Please volunteer some time to help with a Commencement bag stuffing event from 10 a.m. – Noon on Wednesday, June 10, in the Field House.

Please use this link to RSVP for the Bag Stuffing.

We’ll be assembling the keepsake bags that our graduates receive on their big day – and we promise it’ll be fun. There will be great company, and that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when doing something awesome for our students.

Whether you can come for the whole time or just drop in for a bit, we’d love to have your help (and your energy!).

Let’s make this a celebration to remember, one bag at a time! 

Please stop by to share your best wishes as they prepare for their retirements. We will have snacks, cake and iced tea, as well as lots of conversation and appreciation for all they have done for EWU over the years.

Eastern Washington University Professional and Continuing Education is proud to partner with Rockwood South Hill Retirement Community to bring this lifelong learning opportunity directly to residents.

The programs will be offered twice monthly, featuring EWU faculty presenting engaging, interdisciplinary topics ranging from global affairs to cognitive health to emerging technologies. 

Each session is designed to inform, inspire, and spark conversation. Through this collaboration, EWU and Rockwood will advance a shared commitment to delivering accessible, high-quality educational experiences for the Rockwood residents.

Visit the Rockwood Seminar Series page for a QR code with the latest speaker offerings

Multiple volunteer shifts are available throughout the day. You can sign up to help online. 

We know many employees will be supporting our graduates at Commencement—one of EWU’s most important celebrations. If your schedule allows, we invite you to consider volunteering for a Pride shift before or after your Commencement responsibilities.

As a thank-you, volunteers will receive a fun EWU Pride t-shirt!

Help us celebrate inclusion, belonging, and community while showcasing EWU’s commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ students, employees and community members.

This year’s ceremonies will once again be held at Reese Court on the Cheney campus. Volunteers will help out by assisting with greeting guests, guiding graduates and ensuring a smooth and joyful ceremony.

The following shifts need volunteers:

Friday afternoon/evening | 3 – 8 p.m.

Saturday midday | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Saturday afternoon/evening | 3 – 8 p.m.

In addition, a van driver is needed for both days!

Whether you give one shift, multiple shifts, or a full day, your help will make a difference!

Sign up here 

Please see the Commencement Pay Information guide below to learn about how to adjust schedules and coordinate with your supervisor accordingly. If you have questions, please contact HR at hr@ewu.edu. Thank you for supporting this important event!

Pay for working during Commencement should be processed as follows:

Work Week: The University work week is Monday,12:01 a.m. to Sunday, 12:00 p.m.

Overtime Eligible Employees:

Classified Employes:

All Classified employees covered under the WFSE collective bargaining agreement are

eligible for overtime per Article 20.6 (Overtime) and 20.7 (Compensatory Time).

Classified employees required to work Commencement will receive overtime and/or

compensatory time for hours worked that exceed 40 in the work week.

A Classified employee’s schedule may be changed per Article 20.3 provided proper

notice has been provided and/or the employee has requested to adjust their work

schedule and waive the notice requirement.

PSE Employees:

An overtime eligible exempt employee covered under the PSE collective bargaining

agreement is eligible for overtime per Article 19 (Overtime). PSE overtime eligible

employees required to work Commencement will receive overtime and/or compensatory

time for hours worked that exceed 40 in the work week.

A PSE employee’s schedule may be changed per Article 17.4 provided proper notice

has been given.

Non-Represented Exempt Employees:

An overtime eligible exempt employee not covered by PSE is eligible for overtime per

EWU Policy 406.01, Chapter 3, Section 3.1 (F). Non-represented overtime eligible

employees required to work Commencement will receive overtime and/or compensatory

time for hours worked that exceed 40 in the work week.

Overtime Exempt Employees:

The nature of the work of overtime exempt employees may require they exceed 40

hours in a work week. No additional pay is provided for working during

Commencement. Adjusting work schedule to account for additional work during

Commencement should be arranged between the employee and their supervisor.

