President Cantwell invites Cougar community to help shape WSU’s future

President Cantwell is inviting the Cougar community to help shape the future of Washington State University through a series of listening sessions this fall. President Cantwell will visit each campus to listen, learn, and gather insights directly from students, faculty, staff, and community members.

This initiative represents a meaningful opportunity for the WSU community to reflect on its identity, challenges, and aspirations. The sessions are designed to foster open dialogue and ensure that the university's next chapter is built on all the voices and values that make up WSU.

At each campus location, separate listening sessions will be held for faculty, students, and staff, along with a public session designed to provide an opportunity for our community constituents to engage and share their perspectives.

During the sessions, attendees are encouraged to share their thoughts on five key questions that will guide the university's strategic vision:

1. With an eye towards the needs of our future students, what is WSU's greatest opportunity to provide better education?
2. Recognizing the rapid pace of societal change and the delivery of education today, what are the greatest risks that you worry will put the university off course?
3. What do you think the President needs to know about the Cougar community? Who are we and what do we represent?
4. What are the most pressing research challenges that you think we should be known for over the next decade?
5. What is the one thing that you think should define your campus or the WSU System for the next decade?

The conversation is intended to gather a wide range of insights that reflect the diversity and depth of the WSU community. The feedback collected during these sessions will help inform the development of an enhanced strategic vision, to be shared in 2026.

For more information and the full schedule, please visit the listening sessions website.