At the University of Washington, we believe that wellness is for everyone, regardless of ability. That commitment is on display at the Intramural Activities Building (IMA), where adaptive resources for faculty, staff and students with disabilities have been significantly expanded, enhanced and are consistently being evaluated and ready to expand. In Autumn 2023, the IMA [...]

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The University of Washington is one of the most beautiful educational settings on earth, a sublime marriage of eclectic architecture and verdant landscape. That landscape certainly provides an inspiring platform for learning. But it also serves up myriad great places to exercise — both body and soul. The relative quiet and dependably sunny skies of [...]

Continue Reading →

In celebration bicycling’s many benefits, UW Transportation invites all of UW to take part in Bike Everywhere Month this May. Did you know that University of Washington employees make over 21,000 bike commute trips to the UW in a typical week? Bicycling isn’t just great for your overall physical health; it also alleviates congestion on [...]

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The heart of the matter: understanding heart health and nutrition In the realm of well-being, few topics are as vital as heart health. The heart, that tireless organ pumping life throughout our bodies, deserves our utmost care and attention. But how do we support its well-being? We chatted with Karen Conger, a registered dietitian at [...]

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Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the big, hard-to-attain goals: capital-R resolutions or the latest trendy (and often expensive) way to move. We start something so intense that we can’t finish or fit it into our schedules. Despite what you may see or hear from the fitness industry or on social media, there [...]

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Start the new year by embracing meaningful, lasting change! Habits are the cornerstone of health and wellness, and there’s no better time to build yours. Join The Whole U’s Dare to Do program starting Monday, January 13! Why focus on habits? Because small, consistent actions have the power to create big, sustainable results. Habits act [...]

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As an avid hiker and backpacker, I have experienced the PNW in all its weather elements. I am the Chair of the Mountaineers Foothills Branch Backpacking Committee, Co-Creator and Administrator for a beginning hiking series called GoHike, and an urban walk leader. My emphasis on safety is a priority. I help participants gain confidence, practice [...]

Continue Reading →

This year, the Whole U’s UW Endurance Club took participants on an inspiring and enriching journey leading up to the Seattle Half and Full Marathon. Together, we built a vibrant community of runners, walkers and supporters, united by our shared goals of fitness, camaraderie and perseverance. Let’s look back at the memorable experiences and opportunities [...]

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In celebration of UW Yoga Month, The Whole U is highlighting all our UW yoga partners through our UW Discount Network. Check out the list below. If your favorite yoga studio is not on the list, email us at thewholeu@uw.edu. And if you haven’t already registered for UW Yoga Month, DO IT TODAY! Aditi Yoga [...]

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This November, The Whole U launches its 11th year hosting UW Yoga Month! Register for UW Yoga Month – Restore in 2024 and embark on a journey of relaxation and renewal. 2024 Yoga Month Theme This Yoga Month, we invite you to focus on relaxation and inner peace. As life’s demands pull us in many [...]

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Turn over a new leaf this season and energize your routine with group fitness! Group fitness offers more than just physical health benefits. It also fosters a supportive and motivating environment that keeps participants engaged and committed to their goals. The sense of camaraderie in a group setting inspires individuals to push themselves further than [...]

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As the seasons start to change, now is the perfect time to refresh your knowledge and explore the resources available at the UW Farm. Gardening is a year-round activity that brings fresh, homegrown vegetables to your table. If you’re unsure where to begin, connect with the thriving gardening community at the UW Farm. The University [...]

Continue Reading →

Making fresh, produce-centric dishes with local goods is a great way to eat healthily and support your local farmers and environment. Eating local also often means simpler recipes – saving you more time savoring your plate. Summertime produce really speaks for itself—when ripe and ready, fruits and vegetables pack all the flavor and punch they [...]

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This National Nutrition Month, we’re taking a broader look at the connection between what we eat and the health of our planet. How can our food choices support sustainability? What role do food systems play in shaping nutrition and environmental outcomes? To explore these questions, we turned to Dr. Yona Sipos, a lecturer in the [...]

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Mindfulness is the practice of being aware of the present moment. Mindfulness is a very useful tool for lowering stress, anxiety, improving mood, and creating a sense of calmness through meditation and other techniques. One area of our lives where mindfulness can be extremely useful for our health is when we are eating. Think about [...]

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March is National Nutrition Month, and this year’s theme, “Food Connects Us,” highlights the incredible role food plays in bringing people together, preserving cultural traditions and supporting overall well-being. Food is more than just sustenance—it’s a reflection of history, identity and shared experiences. Every cuisine tells a story, offering a glimpse into the heritage and [...]

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As we head into the new year it is a good time to reflect on the basics of nutrition and remind ourselves that nutrition is about creating sustainable habits, not adhering to rigid rules. Nutrition is about creating balance, consistency and small, meaningful changes over time. Find tips and advice from Dietician Judy Simon on [...]

