October 16, 2017

Admission disruptions due to recent natural disasters

Due to the recent and numerous major natural disasters (e.g., Hurricane disruption in Puerto Rico, the Caribbean and Coastal states, earthquake in Mexico City), a number of applicants’ family and friends have reached out to the Graduate School asking for extensions to our admission application deadlines. You are probably aware that, at least in Puerto Rico, many affected areas have no power and our applicants may be struggling in their efforts to meet admission deadlines.

The Graduate School recognizes these challenges and we are asking programs to consider extending deadlines for these applicants and noting your flexibility within the applications (through the Unit Profile) or on your programs’ websites. If you have questions regarding how to change deadlines, please contact GEMS at gemshelp@uw.edu.

The Graduate School will place language on the application log-in page that recommends applicants affected by major natural disasters that disrupt communications for extended periods of time, connect directly with the programs to which they are applying.

We recognize that all programs may not have the flexibility to extend a deadline, but we encourage you to assist in this effort if possible.

Thank you,
David L. Eaton
Graduate School Dean and Vice Provost
Julia Carlson
Director, Graduate Enrollment Management Services (GEMS)