1. To the WSU Community

Elizabeth Cantwell, President, WSU

Each year, Washington State University publishes this Annual Security Report as part of our commitment to transparency and accountability. It provides important information about campus safety, crime statistics, policies, and the many resources available to members of our university community.

Safety is one of our most fundamental responsibilities. It is the work of our police officers, emergency managers, student affairs professionals, faculty, staff, and countless others across the WSU system. But it is also a shared responsibility. Every member of our community contributes by staying informed, looking out for one another, reporting concerns, and making thoughtful decisions that help protect those around us.

I am grateful to the dedicated professionals who serve our campuses every day with skill, professionalism, and compassion. Their commitment helps ensure that WSU remains a place where learning, discovery, and community can thrive.

I encourage you to read this report, become familiar with the resources available to you, and take an active role in helping us maintain a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for everyone who calls WSU home.

Dawn Daniels, Chief of Police, WSU Police Department Pullman Campus

Welcome to Washington State University!

On behalf of the Washington State University Police Department (WSU PD), I’m pleased to welcome all new and returning Cougs to campus. Our department is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of every student, employee, and visitor.

Our mission is to ensure the safety and security of the campus community while positively influencing student development through proactive policing, community engagement, and professional excellence. This mission guides everything we do—from our daily patrols to our long-term partnerships with the WSU community.

We envision a culture of excellence in university policing, where leadership in campus safety is matched by strong community collaboration, a commitment to officer training and wellness, and unwavering departmental accountability. Integrity and professionalism are the cornerstones of our work.

This Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, prepared in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, contains important information about campus safety resources, crime reporting procedures, and emergency preparedness. We encourage you to review it carefully and take advantage of the many resources available to help you stay safe.

Remember, safety is a shared responsibility. The tradition of “Cougs helping Cougs” is a powerful part of our campus culture, and your involvement makes a difference.

Wishing you a safe, successful, and rewarding year—Go Cougs!

Sandra Haynes, Executive Vice President, WSU Statewide Campuses

On behalf of all staff and faculty, I would like to welcome you to WSU Tri-Cities. We place a high priority on the safety of students, employees, and visitors, and work continuously to address concerns and to maintain a safe campus, with the assistance of our partners at the Richland Fire and Police Departments. Safety is a community responsibility. Every individual must do their part to ensure our campus remains safe. Be aware of your surroundings, learn what to do if you see something unsafe or if things just don’t quite seem right, and learn how to act in an emergency. This report provides a summary of the resources available at WSU Tri-Cities and the surrounding community, and I encourage you to review it thoroughly. Together, we can ensure that WSU Tri-Cities remains a safe place for years to come.

WSU’s Non-discrimination Policy

In matters of admissions, employment, housing or services, and/or in the educational program or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of:

  • Sex
  • Race
  • Color
  • Religion
  • Age
  • Creed
  • National or ethnic origin
  • Marital status
  • Genetic information
  • Sexual orientation
  • Gender identity
  • Status as a protected veteran, an honorably discharged veteran, or member of the military
  • Physical, mental, or sensory disability, including the use of a trained service animal
  • Immigration or citizenship status, except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract

WSU policies comply with federal and state civil rights laws and regulations, including, but not limited to:

  • Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 USC 1681);
  • Title IX implementing regulations (34 CFR 106);
  • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 USC 2000d et seq) and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (42 USC 2000e et seq);
  • Title I and II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 as amended, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112) and 45 CFR Part 84;
  • Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 USC 2000d et seq);
  • Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 USC 2000d et seq), RCW Chapter 49.60;
  • Gender Equality in Higher Education (RCW Chapter 28B.110); and
  • Washington Law Against Discrimination (RCW Chapter 49.60).

Inquiries about these laws and regulations (including Title IX and its implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination or harassment, may be made to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR), the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, and/or both:

Compliance and Civil Rights (which includes the Title IX Coordinator, Deputy Title IX Coordinator, and ADA Coordinator)

Department of Education Office of Civil Rights

Reports and complaints about conduct that may constitute discrimination (including sex discrimination under Title IX) may be made verbally or in writing to CCR and the University’s Title IX Coordinators or designees at the contact information above.

Relevant procedural guidelines and disciplinary procedures are available here:

Contact HRS for information about the employee Title IX hearing process; telephone 509-335-4521; email hrs@wsu.edu. See also Sections 9.0, 10.0, and 12.0.

WSU provides equal access to the Boy Scouts (Scouting America) and other designated youth groups.