Fatal crash destroys campus switch gear; multi-week outage

On Saturday, July 6, shortly before 6 a.m., a tragic car accident resulted in severe damage to the campus electrical system in the Cragle parking lot. This has led to a campus-wide power outage, with the exception of Court 17 and other limited areas. We are working closely with multiple agencies to identify a solution. We do not yet have an estimated day or time for power to be restored. Remote working/learning week of 7/8 through 7/13 For the period of Monday, July 8, through Saturday, July 13, in-person operations will be suspended. Learning and working will continue remotely where possible. We remain in suspended operations today. Due to HVAC systems being out and the current forecast of high temperatures this week, it is not safe to be on campus unless you are essential personnel. Please do not come to campus. Continuity of learning for faculty and students Faculty should consult the instructional continuity website for guidance: https://teaching.washington.edu/course-design/instructional-continuity/. Students should seek guidance from their instructors as needed. Guidance for staff The UWHR website provides information about pay and leave practices during suspended operations. If you have additional questions, contact UW Tacoma HR at uwthr@uw.edu or 253-692-4701. Information Technology Information Technology support and resources can be found here: https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/it. Contact UW Tacoma IT at tachelp@uw.edu or 253-692-HELP (4356), if you need assistance during regular hours (Monday – Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.). Please work with your supervisors and/or deans as needed. Thank you for your flexibility following this incident, as well as taking all measures to ensure your own safety and the safety of others while operations are disrupted. Sincerely, Sheila Edwards Lange, Ph.D. Chancellor

I am so impressed by how our campus has pulled together to navigate the power outage following Saturday’s tragic car accident. As you know, the accident destroyed critical electrical infrastructure we need to power our campus. Update on work to restore power Teams including staff and leaders from UW Tacoma, along with representatives from UW’s central emergency management and IT, have been working tirelessly to identify a solution to the outage. The extent of the damage is significant. Here is what we know now, which is encouraging as we believe we have identified the components of a solution: The equipment needed to restore power is not readily available. A refurbished piece of equipment has been located. It needs to be evaluated for compatibility and tested to ensure it is working properly. Cable was damaged in the accident and needs to be replaced. The team is identifying sources for the replacement cable. Additionally, the overall rebuild of the infrastructure will require design, permitting, procurement and construction. Design work for the rebuild is beginning. Tomorrow (7/11), a team of contractors, designers, and representatives from UWT and UW Facilities will convene on-site to plan out the next steps for completing the project as quickly as we can. In parallel the team is exploring the possibility of sourcing generators to provide limited power for parts of campus and/or tenants. Teams are working as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, it will not be an overnight fix. By Monday, we should have a better idea of the scope of work and hopefully a clearer timeline for a resolution that would allow a return to campus. Campus status: Suspended in-person operations continue through Saturday 7/20 Based on information we have now, it is clear that we will not be able to return to on-campus operations next week. Suspended in-person operations will continue through Saturday 7/20. Note that it may be necessary to extend remote operations beyond 7/20, but at this stage we do not yet have a date for the restoration of power. Please make arrangements for continuing with remote work, teaching, learning and research through next week. Summer term A will continue to be taught remotely through the end of finals. For faculty teaching in Summer B term, please reach out to enrolled students to inform them that the term will be starting remotely on 7/18. Next update Expect the next update on the status of the project and campus operations on Monday 7/15. Accessing campus The finance and administration team will have dedicated staff available on site to permit building access for 15-minute intervals on Thursday, 7/11, and Friday, 7/12, between 7:30 - 11:30 a.m. To request an access window, please select a time for your building by completing this form. When you arrive to your building, present your Husky Card or other photo ID to the staff member at the door. You will be escorted to your workspace as well as out of the building to ensure no employee remains inside, minimizing risk to health and safety. These requests are intended for brief trips only so faculty or staff may retrieve office items, such as laptops or physical files, that are necessary for remote work. Employees with extenuating circumstances, such as separating from the University or maintaining research work, should work with their supervisor and/or department head to identify these needs and communicate with Campus Safety at uwtsafe@uw.edu. Additional support Knowing that the accident and this continued disruption are difficult for all, I offer a reminder that the UW provides free and confidential support services, including counseling with licensed mental health professionals, via the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Sincerely, Sheila Edwards Lange, Ph.D. Chancellor