomes are different based on a person’s race and ethnicity, gender, income bracket and other identities people hold. Harris also talks about being born and raised in Seattle and how she got to be able to share her research with policy makers, legislators, judges and community members so her scholarship can contribute to a more equitable criminal justice system.

Robert Stacey, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences — the largest college at the University of Washington — talks about the difference between making a living and making a life. In this wide-ranging conversation covering Stacey’s passion for medieval history; why he wanted to teach at the UW; his hopes for students; and leading lives that are worthy of the sacrifices veterans make.

Matthew Howard, Ph.D. candidate in English, discusses race and mobility.

“Starting this summer, Seattle Colleges has made damaging cuts to programs and staff across the district. Staff have been furloughed, making fall quarter registration and financial aid difficult for students. Programs that serve working-class Seattle, like culinary arts and parent education, are on the chopping block. These types of cuts hurt the most vulnerable students and communities in Seattle the hardest,” writes Michael Reagan, a history instructor at the UW and Seattle Colleges.

Professor of History Margaret O’Mara and Vice Provost Ed Taylor discuss what history can teach us about the 2020 election.

“2020: The Course” gives students an opportunity to hear from UW professors and special guests who will discuss the COVID-19 pandemic, race in the United States, the state of the environment, the economic recession, civic participation, citizenship and this election season and outcomes.

A psychology course on human sexuality is the largest UW class — ever. Revising the content has been a journey.

UW professors are adapting to online learning in creative ways to encrich student experience and connect students with complex issues.

Associate Professor of Philosophy Carole Lee’s interdisciplinary research exploring racial disparities in grant funding gained traction with a letter published in The Lancet.

Dance Department lecturer Etienne Cakpo has been named 2020 Dance Educator of the Year by the Dance Educators Association of Washington.

“General chemistry has a terrible reputation on most college campuses. It’s seen as a killer—a place where dreams of careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) go to die. Now the data have spoken, and their message is clear: The bad rep is justified. And the numbers are especially bleak for students who are underrepresented in STEM,” writes Scott Freeman, teaching professor emeritus in biology at the UW.

University of Washington faculty member Ian Schnee, associate teaching professor in the Department of Philosophy, was the featured speaker at the UW’s 37th annual New Student Convocation.

The chair of UW’s Printmaking Program designed a popular new class during the pandemic, stamping out doubt about how effective remote learning can be.

Every Wednesday in Edmonds, customers at Walnut Street Coffee can walk out with something extra. It's all part of what they call "With Joy Wednesdays." If you purchase a drink and request a sleeve for the cup, it comes with a small inspiring message attached. UW junior Jerrod Mace got the idea while hanging out at a coffee shop in Spokane.

As Robert Stacey begins his final year as dean of Arts & Sciences, he discusses the College's strengths and challenges.