DAESA News

Starting July 1, 2024, the Washington State University Office of Assessment for Curricular Effectiveness (ACE) will be led by WSU alum Lindsey (Kimble) Brown immediately following the retirement of long-time director Kimberly Green. “WSU is indebted to Kimberly for her years of devoted leadership and creative vision, and we look forward to many future ACE achievements with Lindsey at the helm,” said Elizabeth Chilton, provost and executive vice president and WSU Pullman chancellor. “We congratulate them both and extend our sincere thanks for their service.”

PULLMAN, Wash.—Washington State University computer engineering major and electrical engineering minor Marielibeth “Vanessa” Moran is the WSU 2023 Student Employee of the Year (SEOTY), said the Academic Success and Career Center (ASCC), program host. A senior, Moran has worked for WSU Concessions, CORETECH, and the LAUNCH (Into Experiential Learning) program in the provost’s office, and has been an active participant in the Office of Academic Engagement’s Invest in Cougs program. Moran is also applauded for being consistently enthusiastic, conscientious, and a problem-solver, with her performance and attitude reflecting her work ethic, commitment to excellence, and a willingness to invest the time and effort to ensure a job is done to the best of her ability. She plans to graduate in 2024.

The Washington State University Division of Academic Engagement and Student Achievement (DAESA) celebrated the recent accomplishments of faculty, staff, and students at an April 13 event where a spectrum of awards was presented. “The endeavors our programs undertake to advance academic student success and promote faculty development are impressive,” said William B. Davis, interim vice provost for DAESA, part of the Provost’s Office. “We are pleased to recognize at our annual celebration the outstanding accomplishments of so many of our people.” A total of 19 types of awards were presented at the annual event.

Washington State University faculty with innovative ideas to advance teaching and learning are invited to apply by March 13 for awards to fund projects. Both funding opportunities must directly attend to issues related to inclusivity, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA). Smith Teaching and Learning and TCI IDEA grants have similarities but are quite distinct, with key differences between the two. Smith Teaching and Learning grant proposals must address classroom culture and instructional pedagogy through innovative practices that improve student learning. Transformational Change Initiative (TCI) Grants for Advancing IDEA fund collaborations and projects of varying scope.

Five Washington State University faculty proposals for Smith Teaching and Learning Grant awards have been approved for funding, said William B. Davis, interim vice provost for academic engagement and student achievement. “The five projects funded by Smith grants will literally impact the student success and academic progress of hundreds of WSU students, and we are impressed by the innovative ideas advanced by all of the applicants. We will look forward to seeing the progress on, and the results from, these projects, with final reports due in August 2023.”

The Washington State University Division of Academic Engagement and Student Achievement (DAESA) hosted a spring event where numerous, diverse awards were presented to faculty, staff, and students for their outstanding accomplishments throughout the 2021-22 academic year. “The efforts made by dedicated, engaged team members and individuals impact the student success of every student at our university, and it’s an honor for DAESA to recognize many of those who made exceptional contributions,” said William B. Davis, interim vice provost.

WSU’s commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) is taking another step forward with the announcement of new Transformational Change Initiative (TCI) grants now available to faculty. “Applications are open through April 4 for these latest innovative awards from the Provost’s Office,” said Bill Davis, interim vice provost for academic engagement and student achievement. “We’re enthusiastic about the TCI IDEA grants because they are available to a wide range of instructors across the WSU system, the projects will focus on innovation in teaching and learning, and many will be underway as early as this summer.”

WSU announces that applications for the next Richard G. Law Excellence Award for Undergraduate Teaching will be accepted through Thurs., March 10, 2022. Following reviews by the Law Award Committee, the recipient will be announced mid- April at the annual awards event for the Division of Academic Excellence and Student Achievement (DAESA). “The Law Award recognizes exceptional educators for their efforts to provide top learning experiences for WSU students,” said Clif Stratton, UCORE director. Recipients of the Law Award are described as educators who inspire curiosity into, and understanding of, an area of study.

Washington State University faculty with innovative ideas to enhance teaching and learning are encouraged to apply by March 14, 2022 for a Smith Teaching and Learning Grant of up to $5,000, announced William B. Davis, interim vice provost for academic engagement and student achievement. “Innovative faculty have benefitted from Smith grant awards for many years and have created a number of projects to advance education and pedagogies that ultimately benefit our students and their success,” said Davis.

WSU is using the immersive digital environment of virtual reality to connect high schoolers with mentors to help prepare them for college. “Using cutting-edge technology, we’re using immersive VR experiences to engage in simulated environments that give the sense that the students—or actually their avatars—are meeting in person with their WSU student mentors,” said Ray Acuña-Luna, director of College Access Programs in the Office of Academic Engagement.