Winter 2026 Quarterly Newsletter

academic affairs roundup

Message from the Executive Vice Chancellor

Dear Colleagues,

As I pass the seven-month mark in this role, I continue to be amazed by the generosity, dedication, and talent across our campus community. 足彩app哪个是正规的 quality of education we offer our students—and the impact each of you has on their experience—shows how strongly our shared mission is embodied across campus. Moreover, our community and connection are critical to navigating the ambiguity and challenges higher education is currently facing. Because of your resilience and flexibility, we are exceptionally well positioned to meet this moment and continue moving forward.

In that spirit, these past few weeks have brought many meaningful moments that have connected us to our community and invited people to celebrate what makes UW Bothell extraordinary, including the School of Business (un)GALA and the School of Educational Studies Night of Community and Solidarity. Events like these remind me how deeply our division is connected to those we serve and to one another.

I’d also like to express my gratitude for your thoughtful engagement in the university’s strategic planning process, as well as your contributions to the integration of the Office of Connected Learning with Career Services. Your academic voice is essential in shaping these efforts. I’m also excited that we are launching our first cohort of students this spring through our TRIO grant—an important milestone for our student success initiatives.

In partnership with the GFO, we are working to streamline and strengthen shared governance and transparency, including processes related to budgets, promotion and tenure, and hiring. In that same spirit—and as highlighted in the Chancellor’s recent message—I encourage you to participate in the virtual Budget Town Hall on Tuesday, April 14, from 1–2 p.m. PT. This is an important opportunity for our community to hear about the university’s financial outlook and the collective work shaping UW Bothell’s future.

Finally, I will be visiting each school again this coming spring quarter and look forward to talking with you directly about academic affairs priorities and hearing what is on your mind.

Thank you for all you do to shape the vibrant learning environment that defines the UW Bothell.

With gratitude,

Brian F. Martensen, Ph.D.
Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

Staff Changes

Addition to the Learning Commons Team

足彩app哪个是正规的 Learning Commons is excited to welcome Mina Haines as our new Academic Success Coach. Mina will also serve as the marketing manager for the Learning Commons. A proud double-UW alum, Mina holds a BA in Marketing and an MS in Business Analytics. She brings extensive experience from her previous roles as a Writing Tutor, TA, and Lead Data Analyst. In her new role, Mina provides one-on-one coaching to help students take ownership of their academic journeys. Beyond campus, she is a multi-instrumentalist, pastry chef, and avid traveler. We are thrilled to have her expertise back in the Learning Commons to support our student community!

ICYMI: Recent Events Recap

Pathways Week 2026

Pathways Week 2026 brought together more than sixty events organized around the university’s meta-majors to help UW Bothell students explore majors, meet faculty and advisors, and take early steps toward future careers. Through panels, workshops, advising sessions, and hands-on activities—from large events like the “Arts & Media 足彩app哪个是正规的 Mixer” to intimate “Advising in the Halls” sessions—the program supported students at every stage, whether they were exploring options or deepening commitment to a chosen path. By blending academic exploration, professional development, and community-building, Pathways Week left students feeling more confident, connected, and prepared. Learn more about Pathways Week!

Key Division Updates

Transforming Experiential Learning & Career Development

Thank You! UW Bothell is undertaking a campus-wide effort to transform experiential learning and career development by bringing together the Office of Career Services and the Office of Connected Learning. Recently, the steering committee had the opportunity to hold general feedback sessions for UW Bothell employees and students and hosted student survey booths. Thank you for participating! Your feedback and engagement are helping shape the future of experiential learning and career development at UW Bothell.

If you were unable to join us, it is not too late to provide feedback. You can access the session recording, view the slides and submit your feedback via this survey.

