Administrative Snapshot: January 2007
Names of key participants appear in brackets at the end of most items.

>> NEW THIS MONTH

Professional development funding for staff

Funding is now available for UW Tacoma staff members who wish to pursue professional development opportunities. Staff may apply for the funds to attend conferences, take UW-sponsored or external courses or seminars or complete training required for certification or licensure. All regular, full-time and part-time monthly paid staff members are eligible. A $20,000 pool is available for the 2006-07 fiscal year. [Ysabel Trinidad, Trish Fiacchi]

• Learn more about the Professional Development Subsidy

>> NEW THIS MONTH

HEC Board approves Computer Engineering degree

In December, the Higher Education Coordinating Board approved the new Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering & Systems at the Institute of Technology. Students in the program will learn fundamental aspects of both computer science and electrical engineering through such classes as programming, data structures, computer architecture, circuits and analog electronics. A small cohort began the program this quarter; the full program will begin in Fall. [Andrew Fry]

• Learn more about the Computer Engineering degree

Longshoremen’s Hall

The Longshoremen’s Hall is on track to open in late January. The facility is still being developed to provide collaborative study and recreational opportunities for UWT students. Improvements include an ADA-accessible restroom, new heating system, roof repairs and sports courts, including a full-sized outdoor basketball court with glass backboards. [Milt Tremblay]

Fitness Center

Resolved to lose weight this year? The new UWT fitness center, located next to the art gallery on the Pacific Avenue level of the West Coast Grocery Building, is ready to help you meet your goal. Elliptical trainers, treadmills, a weight unit, a recumbent bike, exercise balls, and dumbbells are available. The Fitness Center is open free to all UWT students, staff and faculty from noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. [Milt Tremblay]

UWT working to improve pedestrian safety

UWT Facilities and Community Relations have worked collaboratively with the Hillside Development Council, the New Tacoma Council and the City of Tacoma to help create a more pedestrian-friendly environment in downtown Tacoma. The New Tacoma Council has approved a grant request for funding improvements such as painting a number of crosswalks in the UWT area. The most notable of these are at C and 21st streets and several intersections along 19th and 17th streets from Jefferson to Tacoma avenues. The grant will also fund a crosswalk with flashing lights on Market Street across from the Longshoremen’s Hall. Facilities staff members are working to complete this work by this Spring.  [Milt Tremblay]

Assembly Hall

Design professionals at Thomas Hacker Architects, working collaboratively with students, staff, and faculty, have come up with a creative and exciting design for the new Assembly Hall. The project is currently in the construction document phase, and bids on the  demolition portion of the work are expected in May. The hall's 500-seat capacity and flexible format will provide a forum for a wide variety of academic functions, job fairs, lectures and banquets as well as collaborative meeting areas and informal gathering spaces. The project continues to be on schedule for a fall/winter 2008 occupancy. [Milt Tremblay]

Court 17

Looking for parking? Don’t forget that the Court 17 parking garage is open for business. Students, staff and faculty can purchase quarterly passes from the UW Tacoma Cashier for $150. Hourly and daily parking is also available to the public; rates are $3 for 0 to 3 hours and $6 for 3 to 10 hours. The parking fee machine accepts credit/debit cards and cash. The 128-unit apartment complex above the garage is now open. Brochures on these market-rate apartments, owned and operated by Lorig & Associates, are available in Enrollment Services. Interested parties can contact Lorig at (253) 274-9000 for additional information. A grand opening ceremony for the Court 17 project will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17. [Milt Tremblay]