Working together, the faculty, staff, and students of UW Bothell have already begun making progress toward achieving the vision outlined in the 21st Century Campus Initiative. Task force groups are now addressing several priority areas to recommend measurable action plans and implementation is underway to expand educational opportunities for our region and state. Highlights of recent progress, as well as links to related documents, are included on this page. - October 2008
UW Bothell is growing quickly, with a record enrollment this Fall of 1,899 full-time equivalent (FTE) students, a 21% increase over last year. Our freshman class grew by 58%; transfer students by 14% and graduate students by 22%, providing students in the communities we serve with a broad range of expanded opportunities.
New degree programs offered this Fall include a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and a Master of Arts in Cultural Studies. An option in Accounting within the Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and options in Environmental Studies, Individual Studies, Interdisciplinary Arts, and Science, Technology and Society within the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies also began this Fall. New opportunities within the Education Program include history and social science endorsements in the Secondary Teacher Certification Program and science and mathematics endorsements in the K-8 Teacher Certification Program. All new offerings were created in direct response to community desire and needs.
Each year we look to create new and innovative programs designed to meet student and industry needs, with an initial focus on growing our science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) and health fields. Recommendations from a STEM task force and subsequent campus review and feedback have guided this process, with initial new degrees in Electrical Engineering and Biological Sciences in development, subject to HECB approval.
Other milestones in STEM growth include the creation of a new Science and Technology Program, which was approved by the University of Washington Regents in September 2008. A transition team is now working to build the new program into a model for innovative teaching and scholarship that incorporates strategies to increase educational opportunities for underrepresented student populations.
STEM growth will be coupled with other new degree programs designed to meet student and community needs. These include Digital Entertainment and Interactive Media, Media and Communication Studies, and a Master's of Education with a Secondary Teacher Science Endorsement, subject to HECB approval.
You can help shape our new opportunities by letting us know of your interest in these or other programs. Visit our New and Future Degrees page to learn more and take our degree interest surveys.
In May 2008, the Institutional Enrollment Growth Task Force was appointed to address a broad range of issues related to achieving our enrollment goals and ensuring student success. The task force is now completing its work, with recommendations due during Fall Quarter. Several early projects were also implemented, including the Dream Project, a service-learning and outreach course which began in Fall 2008.
Pre-design planning is underway for a new instructional building to accommodate increased enrollments and growth in degree programs. The pre-design committee is holding a series of focus groups with faculty, staff and students to gather ideas for how the building might best accommodate future needs, with a special emphasis on STEM development.
A student fitness center opened in August 2008, providing students with new recreational, wellness and social opportunity. Created at the request of students, the center represents an important first step in expanding student life options.
The Sustainability Task Force was formed in August 2008 to define the shape and scope for this signature initiative. The group will draw on our existing campus expertise and commitment as a foundation for becoming a national model for leadership, scholarship, teaching and stewardship in environmental sustainability. Task force recommendations will be reported near the end of December.
A new task force began work this Fall to consider ways UW Bothell can use innovative technologies to enhance teaching in the classroom and extend access beyond the campus. The group will build on the work in innovative teaching and technology that characterizes a UW Bothell education and recommend ways to integrate new technologies to further benefit students both on and off campus.
A task force on Diversity will begin work in the 2008-09 academic year and additional work groups will address priority areas throughout the year and beyond. At the same time, programs throughout campus continue to implement the priorities of the 21st Century Campus Initiative in all of their planning activities.
UW Bothell is in the midst of an exciting journey with a bold and achievable vision to grow in both size and excellence. We look forward to sharing our ongoing progress through this site.
Serve the citizens of Washington by providing increased access to a premier public education.
Build institutional sustainability through sound, creative use of financial and human resources.
Enhance campus commitment to diversity and inclusiveness.
Enhance student services to support academic success and enrich student life.
Deepen and broaden community engagement and research.
Support signature strengths in interdisciplinary scholarship and innovative thinking.
Develop environment and human sustainability.