Washington State University is developing a new initiative that will help WSU Pullman first-year students build relationships, find support, and adjust to college life.
The plan calls for smaller, university-supported communities where students at WSU’s only residential campus can connect with classmates, mentors, faculty, staff, alumni, and professional networks. The Student Belonging and Success Initiative builds upon WSU’s current student retention efforts, including engagement with National Institute for Student Success and revisioning of its general education curriculum.
At its core, the initiative recognizes that a sense of belonging and finding community is a primary driver for student success. By creating more opportunities for connection and engagement early in a student’s college journey, WSU aims to help every student build a strong foundation of relationships and support.
“One of the things that makes the Coug experience unforgettable is that you can’t fully understand it until you’re part of it,” said Washington State University Provost and Executive Vice President Chris Riley-Tillman. “It’s found in the people who show up for you, the opportunities that help you discover what’s possible and the moments that begin to shape your path. We want every student to see all that WSU has to offer and to have the relationships, resources, and agency to create an experience that is uniquely their own.”
Building connection from the start
Under the new model, students will have access to peer mentors, faculty, staff, and alumni who can offer guidance on college life, academic and career opportunities, and preparing for graduation. For students living in WSU residence halls, there will be opportunities for their communities to be based in their residential spaces.
The initiative will also launch a developmental pathway: Discover, Belong, Explore, Choose, and Lead. Students will have time to establish relationships, learn about resources and expectations, and make informed decisions about the communities and organizations they want to join.
The approach reflects a broader WSU philosophy: listen closely, recognize needs early, and act before help is requested.
“Students know they belong because they experience it, not because we tell them. It’s the core meaning of Cougar Family,” Riley-Tillman said. “It happens when someone knows your name or notices you’re struggling; when someone opens a door, introduces you to an opportunity or simply asks how you’re doing. That is the kind of community we want to build around every student.”
A new approach to fraternity and sorority life
Under the initiative, first-year students would wait until after their first semester to participate in fraternity or sorority recruitment. The change would give students more time to adjust to college, explore campus activities, and understand the responsibilities and expectations of fraternity and sorority membership.
Existing organizations will be invited to transition and participate in the new first-year community approach. The university will also implement stronger recognition and accountability standards for participating fraternities and sororities, including expectations around hazing prevention, alcohol and drug risk management, sexual misconduct prevention, advisor involvement, leadership training, transparency and cooperation with university interventions. New organizations could also join this structure in the future.
The goal is to preserve the friendships, leadership opportunities, service and lifelong connections that make fraternity and sorority life meaningful. This shift provides students more time to be a Coug first, settle into college, focus on academics and make friends. It would also give students a chance to learn more about fraternity and sorority life before deciding whether to join.
Listening first, then pilot
WSU will work with students, faculty, staff, alumni, fraternity and sorority leaders and national organizations over the coming months to further develop the model.
The university expects to complete the initial framework and implementation plan by early spring 2027, with pilot communities, and deferred fraternity and sorority recruitment beginning fall 2027. WSU will assess the program based on student belonging, success, leadership development, engagement, safety and other measures before determining how the model should expand. “WSU has a strong tradition of people looking out for one another,” Riley-Tillman said. “We want to make sure every new student experiences that from the day they arrive on campus.”
