WSU president coming to Tri-Cities. She wants to hear what needs changing
Washington State University’s president will be in the Tri-Cities on Friday to hear from students, faculty and community members as part of a comprehensive effort to redesign what the school offers.
President Elizabeth Cantwell’s listening sessions come as the university faces budget stresses and pressures to reinvent itself amid shifting demands of students and industries.
She stopped in Richland last year as part of her “whistlestop” tour after taking rein of the 135-year-old land grant institution.
“Input from these discussions will shape the campus identity, identify key opportunities, and highlight risks the university must navigate together,” WSU Tri-Cities Chancellor Sandra Haynes said in a statement.
Attendees must RSVP online. Cantwell will host the listening sessions:
- Faculty and staff: 9-10 a.m.
- Students: 11 a.m.-noon
- Community members and alumni: 1:30-3 p.m.
Cantwell is asking attendees to come to the meeting with thoughts on opportunities to provide students better education, perceived risks to the university system, pressing research challenges, and what should define the campus over the next decade.
Cantwell is also asking stakeholders to consider what is essential for her to know about the Cougar community.
Answers will inform WSU’s systemwide redesign, as well as its 5-year strategic action plan, the document that helps the university execute on its purpose, goals and services.
