The Student Experience

Inquiry and Critical Thinking

• inquiry & problem solving: collect, evaluate, and analyze information and resources to solve problems or answer questions.
• research methods & application: approach complex issues by taking a large question and breaking it down into manageable pieces.
• synthesis & context: make meaningful connections among assignments and readings in order to develop a sense of the ‘big picture.’

Communication/Self-Expression

• argumentation: formulate an original thesis-driven argument and sustain it in both written and verbal communication.
• analysis: identify, analyze, and summarize/represent the key elements of a text.
• disciplinary awareness: enter/place themselves into an existing dialogue (intellectual, political, etc.).
• expression of ideas: express ideas clearly in writing and speaking in order to synthesize and evaluate information before presenting it.

Global Perspective-Diversity-Civic Engagement

• disciplinary perspective: understand events and processes as ‘disciplinarily’ situated.
• global perspective: interact with concepts, ideas, and processes related to the interdependences between personal, local, and global relationships.
• diversity: think outside of cultural norms and values, including their own perspectives, to critically engage the larger world.
• civic engagement: interact with concepts, ideas, and processes related to civic engagement.

Quantitative Literacy

• Use quantitative evidence (including statistics, graphs, etc.) in support of an argument.
• Analyze and evaluate a chart or graph and interpret it (through discussion, a written assignment, etc.)
• Find quantitative data to support an argument.

Academic Affairs realizes the importance of a successful first year of studies. It establishes the grounding necessary to understanding the challenges ahead and the skills and confidence required to meet them. First-year students take courses as part of a close-knit community of students — a cohort — who take their first-year Core courses together. The Core is an interdisciplinary approach to learning that deepens student understanding of the world and how it works. Through this small learning community, students truly get to know their professors and classmates. Visit the links below selected from various campus resources to learn more about the freshman experience at UW Tacoma.

Freshman Admissions: Find assistance with the application process and review a FAQ that answers your basic questions about admission.

Freshman Core Curriculum: Find additional information about how the core works and see an examples of core courses.

Important Dates and Deadlines: Find more details about admission requirements with specific application deadlines for things like financial aid.

From its beginning, UW Tacoma was established to provide south sound residents an opportunity to complete their higher-education studies by attaining a bachelors degree. About two-thirds of the students at UW Tacoma come through a path that includes community college or another four-year college. The Office of Academic Affairs supports our professional recruiting, admissions, advising, and orientation staff as they help students make this transition smoothly. Visit the links below for additional information.

Admissions: Transfer Student: Find assistance with the application process and review a FAQ that answers your basic questions about admission.

Transfer Credit Policies: Information about how the program works and who is able to participate.

Important Dates and Deadlines: View transfer admission application deadlines organized by program.