Each day across WSU, employees develop expertise, solve problems, improve processes, and find better ways to get work done. Elevating Cougs has always been a place to share those ideas. This year we’re doubling down on practical learning with four new tracks designed to connect attendees with the knowledge, skills, and expertise already thriving across our university community.
Designed to support a variety of learning goals, the 2026 tracks offer opportunities to build technical skills, invest in professional development, discover quick wins, and complete required training in a more engaging environment.
Here’s a closer look at each track:
Everyday Skills
Looking for practical knowledge you can put to work right away? The Everyday Skills track offers deeper dives into the tools, resources, and best practices that help employees succeed in their roles. Sessions cover topics ranging from Workday and Excel to project management, organization, and other skills that support everyday success at WSU.
Recharge and Reimagine
Professional growth isn’t just about learning new systems. Recharge and Reimagine focuses on the skills and perspectives that support employee wellbeing and development. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, building workplace skills, or exploring your next step, these sessions are designed to help you grow personally and professionally.
Mini-Mastery
Short on time? Mini-Mastery sessions are designed to deliver quick, actionable learning in a bite-sized format. These focused sessions offer tips, tricks, and practical strategies you can implement immediately to enhance your workday.
Compliance Quick Wins
Want to complete required training while engaging directly with subject matter experts? Compliance Quick Wins offers live versions of select compliance trainings, providing an interactive alternative to traditional online learning.
Create Your Own Learning Journey
While the tracks can help guide your conference experience, there’s no need to stay in a single lane. Attendees are encouraged to mix and match sessions across tracks, creating a personalized learning experience based on their interests, goals, and professional needs.
Everyday Coug Ingenuity is more than a conference theme. It’s reflected in the knowledge, creativity, and expertise WSU employees bring to their work each day. Through these new tracks, this year’s conference makes it easier than ever to explore that collective knowledge, connect with colleagues, and discover practical ideas you can take back to your own role.
Register for Elevating Cougs 2026 and start planning your next big idea. As new sessions are added throughout the coming months, you’ll have even more opportunities to customize a conference experience that supports your goals, interests, and growth at WSU.