WSU MISSION

The university strives to improve lives through the delivery of a practical education as articulated in the Morrill Act of 1862 to establish land-grant colleges. It welcomes students from all racial and ethnic backgrounds, gender identities and sexual orientations, economic backgrounds, students with disabilities, veterans, and first-generation students. In short, to paraphrase Congressman Morrill, WSU welcomes the sons and daughters of toil. Students with widely differing interests as well as varying levels of college preparation are welcome and encouraged to pursue a WSU education. Many transform their lives as a result of their University experience. The University seeks greater diversity in its student body. Keeping college affordable is implicit in WSU’s focus. The university judges its success by its ability to help students become more informed, aware, engaged, creative, and socially mobile.

WSU focuses on improving the human condition through research, scholarship, and artistic activities. To address the vast and complex problems confronting the world, the University balances the twin needs of continuing the basic
research that leads to fundamental discoveries with efforts focused on delivering practical solutions to everyday problems faced by communities in the state and beyond. As WSU strives to be a force for societal transformation, the University embraces entrepreneurial activities and seeks out partnerships that bring together the bold ideas and
multidisciplinary expertise required to maximize the benefit to stakeholders and residents.

WSU is committed to achieving an ethically and socially just society for all. Instituting social change on a large scale begins at home. The University is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout every aspect of its statewide system. In the process a climate will be created that enables underrepresented students, faculty, and staff
to not only survive, but thrive in communities that foster a sense of belonging in a culture of inclusion. The ultimate goal? Creation an institutional culture in which inclusion and equity are the norms, a model that helps move the world toward a place in which all people are treated with dignity and respect.

WSU accepts responsibility for enriching the social, economic, and cultural vitality of the region through service and outreach. The University delivers its educational, research, and outreach benefits statewide, with a particular
emphasis on major population centers including Everett, Seattle, Spokane, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, Yakima, and Bremerton. WSU focuses on critical problems and issues affecting the state of Washington, partnering with stakeholders to develop solutions to a variety of challenges and spur economic prosperity. The university sustains
and enhances community-campus relations statewide.

WSU engages globally for the future of the planet. Every aspect of the University’s teaching, research, and service mission has global implications—it is inherent in the mission of a Tier 1 national research university. All WSU faculty are part of an international community of scholars, so their endeavors potentially address a global audience. In
serving local communities, WSU develops innovative approaches and solutions that can deliver benefits worldwide. Advancing the institution’s global engagement is a critical component of future success.