WSU sets dates for 2026 presidential listening sessions

Students, faculty, staff, and community members now 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 systemwide 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 Systemwide 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:

WSU Vancouver

Wednesday, March 4
Faculty/Staff Forum | 10:00 - 11:00 am
Student Forum | 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Public Forum | 2:30 - 4:00 pm
Location TBD

WSU Global Campus

Wednesday, March 4
Student/Faculty/Staff Forum | 11:30 am - 12:45 pm
Public Forum | 4:30 - 5:30 pm
Location TBD

WSU Pullman

Tuesday, April 3
Staff Forum | 8:00 - 9:00 am
Faculty Forum | 9:30 - 10:30 am
Undergraduate Forum | 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Graduate Forum | 2:30 - 3:30 pm
Public Forum | 4:00 - 5:30 pm
Location TBD

WSU Everett

Thursday, April 9
Faculty/Staff Forum | 9:00 - 10:00 am
Student Forum | 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Public Forum | 2:30 - 4:00 pm
Location TBD

WSU Tri-Cities

Friday, April 17
Faculty/Staff Forum | 10:00 - 11:00 am
Student Forum | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Public Forum | 1:30 - 3:00 pm
Location TBD

WSU Spokane

Date TBD