Office of the PresidentPresident Cantwell’s MessagesLetter to WSU CommunityWeekly UpdatePresidential Update: Latest Changes — Week of February 2, 2026

Presidential Update: Latest Changes — Week of February 2, 2026

Dear Colleagues,

As Washington State University continues its work in an important and challenging moment, I am sharing updates that reflect honest realities, as clear as possible choices, and our shared responsibility to shape a strong future. Our public service mission has never been more important.

These items highlight how we are supporting one another, engaging in conversations about our future, and advancing innovation in ways that serve our land-grant commitment.

  • Resources on Immigration Enforcement
    With increased attention surrounding immigration enforcement activity, I would like to share relevant information and guidance to help our WSU community better understand their rights, responsibilities, and available resources.WSU has developed specific guidance to support our community. You can access that guidance on the Compliance and Civil Rights web page. Additionally, the Washington Attorney General’s Office offers multilingual resources on the rights of an individual in immigration civil enforcement. Because WSU is a public institution, the guidance also explains the distinction between public and limited-access spaces on WSU property.If you have any questions, please reach out to the following:
  • WSU System Forum
    WSU’s inaugural System Forum will take place on Tuesday, February 24. The hybrid forum is exclusively for faculty and staff to come together for an overview on the future of Washington State University and alignment on our shared mission. This includes strategic direction, legislative and operational updates, and the progress and momentum within the university. I look forward to engaging with you as we continue this important dialogue.
  • Listening Sessions
    This spring, I will lead a series of listening sessions across WSU to hear directly from students, faculty, staff, and community members. These conversations are an important part of our system redesign work and will help inform priorities, planning, and decision making in the months and years ahead. For information about your session date or to submit written feedback, visit the WSU President Transition website under Ways to Engage.
  • Leading the way on AI
    AI is becoming increasingly integrated into WSU’s ethos, priming us as a future-ready 21st century land-grant university. Last month, WSU Insider launched an eight-part series exploring how Washington State University is driving innovation in research and teaching through artificial intelligence. The Leading the Way on AI series highlights many of the ways WSU researchers are applying AI to address real-world challenges across areas such as agriculture, health care, sensor technology, security, and more.

As a land-grant institution committed to public service, WSU’s core mission is to advance education and research in service of our communities across Washington, while creating opportunity for our students and preparing the university for the future.

Thank you for all you do as WSU moves forward with purpose, grounded in our mission, attentive to our people, and focused on the impact we deliver for the state of Washington.

Sincerely,

BETSY CANTWELL
President, Washington State University