Dear Colleagues,
I want to acknowledge that the tragedies of the past 10 days have
left us all feeling an intense mix of emotions, from grief to anger to
fear. As we mourn the lives the University of Idaho lost far too early,
I want you all to know that I am here for you, and your Cougar family
is here for you.
I also want to thank you for your tireless efforts during an incredibly
trying time. To our faculty, your understanding and flexibility for our
students who are grieving is sincerely appreciated. To our staff, thank
you for being a steady, safe resource that our students can lean on. And
to our Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) employees, thank you
for helping our students navigate an impossible situation.
As classes resume next
week, our utmost priority remains the safety of our faculty, staff, and
students.
We have implemented the following safety protocols and resources:
- WSU Police and Pullman Police have increased patrols on campus
and in adjacent neighborhoods.
- Cougar Safe Rides provides safe transportation to and from campus for students, staff, friends and family most nights,
and is working on expanding their service days. Call or text
WSU‑267‑SAFE (978‑267‑7233) to arrange a free ride.
- The WSU Police Cadet Corps offers a free on foot escort service
for students and employees to and from campus most evenings.
Call 509‑432‑3818 for details.
- Bus routes are available for evening transportation. The Pullman Transit
Wheat and Lentil routes run daily until 10 p.m.
- For your personal safety and convenience, after dark you can ask your
driver to let you off at any point along your bus route. It does not have
to be a regular bus stop. For safety reasons, drivers are still required
to make pick‑ups at designated bus stops only.
- For the most up‑to‑date transit information, consider downloading the
PTBusBeacon app, available for both Android and iOS.
- If you are on campus and need immediate help, look for one of the many
emergency blue light telephones located around the area. Push the button and
you will be directly connected to the Whitcom 911 Communications Center.
- WSU Facilities Services staff are working diligently to ensure appropriate
outdoor lighting throughout campus. If you notice a light is out, please call
Facilities Dispatch at 509‑335‑9000 or submit a work request through
myFacilities.
Additionally, we encourage everyone to look out for each other —
Cougs help Cougs! This starts with “if you see something, say something.”
Create safety plans such as: When in doubt, call 9‑1‑1 (if you’re unable to
call, text 9‑1‑1).
These resources have also been shared with our students. I recognize that
even with these safety protocols in place, some of our students and their
families may feel uneasy about returning to campus. We are asking all
instructors and supervisors to exercise understanding and grace throughout
this trying time. Students have been encouraged to work with their instructors
and academic advisors if they have questions about their academic options for
the remainder of the semester. If you have concerns about a student’s well‑being,
please refer them to the Student Care Network.
Finally, please remember that the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is
available for you and your employees. The EAP provides confidential counseling
and referral services to WSU faculty, administrative professional, and classified
staff.
Please take the time this week to rest and recharge. If you are traveling
over break, please keep an eye on the weather and prioritize your safety and the
safety of those around you. Let’s continue to support each other and our communities.
Together, we are #VandalStrong.
With gratitude,
Elizabeth
Elizabeth S. Chilton
WSU Pullman Chancellor
Provost and Executive Vice President
