News | Division of Academic Engagement and Student Achievement

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Academic Mentoring in VR

September 3, 2021 daniel.rieck

At this year’s summer bridge program, Cougs Rise mentors tried out for the first time the VR environment in which they will be meeting with high schoolers.

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.

PULLMAN, Wash.—Wearing white virtual reality (VR) headsets, high schoolers from across the state will connect this fall to Washington State University students—not to play 3D games but to develop academic skills and build the confidence necessary to succeed in 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 (OAE). It is part of the Division for Academic Engagement and Student Achievement (DAESA).

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WSU Names Terese King, Michael Highfill to New Provostial Administrative Posts

July 28, 2021 daniel.rieck

Interim assistant vice provosts Michael Highfill and Terese King are shown on the left and right, respectively.

The Washington State University Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President has filled two new interim vice provost positions with experienced program directors and alumni Terese King and Michael Highfill. “These appointments support the evolving role and responsibilities of DAESA at the university,” said William B. Davis, DAESA interim vice provost for academic engagement and student achievement. “We appreciate the vision and leadership they will bring to their new roles and look forward to the many valuable contributions they will make.”

PULLMAN, Wash.—The Washington State University Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President has filled two new interim vice provost positions with experienced program directors and alumni Terese King and Michael Highfill.

“These appointments support the evolving role and responsibilities of the Division of Academic Engagement and Student Achievement (DAESA) at the university,” said William B. Davis, DAESA interim vice provost for academic engagement and student achievement. “The new roles also recognize the incredible contributions these two have made to WSU undergraduate education over the course of their careers.

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William Davis Named Interim Vice Provost for DAESA

May 18, 2021 daniel.rieck

Bill Davis, Interim Vice Provost for Academic Engagement and Student Achievement.

William (Bill) Davis has been appointed interim vice provost for academic engagement and student achievement and will begin a one-year term on July 1. Davis will succeed Mary Wack, who has served as vice provost since 2007. She is retiring, but will stay on through August as Davis transitions into his new role. “We are fortunate to have such a strong leader like Bill Davis to serve in this role, one that is critical to our educational mission at WSU,” provost Elizabeth Chilton said.

William (Bill) Davis has been appointed interim vice provost for academic engagement and student achievement and will begin a one-year term on July 1.

Davis will succeed Mary Wack, who has served as vice provost since 2007. She is retiring, but will stay on through August as Davis transitions into his new role.

“We are fortunate to have such a strong leader like Bill Davis to serve in this role, one that is critical to our educational mission at WSU,” provost Elizabeth Chilton said. “We will certainly miss Mary’s expertise and vision. We are fortunate that the division is transitioning into good hands, and we are excited to welcome Bill to the provost’s office.”

Davis has served as the associate dean for undergraduate education in the College of Veterinary Medicine since 2012. He earned his Ph.D. at Northwestern University, and has earned numerous awards for his teaching, faculty service, and academic advising since joining the WSU faculty in 2001.

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WSU OAE, HBM Programs Host Cooking Class about College

May 10, 2021 daniel.rieck

Jamie Callison, Hospitality and Business Management executive chef and director of the Marriott Foundation Hospitality and Culinary Innovation Center, prepares a pizza in Todd Hall’s commercial kitchen.

What do you get when you make pizza, pumpkin-chocolate chip muffins, and ice cream all on a Saturday? Plates and bowls of deliciousness plus an introduction to college-level science, if you are a lucky high-schooler who attended a virtual cooking class hosted by Washington State University’s Office of Academic Engagement and the School of Hospitality Business Management. For three hours, dozens of OAE student participants across the state followed along in their own home kitchens while three HBM instructors in chef’s whites worked in front of cameras set up throughout Todd Hall’s commercial kitchen in the Carson College of Business.

