Coming together during challenging times

Dear Faculty and Staff:

There’s no doubt navigating the challenges of this past year have been incredibly difficult for all of us. COVID‑19, the need to support students, family caregiving responsibilities, financial worries, systemic racism, and political division are among the stressors in our lives as we approach the one‑year mark of the pandemic.

Yet despite all of the hurdles, I remain impressed by the resilience, innovation, and Cougar spirit demonstrated across the system. I am so deeply appreciative, grateful, and proud of all that you have done to support the educational experience of our students.

Knowing that you may be feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, I encourage you to prioritize your physical and mental health, and to continue supporting each other. Please use the many helpful resources and programs available through the University.

We are all eager for brighter days ahead. There are many reasons to feel hopeful about the coming weeks and months. Plans to return to more in‑person WSU experiences and the increased availability of the COVID‑19 vaccines are two such recent developments.

Earlier today, the Division of Student Affairs sent a similar message of support and list of resources to our students system‑wide.

Let us double our resolve as a community to come together in the days ahead for those around us. We are always better together.

Selected resources

Taking care of yourself

Faculty and staff

• WSU Employee Assistance Program
• WellCoug
• Take a Mental Health First Aid class to expand your ability to recognize and assist someone experiencing a mental health crisis.
• Forefront Suicide Prevention
• Learn the warning signs for suicide and how to help a suicidal person.

Helping others

Students

• Student Care Network
• Guides to Helping Students in Distress
  • Everett
  • Global
  • Pullman & Extension
  • WSU Health Sciences Spokane
  • Tri‑Cities
  • Vancouver
  • Yakima
  • Campus Connect

Crisis resources

• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1 800 273 8255.
• Text the word HOME to 741 741 to reach the Crisis Text Line for an immediate response, 24/7.
• If you or someone you know needs immediate help, dial 911.

Best regards,
Kirk Schulz, President
Washington State University