Student life

Changing environment

COVID-19

While the current pandemic has impacted activity on campus, our students, faculty and staff continue to find ways to connect with each other and express themselves. For the time being, we invite you to explore resources and services, take a virtual campus tour and watch This IS WSU Vancouver for a glimpse of on-campus life. We look forward to returning to campus—hope to see you there!

There's a lot going on to

Bring people together

At WSU Vancouver, student life means hanging out in Firstenburg Student Commons or on the Quad, hiking the trails, joining a club, taking a recreational trip, volunteering, or attending lectures and special events with your friends and classmates.

Get involved

Cougar alumni network

You're a Coug

As a student at WSU Vancouver, you are part of a statewide institution, Washington State University. You get to cheer for the WSU Cougars, whatever game they’re playing, and when you graduate you become part of the worldwide Cougar alumni network—a distinction that means opportunity and friendships.

Alumni events

1,057

2019 graduates

35,522

WSU alumni in the region

13,456

WSU Vancouver alumni

The place to gather

Firstenburg Student Commons

The commons is the place to gather for coffee or lunch, play games, study or talk. Challenge an opponent at Ping-Pong or pool; play video games; watch cable TV; or settle in to study or meet a friend. Pick up something from the Commons Café or bring your lunch and get to know the other people at your table.

Clubs

A variety of passions, interests and causes are reflected in more than 40 student clubs (also known as Registered Student Organizations or RSOs). You’ll find clubs—and students who share your interests—for every purpose: academic, cultural, political, recreational, religious/spiritual, service, social or special interest. And if you don’t find one, you can start one.

CougSync

Recreation and fitness

The Recreation Program includes a fitness center with free classes, lockers and showers, plus opportunities to rent sports equipment, go on a ski trip or other outdoor adventures, and participate in intramural sports, such as soccer, basketball, flag football and disc golf. In addition, the campus boasts several miles of walking, jogging and biking paths.

Recreation

"My experience has been better than I ever imagined! I’ve been able to make my college experience my own and do things I wouldn’t have been able to do at a larger urban campus."

—Cambri Shanahan, B.A., human development

Diversity

Diversity is a core value at WSU Vancouver. The Center for Intercultural Learning and Affirmation (CILA) welcomes everyone to drop in and get involved, and every club, program and event welcomes diverse participation. Several annual events—such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, Noche de Familia, Disability Awareness Month and Marquee Diversity Events—celebrate our diverse campus population.

Student diversity

Special Events

Numerous special events liven up the campus. Take part in the crazy games offered during Week of Welcome, watch a movie under the stars at Outdoor Movie Night, get involved in Martin Luther King Day of Service, or sign up for the annual Mt. Bachelor ski and snowboard trip.

Upcoming events

Lectures and the arts

Interesting speakers visit campus regularly, such as the annual Marquee Diversity Series. Check out the Travel Café, an annual campuswide photo contest. Submit your creative work to the Salmon Creek Journal, and visit the journal’s rotating exhibitions in Firstenburg Student Commons.

Campus art

Student government

Be a leader and give your fellow students a voice by running for student government. The Associated Students of WSU Vancouver (ASWSUV) coordinates student activities and advocates for student interests to campus administrators and state representatives.

ASWSUV