PULLMAN, Wash.—What do you get when you make pizza, pumpkin-chocolate chip muffins, and ice cream all on a Saturday? Plates and bowls of deliciousness plus an introduction to college-level science, if you are a lucky high-schooler who attended a virtual cooking class hosted by Washington State University’s Office of Academic Engagement (OAE) and the School of Hospitality Business Management (HBM).

For three hours, dozens of OAE student participants across the state followed along in their own home kitchens while three HBM instructors in chef’s whites worked in front of cameras set up throughout Todd Hall’s commercial kitchen in the Carson College of Business. OAE is part of the Division of Academic Engagement and Student Achievement (DAESA) in the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President.

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WSU DAESA Announces 2021 Division Awards to Faculty, Staff, and Students

April 29, 2021 daniel.rieck

The Washington State University Division of Academic Engagement and Student Achievement (DAESA) celebrated faculty, staff, and students whose contributions through academic year 2020-21 promoted students, teaching, and learning success and excellence university wide. The awards announced are being made by DAESA units that include the University Common Requirements (UCORE) program, the Academic Success and Career Center (ASCC), the Transfer Center for Policy and Resources, the Office of Academic Engagement, and First-Year Programs.

PULLMAN, Wash.—The Washington State University Division of Academic Engagement and Student Achievement (DAESA) celebrated faculty, staff, and students whose contributions through academic year 2020-21 promoted students, teaching, and learning success and excellence university wide. The awards announced are being made by DAESA units that include the University Common Requirements (UCORE) program, the Academic Success and Career Center (ASCC), the Transfer Center for Policy and Resources, the Office of Academic Engagement, and First-Year Programs.

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WSU Launches First Institutional Survey to Gauge Graduates’ Post-college Plans

April 16, 2021 daniel.rieck

With a goal to better understand graduates’ immediate plans, Washington State University has emailed a questionnaire to 5,748 seniors asking about what they will do following graduation. “It’s important to understand that this is the first time we have conducted a university-wide survey to gather this type of statistical data,” said Mary F. Wack, vice provost for academic engagement and student achievement. “The new ‘Undergraduate Placement Survey’ will give the university its first comprehensive picture across the institution.”

PULLMAN, Wash.—With a goal to better understand graduates’ immediate plans, Washington State University has emailed a questionnaire to 5,748 seniors asking about what they will do following graduation.

“It’s important to understand that this is the first time we have conducted a university-wide survey to gather this type of statistical data,” said Mary F. Wack, vice provost for academic engagement and student achievement.

“Are they stepping into a job? Entering graduate or professional school? Job searching? Joining the military, or a volunteer or service program? Taking time off? Staying in the U.S. or going abroad? The new ‘Undergraduate Placement Survey’ will give the university its first comprehensive picture across the institution.”

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WSU Accepts Smith Teaching and Learning Grant Applications through March 15

January 27, 2021 daniel.rieck

Washington State University faculty with innovative ideas to enhance teaching and learning are encouraged to apply by March 15, 2021 for a Smith Teaching and Learning Grant of up to $5,000, announced Mary F. Wack, vice provost for academic engagement and student achievement. There are two focus areas of this year’s awards: increasing course completion and student progress by reducing high C-DFW rates and redesigning large lecture courses for active student engagement in a flipped or hybrid course design.

PULLMAN, Wash.—Washington State University faculty with innovative ideas to enhance teaching and learning are encouraged to apply by March 15, 2021 for a Smith Teaching and Learning Grant of up to $5,000, announced Mary F. Wack, vice provost for academic engagement and student achievement.

There are two focus areas of this year’s awards: increasing course completion and student progress by reducing high C-DFW rates (grades of C-minus, D, F, or Withdraw) and/or closing equity gaps; and redesigning large lecture courses (100+ students) for active student engagement in a flipped or hybrid course design. Proposals should address one of the areas through innovative practices that improve student learning.

“Creative faculty have received dozens of Smith grant awards over the past two decades, and their diverse projects have resulted in many educational advances and new programs and pedagogies,” said Wack. “Thanks to Smith grants, thousands of undergraduates have reaped the benefits of faculty innovation throughout their educational experience at WSU.”