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This holiday season, many of us are taking on multiple roles in the kitchen—sous chef, baking extraordinaire, turkey master and mac and cheese expert—all in the name of creating festive, delicious meals for our loved ones. Food is a wonderful comfort and tradition during this time of year, but it can also become a source [...]

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Trying to make healthier food choices can sometimes feel overwhelming and frustrating. But it doesn’t have to be. Eating well is possible. The more effortless we make it, the better chances are that we actually stick to it. We asked Charlotte Furman, a registered dietitian and Technology and Wellness Manager in the Department of Food [...]

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Fall is the perfect time to embrace warm, hearty meals that nourish both the body and soul. There’s something comforting about cooking at home during this season—whether it’s the rich aroma of spices or the warmth of the oven on a cool evening. To make things even easier, fall is ideal for one-pot meals that [...]

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As the seasons start to change, now is the perfect time to refresh your knowledge and explore the resources available at the UW Farm. Gardening is a year-round activity that brings fresh, homegrown vegetables to your table. If you’re unsure where to begin, connect with the thriving gardening community at the UW Farm. The University [...]

Continue Reading →

This summer, the University of Washington community came together for an unforgettable experience with the 2024 UW Summer Olympics Challenge! From July 26 to August 11, over 1,200 UW faculty, staff, and families committed themselves to achieving personal and team goals across the six pillars of well-being: being active, eating well, engaging interests, financially fit, [...]

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The author Michael Pollan has boiled down the contents of several bestselling books and a lifetime of inquiry on healthy dining into a prescriptive motto with the economy of a haiku: “eat food, not too much, mostly plants.” Mostly plants. It sounds like a virtuous sentiment. But why? What is it that fruits and vegetables [...]

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Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete, a busy professional or simply navigating daily life, proper hydration can enhance physical performance, cognitive function and energy levels. On average, humans are made up of about 55 – 60% water, which is why it is so crucial to drink [...]

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The University of Washington is one of the most beautiful educational settings on earth, a sublime marriage of eclectic architecture and verdant landscape. That landscape certainly provides an inspiring platform for learning. But it also serves up myriad great places to exercise — both body and soul. The relative quiet and dependably sunny skies of [...]

Continue Reading →

The Whole U and UW Athletics are offering great exclusive discounts on football, volleyball and soccer tickets to UW employees as a thank you for all you do for our great university. Check out these great deals for UW faculty and staff. Then come early, wear purple and GO DAWGS! Washington Husky Football Washington Husky [...]

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“Spring” into Husky sports this March with exclusive discounted tickets through The Whole U! Husky Baseball Husky Baseball vs Purdue – Friday, April 4 – 7:02 p.m. Husky Baseball vs Seattle U – Tuesday, April 15 – 6:02 p.m. Husky Baseball vs Illinois – Sunday, April 20 – 1:02 p.m. Husky Baseball vs Iowa – [...]

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Have you ever wondered why people think, feel, and behave so differently from one another?   In an enlightening webinar titled “Unlocking Personalities,” Dr. Michael Johnson, the Boeing Company Endowed Professor of Business Management, explored how understanding the Big Five personality model can help us better comprehend our own and others’ behavioral patterns.    The Big Five [...]

Continue Reading →

In the midst of life’s responsibilities, carving out time for creativity can be a powerful way to find balance, fulfillment and joy. Creativity isn’t just for artists—it’s a fundamental part of being human, fueling innovation, self-expression and personal growth. Whether through art, writing or movement; engaging in creative hobbies can improve mental well-being, reduce stress [...]

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February is the perfect time to focus on health, kindness and meaningful connections. Whether you’re showing love through acts of care, well-being activities or giving back to your community, The Whole U has an exciting lineup of events to inspire and energize you. Three weeks remain to participate in The Whole U’s Dare to Do [...]

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As an avid hiker and backpacker, I have experienced the PNW in all its weather elements. I am the Chair of the Mountaineers Foothills Branch Backpacking Committee, Co-Creator and Administrator for a beginning hiking series called GoHike, and an urban walk leader. My emphasis on safety is a priority. I help participants gain confidence, practice [...]

Continue Reading →

If you’ve ever craved a deep sense of calm, restorative yoga might be exactly what you’re looking for. This gentle style of yoga invites you to slow down, release tension and relax completely. We’re thrilled to collaborate with our yoga studio partners during UW Yoga Month to offer classes exploring the stress-reduction benefits of yoga. [...]

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This November, The Whole U launches its 11th year hosting UW Yoga Month! Register for UW Yoga Month – Restore in 2024 and embark on a journey of relaxation and renewal. 2024 Yoga Month Theme This Yoga Month, we invite you to focus on relaxation and inner peace. As life’s demands pull us in many [...]

Continue Reading →

Many sources compete for attention online and in our social media feeds, including partisan blogs and bogus sites posting as legitimate news organizations. It can be tough to know what to trust. Follow these five steps from the News Literacy Project to cut through the noise and learn how to evaluate sources for signs of [...]

