Office of the PresidentPresident Cantwell’s MessagesLetter to WSU CommunityWeekly UpdatePresidential Update: Latest Changes — Week of September 15

Presidential Update: Latest Changes — Week of September 15

Dear Colleagues,

We’re a month into the semester, and activities on our campuses are in full swing. Recent and upcoming changes include a Board of Regents annual retreat and meeting, incoming first‑year student enrollment growth, a system-wide leadership executive retreat, and enhanced beer and wine sales at athletic events.

This Week

  • WSU Board of Regents annual retreat and meeting
    The Board of Regents are meeting in Spokane on Thursday, Sept. 18, and Friday, Sept. 19. Thursday includes a series of committee meetings and reports, while Friday features Board action on several agenda items as well as presentations from constituent groups. To view the livestream or recording, visit the WSU YouTube channel.
  • Incoming first‑year student enrollment growth
    WSU announced its fall 2025 enrollment numbers this morning. Across the system, we have experienced sustained growth in our incoming classes for three consecutive years — a clear sign that we are regaining momentum and continuing our upward trajectory. Our unwavering commitment to student success remains at the heart of everything we do.

Last Week

  • System-wide leadership executive retreat
    The collaborative work at last week’s strategic retreat laid the groundwork for WSU’s future. I am inspired by these words of nationally recognized organizational psychologist Adam Grant: “The future belongs to those that have the courage to change their minds.”
  • Piloting beer and wine sales throughout GESA Field
    In Pullman, we received state approval to enhance the Cougar fan experience beginning on Saturday, Sept. 20, for the Apple Cup. Fans 21 and older can enjoy walk-around beer and wine sales from general concession stands with no more designated beer gardens. We moved festivities this season from the Field House to the CUB in preparation for this change, as agreed in our application process. This change also means ticketholders will not be allowed reentry to the stadium once their ticket is scanned. No alcohol will be sold in the student section. This pilot program aligns us with other Pac‑12 institutions and reflects our commitment to creating a safe and enjoyable game day environment.

Big and small, these changes are steps toward a better WSU. For more information on institutional changes, please visit our New Chapter website.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Cantwell
President, Washington State University