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WSU OAE Awards Jordan Frost Inaugural First-Generation Alumni Excellence Award

December 15, 2020 daniel.rieck

First-Generation Alumni Excellence Award presented to Jordan Frost in 2020 by the Office of Academic Engagement.

Former student body president and student regent and current Washington educator Jordan Frost received Washington State University’s inaugural First-Generation Alumni Excellence Award, presented by the Office of Academic Engagement (OAE). Frost earned two degrees at WSU—a B.A. in history in 2018, and a Master’s in teaching in 2019. “We envision this award as a way to celebrate exceptional WSU alumni who were first-generation students themselves,” said Ali Bretthauer, director of OAE College Success Programs.

PULLMAN, Wash. — Former student body president and student regent and current Washington educator Jordan Frost received Washington State University’s inaugural First-Generation Alumni Excellence Award, presented by the Office of Academic Engagement (OAE).

First-generation students are those whose parents did not graduate from college with a bachelor’s degree. Frost earned two degrees at WSU—a B.A. in history in 2018, and a Master’s in Teaching in 2019. While an undergraduate in Pullman, he was elected and served as head of the Associated Students of Washington State University; as a graduate student, he was selected to serve on the university’s Board of Regents.

Since graduation, he teaches social studies and is activities director at Issaquah High School, responsible for oversight of the student body organization budget, student government advising, campus events, school culture, and community engagement. » More …

Three Student Teams Land Fall 2020 Prizes at WSU’s Third Adobe Creative Jam

December 11, 2020 daniel.rieck

Ten finalist teams from 12 sections of the Washington State University’s First-Year Success Seminar/University 104 course presented apps on the theme of “resilience” at the third Adobe Creative Jam, and three teams took home top awards, said Cynthia Williams, program director. “Thanks to our ongoing partnership with Adobe, our students were once again able to demonstrate the skills learned in UNIV 104 to creatively identify and communicate their innovative solutions to a complex problem,” said Williams.

Pullman, Wash. — Ten finalist teams from 12 sections of the Washington State University’s First-Year Success Seminar/University 104 course presented apps on the theme of “resilience” at the third Adobe Creative Jam, and three teams took home top awards, said Cynthia Williams, program director.

“Thanks to our ongoing partnership with Adobe, our students were once again able to demonstrate the skills learned in UNIV 104 to creatively identify and communicate their innovative solutions to a complex problem,” said Williams. UNIV 104 is part of First-Year Programs, a unit in the Division of Academic Engagement and Student Achievement in the provost’s office.

The fall 2020 Jam’s first-place winners are Sidney Serna, Ashley Driesler, and Isabella Croston, for their app “Unbottle.” They will receive a 12-month subscription to Adobe Stock’s collection of images, graphics, videos, 3D objects, and templates and Creative Jam backpacks full of swag. » More …

Nov. 4: WSU Students Compete at Third Adobe Creative Jam

November 4, 2020 daniel.rieck

The top 10 teams from Washington State University’s UNIV 104 freshman seminar course will compete virtually for prizes at 6:00 p.m., Wed., Nov. 4 as part of the third Adobe Creative Jam, said Cindy Williams, program director. The top teams were chosen from a field of 60 teams of two to three students each across 13 sections of the popular first-year course. Finalists will present apps they created that are centered around this year’s theme of “resiliency.” The public is invited to watch the presentations online.

Pullman, Wash. — The top 10 teams from Washington State University’s UNIV 104 freshman seminar course will compete virtually for prizes at 6:00 p.m., Wed., Nov. 4 as part of the third Adobe Creative Jam, said Cindy Williams, program director. The public is invited to watch the presentations online.

Finalists will present apps they created that are centered around this year’s theme of “resiliency.” The top teams were chosen from a field of 60 teams of two to three students each across 13 sections of the popular first-year course. » More …