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“The best camera is the one that’s with you.” – Chase Jarvis In today’s fast-paced world, our smartphones are more than just communication devices. They’re powerful cameras that we carry with us every day. Whether you’re capturing moments on the go or working on your creative portfolio, your smartphone is a fantastic tool for photography. [...]

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As the seasons start to change, now is the perfect time to refresh your knowledge and explore the resources available at the UW Farm. Gardening is a year-round activity that brings fresh, homegrown vegetables to your table. If you’re unsure where to begin, connect with the thriving gardening community at the UW Farm. The University [...]

Continue Reading →

Distinguished emeritus professors Merrill and Bertil Hille are partners in wellness and paragons of active — even adventurous — aging Like many retired couples of a certain age, Bertil and Merrill Hille log their engagements in an old-fashioned paper calendar. Theirs would look pretty unremarkable, actually, if not for the sprawling range of scribbled triangles [...]

Continue Reading →

When teaching a course called “Leading Across Cultures,” Xiao-Ping Chen engages her students in a probing discussion of the 2020 Academy Award-winning documentary “American Factory.” This uncommonly perceptive account of a Chinese glass manufacturer’s attempts to open a plant in Ohio is hardly a textbook MBA case study. But Chen, a professor of management at [...]

Continue Reading →

The curriculum vitae of Anita Ramasastry is awe-inspiring. And a bit exhausting. The Henry M. Jackson Professor of Law has compiled an impressive record of traditional academic activities and achievements, from directing the UW School of Law’s Sustainable International Development Graduate Program and serving as senior advisor to the UW’s Office of Global Affairs to [...]

Continue Reading →

“I’m exactly where I want to be.”  For associate professor of Urban Design and Planning Jan Whittington, this statement sums up her feelings about being on the faculty of a large public university, doing what she loves, with good opportunities to secure research funding.  Her statement applies equally well to the 1906 Craftsman near Ravenna [...]

Continue Reading →

Veterans can be a tight-knit group. Having spent years building a community on whom they could depend with their lives, many Veterans find retirement from the military—and the sudden loss of that community—unsettling, at best. This is one reason why Veterans recovering from behavioral health or addiction disorders often benefit from the support of a [...]

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Colleges and universities around the world are experiencing a range of new and historically unmatched pressures for change. The structures, systems, built environments and resources that have served as the fundamental frameworks for higher education are no longer consistently meeting the needs of the diverse citizenry these institutions aim to serve. This is perhaps especially [...]

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Horacio de la Iglesia doesn’t always practice what he preaches. The sleep scientist and UW professor of biology, whose influential sleep research helped demonstrate the benefits of delaying school start times for Seattle high schoolers, knows that he should go to bed at roughly the same time each night. But on weekends, he likes to [...]

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Most people are at least nominally interested in neuroscience. It’s cool to be able to talk to someone at a party about your recent dendrite growth, or the impact of a boost of serotonin on your personal cocktail of neurotransmitters, or the latest causal approaches to changing cognitive function. Actually, that would be a party [...]

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Exploring Indonesian culture and identity  The UW campuses abound with people who could rightly be characterized as Renaissance people, polymaths, multipotentialites – those who possess both strong intellectual curiosity and strong creative ability, coupled with interest and expertise in multiple subjects – and ethnomusicologist Christina Sunardi is no exception. Christina’s intellectual curiosity was ignited as [...]

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In March, Dr. Nick Johnson (above left), a physician in the Emergency Department, Medical Intensive Care Unit and Neurocritical Care Service at Harborview Medical Center, contributed an article to Prevention describing What Life Is Like Inside a Seattle Emergency Department During COVID-19. We caught up with Dr. Johnson to learn what he and colleagues have [...]

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At the University of Washington School of Medicine, student service learning never stops—even during a global pandemic. Under “normal” circumstances, more than 500 medical students regularly staff some 50 healthcare projects that serve thousands across Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho. These clinical projects—which encompass advocacy, health education, and mentorship—form the primary pillars of community engagement [...]

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When Dr. Seth Cohen calls UW Medicine’s fight against COVID-19 a “team sport,” he does so with a world champion’s conviction. A gold medalist with the US National Team at the 1999 Ultimate Frisbee World Championships while in college, Cohen now serves as Medical Director for Infection Prevention at UWMC-Northwest as well as chief of [...]

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This article was provided by our partners at BECU.  If you live in Washington and want to enjoy a break without breaking the bank, consider taking a summer vacation a little closer to home. Here are some ideas from our partners at BECU to help you save while exploring your own backyard. While scrolling through Instagram [...]

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Life can be unpredictable—but your finances don’t have to be. Building an emergency fund is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your financial well-being. Whether it’s an unexpected medical bill, car repair or job loss, having a financial cushion can help you weather the storm without derailing your long-term goals. [...]

