Current Students

2024 Entering Class Information

Welcome to the University of Washington Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health Program (FSNH)! We look forward to having you join us in September. Please continue to check this page for important information about next steps, orientation activities, and new-student resources.

Important Dates and Events

  • February 13: Admitted Graduate Student Virtual Visit Day
  • February 29: Admitted Graduate Student In-Person Visit Day
  • May: Information about required national background checks sent from GCPD (GCPD students only)
  • Late May: Autumn quarter registration guide sent from FSNH
  • June 15: Last day to create CastleBranch accounts
  • June 17: Autumn quarter registration begins for new students
  • July 1: National background check deadline (GCPD students only)
  • August 31: All official transcripts must be received by FSNH
  • September 15:
    • Enrollment tasks due (see below)
    • Deadline to submit ServSafe Manager Certificate (GCPD students only)
  • September 18
  • September 19, 9:30 am – 5:00 pm: FSNH New Graduate Student Orientation (all students) – Register by September 13
  • September 20, 9:00 am – 11:00 am: R Workshop (MPH students only) – Register by September 13
  • September 25: First day of autumn quarter classes (find dates of instruction, registration and tuition deadlines, and holiday/break schedules on the UW academic calendar)

Completing Admissions Requirements – UW Graduate School

Submitting Official Transcripts

Admitted applicants are required to submit official transcripts from degree-granting institutions to the UW Graduate School.

  • If you’re currently completing another degree, please wait to submit your official transcript until your degree has posted.
  • If your degree is from the University of Washington, you do not need to submit a transcript. The UW Graduate School will verify your degree internally.

Submit official transcripts for each school requested by the UW Graduate School (Official Transcript Requirements).

  • Certified Electronic Transcripts (preferred) can be emailed to gemsdocs@uw.edu. If sending transcripts through Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse, please review the UW Graduate School’s instructions at the above link. Note: Students or institutions cannot submit their own PDF transcripts via email.
  • Paper transcripts can be mailed to one of the two addresses below, as appropriate:

Standard Postal Services (USPS):
University of Washington
Graduate Enrollment Management Services
Box 353770
Seattle, WA USA 98195-3770

Express Courier Services (FedEx, UPS, etc.):
University of Washington
Graduate Enrollment Management Services
G-1 Communications
4109 E Stevens Way NE
Seattle, WA USA 98195-3770

Note: Mailed transcripts must be received unopened with the envelope or school seal intact.

Your Application Status Portal in the UW Graduate School’s application system will be updated once your transcript has been received and verified. That process could take several weeks; the Graduate School will contact you if there are any issues. Please email any questions to uwgrad@uw.edu.

Request I-20/DS 2019 Form (International Students only)

International students who will need to request an F-1 student visa can download the appropriate form (I-20 or DS-2019) from your “Application Status Portal.” Once you complete the form, upload it to the application system to submit it to the UW Graduate School. The same interface will be used to select the shipping method for the I-20 (NOTE: there is a fee for express shipping).

To fulfill the I-20 requirements (outlined on the Graduate School website), admitted students will need to show financial ability. Questions? Contact the UW Graduate School at uwgrad@uw.edu.

Completing Admissions Requirements – Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health Program and Graduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics

Health Sciences Immunization Program Requirements

By accepting enrollment into the Nutritional Sciences Program, students agree to meet immunization and TB screening requirements in accordance with CDC guidelines for healthcare personnel and as outlined by the Health Sciences Immunization Program (HSIP). This includes a requirement that students be vaccinated against COVID-19. Due to the nature of health profession training programs, exemptions are rarely granted and only in alignment with CDC recommendations, HSIP policy, and University policy and practice.

Compliance

In addition to the immunization requirements outlined above, there are several other trainings and requirements to be completed prior to enrollment, including a national background check for GCPD students. Please see the “Enrollment Tasks” section below for more information.

Prerequisite Completion

If you have outstanding prerequisite courses, we expect they will be completed prior to starting the program in September. After accepting your offer of admission, you should have received a summary of courses still outstanding. NOTE: Our staff may reach out to you to confirm your plans for completing prerequisite coursework. Please be responsive to those inquiries

GCPD students only:

  • If you haven’t yet taken your hands-on Food Science with Lab prerequisite, UW Professional and Continuing Education (PCE) offers an online version (NUTR 441 Food and Culinary Science) over the summer.
  • Students needing to complete their Management of Nutrition Services requirement should view the Example Coursework section of FSNH’s Prerequisite Information page for suggested courses. Please direct course-selection questions to gcpd@uw.edu.

Official Transcript Submission

In addition to transcripts submitted to the UW Graduate School, admitted students are responsible for submitting official transcripts to FSNH from institutions(s) where they’ve earned a degree (bachelor’s degree or higher), as well as where they’ve taken any prerequisite coursework.

  • If you have courses in progress or planned for a future term, please wait until your grades have posted to submit your official transcript(s).
    • Official electronic/digital transcripts (preferred) can be emailed to gradnutr@uw.edu.
    • Official paper transcripts can be mailed to: UW Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health Program, 305 Raitt Hall, Box 353410, Seattle, WA 98195.
  • If you are unable to meet the transcript requirements as outlined here, please contact gradnutr@uw.edu.

Submit official transcripts for all institutions where you’ve earned a degree (bachelor’s or higher), as well as where you’ve completed any FSNH or GCPD prerequisite coursework.

