Presidential Update: Latest Changes — Week of January 26, 2026

Dear Colleagues,

We are in the final week of January, and there is much to acknowledge as we move forward in 2026 with purpose. At the center of broad institutional change are detailed refinements and discussions that further our cost and operational adaptability while staying focused on our land-grant mission to serve students and the state of Washington.

Recent updates highlight Washington State University’s proactive approach to addressing challenges by engaging our communities and applying actionable insight.

• WSU system‑wide redesign update
  This week, the system‑wide redesign entered phase 2. The co‑design council has begun to synthesize the survey data of more than 1,700 voices from across the state and WSU. During this phase, we will unpack what has been shared: the strengths, obstacles, and aspirations echoed by the WSU community and begin creating tangible ideas for systemwide solutions. Learn more about the future of WSU at Design Central.
• Revisioning initiative for general education curriculum
  WSU has launched a system‑wide effort impacting the undergraduate student experience by revisioning general education, as UCORE enters its 15th year. The Provost’s Office in partnership with the Faculty Senate, has assembled the General Education Visioning Committee. Over the next year, the committee will gather data, engage the WSU community, and explore national higher ed best practices to shape a more inclusive, transparent, and modern student-centered framework. Implementation of the new curriculum is targeted for fall 2027.
• Carnegie classification for community engagement
  WSU has once again earned the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, reaffirming our long-standing commitment to Washington communities. Renewed Jan. 12, the designation places WSU among a small group of institutions, highlighting the Cougar identity to build meaningful partnerships, expand service opportunities, and address pressing societal needs. WSU’s application featured GivePulse, the Center for Civic Engagement’s new Community-Engaged Scholars program, and impactful work across all WSU campuses, Extension centers, and community-based programs.
• Board of Regents January meetings
  Last week, I attended the Board of Regents meeting at WSU Spokane to advance key university actions and engage in thoughtful discussion around systemwide priorities. I shared updates on our continued focus on enrollment, access, and student success, as well as highlighting progress toward the faculty workload policy, the ongoing system redesign, and undergraduate education reform and degree completion initiatives. I also acknowledged momentum behind the President’s Big Ideas Initiative, which will further strengthen our research enterprise through interdisciplinary, high-impact work.
• WSU ranked among Best Online Programs in U.S. News
  WSU Global Campus earned six Top 25 placements in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings. WSU ranked 11th nationally for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs, with psychology at 12th and undergraduate business at 15th. Graduate programs also performed well, including the online MBA (33rd) and engineering (38th). WSU was also recognized for serving U.S. veterans, ranking 8th for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans and earning Top 25 distinctions for its veteran-focused MBA and engineering programs.

Looking ahead, we remain focused on strengthening collaboration across the WSU system by advancing integrated approaches to shared challenges, communicating strengths, and maintaining the institutional agility needed to adapt and lead in a dynamic higher ed environment.

These efforts are essential to fulfilling our land-grant mission and ensuring WSU remains responsive, innovative, and focused on public service.

Sincerely,

BETSY CANTWELL
President, Washington State University