New Coug Learning Communities are a place for students to explore academic areas, build a foundation for your future career, and broaden your college experience.
These learning communities bring groups of students who share similar majors and interests together. Each learning community is led by a Success Coach and a trained New Coug Learning Community Student Leader. These leaders provide individualized support services to help students achieve success beyond the classroom. As part of the learning community, you will take two student-success courses taught by a Success Coach during your first year: a University 100-level course and a University 200-level course.
Class sizes are intentionally small to help the faculty, staff, and student leaders foster an active and engaged learning community.
Meet your Success Coaches
Bunpa Lim
Hello! My name is Bunpa, and I am your New Coug Learning Community Success Coach. I graduated from Washington State University Pullman, and I have been working at Washington State University Vancouver for eight years as an Academic Advisor and Success Coach. I enjoy working with incoming first-year students and helping them find and grow in their passions. In my free time, I like to stay active playing sports (volleyball, table tennis, basketball, etc.), working out and spending time with family (that includes pets) and friends. I love all things 80’s, enjoy drawing and I value authenticity and genuineness.
In this learning community, you will meet other first-year students majoring in Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Education, English, History, Human Development, Political Science, Public Affairs, Psychology, Social Sciences and Sociology. Your first-year journey will begin with New Cougs Orientation followed by taking 100 and 200-level UNIV classes to learn more about yourself, each other, your career path and resources on campus. Throughout our time together, we will build a community of support and trust through open dialogue.
I am looking forward to meeting you and having you in my learning community and UNIV classes. The theme of your first year at WSU Vancouver is Navigate, Discover and Become! Let’s begin this journey together!
Cindy Morical
Hi! My name is Cindy and I am looking forward to being your Success Coach. Our community consists of students interested in the Carson College of Business, Computer Science, Creative Media, Data Analytics, Digital Technology Culture, Mathematics, Pre-Nursing, Strategic Communication and those still exploring a variety of majors. Our time together will begin with New Coug Orientation, followed by two lower-level UNIV classes during your first year. This will be your go-to group and you’ll make connections here that will last a lifetime! We are all going to be learning together through a lens of race, identity, and culture. At the end of UNIV 104, you’ll have a memoir to showcase who you are, which will help you to connect your interests to your future goals.
I am a Coug through and through. I completed my undergraduate and graduate education at WSU and have been an educator my entire career. My professional journey has centered on K-12 and higher education, as a student of life, I am continuously learning and giving. I also love dance and I teach it outside of work. I find that teaching first-year college success courses along with my dance classes helps make me a better coach in both environments. Because of this connection, I believe you should always find the time for your passions, and I will encourage you to do so.
I feel fortunate to be a part of your journey here at WSU Vancouver. I can’t wait to get to know you and help you make strong connections with your peers and our campus!
McKenna Rinta
Hi! My name is McKenna and I am excited to be your Success Coach and guide you through your first-year Coug Journey! As part of the team at ELCA, I am your point of contact for anything you need during your first year at WSUV. I am here to support science and engineering students as you navigate choosing a major, enrolling in classes, and locating resources and opportunities to help you thrive. I will also be teaching your first-year UNIV courses, where you will work to define your identity, strengths, and goals, and apply your learning to create an actionable plan for your future academic and career success.
With a background in teaching middle school and high school, I enjoy guiding students as they discover their passions and uncover new skills and interests. In my free time, I love to do aerial yoga, spend time in nature, collect plants and rocks, make things with my hands, and hang out with my husband and cats. I am also a fellow Coug, having completed my Bachelor's in History and my Master's in Teaching here at WSUV. I'm excited to get to know you and watch you grow!