WSU to lead state’s first comprehensive LGBTQ+ survey
The state-funded project led by WSU researcher Traci Gillig aims to find out more about issues facing the state’s LGBTQ+ residents.
Reminder: The Open Enrollment period for WSU faculty and staff is Nov. 1–30. Changes can be made by logging in to Workday.
Campus & Community
WSU programs partner to get more students outside
When School of the Environment Professor Alex Fremier takes his class on a field trip, he relies on the Outdoor Recreation Center to handle logistics.
Federal grant will help WSU Police Department secure professional accreditation
Accreditation from the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs helps ensure departments are operating under the best available standards and practices.
WSU and UW agree to Apple Cup continuation
The universities have agreed in principle to a five‑year continuation of the storied Apple Cup football series through at least 2028.
WSU School of Music brings cheer to the Palouse on Dec. 2
Music lovers can usher in the holiday season with WSU School of Music’s Holiday Celebration: “Star of Wonder” at 2 p.m. on Saturday. The event will also be livestreamed.
University Affairs
Charting a clear path forward for WSU Athletics
Statement from WSU President Kirk Schulz and Director of Athletics Pat Chun about today’s ruling affirming that the future of the Pac‑12 should be determined by the members who remain in the conference rather than those who are leaving.
Building projects get green light from Board of Regents
Regents advanced several building projects, including the forthcoming Champions Center and the USDA‑ARS Plant Sciences Building, as part of the governing body’s meeting in Vancouver.
Judge rules in favor of WSU and OSU
Statement from WSU President Kirk Schulz and Director of Athletics Pat Chun about today’s ruling affirming that the future of the Pac‑12 should be determined by the members who remain in the conference rather than those who are leaving.
WSU’s Nov. 17 weeknight football game to affect parking
Faculty, staff, and students who commute to the Pullman campus by car will need to move their vehicles ahead of WSU’s final home football game of the season on Friday.
WSU-related Podcasts

From WSU:
Food safety, WSU stories, science answers for kids, and more—listen to podcasts from Washington State University.
About WSU:A selection of programs about Washington State, produced by alumni and friends.
WSU PodcastsBenefits & Training
Faculty invited to apply for spring 2024 LIFT program
In addition to spring WSU Pullman programming, there will be a training open to all faculty hosted on the WSU Vancouver campus in late May 2024.
LGBTQ+ ally training in India aims to create ripple effect
An ally training in southern India led by two WSU staff left participants feeling empowered and energized to expand LGBTQ+ rights in their local communities.
Awards & Achievements
WSU hospitality and tourism expert Dipra Jha earns international recognition
Jha, a Carson College of Business associate professor, has been named to the International Hospitality Institute’s list of 100 most influential people in U.S. hospitality and travel.
Marshall Scholar finalist Katy Ayers explores fungi
WSU senior Katy Ayers, a bioengineering major minoring in biochemistry and mathematics, is the latest finalist for a Marshall Scholarship to study in the United Kingdom.
Undergraduate research award applications open
WSU students can apply online now through Jan. 26 for any of eight awards to support their mentored undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activities in academic year 2024–25.
Seven WSU faculty recognized as Highly Cited Researchers
This year’s list of the world’s most Highly Cited Researchers include WSU experts in business, chemistry, Earth science, engineering, food, and medicine.
Science & Technology
Infection-resistant, 3D‑printed metals developed for implants
A novel surgical implant developed by WSU researchers was able to kill 87% of the bacteria that cause staph infections in laboratory tests.
WSU scientists highlight Northwest climate risks in national report
WSU climate scientists Deepti Singh and Kirti Rajagopalan contributed to key portions of the 5th National Climate Assessment.
Bear genes show circadian rhythms even during hibernation
The internal clocks of grizzly bears appear to keep ticking through hibernation, according to a WSU-led genetic study.
Cannabis users appear to be relying less on conventional sleep aids
Most people who reported using cannabis to get a good night’s rest in a recent study have quit using over the counter or prescription sleep aids all together.
Food & Agriculture
WSU Extension hosts soil acidity management workshop series
The series includes two online sessions – Nov. 30 and Dec. 19 – with presentations on the latest results from regional soil pH research and creating an acidity management plan.
Heavy duty grasses could replace artificial turf on athletic fields
WSU researchers are stomping, poking, and gouging fields of experimental grasses to find the toughest living turf for future athletic fields.
WSU Extension helps prevent food waste
Extension professionals are tackling the critical issue of food waste across the state in agriculture, households, and even at the landfill level through education and outreach.
Experiencing agriculture firsthand
Students are getting outside their labs and classrooms to tour wheat farms, fruit orchards, vegetable seed farms and USDA inspection facilities.
