WSU sets dates for 2026 presidential listening sessions

By Communications staff, Washington State University
Washington State University logo.

Students, faculty, staff, and community members have the chance to help shape Washington State University’s future.

A series of in-person and online listening sessions hosted by WSU President Betsy Cantwell have been scheduled across the university system.

The sessions, scheduled in March and April at every WSU campus as well as the Global Campus, are part of the ongoing system-wide redesign effort and are intended to foster open dialogue about priorities, challenges, and long-term direction for the university.

During the sessions, President Cantwell will invite participants to share perspectives on a range of issues central to WSU’s mission and identity, including how the university can better serve future students, where it faces the greatest risks amid rapid social and educational change, and what should define WSU and its campuses over the next decade. Participants will also be asked to weigh in on research challenges WSU should be known for and what it means to be part of the Cougar community.

The listening sessions are designed as open forums tailored to specific audiences, with separate opportunities for faculty, staff, students, and members of the public at each location. Feedback gathered during the sessions will help inform strategic planning and decision-making as the system-wide redesign process moves forward.

Those unable to attend in person will also have the option to submit written feedback online through the WSU President Transition website under “Ways to Engage.”

Below is the full schedule of listening sessions:

The exterior view of a fountain, trees, and a building on the WSU Vancouver campus.

WSU Vancouver

Wednesday, March 4
Faculty/Staff Forum: 10–11 a.m.
Student Forum: 1–2 p.m.
Public Forum: 2:30–4 p.m.
Location: Dengerink 129
A student works on a computer outside.

WSU Global Campus

Date and times TBD soon
An aerial view of the WSU Pullman campus.

WSU Pullman

Friday, April 3
Staff Forum: 8–9 a.m.
Faculty Forum: 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Undergraduate Forum: 1–2 p.m.
Graduate Forum: 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Public Forum: 4–5:30 p.m.
Location: Alger Family Club Room in Gesa Field
Aerial view of WSU Everett

WSU Everett

Thursday, April 9
Faculty/Staff Forum: 9–10 a.m.
Student Forum: 1–2 p.m.
Public Forum: 2:30–4 p.m.
Location: Room 102
The exterior of Collaboration Hall on the WSU Tri-Cities campus.

WSU Tri-Cities

Friday, April 17
Faculty/Staff Forum: 10–11 a.m.
Student Forum: 11 a.m.–noon
Public Forum: 1:30–3 p.m.
Location: East 212
Aerial view of the WSU Spokane campus.

WSU Spokane

Friday, April 24
Faculty/Staff Forum: 2:10–3:10 p.m.
Student Forum: Noon–1 p.m.
Public Forum: 4–5:30 p.m.
Location: TBD

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