The start of the fall 2025 semester is fast approaching, and with it, a host of welcoming events across the Washington State University system.
Campus-level information is available below:
Pullman
WSU Pullman’s Week of Welcome events begin Aug. 10 and run through Aug. 16. Kicking off the campus’ signature events is the Be #PullmanProud Ice Cream Social, taking place from 3–5 p.m. Aug. 11 at the Brelsford WSU Visitors Center.
The following day, students looking to learn about opportunities to work while pursuing their degrees can visit the Student Employment Fair from 1–3 p.m. inside the Compton Union Building. This year’s Pep Rally and New Coug Photo will take place Aug. 13 at GESA Field from 6:45–8 p.m. New members of the WSU community are asked to wear crimson and/or gray for the new Coug photo.
Friday’s events begin with University Convocation inside Beasley Coliseum at 10 a.m., followed by the All-Campus Picnic and Resource Fair inside and around the Compton Union Building from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
More information about Week of Welcome events for the WSU Pullman campus is available online.
Spokane
WSU Spokane’s Week of Welcome takes place later in the month, from Aug. 25–29. Among the marquee events is the annual all-campus picnic, happening Aug. 26 from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. on the campus lawn. The following day, the campus’ lawn will be where students can learn about engagement opportunities via the Involvement Fair, which takes place from noon until 1 p.m.
Week of Welcome on the Spokane campus wraps up with a Donuts for Student Veterans appreciation event from 8:30–10:30 p.m. at the Veteran’s Center. More information about these and other events can be found on the WSU Spokane website.
Prior to Week of Welcome, WSU’s College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences as well as the College of Medicine will be hosting white coat ceremonies. The College of Medicine’s ceremony is happening at the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox at 5 p.m. Aug. 15. Pharmacy will host a white coat ceremony in Spokane just prior to the College of Medicine’s event at the same venue, beginning at 1 p.m. A white coat ceremony for pharmacy students in Yakima will take place Aug. 14 from 5–6 p.m. All events are free and open to the public.
Vancouver
The WSU Vancouver campus will welcome its students back with the annual Wave the Flag event on the first day of the fall semester, Aug. 18. Members of the WSU community can volunteer to wave the flag at three locations:
- Intersection of 134th Street and NE Salmon Creek Avenue
- WSU Vancouver campus entrance
- Top of the hill on the WSU Vancouver campus
Those interested in participating can sign up online, contact Maddy Juul at 360-546-9600 or email the WSU Vancouver Alumni Association.
New and returning Vancouver students can learn about recreation opportunities at the annual Rec Fest, happening Aug. 19 from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. on the Quad. On Aug. 20, the Quad will host a Back-to-School Barbecue for students, faculty and staff from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m, sponsored by Alaska Airlines. And on Aug. 21, students can learn about local and on-campus job opportunities at the Student Job Fair from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. inside the Firstenburg Student Commons.
More information about these and other events happening on the Vancouver campus can be found via the online events page.
Global Campus
Week of Welcome for WSU Global Campus takes place from Aug. 11–15. The campus will host its freshman welcome beginning at 5 p.m. Aug. 11, with a wealth of resources and tips for those students transitioning to higher education.
The campus’ academic resources — from the Access Center and Library Services to the Center for Civic Engagement and the Crimson Service Desk — will be highlighted via a game of Jeopardy! from 6–7 p.m. on Aug. 12. Other Week of Welcome events include a virtual game night from 6–7:30 p.m. Aug. 13, a Financial Resources panel from 6–7 p.m. Aug. 14, and a networking event from 6–7 p.m. Aug. 15.
Registration for these events, as well as more information, is available on the WSU Global Campus’ website.
Tri-Cities
The WSU Tri-Cities campus will greet its new and returning students, faculty and staff with a Welcome Back Convocation event on Aug. 20. The event will take place from 3–4 p.m. at the Cougar Pride Statue Amphitheater. Chancellor Sandra Haynes will share with attendees her outlook on the coming academic year as well as introduce new members of the campus community.
More information about Week of Welcome on the Tri-Cities campus is available online.
Everett
WSU Everett’s MESA program — which supports students pursuing careers in STEM fields — is hosting a campus BBQ event on Friday, Aug. 22. The event will take place on the courtyard and inside the lobby of the WSU Everett campus building, located at 915 N. Broadway in Everett. The free event will run from noon–2 p.m. and is open to all members of the university community.
More information about events happening on the WSU Everett campus is available online.
