Based on findings from the Institutional Assessment & Evaluation (IAE) report on the UW Seattle New Student Questionnaire
Every year, thousands of new Huskies arrive on campus carrying big questions:
Who will I become here?
How can I find my place?
How do I learn with and from others, especially those who see the world differently than I do?
The UW Dialogue Initiative partnered with Institutional Assessment & Evaluation (IAE) to better understand what incoming first-year and transfer students need as they begin their Husky journey. The result was a rich analysis of more than 7,300 student responses collected during Advising & Orientation (A&O).
What emerged from the data is clear: today’s students want curiosity, connection, and community at the center of their learning experience.
IAE’s evaluation shows that new Huskies are coming in with a mindset that aligns deeply with the Dialogue Initiative’s mission. Eighty-five percent of students said they intend to be curious, think critically, and communicate openly as they engage with the UW community. In their own words, students described wanting to “ask more questions,” “listen fully before responding,” and “explore perspectives outside my own.”
This openness connects directly to what students say they want most: connections with. When presented with the Provost’s three strategies for engaging in dialogue, a clear majority (61%) selected building a connection to others as their top priority. Students spoke about wanting to form friendships beyond surface-level interactions, learn from peers with different lived experiences, collaborate with curiosity and respect, and meet people “outside my bubble.”
Together, these findings paint a clear picture: students are arriving eager to learn, ready to engage across difference, and deeply motivated to build meaningful relationships where they can show up fully, listen deeply, and feel seen.
IAE’s findings paint a vivid picture: incoming Huskies aren’t waiting for curiosity to happen; they’re ready to make it part of their everyday life.
Students shared that they plan to stay curious by getting out into the world. Nearly half (46%) said they’ll explore UW and Seattle through clubs, events, new neighborhoods, and new experiences. Another 27% said they’re focusing on staying open-minded, challenging assumptions, seeking fresh ideas, and embracing perspectives different from their own. A full 26% want to sharpen their critical thinking by asking sharper questions and navigating mis- and disinformation with greater care. And 17% emphasized that curiosity grows through people, meeting others, hearing their stories, and building community.
These priorities naturally shape how students want to engage in dialogue during their first quarter. According to IAE, the top strategy students plan to use is building meaningful interpersonal connections (41%), starting conversations in residence halls, joining study groups, and connecting across shared passions and differences. Another 26% said they’ll focus on respectful communication, listening fully before responding and engaging across disagreement with openness. And 13% said they want to lead with their core values: honesty, empathy, kindness, and compassion.
Students also shared that they plan to stay grounded as learners in a complex information environment. In a world of viral misinformation, 60% said they plan to critically evaluate their sources, and 21% plan to cross-check information across platforms. Others said they’ll rely on trusted mentors, UW Libraries, and academic tools to help them make sense of what they encounter.
Together, these insights show a powerful trend: Huskies want to be curious, connected, and informed. They’re not just ready to learn; they’re ready to participate, listen, and grow.
Our work isn’t just relevant; it aligns directly with what new Huskies are asking for. Their responses guide us to keep creating spaces where students can connect authentically, practice listening and empathy, reflect deeply, collaborate across difference, and navigate challenging conversations with compassion.
As we continue expanding tri-campus dialogue programming, including workshops, conversations, campus events, and our new Huskies Continue the Conversation series, we’re committed to building the kind of community today’s students envision. One where curiosity is practiced. One where difference is embraced. One where connection is intentional.
To all our new Huskies: WELCOME! We’re excited to learn with you, listen with you, and grow with you.
For the full evaluation findings, see the IAE report here.
