• The LIFT Faculty Fellows program wrapped up its first year of programming late last year, and a second cohort kicked off training sessions this spring. A component of the Transformative Change Initiative, LIFT offers faculty support for development of teaching methods and modules that improve students’ engagement, connection, and learning.
• Leeann Hunter built a bridge for students to recognize and reach their goals. The Passport Program is a difference maker for dozens of students, and Hunter believes the program’s curriculum can be scaled to meet the needs of students across the University. Hunter worked on the project through the Provost’s Leadership Academy.
• Many Cougars received phone calls from their future professors this spring as faculty put in extra hours to help recruit Top Scholars. The Office of Admission and Recruitment welcomed the faculty members, whose calls helped many high school students commit to become Cougs!
• In an effort to better serve students, faculty and staff embarked on a project to track course withdrawals and help students overcome barriers to success. Early returns are promising, and faculty are stepping up to make sure students get the help they need.
• Our University continues to expand its reach and deliver on its land-grant mission in dynamic ways. Our campuses in Everett, Spokane, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver provide unique student experiences while delivering WSU’s tradition of excellence and innovation to their communities.
• After years of preparation and months of detailed planning, WSU welcomed its evaluation team from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities in April. The evaluators’ preliminary reviews were overwhelmingly positive, as they issued six commendations and three recommendations.
• During spring semester, WSU successfully transitioned to its new faculty annual review system and implemented the Activity Insights faculty reporting system. Due to the hard work of many, these long overdue changes were made without significant disruption.
• BECU is making a significant investment in WSU students with a $50,000 gift to Invest in Success. The program offers qualifying low-income, first-generation students the chance to earn $4,000 in matched savings, along with financial wellness training and holistic advising. It’s already made a major impact in the lives of hundreds of students, and the investment from BECU will allow Invest in Success to help even more Cougars.
• The Common Reading program kept students engaged in events and immersive activities throughout the year. A team of faculty and staff designed an interactive game for students, who were rewarded handsomely for their achievements. One of the top prizes for five lucky students and their guests was a VIP experience at the Pullman premier of the Ready Player One movie in April.