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This article was provided by our partners at BECU. Get even more financial wellness tips by downloading our 30 Ways to Improve Your Financial Wellness Checklist presented by BECU. The steps you take to improve your credit score vary depending on your credit history. Whether you’re building from scratch or recovering after a dip, understanding the factors [...]

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Planning for retirement isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about preparing for a future where you feel secure, supported and free to live life on your own terms. Whether retirement is decades away or just around the corner, the steps you take now can shape what’s possible later. At the University of Washington, you also have [...]

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Surprises Are Nice—But Not When It Comes to Your Money If you’re scrambling to pay the bills each month, you may want to consider implementing a budget. A budget helps you stay on top of your finances and avoid the stress of unexpected expenses. Here are three methods from our partners at TIAA to manage [...]

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This April, The Whole U invites you to invest in yourself by taking part in Financial Literacy Month 2025. Over the course of four weeks, we’ll explore key financial topics—from managing everyday expenses to building long-term wealth—through expert-led webinars, actionable resources, and practical challenges. This program is tailored to empower UW faculty, staff and families [...]

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The holiday season is a time for joy, connection, and generosity, but it doesn’t have to be a time for financial stress. Our partners at BECU have shared some practical tips to help you navigate holiday spending while staying on budget. From creating a detailed holiday budget to finding creative gift ideas, these insights can [...]

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As we enter October, Financial Planning Month serves as a timely reminder that achieving your financial goals is possible with the right strategies in place. Whether you are just beginning your financial journey or looking to fine-tune your approach, this month is an opportunity to take control of your finances, reduce stress, and set a [...]

Continue Reading →

As parents, one of the most valuable life skills you can impart to your children is financial responsibility. The earlier kids learn the basics of earning, saving, and investing, the better equipped they’ll be to navigate the financial challenges of adulthood. This guide will walk you through the key steps to help your children develop [...]

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Key takeaways: Always note the amount due and the payment date so you pay on time, every time. Read the contract with your card issuer so you understand the terms and possible fees you may face. Check your credit reports regularly to monitor your credit score, and check for any errors. To make the most [...]

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Your mind may have been boggled by the recent headline declaring that the full cost of attaining a four-year degree at a few of the nation’s elite universities is about to surpass $400,000 for the first time. Of course, few students will actually pay this astronomical sticker price. And higher education costs quite a bit [...]

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Community land trusts (CLTs) are nonprofit organizations focused on creating permanently affordable housing. The land trust shares in the ownership of the home — they own the land, while you own the home. This may result in lower housing costs. The Whole U’s partners at HomeStreet Bank answer some frequently asked questions about community land [...]

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September is national suicide prevention month. Suicide prevention is important every day of the year, but for the many organizations doing crucial and often unsung work all year long, September provides unique opportunities to raise awareness of risk factors, provide help for those who are struggling, and give support to those affected by the suicide [...]

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Have you ever wondered why the parenting advice that worked wonders for your friend’s child falls completely flat with yours? Or why one of your children responds beautifully to gentle guidance while another seems to need a completely different approach? According to psychology experts Dr. Liliana Lengua and Dr. Maria Masha Gartstein, understanding your child’s [...]

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May is national Mental Health Awareness Month, with its clarion call to prioritize our psychological well-being as much as we do our physical well-being. That’s sometimes easier said than done. While there is certainly cause to celebrate the rising awareness and acceptance and declining stigma of mental health disorders, these trends have also revealed a [...]

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When it comes to discussing sensitive topics with aging parents or relatives, many of us feel unprepared, anxious, and uncertain about how to proceed. Words like “frustration,” “fear,” “guilt,” and the tension between “autonomy and safety” often come to mind. If this resonates with you, you’re not alone—and there is a path forward.  In our [...]

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The Service Employees Opportunity Scholarship awards annual scholarships to service employees or their family members attending UW to assist with reaching educational or work goals.  As UW employees, we connect with our campus in many ways. Established in 2009, the Service Employees Opportunity Scholarship recognizes the contributions of service employees to the well-being of our [...]

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Have you ever wondered why people think, feel, and behave so differently from one another?   In an enlightening webinar titled “Unlocking Personalities,” Dr. Michael Johnson, the Boeing Company Endowed Professor of Business Management, explored how understanding the Big Five personality model can help us better comprehend our own and others’ behavioral patterns.    The Big Five [...]

Continue Reading →

Summer camps and courses offer numerous benefits for children, fostering personal growth, social development and academic enrichment in a supportive and adventurous environment. The good news is that there are numerous convenient options at the University of Washington. Here are some resources to help you decide on summer care, camps and courses: Champ Camp Great [...]

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The start of a new academic year can bring a mix of emotions, from excitement to moments of anxiety. This fall, as we approach the 2024 election, it’s normal to feel a bit more tension with races at the national, state and local level. Anticipating these changes while managing everyday stressors can sometimes feel overwhelming. [...]

