WSC Newsletter | March 4, 2026 | Edition 2

Message from the Chair

Hello WesternU Staff,

We just want to say thank you for being part of what we’re building. When you show up to events, you help create real connection, new friendships, and a stronger sense of community across WesternU. The feedback you share in our surveys truly makes a difference. It helps us improve, grow, and continue working toward a positive environment where everyone can thrive. When you take part in professional development, you also help us expand opportunities through CETL and continue growing meaningful continuing education for our staff.

We are so grateful for the support from our entire staff community, and we especially want to recognize our Staff Council members. The work we are able to do only happens because of their time, energy, and dedication.



If you are interested in advocacy, professional growth, or building stronger connections, we would love for you to consider joining the WSC. Enrollment opens later this spring, and your voice can make a real impact for staff across WesternU. If joining is not the right fit right now, there are still plenty of ways to stay involved. We hope to see you at the Spring Assembly and encourage you to keep sharing your feedback, participating in events, and helping us build a community where we can all thrive.

Thank you,

Mark McIntire

Chair

2025-2026

WSC General Information

Spring Staff Assembly

We hope you’ll join us for the upcoming WSC Spring Staff Assembly. The Assembly supports WesternU’s mission by creating a space where staff at all levels can come together, share ideas, and discuss topics that matter to our community. It also provides opportunities for learning, connection, and engaging activities that bring staff together.

Come share your voice and hear more about the areas we’re working to grow and improve.

Spring Assembly

Wednesday, April 1

10:30 am - 12 noon

Virtual Meeting (Invite to come via e-mail)

WesternU Staff Satisfaction Survey

This year, WesternU Staff Council collaborated with Institutional Research and Effectiveness (IRE) to administer the 2026 Staff Satisfaction Survey. The survey was launched on February 18, 2026.

Important reminders:

• The survey invitation was sent from En-Hsien Liu
• Demographic data collection questions such as location, division/department, and years of service are optional
• The survey will close March 31, 11:59 pm.

We appreciate those who have reached out with questions and concerns.

Lastly, thank you in advance for taking the time to participate and complete the survey! Your input is valuable and helps ensure staff voices are heard and considered.

Join Staff Council

Join the Staff Council and make a meaningful impact at WesternU. It’s a great way to build relationships, strengthen your advocacy skills, and step into leadership opportunities. You can serve as part of the general council or get more involved by joining one of our subcommittees, each focused on supporting and improving the staff experience.

• Engagement and Communications Committee – Plans events, shares important updates, and helps build a strong sense of community across campus.

• Professional Development Committee – Supports staff in building new skills, growing in their current roles, and exploring career development opportunities.

• Staff Advocacy Committee – Represents the voice of WesternU staff and works to enhance the overall work environment.

Enrollment details:

Keep an eye out for our enrollment email later this spring. Open enrollment will include a sign-up link with everything you need to get started.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at our recent events. We loved seeing so many of you there and celebrating together. Let's take a look back at some of the fun.

Chili Cook-Off

We kicked off the year in a big way with our Chili Cook-Off. With over 100 attendees and eight delicious entries, it was a fantastic start to the year. Congratulations to our Chili Champion, Elizabeth Simmons, and thank you to everyone who brought their favorite recipes.

Cookie Competition

February was filled with sweet treats and friendly competition. Staff came out to sample and vote for their favorites in three categories: Best Overall, Best Tasting, and Most Creative. Thank you to everyone who shared their amazing baking skills and congratulations to our winners:

• Hingrit Avendano de Cruz – Best Tasting Cookie: Raspberry Kiss
• Carolina Banuelos – Best Overall: S’mores Cookie
• Kasey Millar – Most Creative: Pieces of My Heart

Upcoming Staff Event

We hope to see you at our next event! Keep an eye out for the invitation.

California Campus Ice Cream Social

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

HEC Breezeway/Esplanade

12:30-1:30 pm

Oregon Campuses Ice Cream Social

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

HEC Breezeway/Esplanade

12 noon, both campuses

Stay Informed

WSCUC Visit

In connection with its accreditation, WesternU is hosting a site visit by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) March 11-13, 2026, at the Pomona campus.

The team typically schedules open meetings with students, staff, and faculty to provide an opportunity for informal input from all members of the campus community about their experiences with the institution.

WSCUC wants to understand whether staff are:

• Meaningfully included in shared governance
• Informed and engaged
• Supported and treated equitably
• Connected to student success
• Part of continuous improvement
• Aware of institutional mission and values



WSCUC sees you as integral and essential to student success.

Tomorrow's WesternU Strategic Plan 2025-2030

Tomorrow’s WesternU 2025–2030 is a forward-looking blueprint designed to advance our mission. Developed through a multi-phase, inclusive process, this plan reflects the voices of faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders across both Pomona, California and Lebanon, Oregon campuses.

This mission is supported by a clear vision to become a global leader in graduate health sciences education, research, and service—addressing healthcare workforce shortages and advancing human and animal health through innovative and humanistic approaches.

Strategic Plan 2025-2030

WesternU Initiatives and Strategies for Humanism

The WesternU Initiatives and Strategies for Humanism (WISH) Plan, Phase 1, was adopted by the Board of Trustees on April 5, 2025. It is important to recognize that this plan is not a static blueprint; rather, it is a living document that will evolve over time in response to new challenges, opportunities, and insights. As circumstances change and our understanding deepens, we may need to revisit, revise, and refine our strategies to ensure they remain relevant and effective, without being formally amended. This flexibility is not only expected but essential, as it allows us to remain responsive to the needs of our campus community and the dynamic environment in which we operate. 

WISH Plan