Elevating Cougs is more than a conference—it’s a space for WSU employees to gain practical tools, fresh perspectives, and renewed energy for the work they do every day. This year’s Developing as a Coug track and cross-track sessions offer targeted opportunities for all WSU employees to help you achieve current goals—or set new ones.
The best part? You can choose to focus on just one area or explore sessions across the three learning tracks, creating a truly tailored experience.
“I want to align my personal values with my work—without burning out.”
When your work aligns with your values, it leads to greater satisfaction, motivation, and wellbeing. The following sessions will help employees build self-awareness, resilience, and purpose—skills that fuel professional growth without losing sight of what matters most.
Recommended Sessions:
- Values Matter: Bridging Professional and Personal Worlds
- Roberto Morales, Associate Director of Student Accommodations and Disability Services, guides participants in clarifying and integrating personal values for a more meaningful, satisfying work experience.
- Severance is Fiction: Your Identity is More Than Your Career
- Hannah Carlan, Pre-Clerkship Assessment Operations Lead, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, explores how to maintain a strong sense of self beyond work—avoiding burnout and pursuing goals without sacrificing identity.
“I want to be more present and focused during my workday—where do I start?”
These sessions support personal growth, resilience, and wellbeing—foundational elements for staying engaged and effective at work.
Recommended Session:
- Mindfulness in Minutes: Research and Practices for Workplace Wellbeing
- Julie Miller, IREACH Business Manager, presents research-backed practices to help reduce stress and improve focus—designed to fit into even the busiest workday.
“I want to learn something new or expand my knowledge—using the tools in front of me.”
Expanding your knowledge and library of skills goes beyond required training. By using tools already available to you as a WSU employee, you can invigorate your day-to-day with learning that supports both your professional and personal development.
Recommended Sessions:
- Microsoft Copilot AI Training
- Presented by WSU ITS and Microsoft, this interactive and engaging session shares how to use the Microsoft Copilot AI tool to help you in your day-to-day work at WSU.
- Maximizing your WSU Library
- Have you wondered what resources and services are available to you at the WSU Libraries? This session highlights the library services and resources, including databases and journals, that are relevant to your work, and provides a refresher on how to search for, locate, and access work-relevant books, articles, and more.
- Excel Basics and Excel Next Level
- When it comes to our daily work at WSU, Excel is a key tool many of us need to use. These two sessions offers learning opportunities for both beginners to Excel and intermediate Excel users.
No matter your role, goals, or experience level, Elevating Cougs offers something meaningful for everyone. It’s a chance to pause, reflect, and invest in your growth—both personally and professionally.
Elevating Cougs will be held virtually on October 22-23, 2025. Register now to secure your spot and begin building your personal conference schedule.
Questions? Reach out to the conference organizers at hrs.training@wsu.edu.