Leadership Council Updates

足彩app哪个是正规的 Executive Vice Chancellor’s Leadership Council, which is comprised of the campus deans and leadership of the central academic units, received updates and deliberated on the following matters and topics:

  • UW Bothell Strategic Planning
  • 足彩app哪个是正规的 Graduate School Tri Campus Support
  • Graduate Programs
  • UW Bothell Approval Process for establishing Research Centers
  • UW Bothell Community Outreach Public Lecture Program
  • Open Public Meetings and Public Records
  • Faculty Search Process
  • UW Bothell Budget and Planning
  • 足彩app哪个是正规的 Visa Restrictions

Office of 足彩app哪个是正规的 Academic Success

BETS faculty mentors

This quarter we launched the NSF funded Bothell Engineering and Technology Scholars (BETS) program. 足彩app哪个是正规的 funding provided scholarships to 20 pre-major students and stipends for faculty mentors. We are thankful to professors Mia Champion, Nicole Cote, Mahmoud Ghofrani, Michael Stiber, Geetha Thamilarasu, and Jong Yoon who agreed to be faculty mentors. Professors Cinnamon Hillyard, Yusuf Pisan, Tadesse Ghirmai, and Jennifer McCloud-Mann are co-PIs on the grant and leading this work. Read more about BETS!

Belonging Focus Group Study

During the winter quarter, the Office of 足彩app哪个是正规的 Academic Success hosted nine peer-led focus groups with 41 total UW Bothell students to discuss what supported and hindered students’ sense of belonging. We are now analyzing the data and report findings during spring quarter.

Advising

足彩app哪个是正规的 Distinguished Staff Award—the highest UW staff honor—recognizes individuals and teams that exemplify excellence in several categories. UW Bothell is proud to have many fantastic nominees including Academic Advising Leadership in the Innovation category. 足彩app哪个是正规的 nominees include Claire Grant, Garick Sherburn, Jesscia Trenkamp, Nhi Phoung Tran, and Suzanne Yates.

TRIO

UW Bothell received $1.36 million from the U.S. Department of Education to launch a TRIO 足彩app哪个是正规的 Support Services (SSS) Program. 足彩app哪个是正规的 federal grant, spread over five years, will focus on increasing college retention and graduation rates for first-generation students, students from limited-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities. SSS is one of eight federal TRIO programs funded under the landmark Higher Education Act of 1965 to promote educational access for students who face systemic barriers to higher education.

Learning Commons

足彩app哪个是正规的 Learning Commons has partnered with the Counseling Center to offer interactive winter workshops that support students’ academic success and well-being. 足彩app哪个是正规的se sessions focus on practical strategies revolving around time management/taking initiative, advocacy and communicating/networking with professors, and how to navigate conflict and working in teams.

STARS

Spring in STARS is packed with exciting events! On Tuesday, March 24, the annual STARS Tech Trek visits Genie & Philips, offering students a chance to explore industry spaces and network with professionals. In May, we’re bringing back a student favorite: the SpringFest Slime Bar. We will then conclude the quarter with our STARS End-of-Year Celebration on Friday, June 5, honoring the 2024 cohort as they officially transition into their majors.

Office of Faculty Success

New Lecturer Professional Development Award

足彩app哪个是正规的 Office of Faculty Success is offering a new award for lecturers. 足彩app哪个是正规的 UW Bothell Lecturer Professional Development Award provides resources for eligible lecturers teaching at UW Bothell to pursue professional development opportunities. Awards are available to lecturers who have completed two quarters of teaching at UW Bothell and are expected to teach at least two courses within the next academic year.

Midcareer Faculty Fellowship recipients

足彩app哪个是正规的 following associate professors each received a Midcareer Faculty Fellowship from the Office of Faculty Success:

Faculty Expertise Database

足彩app哪个是正规的 Faculty Expertise Database is an opt-in search engine highlighting UW Bothell faculty research and teaching areas. Designed to facilitate scholarly collaborations, the tool allows you to identify experts by subject area or major. All faculty are eligible to participate. To create or update your profile, please complete this form.

Learning & Teaching Collaborative

足彩app哪个是正规的 Learning & Teaching Collaborative has had an exciting quarter connecting with faculty and staff through conversations on engagement, executive functioning, and the use of digital tools in teaching. A highlight was our panel with Dr. Julie Shayne, Dr. Alanna Pawlak, and students Binta Baldeh and Morrigan Kalet, who shared powerful insights on what makes group work meaningful. We also continued our partnership with faculty and staff across campus to increase the digital accessibility of course materials. Looking ahead to spring, we are offering new workshops and a May symposium celebrating innovative teaching at UW Bothell. We are also thrilled to launch the NEST Teaching Fellowship—applications are now open and due Sunday, April 19, 2026!