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As we enter October, Financial Planning Month serves as a timely reminder that achieving your financial goals is possible with the right strategies in place. Whether you are just beginning your financial journey or looking to fine-tune your approach, this month is an opportunity to take control of your finances, reduce stress, and set a [...]

Continue Reading →

Is college on the horizon for your family? Higher education can mean high anxiety. There are significant economic and academic stressors to cope with, of course. There are standardized tests to take, essays to write, application deadlines to meet, financial aid forms to fill. But there’s also the plain fact that going to college is [...]

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As parents, one of the most valuable life skills you can impart to your children is financial responsibility. The earlier kids learn the basics of earning, saving, and investing, the better equipped they’ll be to navigate the financial challenges of adulthood. This guide will walk you through the key steps to help your children develop [...]

Continue Reading →

Your mind may have been boggled by the recent headline declaring that the full cost of attaining a four-year degree at a few of the nation’s elite universities is about to surpass $400,000 for the first time. Of course, few students will actually pay this astronomical sticker price. And higher education costs quite a bit [...]

Continue Reading →

Edited b-roll footage and photography is available for media usage.  Please contact beth_silverberg@hotmail.com for more information.

Media Contacts: Beth Herrell Silverberg 206-679-5157 beth_silverberg@hotmail.com Jean Hayes University of Washington 206-616-5475 (desk) 206-954-3764 (cell) jeanmh@uw.edu   University of Washington Sponsors Guinness World Record Attempt on National Have Fun at Work Day Whole U Event Helps Faculty and Staff to “Shake it Off” in the World’s Largest Umbrella Dance  January 28, 2015—Seattle, Wash. – [...]

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For Release 9:00 am PDT Wednesday, January 14, 2015 Thousands of University of Washington Faculty, Staff and Student Employees Will “Shake it Off” during Guinness World Record Breaking Attempt in Husky Stadium What: 2,000 University of Washington faculty and staff will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Umbrella Dance choreographed [...]

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In 2014, 1,200 UW faculty and staff came together to make history. Together, they set the Guinness World Record for the largest kettlebell class ever. In 2015, we are going to do it again, but this time we’re taking over beautiful Husky Stadium and showing the world we’re not afraid of a little rain. Together [...]

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Distinguished emeritus professors Merrill and Bertil Hille are partners in wellness and paragons of active — even adventurous — aging Like many retired couples of a certain age, Bertil and Merrill Hille log their engagements in an old-fashioned paper calendar. Theirs would look pretty unremarkable, actually, if not for the sprawling range of scribbled triangles [...]

Continue Reading →

It would not be too far a stretch to describe Ashwini Sadekar as a Renaissance woman. That’s not to say she is some kind of modern-day Leonardo da Vinci (though the 15th century polymath is one of her foremost inspirations). But, in her own way and time, Sadekar is fusing disparate disciplines into a body [...]

Continue Reading →

Not all superfans wear capes. But Barry Erickson does. Or did. For a quarter century, beginning in the mid-1980s, he entertained the home fans and antagonized visitors at UW football games in the guise of Captain Husky, a kind of vigilante mascot, whose DIY costume, broad comic skits and thundering crowd spell outs became an [...]

Continue Reading →

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” This question, posed by the poet Mary Oliver, was designed to inspire a bit of introspection. But when Maria Lamarca Anderson encountered it — on a milestone birthday at her physical and emotional limit in the thin air of [...]

Continue Reading →

“History never repeats itself,” wrote Mark Twain, “but it often rhymes.” That famous notion by the iconic American author certainly tracks with UW Rowing, a program that has been so good for so long that its storied history sometimes achieves a measure of rhythmic symmetry. To wit: In 1936, an understated former Washington oarsman named [...]

Continue Reading →

Marie Cockerham felt ready for a new challenge. She had worked nearly two decades as a clinical nurse and, increasingly, a nurse educator when she took on a staff support position at UW Medical Center that was created to address the pervasive emotional stress and strain borne by healthcare providers. In this new role, Cockerham [...]

Continue Reading →

When teaching a course called “Leading Across Cultures,” Xiao-Ping Chen engages her students in a probing discussion of the 2020 Academy Award-winning documentary “American Factory.” This uncommonly perceptive account of a Chinese glass manufacturer’s attempts to open a plant in Ohio is hardly a textbook MBA case study. But Chen, a professor of management at [...]

Continue Reading →

Identifying the root cause of the climate crisis is simple enough. Finding solutions? Not so simple. It requires enormous creativity, commitment and collaboration, often among traditional antagonists in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. To foster these ad hoc collaborations, there is UW EarthLab, a transdisciplinary institute within the College of the Environment that is [...]

Continue Reading →

The curriculum vitae of Anita Ramasastry is awe-inspiring. And a bit exhausting. The Henry M. Jackson Professor of Law has compiled an impressive record of traditional academic activities and achievements, from directing the UW School of Law’s Sustainable International Development Graduate Program and serving as senior advisor to the UW’s Office of Global Affairs to [...]

