Launch Into College Life Early

Formerly known as Early Fall Start, College Edge helps new Huskies begin their UW journey with confidence. For more than two decades, students have joined this program to make friends, earn credit, and experience university life before Autumn Quarter begins.

You’ll take a 5-credit course in a small, engaging setting—learning by doing, exploring ideas, and connecting with classmates. By the time Autumn Quarter starts, you’ll already feel at home.

Program Overview

Dates: August 24–September 18, 2026
Format: In-person, Tuesday–Friday, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Credits: 5 credits (optional 1-credit add-on)

College Edge gives incoming first-year students an early, immersive start to UW. Through small, discussion-based courses and shared programming, students build confidence, form connections, and learn how to navigate campus life.

This year, the program is shaped by two core themes:

Place-Based Learning

Learning extends beyond the classroom into campus and the city of Seattle. Faculty incorporate field experiences that connect course concepts to real-world contexts, from museums and research sites to neighborhoods and natural environments.

Students deepen their understanding while building familiarity with campus and a sense of belonging at UW.

Introduction to AI at UW

This year, College Edge includes a light introduction to artificial intelligence.

No prior experience is expected, and AI use is optional unless required by a course. If you prefer not to use AI, you can work with your instructor to explore alternative options.

Students may have opportunities to:

• Explore how AI works
• Experiment with tools in low-stakes ways
• Use AI to brainstorm, organize ideas, or challenge their thinking
• Reflect on when AI supports learning and when it may limit it

Students remain responsible for their own work. AI should support, not replace, original thinking. Expectations vary by course, and students should follow instructor guidelines.

Visit this page for more AI Guidelines

Beyond the Classroom

In addition to your seminar, you’ll have access to advising, community events, and volunteer opportunities, along with career-readiness programming from gesture.

This includes:

• Workshops that connect your academic interests to future goals (included in program fee)
• An optional 1-credit online course, ARTSCI 150: AI, Learning, and Early Career (Credit/No Credit), taken alongside your seminar for a total of 6 credits

Why Join College Edge?

• Ease into college life before the full quarter begins

• Make friends and connections across majors and disciplines

• Learn from faculty mentors in small, discussion-based seminars

• Gain early exposure to career and AI-supported learning opportunities through gesture

How to Get Started

There is no application required to participate in College Edge. Visit the registration page for details on how to sign up!

Registration, costs, and housing policies for College Edge differ from the regular academic year.
Visit the Registration & Costs and Housing pages for details.

Want to learn more? Attend one of our Spring 2026 Information Sessions to meet the team, hear from past students, and discover how College Edge can help you launch your UW experience.

Land Acknowledgement

Taught on the University of Washington’s Seattle campus, the College Edge program takes place on the land of the Coast Salish peoples, whose ancestors have resided here since Time Immemorial and continue to thrive today.

The University of Washington is fully committed to equal opportunity, diversity, access, and inclusion.