  • Certified Electronic Transcripts (preferred) can be emailed to gradnutr@uw.edu from the issuing institution or its authorized agent (e.g., Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse, etc.). Note: Students or institutions cannot submit their own PDF transcripts via email.
  • Paper transcripts can be mailed to one of the two addresses below, as appropriate:

Standard Postal Services (USPS):
University of Washington
Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health Graduate Program
305 Raitt Hall, Box 353410
Seattle, WA 98195-3410

Express Courier Services (FedEx, UPS, etc.):
University of Washington
Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health Graduate Program
Raitt Hall 305
4000 15th Ave. NE
Seattle, WA 98195-3410

Note: Mailed transcripts must be received unopened with the envelope or school seal intact.

Enrollment Tasks

Please take the required courses/submit the requested documents below, as applicable, through the Graduate Student Materials Submission Form no later than September 15 (earlier is better, though!). NOTE: You’ll need to sign in with your UW NetID and password to access the form.

  • Washington State Patrol Background Check Consent Form and Criminal History Supplement (required for all students)
    • Download the form.
    • Upload your completed document (save as a PDF) to the material submission form.
  • Protecting Patient Information (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act – HIPAA) Training (required for all students)
    • Register in the UW Medicine Compliance Learning Portal (CLP)
      • Select “UW School of Public Health” under Department
      • Choose “Student” as Affiliation
      • For Supervisor/Coordinator, enter:
    • In the training catalog, enroll in and complete 2024 Protecting Patient Information (HIPAA) Training (about 20 minutes).
    • Upload your completion certificate (PDF) to the materials submission form.
  • FSNH Consent to Release Records Form (required for all students)
    • Download the form
    • Upload your completed document (saved as a PDF) to the materials submission form.
    • NOTE: This form will override UW student account FERPA directory holds. If you have any questions about this form, please email gradnutr@uw.edu.
  • ServSafe Manager Certificate (required for GCPD students ONLY)
    Take the exam and upload a copy of your completion certificate (PDF) to the materials submission form. If you have any questions about this requirement, please email gcpd@uw.edu.
  • Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Certificate (select GCPD students ONLY)
    If requested by the GCPD, upload a PDF of your DPD certificate to the materials submission form.

Things to Do

  • Update your address and contact information
    Log in to MyUW (Identity.UW) to update your contact information in the University’s records. That will also update your address in the database used by the Office of the Registrar, Office of Student Financial Aid, Student Fiscal Services, and other departments and offices.
  • Get your Husky Card (required for all students)
    Your Husky Card (UW ID card) will give you access to certain services and campus buildings/rooms once classes begin. There are two ways to get your student ID: in person or online. Either way, you’ll need your UW student number, a government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport), and updated address and contact information in Identity.UW (above).

    • In person: Head over to the Husky Card Account & ID Center on the ground floor Odegaard Library any time during regular office hours (they take a one-hour lunch break at noon).
    • Online: Complete the online Husky Card request form and submit a photo prior to September 1 to have your student ID mailed to your permanent address on file. NOTE: You’ll need to sign in with your UW NetID and password to access the form.
  • Take the UW Graduate School’s U501 (recommended for all students)
    U501: Graduate School Orientation is a self-guided, online resource to help you prepare for your start at the UW. NOTE: You’ll need to sign in with your UW NetID and password to access the course.

Resources

Getting to Know Campus

The Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health Program and most of our faculty have offices in Raitt Hall, but the bulk of your classes will be in the Magnuson Health Sciences Center or Health Sciences Education Building. The UW Visitor Center offers campus maps, resources about the University and Seattle communities, and regularly scheduled campus walking tours.

Housing & Seattle Neighborhoods

Some students opt for housing in one of the graduate student or family apartment options provided by UW Housing & Food Services, while others choose privately managed off-campus rentals. In either case, there are many great options in the varied neighborhoods that surround the University District, as well as those within easy commuting distance by bus or bike. Some neighborhoods students commonly select are Eastlake, Capitol Hill, Wallingford, Fremont, Ballard, Green Lake, Greenwood, Laurelhurst, and Sandpoint.

Local Transportation & Commuting Options

As a UW student, you’ll receive a U-PASS that provides full-fare coverage on local and regional buses, Link light rail, Sounder commuter trains, and many other local transit options. UW has also been recognized as one of the most bicycle-friendly universities in the country. The Burke-Gilman Trail, a popular 18.8-mile recreational trail for walkers, runners, cyclists, and commuters, runs through campus and connects with a several the Seattle neighborhoods listed above.

Financial Aid & Student Funding

The UW Office of Student Financial Aid will likely be your main point of contact for financial assistance at this stage. If you’re an out-of-state student, you also may have some questions about the UW’s residency requirements. A great resource for all students is the Graduate Funding Information Service, which is provided by UW Libraries and the UW Graduate School to link all graduate students with scholarship, fellowship, and other funding opportunities. FSNH-specific financial support, such as TA positions and scholarships, is typically limited to currently enrolled students, and you’ll have the opportunity to apply for these during your first year in the program.

Contact Us

  • All questions: gradnutr@uw.edu
    Jenifer Pesicka Hiigli, Director of Student and Academic Services
    Nichole Maiman Waterman, Student and Academic Services Operations Specialist
  • Questions related to the Graduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics (GCPD): gcpd@uw.edu
    Lacey Henderson, GCPD Student Services Coordinator