WSU Family,
Mental health and sexual assault are two issues that plague universities across the nation, WSU included. We, as leaders of this institution are sensitive to the needs of our community, specifically in these two areas.
All Cougs must feel safe and supported.
Over the past year, we have listened and engaged with students, faculty, staff, community leaders, and elected officials to identify solutions and garner support. Through these conversations we discovered that a lack of resources is the largest barrier to addressing the issues of mental health and sexual assault.
In collaboration with the WSU Foundation and WSU Health Promotions, the Associated Students of Washington State University recently launched the Coug Health Fund – a student-driven endowment aimed at improving mental health resources and violence prevention education.
According to the endowment:
“The intent of this fund shall be to develop student engagement and student driven programming surrounding mental wellbeing and gender-based violence prevention. The fund shall have the ability to pivot to meet the ever-changing needs of students, while ensuring all funds shall be used to support the promotion of mental health and the prevention of sexual and gender violence among the students of WSU.”
This endowment is an avenue for our community to play an active role in building a stronger WSU and demonstrate support for our fellow Cougs.
It’s on all of us to change the conversation around sexual assault and mental health on our campus. We must continue to collaborate and provide a unified approach to challenges we face.
Join us in Pullman at ASWSU’s 5K fundraiser this Sunday, April 22nd or donate directly to the Coug Health Fund.
Thank you for joining us and being part of the change.
Go Cougs!
Kirk Schulz, WSU President
Jordan Frost, ASWSU President
Garrett Kalt, ASWSU Vice President
