We are thrilled that we can now officially announce that Cougs at all our campuses across the state will be back in‑person in full capacity this fall. We will share more details shortly about what this looks like for our students, faculty, and staff, both in and out of the classroom.

In the meantime, enjoy your summers, stay safe, stay healthy, and if you’re able, get vaccinated. We’ll see you in August.

As always, Go Cougs!

Kirk Schulz, President
Washington State University

Happy Pride! As we wrap up June, I want to highlight the critical work that our LGBTQ+ colleagues are leading to ensure that WSU remains an inclusive, safe place. I am continually amazed by the efforts of our faculty, staff and students to ensure that everyone feels welcomed into the Cougar family. I’d like to give a special call out to Rocky Lucas, a social worker in the College of Veterinary Medicine, for his work with the President’s Commission on Gender Identity/Expression and Sexual Orientation, and Meghan Fitzpatrick, a Doctor of Nursing Practice student, for their final project research in collecting sexual … » More …

Dear Colleagues:

June 19, 2021, marks the 156th anniversary of Juneteenth, an African American celebration that commemorates the news of emancipation finally reaching those people enslaved in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865—almost two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. On this day, 250,000 enslaved people learned of their freedom.

While Juneteenth stands as a celebration of freedom, it is also a time that honors the strength, spirit, and lives of those men, women, and children who lived under the system of slavery in the United States. Despite delayed freedom, they laid firm claim to their rights of citizenship by creating and elevating a collective memory that affirmed the … » More …

Dear Colleagues:

We want to express our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your hard work and steadfast commitment to WSU during this particularly unique academic year. It has presented a seemingly endless array of professional and personal challenges, and we are profoundly grateful to you and humbled by your determined efforts to serve our students, communities, state residents, and the rest of the University’s stakeholders.

You have gone above and beyond on a continuing basis during COVID‑19, approaching each new challenge with professionalism, grace, and a team-oriented mindset. In short, you have demonstrated Cougar spirit at its ultimate during this … » More …

Dear Cougar Family:

Throughout the pandemic, much of the WSU community shifted to a remote work environment. While most were able to work from home, let’s also acknowledge those employees who continued to deliver essential services in person at our campuses and other locations. On behalf of the University, we thank everyone for their perseverance and commitment to WSU during these immensely challenging times.

As the availability and distribution of the COVID‑19 vaccine improves, we look forward to our phased reopening across the state. We will prioritize those in‑person activities that best enhance our ability to support our students, promote equity, and meet our land‑grant mission.

… » More …

Washington State University (WSU), as the state’s land-grant university, has an obligation to serve the public good and promote the health and safety of the communities it serves. The COVID‑19 vaccine, now widely available, has been shown to nearly eliminate the chances of death or serious illness related to a COVID‑19 infection, and is a critical element in protecting public health locally and worldwide.

· Vaccine requirements for students

WSU system-wide will require proof of the COVID‑19 vaccination for the 2021–2022 academic year for all students engaging in activities at a WSU campus or location.

Exemptions will be allowed for medical, religious, or personal reasons. Information about … » More …

Accountability. We still need to seek justice.

Those thoughts ran through our minds this afternoon as we watched the jury deliver guilty verdicts on all three counts in the trial of a Minneapolis police officer for the murder of George Floyd last May.

Today’s verdict is a critical moment in a long overdue addressing of the systemic racism and historical injustices that continue to persist in our country.

This verdict does not bring back George Floyd nor does it erase the deep pain of his family and loved ones. Nor does it absolve us of the work that lies ahead. Individually and collectively, we must … » More …

Dear Faculty and Staff Colleagues:

We hope this email finds you well and enjoying the longer spring days. As promised during the recent State of the University Address, we are committed to providing regular updates about the evolution of the OneWSU system. This communication brings you up-to-speed on recent developments.

In early March, our chancellors, deans, and vice presidents participated in an exercise to help guide the next phase of development of the OneWSU system. Using that feedback and the input from numerous other discussions and questions received to date, we have created conceptual charts detailing WSU system- and campus-level functions. These charts are intended to … » More …

Get vaccinated

Starting today, eligibility requirements for the COVID‑19 vaccine have expanded. You may now be able to receive a vaccination based on your age, underlying health conditions, work setting, or other factors. Visit the COVID‑19 Vaccine Locator website to see if you qualify and to set up an appointment.

Infection rates are climbing

Getting vaccinated as soon as possible is more important than ever. Like many other communities in the U.S., Whitman County is experiencing a fourth wave of COVID‑19 infections.

WSU contact tracers are working with members of the University community who test positive, identifying close contacts and providing important health information. … » More …

This needs to stop. Now.

Student gatherings and parties, which ignored basic safety and health protocols, have directly resulted in an increase of COVID‑19 cases.

What you do this weekend, and for the next two weeks, will determine what happens from here.

No group gatherings. Wear masks. Stay home and call for medical care if ANY symptoms are present. Washington State health guidelines are still in effect, regardless of what is occurring in other states.

We will continue to respond to incidents where health guidelines are not being followed. Students who violate COVID‑19 restrictions will be subject to action under our student code … » More …