Division of Student Affairs
Five Working Groups on Campus Climate and Culture
Read the Five Working Groups Final Report and Recommendations.
The Five Working Groups on Campus Culture and Climate consisted of 126 concerned WSU community members (students, faculty and staff from each of our campuses) who were appointed by President Kirk Schulz and Vice President of Student Affairs Mary Jo Gonzales with a general charge to build a more welcoming, equitable, and inclusive environment at Washington State University.
The Five Working Groups met for the better part of two years. They engaged in frank, difficult, and challenging conversations; reviewed data, programs and initiatives; responded to immediate community concerns; and monitored and acknowledged campus community initiatives that also addressed issues of diversity, equity, and campus climate.
Their final report and recommendations were submitted in September 2020. It is important to convey that the report and recommendations represent a step forward, not a journey completed. It is our hope that this work, and the work of many in the WSU community, has created the momentum needed to take the next step forward.
Policy review, training, campus resources, among areas of focus
Each of the working groups addressed priorities identified by the WSU community, including students, as critical to advancing the university’s initiative.
Among the topics and primary objectives the working groups addressed:
WSU Executive Policy (EP) 15 prohibiting discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct
- Review EP 15 for language and make recommendations for changes, including clearly defined sections for sexual/gender violence and speech
- Develop EP 15-specific training for students, faculty and staff
Cultural competency and allyship
- Review and evaluate cultural competency and ally trainings offered by WSU and trainings proposed by students
- Identify specific implementation plan for students, faculty and staff
Campus cultural and resource centers
- Review current funds allocated to central- and academic college-supported cultural and resource centers
- Review services and activities offered on all campuses by centers/programs to determine gap areas and recommend strategies to meet the needs of current and future students
The diversity of faculty and staff
- In alignment with relevant state and federal statutes, develop proactive programs, targeted outreach and a recruitment plan for diverse faculty and staff
- Identify current and future professional development programs for diverse faculty and staff
Gender inclusive and trans* support
- Develop long-term plan to incorporate gender-inclusive restrooms on all campuses
- Assess gap areas and make recommendations for trans* support on all campuses
Suggested Readings or Resources
- Five Working Groups Final Report and Recommendations (Sept. 2020)
- Five Working Groups 2018-19 Annual Summary
- Step Up and Lead for Equity: What Higher Education Can Do to Reverse Our Deepening Divides
- Committing to Equity and Inclusive Excellence: A Campus Guide for Self-Study and Planning
- WSU's 2014 Commission on Campus Climate: final report
Recent Updates
Submitted by Working Groups
September 14, 2020: Final Report and Recommendations
January 16, 2020: Five Working Groups Meeting Minutes
December 12, 2019: Cultural & Resource Centers Working Group Meeting Minutes
November 7, 2019: Five Working Group Meeting Minutes
October 24, 2019: Diverse Faculty & Staff Meeting Minutes
August 5, 2019: Five Working Groups Meeting Minutes
July 25, 2019: Executive Policy 15 Meeting Minutes
July 24, 2019: Gender Inclusive and Trans* Support Meeting Minutes
July 18, 2019: Five Working Groups Session Recap
Additional Chair/co-chair and subcommittee meeting minutes and resources are available on each workgroup webpage.