(balancing one’s own weight in a shadow of antithetical sides) by Paul Baughman

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Voicing a Concern

UW quad in Spring
Students in UW quadrangle

At some point in your experience as a student, staff member, or faculty member in the School of Art + Art History + Design, you may have a problem that requires help. This could range from conflict with an instructor, to difficulty with a colleague, to an experience of discrimination, to an event in the School or beyond that compromises your safety.

You always have choices about how to voice a concern. You never have to be embarrassed about needing help with a difficult situation, and you have a right to make complaints without fearing retaliation or negative consequences.

The School of Art + Art History + Design wants to be a positive learning and working environment for people of all cultures, races, sexes, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, ages, religions, castes, and economic statuses.

The information below provides guidance about whom to consult in different situations.

In a life-threatening emergency, always call 911

For Students

HOW DO I VOICE A CONCERN ABOUT A COURSE I AM ENROLLED IN?

  • If you have a problem that pertains to a course, discuss it with your instructor if you feel comfortable doing so
  • If you prefer not to meet with your instructor or have tried and it wasn’t successful, contact the School’s Advising Team (uaskart@uw.edu, 206-543-0646, or visit Room 104)
    • The Advising Team can also guide you to other resources on campus that can help with problems concerning your safety or your personal well-being. Consultations with Advising are confidential.
  • If you have tried the above suggestions and still don’t have a solution, you can contact the Director of the School (Annabelle Gould, agould@uw.edu)
  • You can also choose to consult one of the broader campus resources listed here.

HOW DO I VOICE A CONCERN ABOUT SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED OUTSIDE OF CLASS?

  • Contact the School’s Advising Team (uaskart@uw.edu, 206-543-0646, or visit Room 104).

    • The Advising Team can also guide you to other resources on campus that can help with problems concerning your safety or your personal well-being. Consultations with Advising are confidential.
  • You can also choose to consult one of the broader campus resources listed here.

HOW DO I VOICE A CONCERN ABOUT SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED IN A DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCE?

  • You can always speak with any faculty or staff member about a concern, but here are some options if you are not sure who to talk to:

    • Contact the School’s Advising Team (uaskart@uw.edu, 206-543-0646, or visit Room 104).
    • Contact the Director of the School (Annabelle Gould, agould@uw.edu)
    • Contact one of the non-departmental campus resources listed here.

HOW DO I VOICE A CONCERN ABOUT DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, OR ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES?

  • If your concern pertains to diversity, equity, inclusion, or accessibility issues, the DEI+A committee chair can help orient you to the available campus resources (Chad Hall, chadhall@uw.edu).

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For Staff

HOW DO I VOICE A CONCERN ABOUT ISSUES OR CONFLICTS IN MY WORKPLACE?

  • Meet with your supervisor or with the departmental HR administrator (Pam Lynne, pamlynne@uw.edu)
  • Talk to the supervisor of the individual with whom you have a conflict
  • Reach out to your union representatives, where appropriate as per your bargaining agreement
  • Talk to your Human Resources Consultant (Genevieve LeClerc, 206-543-2284, gml13@uw.edu)
  • If your concern pertains to diversity, equity, inclusion, or accessibility issues, the DEI+A committee chair can help orient you to the available campus resources (Chad Hall, chadhall@uw.edu).
  • Meet with someone else on campus: you can choose to consult one of the broader campus resources listed here.

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For Faculty

HOW DO I VOICE A CONCERN ABOUT ISSUES OR CONFLICTS IN MY WORKPLACE?

  • If you have a conflict with another UW employee, try to set up a meeting to discuss it with them first.
  • If you prefer not to meet with the individual or have tried and it wasn’t successful, meet with your Division Chair or the Director 
  • If your concern pertains to diversity, equity, inclusion, or accessibility issues, the DEI+A committee chair can help orient you to the available campus resources (Chad Hall, chadhall@uw.edu).
  • Meet with someone else on campus: you can choose to consult one of the broader campus resources listed here.

Campus Resources

There are numerous UW campus resources to help you if you have a problem. Note that all of these options will enable you to make decisions about how you want your concern handled, and also require you to invest time and energy into the resolution process.

