The WSU CougarCard has received a health‑ and safety‑minded update.
Contact information for emergency and crisis services now is included on the back of the university’s official student, faculty and staff identification card. WSU already was in the process of getting that kind of information added when state lawmakers earlier this year made it a requirement for all universities beginning in Fall 2019.
“I’m thankful that with all the moving parts and all the people we worked with, that it’s getting done,” said Tyler Parchem, former vice president for the Associated Students of Washington State University. “I hope that this is also a catalyst for future leaders and other students to continue to make universities safer and more accessible for all students.”
The project was a joint effort between the university and the Associated Students, which began pushing for the update after learning other universities had begun including that kind of information on their ID cards.
Incoming students participating in the summer Alive! Orientation sessions will receive the updated cards.
In addition to the phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, the updated cards include contact information for services specific to each of WSU’s physical campuses. Pullman‑issued CougarCards, for example, include contact information for CAPS After‑Hours Crisis Line, Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse, Safe Ride Pullman, the Crisis Text Line and WSU Pullman Police.
