Incoming Students

Welcome to IAS Graduate Programs!

MA in Policy Studies| MFA in Creative Writing & Poetics

First Steps

If you need your Student Identification Number, you can log into your applicant account or contact the IAS Graduate Office.

  1. Set up your UW NetID: Your UW NetID is needed for access to many University of Washington systems, including registration, campus employment, and the libraries.
  • Follow the instructions to create your UW NetID. You will be asked to choose a UW NetID as well as a password.
  • If you need assistance setting up your UW NetID, please call (206) 543-5970.

If you are, or were previously, a UW student or employee, you will continue to use your existing UWNetID.

2. Set up your UW email and UW Google Access

  • Follow the instructions to set up your UW email and UW Google access. Need help? See the instructions here.
  • Still need help? Email UW Bothell IT Helpdesk or call 425-352-3456.

Registration

For information on how to register for classes, visit the registration page.

The following requirements are conditions of enrollment that need to be met before Autumn Quarter, or your Winter Quarter registration may be placed on hold.

UW Immunization Requirements. As a public health measure, the University of Washington requires verification of Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) and Meningococcal Quadrivalent (A,C,Y,W-135) immunity for students matriculating at the UW for the first time. Specific requirements are a function of your age and program. Students must submit proof of immunity in order to enroll in classes on any campus at the UW.

See details for your specific requirements. You can submit your documentation online. Please note that processing can take 3-5 weeks. Act now to ensure that your registration is not delayed.

Transcript Verification. The UW Graduate School must verify your (four-year) bachelor’s degree (or a higher degree). Check your application account to confirm the transcript that requires verification; check the official transcript requirements; and then submit an official transcript to the Graduate Enrollment Management Services as outlined on the Official Transcript Requirements page. Note that electronic delivery via Certified Electronic Transcripts to gemsdocs@uw.edu is the preferred delivery method.

Your Husky Card

The Husky Card is the official identification card for members of the UW community. It provides access to services and opportunities, including campus libraries.

As a new UW Bothell student, you are eligible to receive a Husky Card. (If you are a returning UW student and already have a Husky Card, you do not need to get a new one.)

Please follow the instructions listed on the website to obtain your Husky Card. You can obtain your Husky Card on campus in Summit Hall, room 001.

Your Student Profile

Each program maintains a Current Students page, with student profiles consisting of a short bio and a digital photo. These profiles facilitate students’ introductions to one another, within and across cohorts, and also help the program faculty get to know you.

Introduce you to your peers and the program by submitting your biographical information and a digital photograph of your choosing!

Please note: The dropbox for your profile is a UW Google Form. To submit your profile, you will need to set up your UW Google Suite and log in via your UW NetID. This lets the Google Form recognize you as a “member” and submit materials. You will recieve the link prior to the New Student Welcome.

U501 Graduate School Orientation

University 501 (U501) is a self-guided, online resource designed for UW graduate and professional students at all three campuses. It is intended to help prepare you for your arrival and entry into graduate study at the University of Washington.

U501 is open to all incoming and current graduate students. U501 is hosted on the Canvas platform and available to UW students with a valid NetID.

U501 has 5 different modules. Each module is made up of several pages with videos, written content, and links to get more information. You may start and stop the modules at any point and continue where you stopped at any time.

  • Module 1: Welcome! So, What Exactly is Graduate Education?
  • Module 2: Preparing for Arrival (Location, Location, Location)
  • Module 3: Nuts & Bolts of Being a Student
  • Module 4: Finding Support When You Need It
  • Module 5: Taking Care of You

Use your UWNetID to log onto U501 now!

UW Bothell Curated Library Resources

Even before you enroll, you have access to many library resources. Each graduate program has a designated subject librarian who can assist you. You’ll also find librarian-curated resources and “starting points” for each of our graduate programs:

Program Communications

Listserv: The IAS graduate office uses a cohort-specific listserv to communicate program information, class information, dates and deadlines, and more. If you wish to use this to communicate with your colleagues, you are welcome to do so, however please keep in mind that the Grad Office staff and the faculty program director also receive these emails.

Funding Announcements: The IAS graduate office also manages an additional email account for funding announcements. From this email address you’ll receive notifications of funding opportunities both within and outside of UW. You may see scholarships, fellowships, internships, jobs, teaching posts, etc.

Please contact the IAS Graduate Office at iasgrad@uw.edu or 425-352-3406 with questions.

Community Connections

Faculty, students, and alumni across the three graduate programs are engaged in fruitful collaborations involving campus and community partners. The following organizations and units offer intellectual and artistic gathering spaces where you can find vital sources of community connection.

  • Elliot Bay Book Company offers an extensive selection of books and presents an unparalleled schedule of author readings and events throughout the year.
  • GSEE: Graduate Student Equity & Excellence provides funding, programming, advocacy and community, responsive to the needs and leadership of BIPOC students.
  • Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies promotes research, education, and policy related to labor studies and cultivates connections to labor communities locally and around the world.
  • Hugo House is a place for writers, with a concentrated focus on helping anyone who wants to write. Hugo House offers readings, classes, book launches, workshops, consultations with professional writers and more.
  • Open Books, A Poem Emporium, is an independent bookstore featuring a broad range of new, used, and out of print poetry titles. They also host readings, workshops, and discussions, including the Gamut series.
  • Seattle Arts & Lectures presents leading writers, poets, and thinkers through its Literary Arts and Poetry Series, and offers $10 tickets for students.
  • Simpson Center for the Humanities hosts speakers and conferences on an array of scholarly topics, and serves as a clearinghouse for University of Washington and local cultural events. You can subscribe to their weekly calendar digest.
  • WAVE Books is an independent poetry press based in Seattle, Washington. MFA students have interned with WAVE Books, and with the Bagley Wright Lectures on Poetry.

Making use of these resources can help ensure your success in the program and enhance the quality and relevance of your work.