Continue Reading →

As she leads a tour of the diverse vegetation proliferating inside the UW Biology Greenhouse, Katie Sadler compulsively collects dead leaves, desiccated flowers and spent branches, almost without noticing, the way a mother casually fusses with her child’s hair or straightens his collar. “I wish I had my pruning shears,” she says, with a knowing [...]

Continue Reading →

Nicole Klein is not ordinarily a building hugger. But not long ago, in the middle of a tour she was leading of the old ASUW Shell House, Klein found herself overcome by emotion, temporarily unable to speak and compelled to wrap her arms around its walls of rough-hewn Douglas fir for a lingering moment. “I [...]

Continue Reading →

“I’m exactly where I want to be.”  For associate professor of Urban Design and Planning Jan Whittington, this statement sums up her feelings about being on the faculty of a large public university, doing what she loves, with good opportunities to secure research funding.  Her statement applies equally well to the 1906 Craftsman near Ravenna [...]

Continue Reading →

It would not be too far a stretch to describe Ashwini Sadekar as a Renaissance woman. That’s not to say she is some kind of modern-day Leonardo da Vinci (though the 15th century polymath is one of her foremost inspirations). But, in her own way and time, Sadekar is fusing disparate disciplines into a body [...]

Continue Reading →

Not all superfans wear capes. But Barry Erickson does. Or did. For a quarter century, beginning in the mid-1980s, he entertained the home fans and antagonized visitors at UW football games in the guise of Captain Husky, a kind of vigilante mascot, whose DIY costume, broad comic skits and thundering crowd spell outs became an [...]

Continue Reading →

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” This question, posed by the poet Mary Oliver, was designed to inspire a bit of introspection. But when Maria Lamarca Anderson encountered it — on a milestone birthday at her physical and emotional limit in the thin air of [...]

Continue Reading →

“History never repeats itself,” wrote Mark Twain, “but it often rhymes.” That famous notion by the iconic American author certainly tracks with UW Rowing, a program that has been so good for so long that its storied history sometimes achieves a measure of rhythmic symmetry. To wit: In 1936, an understated former Washington oarsman named [...]

Continue Reading →

Marie Cockerham felt ready for a new challenge. She had worked nearly two decades as a clinical nurse and, increasingly, a nurse educator when she took on a staff support position at UW Medical Center that was created to address the pervasive emotional stress and strain borne by healthcare providers. In this new role, Cockerham [...]

Continue Reading →

Identifying the root cause of the climate crisis is simple enough. Finding solutions? Not so simple. It requires enormous creativity, commitment and collaboration, often among traditional antagonists in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. To foster these ad hoc collaborations, there is UW EarthLab, a transdisciplinary institute within the College of the Environment that is [...]

Continue Reading →

As she leads a tour of the diverse vegetation proliferating inside the UW Biology Greenhouse, Katie Sadler compulsively collects dead leaves, desiccated flowers and spent branches, almost without noticing, the way a mother casually fusses with her child’s hair or straightens his collar. “I wish I had my pruning shears,” she says, with a knowing [...]

Continue Reading →

Nicole Klein is not ordinarily a building hugger. But not long ago, in the middle of a tour she was leading of the old ASUW Shell House, Klein found herself overcome by emotion, temporarily unable to speak and compelled to wrap her arms around its walls of rough-hewn Douglas fir for a lingering moment. “I [...]

Continue Reading →

“Study abroad changed my life.” This is a headline for many a blog post, tagline for many a study abroad program brochure, popular Tik Tok theme and a common refrain among students and alumni of overseas study. Indeed, a quick Google search of that phrase pulls up dozens of first-person accounts about how being an [...]

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Meaningful recognition is a powerful motivator. People need to know that what they are doing matters. They need consistent acknowledgement of their value in an organization, and they need to be given recognition in a way that is significant to them. For nurses and other patient care providers, meaningful recognition might be the difference between [...]

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Working the night shift is not for everyone. There’s that perpetual jet-lagged feeling resulting from shift-work sleep disorder, the strain on one’s social life, the detrimental health effects and the disconnect with family members and friends who operate on a daytime schedule. But for those with night-owl tendencies, the night shift can have its benefits: [...]

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George Thomas Jr. first became interested in salmon when, as a student at Indiana University at Bloomington, he was recruited from an introductory stream ecology course to spend the summer on the Olympic Peninsula assisting a team of researchers studying coho salmon habitat. Working among tributaries feeding the Queets River the summer before his sophomore [...]

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For the past six years, The Whole U has partnered with NMDP (formerly Be The Match) and UW Athletics to host Get in the Game, an annual event encouraging Huskies to join the registry of potential bone marrow and blood stem cell donors. More than 2,000 UW students, staff and faculty have stepped forward over [...]