Health & Medicine
WSU joins national effort supporting Native American healthcare students
Native American students pursuing healthcare careers will have new professional development opportunities with the establishment of WSU’s chapter of the Association of Native American Medical Students.
WSU scientists helping increase recruitment of Native people for Alzheimer’s research
An educational workshop series on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias has drawn the participation of more than 1,000 Native elders from across the U.S.
WSU and Community Colleges of Spokane announce new pathway into health care professions
A new transfer agreement enables Community Colleges of Spokane students to pursue a bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical and medical sciences from WSU at a reduced cost compared to enrolling at a four-year institution.
Epigenetic signature for obesity found in study of twins
A susceptibility to gain weight may be written into molecular processes of human cells, a WSU study indicates.
Veterinary Medicine
Tiny Chihuahua undergoes life-saving heart surgery at WSU
Chihuahua-mix Lola is recovering with her family after a rare heart procedure that can only be performed at specialized facilities like WSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
WSU offers new Veterinary Preventative Health Certificate
The new certificate course, developed by leading experts in the field, equips students 18 and older with the information and skills critical to excelling in the veterinary profession.
WSU partners with sanctuary to diagnose grizzly bear
Thousands of animals come through the doors of WSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital every year, but it is rare when one of those animals is a 400-plus-pound grizzly bear.
WSU launches Junior Veterinary Scribe Certificate
The College of Veterinary Medicine recently started a new certificate program for high school-aged students contemplating careers and secondary education in veterinary medicine.
Arts & Culture
Open access book on WSU’s Ida Lou Anderson House now available online
The book details Washington State College faculty member Ida Lou Anderson’s life, the WSC campus in the 1920s and 1930s, and the development of campus architecture.
Sculpture dedicated on Pullman campus
Donated by alumnus Howard Wright, the bronze-cast horse sculpture was created by American artist Deborah Butterfield.
Storefronts brightened by students’ creative designs
For two weekends, six Pullman merchants offered up valuable window space in their storefronts to show off designs created by WSU students.
Historian explores the legacy of Steptoe Battlefield
According to WSU’s Ryan Booth, Steptoe Battlefield is a place where sacred Indigenous lands, broken treaties, and missionary efforts converged to shape an often overlooked aspect of local history.
Business & Economics
WSU’s School of Hospitality Business Management ranked 3rd in U.S.
The School of Hospitality Business Management recently received top marks for its academic and research excellence in the 2023 Shanghai Ranking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.
Gladstone: More Native American faculty needed to drive business ideas
Joseph Scott Gladstone is one of the few Native American faculty in America’s business schools. And that’s a problem for corporate America.
Business technology symposium explores role of information systems in business success
The symposium, “Information Systems: The Backbone of Business,” is free and open to the public. It will be held 1–3 p.m. Friday at the CUB Auditorium and livestreamed.
Carson professor Bitty Balducci shares business expertise with Romanian students
Balducci’s trip to Romania enabled her to impart some of the active classroom engagement techniques she has honed at WSU with an international audience.
Politics & Society
WSU to lead state’s first comprehensive LGBTQ+ survey
The state-funded project led by WSU researcher Traci Gillig aims to find out more about issues facing the state’s LGBTQ+ residents.
Aging societies more vulnerable to collapse
Societies and political structures, like the humans they serve, appear to become more fragile as they age, according to an analysis of hundreds of pre-modern societies.
Project to help Native nations transition to electric transportation, alternative fuels
The WSU Energy Program is working with Native nations across four states to convert their transportation to electric and alternative fuels with support from a $1.7 million U.S. Department of Energy grant.
Speaker series explores Lauren McCluskey’s story, evoking change on college campuses
Professor Jill McCluskey participated in a panel discussion on Tuesday with three women who helped her keep pushing for justice in the aftermath of the murder of her daughter.
Reports & Updates
Celebrating Native American Heritage Month
WSU System President Kirk Schulz celebrates the unique contributions, histories, and traditions of Native and Indigenous populations throughout the region.
Pullman campus update on natural gas shutdown
A message from WSU Pullman Chancellor Elizabeth Chilton about the natural gas disruption and Cougs helping Cougs.
Update: WSU prepares for possible strike by student employees
A website addressing common questions that faculty, researchers, and staff may have regarding possible job actions and work stoppages has been prepared by Human Resource Services.
Strategic plan annual report highlights progress, introduces priorities for 2023–24
WSU’s strategic plan annual report for 2022–23 shows progress was made in each of last year’s objectives. It also introduces 15 system-wide objectives for 2023–24.