All UW Campuses are currently in Safe Start Phase 2. In alignment with the UW’s COVID-19 protocol, the Department of Communication has moved all instruction and courses online.
See below for updates to the Department’s services and staff availability for fall quarter 2020 and winter quarter 2021.
Administrative team
The main Department of Communication line, 206-543-2660, is active and will be answered by the Department’s Operations Specialist, Edith Olguin, during normal business hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The best way to communicate with the Admin team is to email comadmin@uw.edu. Please address any HR or Payroll matters to comhr@uw.edu.
Technology equipment checkout
Equipment checkout is closed until such time as we can safely resume operations. Computer labs and other shared resources remain closed as well. If you have questions or inquiries, please contact the Department’s IT Manager, Nick Myers, at xanin@uw.edu.
Undergraduate advising
No in-person advising will be conducted while the UW is operating under remote learning. However, advising is available via email and Zoom advising appointments; advisers will respond to emails and hold appointments from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Advising appointments can be made at https://tech.com.uw.edu/centers/comadv/signup.php.
Please note that the advising phone line will not be answered during this time. Students are welcome to email the advising team at the email addresses below:
General Communication Advising: comadv@uw.edu
Erika Samson, M. Ed., Director of Academic Services: samsonej@uw.edu
Virgel Paule, M. Ed., Senior Academic Adviser: virgelp3@uw.edu
Troy Bonnes, Coordinator of Student Relations: tbonnes@uw.edu
Graduate advising
Assistant Director of Academic Services, Heather Werckle, is available to meet with current and prospective students via phone or Zoom. M.A./Ph.D. and Comm Lead students can book appointments at https://hwerckle.youcanbook.me/. Students can also contact Heather via email at hwerckle@uw.edu, and she will respond to all messages within two business days. Staff and faculty are also welcome to schedule meetings with Heather through the same link to discuss graduate policies and procedures, or specific advisee situations.
Libraries
Please visit the UW Libraries COVID-19 Updates page for information on operations, access to remote services, and other helpful links.
COVID-19 updates
Please visit the UW COVID-19 Facts and Resources page for the latest updates, including announcements, testing, what to do if you’re sick, frequently asked questions, and more. The University of Washington is responding in a variety of ways to the novel coronavirus.
COVID-19 testing
Mental health resources
These resources are curated from the UW Counseling Center, Hall Health, and Husky Well-Being.
- Coping with stress related to the novel coronavirus outbreak
- Virtual Let’s Talk
- 2020 Elections Stress Kit
- Elections-related virtual workshops and events
- Real-time, confidential mental health and crisis intervention support, 24/7 and in multiple languages through My SSP.
In these uncertain times, many continue to face pressures compounded by health concerns, social distancing, child and family care, and economic stresses. While community-based organizations, along with public and private services, are ready to respond and assist, it can be challenging to locate these resources. With thanks to the UW Department of English, here is a curated list of resources. If you do not see what you are looking for, please contact Washington 211, a hotline to connect you with community resources:
Academic and personnel resources (University-wide)
- Facts and information regarding autumn quarter 2020 (includes information about classes, grading, graduation, etc.)
- Disability Resources for Students
- Livewell (Formerly Student Health and Wellness)
- SafeCampus
- International Student Services: Coronavirus information for F1 & J1 students
- Race and Equity Initiative
- King County resources for combating stigmatization, bias and xenophobia
Emergency funding
- The Eyler Fund (COM Department)
- Student Financial Aid has created an FAQ to support students with information related to financial aid
- UW Emergency Aid is available for undergraduate and graduate students to assist with unexpected financial hardships
- Short-Term Loans through UW Financial Aid
Food resources
- Any Hungry Husky services
- UW Seattle food pantry
- Map of local food banks
- Northwest Harvest SODO Community Market: pre-bagged produce, prepared foods, and shelf-stable groceries
- Cedar Park Northshore Food Bank in Kenmore
- Family Works Food Banks in Wallingford and Greenwood
- Ballard Food Bank
- Mutual Aid Solidarity Network’s Seattle Area COVID-19 Request Support Form
Legal resources
Non-UW mental health resources
- The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has guidance on Managing Anxiety & Stress during COVID-19 and coping during COVID-19 for children and caregivers.
- People who already are managing existing mental health conditions should prioritize self-care during difficult times and should contact their clinicians if they have questions or concerns.
- To reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Text “START” to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
- The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has an article on Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty.
- The Hope Center has outlined resources for supporting college students during this crisis.
Online learning resources
- Academic Support Programs
- Odegaard Writing and Research Center
- Online tutoring via CLUE
- Online tutoring via the Instructional Center (IC)
- Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology (DO-IT): How to access accommodations in an online learning environment
- Zoom: UW is offering free Pro-Zoom (video-conferencing) accounts to all students, faculty, and staff
- Accessible Technology at the UW
- COM Undergraduate Academic Advising and UW Advising
- COM Graduate Advising
Parents
- Parenting resources from the UW College of Education
- Childcare options
- The Child Mind Institute has published a resource on how to talk to young people about COVID-19
- Seattle Children’s Hospital has published information on Helping Children and Teens Cope with Anxiety About COVID-19. The information is also available in the following languages: Spanish | Somali | Tagalog | Chinese
- Family Resources for COVID-19 Related Seattle Public School Closures
Technology access
- UW Student Technology Loan Program
- Internet connectivity for learning, teaching, and working remotely
- Comcast’s Internet Essentials for qualifying new, low–income customers impacted by COVID-19
Transportation resources
- Ride requests
- Community Transit modified services and fares
- Sound Transit modified services and fares
- King County Metro alerts and updates
Utility assistance
If you are facing financial hardship and unable to pay your utilities, you may be able to request utility bill assistance from one the following local agencies:
- Hopelink Emergency Service Centers in Kirkland/Northshore
- St. Vincent DePaul
- King County Veterans Program
- Snohomish County Utility Assistance
- King County Energy Assistance Program