Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to your general questions about these seminars, and learn the specifics about Introduction Seminars and Transition Seminars.

General

What is the difference between the Introduction and Transition seminars again?
  • Introduction Seminars are for students who have not yet applied to transfer to UW. 
  • Transition seminars are specifically for students who are admitted to UW for autumn 2024. Eligible students will receive invitations from UW admissions to these seminars and will also be reached out to by the Path to UW team.
When do these seminars happen?
  • Intro Seminars will take place on the UW Seattle campus 3 times a week from Aug 20 through Sept 12, 2024, 9:30 am to 1:00 pm Tuesdays - Thursdays.
9:30AM - 1:00PM? Why are these classes so long?

The seminar portion of this class will occur from 9:30am to 11:30am. Students will then have a 30 minute break before participating in the support curriculum portion of the course from 12:00pm to 1:00pm

What are the benefits of enrolling in a seminar?
  • Tailored advising support and access to a unique transfer-specific support curriculum
  • A chance to learn from and build relationship with current UW research faculty and learn more about the UW academic environment
  • All seminars will fulfill a UW Writing (W) credit that will apply towards your UW degree
  • $1,000 stipend to defer the cost of attending the class
Are the same course topics offered for Introduction and Transition Seminars?

No, there are different course offerings for each type of seminar. You can check out the Transition Seminar page or the Introduction Seminar page to read about the course options for each

Do I have to enroll in a seminar that fits what I am hoping to study?

Nope! If the seminar relates to what you hope to study, great! If not, then you will not be alone, these seminars will be filled with students with all different academic and major interests. Take what sounds exciting to you!

These classes happen over lunch - will food be provided?

Unfortunately no. However, please feel free to bring food or snacks to eat if this will help you to engage.

How will this seminar be graded?

These seminars are offered with Credit/No Credit grading.

We get a $1,000 stipend for taking the class? Yes please - tell us more about how that works!

Yes - in addition to taking a free 3 credit UW course, the City of Seattle has provided funding so that students enrolling in these classes will receive a $1,000 stipend. How awesome is that? The Path to UW team will follow up with all students who submit our enrollment form for these seminars with more details on how receiving the stipend funds will work.

Can I take more than one seminar?

Unfortunately, because they are all offered at the same time, you will only be able to enroll in one of the options. However, many students who take an introduction seminar and are admitted to UW will come back and take the transition seminar in the future!

Who can participate in these seminars?

Any eligible student who has ever been affiliated with Seattle Promise - it is ok if you are no longer with the program currently! Please review the individual seminar pages for more information on who is eligible for each.

What is the time commitment for these courses outside of class attendance? Is there homework?

These courses will include outside of class work designated by faculty and advisers. Please be prepared to manage your time so you are able to come prepared and fully engage with the cool topics and activities faculty have planned!

What can this credit be applied to?

The 3 credits can both be be transferred back to Associate's electives and applied towards UW requirements in the future for those who attend.

Introduction Seminars

Introduction Seminars are designed for Seattle Promise students exploring transferring to UW-Seattle who have not applied for and been admitted to UW for Autumn 2024. Students have the opportunity to begin building connections to the UW Campus and get personalized admissions and academic advising early on.

When is this course and what is the time commitment?

Path to UW Introduction Seminars will run for four weeks. They will take place Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:30am to 1:00pm. Just like any other college class, you will be expected to complete readings and assignments outside of class as well.

What are the benefits of enrolling in an academic introduction seminar as a prospective transfer student?
  • Additional access to the Path to UW Adviser and other opportunities and resources that will help you to plan out steps for preparing to be the strongest UW applicant you can be should you choose to transfer to UW in the future
  • A chance to learn from and build relationship with current UW faculty and learn more about the academic environment and current research being done by them and others at UW 
  • Build earlier knowledge of involvement opportunities, communities, campus offices, major programs, and funding and job options that can help you determine if UW is a potential place you would like to transfer to, and if so, how to leverage resources early on to prepare
  • Meet and spend time with other transfer students from Seattle Colleges.
Who is this for again? I am not in my first year at a Seattle College, but I have been going part time, took a gap year, am still working on my Associate's, etc. Can I take this seminar?

Yes, absolutely! You do NOT need to be certain you are applying to UW Seattle in the future. This class will be a great opportunity to learn more about a four-year research university, meet some neat faculty and other students, get insight on how to plan both specifically for UW and more generally for other institutions, and learn more about if UW might be a fit and what programs are here. Please feel welcome to enroll even if you are just a little bit curious.

I am not sure if I want to come to UW Seattle. Can I still take this seminar?

Yes, absolutely! You do NOT need to be certain you are applying to UW Seattle in the future. This class will be a great opportunity to learn more about a four-year research university, meet some neat faculty and other students, get insight on how to plan both specifically for UW and more generally for other institutions, and learn more about if UW might be a fit and what programs are here. Please feel welcome to enroll even if you are just a little bit curious!

Does taking this class help me with my UW Admission if I apply?

Taking this course does not guarantee UW Admission. However, this will be recognized as an engagement with UW and will help you strengthen your application. How do I enroll? Ready to enroll? Follow the instructions at this form to request placement into a seminar! Have additional questions? Please feel free to reach out to us and a member of our team will follow up with you!

Transition Seminars

Any student who has ever been affiliated with the Seattle Promise program and who is admitted to and chooses to attend UW-Seattle in Autumn 2024 is invited to participate in a Transition seminar. You will also receive an outreach from admissions inviting you to this opportunity when you receive your offer letter.

What are the benefits of enrolling in a transition seminar before starting at UW in Autumn?
  • Gain knowledge of involvement opportunities, communities, campus offices, major programs, and funding and job options and how to take advantage of these resources to make the most of your UW journey.
  • Meet and build community with other transfer students in your incoming class from different disciplines who are also navigating transitioning to UW.
  • Establish a connection to campus and the unique transfer-specific supports and opportunities here earlier on.
When is this course and what is the time commitment?

Path to UW Transition Seminars will run for four weeks. They will take place Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30am to 1:00pm. Just like any other college class, you will be expected to complete readings and assignments outside of class as well. Additionally, you will be expected to meet with your faculty member during Autumn quarter.

What will we be doing in our Autumn Quarter meetings? What if meetings for this seminar overlap with my Autumn coursework I need to take?

There will be a few required meetings throughout Autumn quarter. During these meetings you will continue some course material and also have time to check-in with your faculty about your transition to UW. Times of these are to be determined and will depend on autumn faculty and student schedules; however, we are committed to working together to make it work with your schedule.

Since there are autumn course meetings, Is this class part of my Autumn schedule too? How does class/class credit interact with my Autumn Quarter course load?

The three credits you earn during the Transition Seminar count toward autumn quarter, and they'll appear on your autumn quarter schedule and transcript with the rest of your courses. This gives you a couple options for autumn quarter:

  • If you want to take a lighter academic load in autumn quarter, you only need to enroll in 9 credits to be a full-time student (because you'll already have 3 credits from the seminar to get you to the 12 credit minimum for full time enrollment).
  • If you take a full time (12 - 18 credits) courseload in the fall, your seminar credits will put you ahead of the academic curve. You can earn up to 21 credits total without paying extra tuition (a charge that normally applies to students who take more than 18 credits in a quarter).