Opinion

What’s included in UWT tuition and fees?

Besides a quality education, UWT students have access to recreational activities, cool perks and useful services, all paid for through tuition and fees

The bonuses of being a UWT student extend far beyond just getting to hang out with Hendrix the Husky. Besides access to a quality education, UWT students have access to recreational activities, cool perks and useful services, all paid for through tuition and fees. This is a list of some of the resources you get access to when you become a UWT Husky.

YMCA membership is paid for through the quarterly University YMCA Student Center fee. Head up the hill to the University YMCA Student Center (UWY) to walk the track, lift some weights, take a free spin class or practice your rock climbing skills.

Upstairs in the UWY’s Game Room, students can play pool, ping-pong, air hockey, and video games. Nintendo Switches, Xbox controllers, and Playstation controllers may be checked out with a student ID from the Center for Student Involvement (CSI) in UWY 107. Gaming consoles can be used as long as the CSI is open.

To get your YMCA membership card, bring your student ID number to the front desk of the UWY and the staff will help you set up your account. Membership cards work for all other YMCAs in Pierce County, too.

UPASS membership is paid through the Service and Activities Fee (SAF). A UPASS membership allows UWT students to use their student ID as a transit pass. As of Fall Quarter 2022, Husky IDs are automatically activated about seven days before the start of each quarter and grant full fare coverage on Metro, Community, Pierce, Kitsap, Everett, and Sound transit buses, as well as the Sounder Commuter train and paratransit services.

Student Health Services are fully funded by the SAF. Students have free access to office visits for non-emergency health concerns including coughs, stomach flu, sprains and strains, headaches, insect stings and even sports physicals. The closest location is Fransiscan Prompt Care at St. Josephs, but there are also locations in Bonney Lake, Burien, Gig Harbor and Puyallup.

Psychological And Wellness Services (PAWS) provides UWT students with free mental health counseling. PAWS has one-on-one counseling for individual needs as well as group counseling for topics such as social anxiety. Everything is over Zoom, so it’s easy to access. 

For emergency mental health and crises, please call a crisis line:

9-1-1 for imminent danger or emergency medical care

Mobile Outreach Crisis Services: 253-798-2709

Pierce County Crisis Line: 1-800-576-7764

UW Tacoma Campus Safety: 253-692-4416

The Career Development Center has an abundance of resources for degree planning and career preparation. Head online to schedule an appointment with a Career Coach, schedule a Mock Interview, take a career assessment quiz, or explore what jobs you can get with a specific major. The Career Development Center can also connect you with identity-specific job resources, like professional organizations for BIPOC or LGBTQ students. 

Handshake is a job search website tailored specifically for students and recent alumni. Once you log in with your UW net ID, you can search for jobs and internships, connect with recruiters, and sign up for events such as job fairs and professional meet-and-greets. You can also upload your resume and cover letter to receive feedback from The Career Development Center staff.

LinkedIn Learning is an online learning platform for business professionals. Course topics range everything from Excel to project management. UWT students receive a free subscription and can log in using their UW net ID credentials. 

The Maker’s Space is an inclusive spot for UWT students to explore creative design. Located on the first floor of the Snoqualmie library building, students can prototype concepts using a variety of tools including a sewing machine, a laminator, raspberry pi kits, and even a 3D printer. The Maker’s Space is free to all UWT students once they have completed the required safety training.

Free wifi is available everywhere on campus and in the UWY.

Free printing is available in several locations across campus and is fully funded by the Student Technology Fee (STF). Walsh Gardner 108 (WG108) and Cherry Parks 005 (CP005) have free black and white and color printing. The CSI offers free printing up to 60 pages as well as copying and scanning services.

The Pantry is a free resource for UWT students who are in need. The Pantry is supported through an alliance with The Center for Equity and Inclusion, Nourish Pierce County and several other groups. Located on campus in Dougan 104, The Pantry can provide free food (up to a four day supply) and free hygiene products. Students are welcome to visit once a week and may receive up to 20 food items. Masks, gloves, and a UW net ID are required to shop at The Pantry. Need is determined through an honor system. If you want to donate to The Pantry, they have a shopping list as well as an Amazon wishlist.

Last but certainly not least, The Tacoma Ledger is your student newspaper that is absolutely free to read! We’re a great resource for campus happenings, local UWT and Tacoma news, and pop culture hot takes. Check for new issues every week!