September 19, 2023
Dear Cougar Nation,
As we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of intercollegiate athletics and conference realignment, I would like to provide a brief update regarding our search for an appropriate landing spot for Cougar Athletics. I have had several people ask different questions since my last update — so let me provide some information that may be helpful.
There is still considerable debate nationally on the role that conference affiliation plays in enrollment and prospective student decisions. It will be important to remind new incoming students that they will still have the opportunity to attend Cougar athletic events as part of the overall student experience on the WSU Pullman campus regardless of where we land next year.
While our conference opponents will be different from the ones we’ve faced over the last 100 years, we still expect to have faculty, staff, students, alumni, community members, and friends continue to spend weekends in Pullman shopping locally, staying in hotels, eating at local restaurants, and making a positive impact on the economy in Whitman County. Student-athletes, coaches, and fans will continue to travel to Pullman for competitions. And I am confident that our loyal Cougar fans will show up to support our Cougar student-athletes regardless of opponent and location — as they have for years.
As we consider our options, I would ask the Cougar community to continue to support and attend Cougar Athletics events. We’ve already seen capacity crowds at football, soccer, and volleyball and we are barely a month into the semester. Thank you to Cougs everywhere who have raised the flag and shown up for Washington State University. Our student-athletes feel your support, both in Pullman and on the road, and it makes a difference in the way they carry themselves, perform, and execute at the highest level.
I am grateful for the support of the Cougar community throughout this process and will continue to provide you with periodic updates on our future conference home. If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to send me a note via email. I will attempt to provide an answer if possible. Thank you and, as always, Go Cougs,
Kirk
KIRK H. SCHULZ
System President
Washington State University
Dear Cougar Nation,
As we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of intercollegiate athletics and conference realignment, I would like to provide a brief update regarding our search for an appropriate landing spot for Cougar Athletics. I have had several people ask different questions since my last update — so let me provide some information that may be helpful.
- What conference will Cougar Athletics play in next year?
- Why did Washington State University and Oregon State University take legal action against the Pac‑12 Conference?
- What do WSU and OSU hope to achieve with their legal action?
- What role do faculty play in our decision-making process?
- What will be the financial impact on academic budgets within Washington State University due to the change in conference affiliation?
There is still considerable debate nationally on the role that conference affiliation plays in enrollment and prospective student decisions. It will be important to remind new incoming students that they will still have the opportunity to attend Cougar athletic events as part of the overall student experience on the WSU Pullman campus regardless of where we land next year.
- What is the status of the athletics deficit due to operating fund shortfalls accumulated over the past decade?
- Are you in contact with Oregon State University regarding our conference affiliation?
- What will the impact be on the local Pullman community with a change in conference affiliation?
While our conference opponents will be different from the ones we’ve faced over the last 100 years, we still expect to have faculty, staff, students, alumni, community members, and friends continue to spend weekends in Pullman shopping locally, staying in hotels, eating at local restaurants, and making a positive impact on the economy in Whitman County. Student-athletes, coaches, and fans will continue to travel to Pullman for competitions. And I am confident that our loyal Cougar fans will show up to support our Cougar student-athletes regardless of opponent and location — as they have for years.
- How can I keep current on what is happening with the Pac‑12 and WSU?
- What can I do to help?
As we consider our options, I would ask the Cougar community to continue to support and attend Cougar Athletics events. We’ve already seen capacity crowds at football, soccer, and volleyball and we are barely a month into the semester. Thank you to Cougs everywhere who have raised the flag and shown up for Washington State University. Our student-athletes feel your support, both in Pullman and on the road, and it makes a difference in the way they carry themselves, perform, and execute at the highest level.
I am grateful for the support of the Cougar community throughout this process and will continue to provide you with periodic updates on our future conference home. If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to send me a note via email. I will attempt to provide an answer if possible. Thank you and, as always, Go Cougs,
Kirk
KIRK H. SCHULZ
System President
Washington State University