PULLMAN, Wash. – Members of the Washington State University Board of Regents voted to establish a new School of Information, known as the iSchool, among other actions taken during their Friday meeting on the WSU Tri‑Cities campus.
The iSchool will bring together existing digital technology and cultures and data analytics programs within the College of Arts and Sciences. The move will enable the development of new interdisciplinary degree programs as well as minors and certificates that include an emphasis on data visualization, statistical learning, artificial intelligence, user experience, creative coding and integrative design.
The Board of Regents also authorized a ten‑year lease for approximately 17,800 gross square feet of space on the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences campus in Yakima. The new space allows the College of Nursing to transition onto the PNWU campus, which is also where the WSU College of Pharmacy is located. The relocation will provide significantly better space long‑term for the College of Nursing’s educational program in Yakima.
The 10‑year lease is expected to cost approximately $6.5 million.
During the Board of Regents meeting, members heard presentations from President Kirk Schulz and WSU Tri‑Cities Chancellor Sandra Haynes. Schulz commended WSU staff and faculty working to make necessary changes in the face of the outbreak of COVID‑19.
“We’re going to continue to work to ensure the safety of our faculty, staff, and students,” Schulz said.
Among the other items approved during the meeting:
- Housing and Dining rates for Fiscal Year 2021
- An update for the Fiscal Year 2020 Athletics budget
- Revisions to two student conduct polices as well as to the President’s delegated authority
- Amendments to the WSU Retirement Plan the the WSU Voluntary Investment Program
The Board of Regent will next meet on the Spokane campus May 7 and 8. More information on items discussed by regents can be found on the Board of Regents website.
Media contact:
- Phil Weiler, vice president for marketing and communications, 509‑595‑1708, phil.weiler@wsu.edu
