The Archaeology Department is a part of the Anthropology Division of the Burke Museum. The archaeological collections contain materials from throughout the Pacific Rim, with the greatest strength in collections from Washington State. The most immediate and urgent need of the Archaeology Department is to upgrade the collections, before deterioration causes major problems. Most of the materials need to be cleaned, transferred to non-degradable, curation-quality containers, and moved into permanent storage cabinets.
The purpose of Archy 490 is to bring interested students into this process. Archy 490 is designed for students with a high degree of interest in archaeology and the ability to work independently. We ask you to sign a Student Contract and to keep track of your own hours. Your grade will be based on performance, class participation, and attendance.
We are committed to teaching you the basic skills of museum curation, conservation, and cataloging. You will be expected to work three hours per week for each credit of Archy 490 for which you are registered. These hours are to be scheduled with the Archaeology Lab Supervisor. You will be scheduled during hours that the Lab is open and a member of the Archaeology Curatorial Staff is present. We will provide training and supervision in all conservation and curatorial tasks to which you are assigned.
Entry/Security
Please support our security efforts. During non-public hours (before 10am), please arrive via the Loading Dock, and wait for a staff member to escort you to Archaeology. If you arrive when the Burke Museum is open to the public (10-5), please enter via the main door, show your Husky Card and tell Visitor Services staff that you are going to class in Archaeology.
Please note that visitors to our space are not allowed without prior approval from Archaeology Staff.
IPM
Please help us keep pests out of our collections. Do not wear animal furs or untreated skins, and avoid wearing wool, if possible.
Conduct and Courtesy
Food and drink are not allowed in the Archaeology Lab or Collections areas at any time. You may, however, store your lunch in the Archaeology Offices. Out of respect for others, music is not allowed without prior approval from the Archaeology Staff. Also, please remember to turn your cell phone off before you come to class. If you need to be contacted due to an emergency, you may provide the Burke’s Archaeology number: 206-685-3849x2.
And, finally, Burke Archaeology is a FRAGRANCE-FREE department. Please refrain from wearing any perfume or scents, as some of our staff are highly sensitive/allergic.
Health and General Care Policy
We are committed to keeping the Burke Museum and our community safe and healthy. Students in the Archaeology Department are expected to follow WA State guidelines to help us all avoid illness.
Hygiene Standards
- When possible, please use soap and running water to wash your hands. Hand sanitizer, and/or disinfectant wipes are also available, but not preferred due to residues.
- Avoid touching your face.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Workspaces
Students are required to assist with daily cleaning. Before and after your shift, please clean and put away any shared equipment.
Suspected or Confirmed Illness
- Please take care of yourself, your family and your community. If you are feeling sick, stay or go home, contact your health care provider for further assessment, and notify the course instructor as soon as possible.
Important UW Student Information
If you have already established accommodations with Disability Resources for Students (DRS), please communicate your approved accommodations to me at your earliest convenience so we can discuss your needs in this course. If you have not yet established services through DRS, but have a temporary health condition or permanent disability that requires accommodations (conditions include but not limited to; mental health, attention-related, learning, vision, hearing, physical or health impacts), you are welcome to contact DRS at 206-543-8924 or uwdrs@uw.edu or disability.uw.edu. DRS offers resources and coordinates reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities and/or temporary health conditions. Reasonable accommodations are established through an interactive process between you, your instructor(s) and DRS. It is the policy and practice of the University of Washington to create inclusive and accessible learning environments consistent with federal and state law.
Washington state law requires that UW develop a policy for accommodation of student absences or significant hardship due to reasons of faith or conscience, or for organized religious activities. The UW’s policy, including more information about how to request an accommodation, is available at Religious Accommodations Policy (https://registrar.washington.edu/staffandfaculty/religious-accommodations-policy ). Accommodations must be requested within the first two weeks of this course using the Religious Accommodations Request form (https://registrar.washington.edu/students/religious-accommodations-request ).
In the event of severe weather conditions or emergencies, please contact the University of Washington at (206) 547-INFO (4636) for information about school closings. In addition, please check your email before coming to campus.