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September is national suicide prevention month. Suicide prevention is important every day of the year, but for the many organizations doing crucial and often unsung work all year long, September provides unique opportunities to raise awareness of risk factors, provide help for those who are struggling, and give support to those affected by the suicide [...]

Continue Reading →

The Whole U is partnering with the Seattle Visiting Nurse Association to offer flu shot and COVID-19 booster vaccine clinics across our campuses this fall. Everyone attending a clinic must register for an appointment with SVNA. COVID-19 Boosters COVID-19 vaccine guidance continues to evolve, and recommendations may change in the coming days. We are closely [...]

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The University of Washington is one of the most beautiful educational settings on earth, a sublime marriage of eclectic architecture and verdant landscape. That landscape certainly provides an inspiring platform for learning. But it also serves up myriad great places to exercise — both body and soul. The relative quiet and dependably sunny skies of [...]

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May is national Mental Health Awareness Month, with its clarion call to prioritize our psychological well-being as much as we do our physical well-being. That’s sometimes easier said than done. While there is certainly cause to celebrate the rising awareness and acceptance and declining stigma of mental health disorders, these trends have also revealed a [...]

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At the University of Washington, we are proud to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of our nurses across the University of Washington and UW Medicine during Nurses Week—and all month long. As part of this year’s celebration, The Whole U is offering a series of wellness-focused resources and opportunities to support, uplift and thank [...]

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Mindfulness is the practice of being aware of the present moment. Mindfulness is a very useful tool for lowering stress, anxiety, improving mood, and creating a sense of calmness through meditation and other techniques. One area of our lives where mindfulness can be extremely useful for our health is when we are eating. Think about [...]

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Summer camps and courses offer numerous benefits for children, fostering personal growth, social development and academic enrichment in a supportive and adventurous environment. The good news is that there are numerous convenient options at the University of Washington. Here are some resources to help you decide on summer care, camps and courses: Champ Camp Great [...]

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The heart of the matter: understanding heart health and nutrition In the realm of well-being, few topics are as vital as heart health. The heart, that tireless organ pumping life throughout our bodies, deserves our utmost care and attention. But how do we support its well-being? We chatted with Karen Conger, a registered dietitian at [...]

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Change is an inevitable part of life, whether it’s transitioning to new leadership locally or at the national level, moving to a new place, ending a relationship, or switching jobs. For some, navigating change feels familiar; for others, it’s a rare and challenging experience. Wherever you are with your comfort during change, this is a [...]

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Start the new year by embracing meaningful, lasting change! Habits are the cornerstone of health and wellness, and there’s no better time to build yours. Join The Whole U’s Dare to Do program starting Monday, January 13! Why focus on habits? Because small, consistent actions have the power to create big, sustainable results. Habits act [...]

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Trying to make healthier food choices can sometimes feel overwhelming and frustrating. But it doesn’t have to be. Eating well is possible. The more effortless we make it, the better chances are that we actually stick to it. We asked Charlotte Furman, a registered dietitian and Technology and Wellness Manager in the Department of Food [...]

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The University of Washington is proud to partner with the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), formally known as Be The Match. NMDP is a renowned education, research and advocacy organization that oversees the world’s largest marrow registry. This partnership plays a crucial role in linking individuals battling life-threatening blood diseases and cancers with potential life-saving [...]

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Lots of great things happened in 1984. You could go to the theater and watch the original Ghostbusters or Beverly Hills Cop. Madonna was making her way into the living rooms across America thanks to MTV. Bruce Springsteen released Born in the USA and the original Apple Macintosh went on sale. In Washington state, then [...]

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As the Paris Olympic Games commence on July 26, so will The Whole U’s UW Summer Olympics Challenge. While going for the gold by meeting daily wellness goals of exercise, nutrition, hydration, mindfulness, connection and kindness, UW Summer Olympians are also contributing financial support to a favorite nonprofit organization: Special Olympics Washington, which will mark [...]

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Summer is almost here! And it’s a great time to connect with your community through volunteering. Research has found that volunteering has many benefits to you and the communities you serve. We want to share a few of the many opportunities to give back through volunteering — either on your own, with your family or [...]

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April 22 is Earth Day, as it has been since 1970, when it was established just a few months after congress created the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA, whose mission is to protect human health and the environment, laid the path to the several important pieces of environmental legislation, among them the Clean Air Act, Clean [...]

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Volunteering is a fun way to support your favorite nonprofit organization – plus, research demonstrates that it’s good for you. Whether you are able to volunteer on a regular basis, or just have the occasional hour or two to spare, you can support a cause you are passionate about. Why volunteer? Volunteering is good for you. In study [...]

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“We have all the data,” says Ellie Green, student director of the UW Food Pantry, as she pries open a thick ring binder packed with spreadsheets, charts and graphs tracking every aspect, in minute detail, of the essential campus resource she manages. Sources of food. Volunteer hours. Donations. Food drives. Quantity distributed. But one data [...]

