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Washington State University Smith Teaching and Learning Grant applications detailing innovative plans to enhance teaching and learning can be submitted through March 13, 2024. Proposals, including a signed endorsement by the applicant’s chair, can be submitted through an online application form located on the DAESA website. The focus area for 2024-25 grants is shifting to encompass a broader range of teaching and learning transformations and must address one or more of the Eight Principles of Effective Teaching, as outlined by the Center for Teaching and Learning at the University of Texas.

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.”

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.

A Washington State University system-wide committee has updated the suite of one-to-four-credit university (UNIV) student-success courses and processes for the first time in a decade, resulting in several changes effective starting in fall 2023. Some changes impact the elective courses themselves, and some changes impact procedures. “The UNIV Curriculum Committee saw the opportunity to be more intentional as to how instructors across the university teach using the UNIV curriculum, and to create processes to ensure centralized review of new UNIV course proposals and also that defined student learning outcomes are built into syllabi across every section taught,” said Michael Highfill, interim assistant vice provost for academic engagement and student development, and committee chair.

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.

Washington State University students can explore job possibilities by meeting with more than 100 employers at the spring Career Expo days, Feb. 6 and 7. The virtual expo on Monday runs from noon to 3 p.m., and the in-person expo Tuesday is from noon to 4 p.m. in Beasley Coliseum. “We’re expecting more than 120 employers to be at tables in Beasley, and about 45 employers are ready to engage virtually with students the day before,” said Amanda Morgan, associate director of the Academic Success and Career Center, which organizes and hosts the Career Expo. All students from all majors and years in college are invited to the event and should register beforehand on Handshake.

Washington State University students are encouraged to learn about the detailed processes involved to apply for financial aid at the seventh annual “FAFSA-WASFA Fest” on the afternoons of Oct. 12 and 13. The event is from 3:00-5:30 p.m. each day, with student peer experts and staff available in the Commons Student Center Room 210 on the WSU Pullman campus, as well as virtually via Zoom. Interested students can also schedule a private session. Pizza will be available for all attending in person, and everyone is eligible for door prizes.

Washington State University faculty have been awarded the university’s inaugural Transformational Change Initiative (TCI) grants for advancing inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) to advance teaching and learning systemwide. “The four funded projects show a remarkable depth and breadth of creativity in terms of IDEA initiatives,” said Erika Offerdahl, director of the Transformational Change Initiative. “We are pleased the grants will support innovative projects that can be in place for students as early as fall semester.”

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.