If you need help navigating these options, contact the School’s Advising Team (for students, uaskart@uw.edu, 206-543-0646, or visit Room 104) or the chair of the DEI+A committee (for anyone, Chad Hall, chadhall@uw.edu). Initial consultations with these offices are confidential.

  • Safe Campus

    • For concerns about your safety or someone else’s safety.
  • Office of the Title IX Coordinator
    • Anyone may contact the Office of the Title IX Coordinator at any time about sex- and gender-based discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking, and other forms of sexual misconduct.
  • Office of the Ombud
    • For help conducting a mediated conversation in order to resolve a conflict.
  • University Complaint Investigation and Resolution Office (UCIRO)
    • Contact UCIRO if you believe an employee of the University has violated its non-discrimination or non-retaliation policies.
  • Bias Incident Reporting Tool
    • Report an incident. This kind of report doesn’t trigger an independent investigation but acts to connect you with the resources above or other campus resources, or to refer your concern to the administration of a particular academic unit where relevant. The Bias Incident Reporting Tool provides the option to remain anonymous.

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Additional Resources

SUPPORT FOR MENTAL HEALTH

The Counseling Center offers multiple options for students seeking help coping with stress and mental health concerns. Students who are currently enrolled in degree-seeking programs at the Seattle campus are eligible for these counseling services.

LEGAL SUPPORT

Student Legal Services (SLS) is an on-campus law office that provides a safe and confidential space for all UW-Seattle and Bothell students who have legal questions or concerns. SLS offers free 40-minute consultations on a broad range of issues. Students can also hire SLS for ongoing representation for a low hourly rate.

ARTS DIVERSITY COUNCIL

ADC is a student-run council dedicated to supporting students of color interested in pursuing the arts. ADC offers peer support, working to provide students with a safe and uplifting environment to share their concerns and create on/off-campus community engagement.

D CENTER

The D Center fosters a community of d/Disability and d/Deaf pride, and develops and supports social, cultural and educational programming.

DISABILITY RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS

DRS is a resource for all students with disabilities on the Seattle campus. DRS serves 2,800+ students with either temporary or permanent physical, health, learning, sensory or psychological disabilities. Students partner with the office to establish services for their access and inclusion on campus.

wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ – INTELLECTUAL HOUSE

wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ serves as a multi-service learning and gathering space for American Indian and Alaska Native students, faculty and staff, as well as others from various cultures and communities, to come together in a welcoming environment and share knowledge.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES

The UW is home to over 8,000 international students representing more than 100 countries. ISS staff advises international students with F-1 or J-1 visas who are enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs on the UW Seattle campus. International student advisors can provide guidance on navigating visa policies, maintaining immigration status, and other related issues.

Q CENTER

The University of Washington Q Center facilitates and enhances a brave, affirming, liberatory, and celebratory environment for students, faculty, staff, and alumni of all sexual and gender orientations, identities, and expressions. It hosts and support student groups, put on regular programming events, house a lending library, and amplify student voices on our Student Blog.

SAMUEL E. KELLY ETHNIC CULTURAL CENTER

The Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center of the University of Washington is part of The Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity. The Kelly ECC has resources and opportunities available to students including student advising, organizational development, personal growth, and referrals to different departments and programs.

UNDOCUMENTED STUDENT RESOURCES

UW is proud to be a university that wholeheartedly welcomes and supports undocumented students of all ethnicities and nationalities. Undocumented Student Resources provides services, opportunities, and support throughout the various stages of the Husky Experience.

UW OFFICE OF MINORITY AFFAIRS AND DIVERSITY

The UW Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity creates pathways for diverse populations to access postsecondary opportunities, nurture and support their academic success, and cultivate a campus climate that enriches the educational experience for all.

WOMEN’S CENTER

The UW Alene Moris Women’s Center works to disrupt cycles of oppression and break down gender-based barriers through transformational education programs, leadership development, and advocacy for girls and womxn. Programs and services are open to all students, staff, faculty and community members.

UW STUDENT-RUN GROUPS

To find student-run groups, visit the Registered Student Organization Directory.

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