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Every year, the UWCFD spotlights a nonprofit organization doing amazing work to make our communities – locally, nationally and globally – healthier and more resilient. This year’s campaign is coming to an end in December. There is still plenty of time to get involved and support the 2023 featured nonprofit, the National Alliance on Mental [...]

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October marks the annual observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an opportunity to recognize the contributions of American workers with disabilities and educate about disability employment issues. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of Section 504, the first disability civil rights law enacted in the United States. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office [...]

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The UW Combined Fund Drive (UWCFD) has been a pillar of philanthropy at the University of Washington for nearly four decades, offering staff, faculty, and retirees a unique opportunity to make an impact in their community. Since its establishment in 1984, the UWCFD has garnered the generous contributions of UW employees, raising close to $60 [...]

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Every year, the UWCFD spotlights a nonprofit organization doing amazing work to make our communities – locally, nationally and globally – healthier and more resilient. We are excited to announce that the 2023 featured nonprofit is the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Seattle. Through empowerment and encouragement, NAMI serves as a safe place for all who [...]

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Thousands of kids across our state face barriers to success this back-to-school season. Your donation of supplies, money or time will help ensure these kids have what they need to realize their potential this year. For many children in our communities, there are any number of obstacles to getting an education: unmet basic needs, homelessness, [...]

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This November, The Whole U invites you to celebrate the 12th year of UW Yoga Month. Register for UW Yoga Month 2025 – Move, Breathe and Connect and join colleagues across the University of Washington and UW Medicine for 15 days dedicated to movement, mindfulness, and connection from Monday, November 3 through Friday, November 21. [...]

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Learn how you can protect yourself from the fake alerts and emotional plays scammers use to steal your passwords with this thorough guide from our partners at BECU. You’re also invited to declutter securely by bringing your documents to BECU’s Shred & eCycle event! On Saturday, Oct. 18 (and Oct. 25 in Spokane), BECU will host [...]

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This fall, The Whole U and UW Employee Experience invite you to a season full of opportunities to focus on wellness, connection and community. From expert-led panels on resilience and well-being to flu shot clinics, benefits fairs and retirement plan updates, there’s truly something for everyone. Join colleagues across UW to learn, recharge and celebrate [...]

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The Whole U is partnering with the Seattle Visiting Nurse Association to offer flu shot and COVID-19 booster vaccine clinics across our campuses this fall. Everyone attending a clinic must register for an appointment with SVNA. COVID-19 Boosters COVID-19 vaccine guidance continues to evolve, and recommendations may change in the coming days. We are closely [...]

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What a day! On Sunday, August 10, the sun was shining, Red Square was buzzing, and the UW community came together for one of our favorite traditions: UW Photo Day. Over 2,000 UW employees attended alongside loved ones to get free photography at iconic campus locations with some of Seattle’s best photographers. From the very [...]

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With the final stretch of summer upon us, August offers one last chance to savor the warmth, energy and community spirit that define the season. The Whole U is here to help you close our summer strong with a variety of engaging events and opportunities! Continue the UW Summer Wellness Challenge with an eclectic array [...]

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Join The Whole U for UW Photo Day, Sunday August 10 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.! Gather your favorite people and furry friends and strike a pose for some of Seattle’s top portrait photographers. Registrants are invited to bring their family, friends and pets to the Seattle campus for our free annual UW photo weekend. [...]

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Join The Whole U for UW Photo Day, Sunday August 10 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.! Gather your favorite people and furry friends and strike a pose for some of Seattle’s top portrait photographers. Registrants are invited to bring their family, friends and pets to the Seattle campus for our free annual UW photo weekend. [...]

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Ready for a summer adventure that doesn’t require a suitcase? Buckle up—Passport to Well-Being: The UW Summer Wellness Challenge is about to take off! From Monday, July 14 to August 22, join colleagues from across the UW community for a six-week journey focused on fueling your health and happiness. This all-campus challenge is your ticket [...]

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Discover June events with The Whole U—from celebrating Global Running Day to insightful webinars on Alzheimer’s research, home buying tips and Pride Month nonprofit spotlights. There’s something for everyone this month! #RuntheUW: Celebrating Global Running Day Wednesday, June 4 Celebrate Global Running Day with us! Join UW faculty, staff, and students in a fun challenge [...]

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On May 7, Red Square at the University of Washington was transformed into a powerful center of hope and action as students, faculty, staff, and UW Athletics joined forces for the annual Get in the Game event. Hosted in proud partnership with the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) and the NMDP UW Registered Student Organization, [...]

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This April, the University of Washington community embraced financial education through The Whole U’s Financial Literacy Month. More than 2,500 UW faculty and staff tuned into a series of high impact events and a thriving online community. Financial Literacy Month delivered empowerment, education and practical tools campus‑wide. A Month of Meaningful Engagement Each week centered [...]

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