Office of Connected Learning

足彩app哪个是正规的 Academic Showcase: Nominations due March 20!

足彩app哪个是正规的?2026 足彩app哪个是正规的 Academic Showcase is scheduled for?May 12-14, 2026. ?Please save the date for this campus-wide celebration featuring student learning and research journeys, collaborations, community partners, and networking. Learn more?and?nominate students?who would benefit from presenting their learning or research.

Summer Research Fellowship

Connected Learning is launching the Summer Research Fellowship, a 9-week cohort-based experience for UW Bothell undergraduates pursuing research over the summer. Applications are currently open and close on May 15, 2026. Learn more about the Summer Research Fellowship here!

Experiential Learning Course Support Funds now available!

足彩app哪个是正规的 Office of Connected Learning is pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for the Experiential Learning Course Support Funds (up to $500 per quarter) intended to defray costs associated with implementing course-based experiential learning. All faculty and staff instructors are eligible. Learn more and apply here!

Undergraduate Curriculum Review

足彩app哪个是正规的 UW Office of Academic Affairs has charged departments to review course catalogs to streamline degree pathways—identifying outdated courses, addressing low-enrollment offerings, and expanding capacity in bottleneck courses. Dr. Cinnamon Hillyard, Associate Vice Chancellor of 足彩app哪个是正规的 Success, is leading this year-long effort for UW Bothell. This quarter, we are completing the first two steps: submitting courses for retirement and reviewing degree pathways and prerequisites to improve student flow and resource allocation.

Launch a new COIL or study abroad program

Interested in launching a new COIL or study abroad program in a curricular area that currently has limited global learning opportunities? You can do so with support from a COIL/Study Abroad Launch Grant! 足彩app哪个是正规的se funds can cover the costs of an in-person exploratory visit to a host country destination needed to develop and successfully launch a new global program. Applications are due May 15, 2026. View the eligibility/criteria details and apply online.

Collaborative for Socio-Ecological Engagement

足彩app哪个是正规的 Impact & Hands-on Learning

This winter, CoSEE supported 20 undergraduates from the UW Bothell and Seattle campuses. 足彩app哪个是正规的s engaged in diverse projects, including GIS mapping, ecological sensor data collection, and invasive species restoration. 足彩app哪个是正规的se initiatives provided vital hands-on learning in scientific communication and environmental education while advancing regional ecosystem stewardship. CoSEE also hosted the Environmental Capstone Celebration, where students shared their work alongside community partner organizations.

Strengthening Community Partnerships

CoSEE continues to strengthen community ties through inclusive programming. Highlights included a wildlife exploration event with the Alyssa Burnett Center serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, a plastic bottle bird feeder workshop led by capstone students, and monthly restoration events.

Expanding Regional Programming

CoSEE continues expanding regional partnerships and programming. New collaborations include hosting Pacific Science Center’s Camps for Curious Minds summer series and partnering with the City of Kenmore to connect undergraduates with local climate initiatives. UW Bothell faculty will lead the third year of the UW-credited EnCAP Summer Scholars Program, serving up to 30 high school students annually. CoSEE also acknowledges support from AmeriCorps, the Washington Campus Coalition for the Public Good, and CLEC, funding five AmeriCorps positions in ecological monitoring and research.

New Grants & Research Initiatives

Winter 2026 brought significant new funding from UW Civic Engagement and ClimateTime to expand ecosystem monitoring and the Adaptive Library. Additionally, a Darby Foundation grant supports a K–12 salmon education pathway. This curriculum emphasizes Indigenous sovereignty and salmon stewardship, fostering socio-ecological thriving in Washington. 足彩app哪个是正规的se awards allow CoSEE to deepen its research impact while honoring the cultural dimensions of conservation.

Campus Library

足彩app哪个是正规的 Campus Library hosted a robust lineup of events during winter quarter, kicking off with STARCADE in collaboration with 足彩app哪个是正规的 Engagement & Activities. Partnering with departments across campus and directly with students, the library offered diverse engagement opportunities for students, staff and faculty. Highlights included a live snake visit; epic chess battles; a celebration of Black Love and crafting; a silent reading party with mystery book dates; a crafternoon finals brain break; Community Reads events; and four English Conversation Group sessions.

