Current Students

2025 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 27: Admitted Graduate Student Virtual Visit Day – RSVP by February 25
  • March 6 (8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.): Admitted Graduate Student In-Person Visit Day – RSVP by March 2
    • If attending, please also register for the School of Public Health Dean’s Welcome Breakfast – RSVP by February 21
  • March 7 (12:00 – 2:00 p.m.): School of Public Health Center Discovery Expo – RSVP by February 21
  • March 10-14: School of Public Health Virtual Visit Days – RSVP
  • May: National background check information sent from GCPD (GCPD students only)
  • Late May/early June: Autumn quarter registration guide sent from FSNH
  • June 15: Last day to create CastleBranch accounts
  • June 24: Autumn quarter new-student registration begins
  • July 1: National background checks due (GCPD students only)
  • August 31: Deadline to submit all official degree and prerequisite transcripts to FSNH
  • September 15:
  • Week of September 15 – More information to come
    •  FSNH New Graduate Student Orientation (all students)
    • School of Public Health New Student Welcome (all students)
    • MPH Core Orientation (MPH students only)
    • R Workshop (MPH students only)
  • September 24: First day of autumn quarter classes (find dates of instruction, registration and tuition deadlines, and holiday/break schedules on the UW academic calendar)

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UW Graduate School Enrollment Requirements

Submitting Official Transcripts

Every incoming student is required by the UW Graduate School to submit an official transcript for the degree specified in the Applicant Status Portal of your UW Graduate School application. Please follow their instructions to send either certified electronic transcripts (preferred) or paper transcripts to the mailing address provided. The application system will be updated when your transcript has been received and verified.

  • If you are currently completing the degree specified in your portal, please wait to submit your official transcript until the degree has posted.
  • If your specified degree is from the University of Washington (Seattle, Tacoma, or Bothell), you do not need to submit a transcript. The UW Graduate School will verify your degree internally.

Once your official transcript has been received by the UW Graduate School, it can take several weeks for your status to be updated. You will be contacted if there are any issues. Questions? Contact the UW Graduate School at uwgrad@uw.edu.

Requesting Your I-20/DS-2019 (International Students only)

International applicants who will be attending UW on F-1 or J-1 visas can download the appropriate form (I-20 or DS-2019, respectively) from your Applicant Status Portal. Once you complete the form, upload it to the application system to submit it to the UW Graduate School.

Please visit the UW Graduate School’s International Applicants website for more information about visa requirements and other resources. Questions? Contact uwgrad@uw.edu.

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FSNH and GCPD Enrollment Requirements

Completing Prerequisites

We expect you to satisfy any outstanding degree and GCPD (if applicable) prerequisites prior to beginning the program in September – no exceptions. FSNH staff will reach out to you to confirm your plans for completing prerequisite coursework (also listed in your offer(s) of admission).

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) each summer.
  • Students who need 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.

Submitting Official Transcripts

In addition to any transcripts requested by the UW Graduate School, incoming students must submit official transcripts to FSNH from any institutions where they earned a degree (bachelor’s or higher) and where any prerequisite coursework was completed. Certified electronic transcripts (preferred) can be sent to gradnutr@uw.edu, and official paper transcripts can be mailed to UW Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health Program, 305 Raitt Hall, Box 353410, Seattle, WA 98195.

If you have any coursework in progress or planned for a future term, please wait to submit official transcripts until those grades are posted.

If you are unable to meet the transcript requirements as outlined here, please contact gradnutr@uw.edu as soon as possible.

Meeting Health Sciences Immunization Program Requirements

It is mandatory that all enrolled FSNH graduate students meet immunization and TB screening requirements in accordance with CDC guidelines for healthcare personnel and as outlined by the UW Health Sciences Immunization Program (HSIP). This obligation includes up-to-date vaccinations 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.

Please find a full HSIP Requirements Checklist and specific information for FSNH students on our website. You’ll submit your immunization documentation to CastleBranch, the vendor service HSIP uses to evaluate and maintain records. More information about required immunizations and how to sign up for a CastleBranch account will be sent to incoming students in early May.

Questions? Contact HSIP at myshots@uw.edu.

Completing Compliance Tasks

In addition to the immunization requirements outlined above, there are several other trainings, forms, and background checks that must be completed prior to beginning classes in autumn. More information can be found under Compliance Tasks below; no action should be taken until FSNH staff reaches out to incoming students in early May.

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Compliance Tasks

Please take the required courses/submit the requested documents below, as applicable, through the Graduate Student Materials Submission Form (link to be added) no later than September 15 (although earlier is preferred!). 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 materials 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 the 2025 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.

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Other Tasks

  • Update your address and contact information
    Log in to MyUW (Identity.UW) to update your contact information in the University’s records. Doing so will also update your address in the database used by the Office of the University Registrar, Office of Student Financial Aid, Student Fiscal Services, and other departments and offices across campus.
  • 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, etc.), 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 of 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.

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New Student 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 may also 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.

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Contact Us

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

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