We’re excited to announce the 2025 Elevating Cougs conference theme: Thriving Through Change. This year, we’ll focus on embracing the opportunities that come with evolving roles, shifting technologies, and personal and professional transitions. Whether you’re navigating uncertainty or leading others through it, this two-day event offers the tools, insights, and community support to help you grow with confidence.
Early registration is officially open for Elevating Cougs 2025—WSU’s annual virtual learning and development conference designed to inspire, connect, and empower the WSU employee community.
Elevating Cougs is more than a conference—it’s a celebration of our shared commitment to growth, adaptability, and each other. No matter where you are in your professional journey, this year’s sessions are designed to meet you there and help you move forward.
Why Focus on Change?
Change is a constant across our work and lives. Elevating Cougs 2025 invites you to reframe change as a catalyst for leadership, reflection, and growth. Through inspiring sessions, practical workshops, and engaging discussions, you’ll explore ways to:
- Strengthen resilience and well-being.
- Lead effectively through uncertainty.
- More effectively use existing university tools and resources.
- Communicate and collaborate across teams.
- Enhance your technical skills.
- Practice staying grounded, connected, and empowered.
What to Expect
Whether you’re a returning participant or joining for the first time, Elevating Cougs offers a flexible, fully virtual experience packed with value:
- Session presenters and expert panels focused on navigating change with confidence.
- Interactive breakout sessions tailored to leadership, personal, professional, and technical development, and employee wellness.
- Opportunities to network virtually with colleagues from across the WSU system.
- Tailored learning tracks: Leading as a Coug, Developing & Caring as a Coug, and Workday Success Stories.
This year’s sessions will explore timely and practical topics such as:
- Aligning personal values with professional purpose.
- Building influence and social capital in your current role.
- Mindfulness and mental well-being in the workplace.
- Navigating staffing, pay, and medical leave processes.
- The latest enhancements, updates, and best practices for Workday.
- Fostering safe, respectful, and inclusive campus communities.
- Supporting and connecting with veterans and military-affiliated colleagues.
- Using tools like Microsoft Copilot to work smarter.
- Reframing identity and purpose beyond job titles.
Register Now
We can’t wait to see you there! Save the date for this year’s event & register early:
- Event Dates: October 22–23, 2025
- Location: 100% Virtual
- Registration is Open! Register here.
Register early to secure your spot, receive early access to session details, and be the first to explore the full agenda when it’s released.
Let’s Thrive—Together.