Upcoming Events

  • Alternative Spring Break: March 24–26, 2026. Engage in community service and educational programming over spring break. Learn new skills, connect with others, and support local communities. Register for Alternative Spring Break events!
  • Spring Reset: Tuesday, March 31, 7:15–8 PM. ARC Fitness and the Campus Library are hosting a sunset restorative yoga event in the Campus Library Reading Room to help start the new quarter. Open to all UW Bothell and Cascadia College students.
  • Bird Watching 101: Saturday, April 10, 10 AM–12 PM. Learn the basics of identifying birds in the Pacific Northwest in this introductory program. Register for Bird Watching 101!
  • Effective Poster Design Workshop: Wednesday, April 22, 2:30–3:30 PM (Truly House). Help for students designing their 足彩app哪个是正规的 Academic Showcase posters.
  • Saint Edward State Park Restoration Work Party: Saturday, April 25, 3 PM. Help support habitat restoration by removing invasive species and caring for native plantings. Register for the April Work Party!
  • Spring Haiku Workshop and Open Mic: Sunday, April 27, 3–5 PM (LB1-205). Write poetry with local Sammamish haiku poet Michael Dylan Welch, then share at an open mic. No experience required.
  • Oral Presentation Workshop: Tuesday, May 5, 2:30–3:30 PM (Truly House). Help for students planning their 足彩app哪个是正规的 Academic Showcase oral presentations.
  • Grad Networking Mixer: Tuesday, May 19, 6–8 PM (DISC 162). A networking event open to graduate students.
  • Inclusive STEAM Storytime Professional Development: Saturday, May 30, 10 AM–12 PM. A workshop for educators, librarians, and community program leaders focused on creating inclusive STEAM learning experiences for young learners. Register for the STEAM professional development workshop!

Awards & Deadlines

NCFDD Faculty Success Program

足彩app哪个是正规的 Office of Faculty Success (OFS) is offering full support for two faculty to participate in the Summer 2026 NCFDD Faculty Success Program (FSP), which runs from May 18–April 27, 2026. More information about the program, including application instructions can be found here. 足彩app哪个是正规的 UW Bothell deadline for this opportunity is Monday, April 20, 2026.

UW Bothell Summer Reading Group

Open to all Bothell faculty, the UW Bothell Summer Reading Group supports teaching and research across all tracks by creating space to explore scholarship with peers. Reading groups help faculty engage with new ideas or practices relevant to their work and can spark collaborations or larger projects. 足彩app哪个是正规的 Office of Faculty Success will fund up to three groups per summer. Applications are due Friday, May 1, 2026.

Methods Exploration & Enhancement Award

足彩app哪个是正规的 Methods Exploration & Enhancement Award is now accepting rolling applications. 足彩app哪个是正规的 Office of Faculty Success will provide funds, up to $2,000 per award, for full-time UW Bothell faculty to enhance their research, teaching, or creative practice methods. Funds can be used to participate in a methods workshop or to provide an honorarium to a consultant with methodological expertise. Applications will be reviewed each quarter on a rolling first-come, first-served basis until the funds are exhausted.

UW Bothell Publication and Production Award

足彩app哪个是正规的 UW Bothell Publication and Production Award provides supplemental funding to professorial track faculty and artists-in-residence for costs related to scholarly, creative and artistic work. Eligible faculty must have a formal contract or official journal acceptance in hand. Awards of up to $2,500 are available for books and productions; up to $1,000 for journal articles. Applications are reviewed quarterly on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. 

Important Dates

  • March 24, 2026: Winter quarter grades due
  • March 30, 2026: Spring quarter begins
  • May 20, 2026: 足彩app哪个是正规的 Recognition Ceremony
  • June 6-12, 2026: Spring finals week
  • June 14, 2026: Commencement
  • June 16, 2026: Spring quarter grades due
  • June 22, 2026: Summer quarter begins
  • August 21, 2026: Summer quarter last day of instruction
  • August 25, 2026: Summer quarter grades due