Volunteers:

University employees may only serve as volunteers in activities that are unrelated to the

duties of their current position or a former position held within the last twelve months

with the University. University employees may not volunteer to perform duties that they

are normally compensated for performing.

Participants will meet our program coordinator, Al Waite, at the Big Red Wagon in Riverfront Park at 11a.m. on June 13. The Big Red Wagon is located in downtown Spokane on the corner of north Stevens Street and and West Spokane Falls Boulevard. The parade itself starts at noon.

We hope to see you there! For any questions about the parade or how we can accommodate you, please email Al Waite at awaite3@ewu.edu.

June invites us to reconnect with creativity in simple, everyday ways. Creativity is not just for artists or performers. It is a resilience tool that helps us solve problems, adapt to change, reduce stress, and reconnect with curiosity and joy.

This month, the Washington State Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is highlighting Everyday Creativity through on-demand Wellness Wednesday sessions and curated resources focused on play, imagination, flexibility, and creative problem-solving.

Events and Webinars

Wellness Wednesday Series: Everyday Creativity (On-Demand)

Creativity supports resilience, flexibility, and emotional well-being. This four-part on-demand Wellness Wednesday series explores how play, daydreaming, improvisation, and design thinking can help us navigate stress, solve problems, build confidence, and reconnect with energy and curiosity in everyday life. Each session offers practical ideas and approachable strategies that can be applied personally and professionally.

• June 3 – The Science of Play in Adulthood
Explore how play supports stress reduction, creativity, connection, and emotional well-being throughout adulthood.

• June 10 – Daydreaming as a Creative Tool
Learn how intentional mind-wandering and reflection can support creativity, insight, and problem-solving.

• June 17 – Improvisation for Confidence & Adaptability
Discover how improv-based skills can strengthen flexibility, communication, confidence, and resilience in everyday interactions.

• June 24 – Design Thinking for Everyday Problem-Solving
Explore practical ways to use curiosity, experimentation, and creative thinking to approach challenges in new ways.

• Starting June 1, register to view the June on-demand webinars online.

Work/Life Resources

In June, the EAP Work/Life site is offering tools and resources to help you learn more about how respect builds stronger teams and better workplaces: learn meaningful ways to show respect, solve conflicts, and create a culture where everyone belongs.

In honor of Pride Month, our on-demand seminar this month focuses on how to create safe spaces: learn how to promote respect, allyship and inclusion to strengthen LGBTQ+ visibility and belonging, Starting June 16^th, view our on-demand seminar “Creating Safe Spaces: Supporting LGBTQ+ Inclusion”: login using your organization’s Work/Life Access Code: EWU.

Monthly Resources: Everyday Creativity

At Work: Creativity, Innovation, and Adaptability

Featured Resource: Play at Work: 7 Ways to Shift Your Mindset and Unlock Innovation

We selected this resource because it explores how play and curiosity can strengthen innovation, flexibility, and engagement in workplace settings.

Additional Resources:

• Why Play at Work Can Inspire Employees to Take Risks
• Functional Workplace Play: The Types of Play Employees Engage in at Work
• What Daydreaming Does to Your Mind
• Stretch Opportunity for Introverts: Applied Improvisation
• Design Thinking – All About It

Creativity, Play, and Emotional Well-Being

Featured Resource: The Benefits of Play for Adults

We chose this resource because it highlights how play supports stress reduction, emotional connection, creativity, and overall well-being.

Additional Resources:

• Can Adults Learn to Be Playful Again?
• Instead of Pulling Out Your Phone, Let Your Mind Wander
• Eight Lessons from My Research on Creativity
• What Happens in the Brain When We Learn to Improvise
• How to Use Design-Thinking to Create a Happier Life for Yourself

Creativity, Neurodiversity, and Different Ways of Thinking

Featured Resource: Mind Wandering May Link ADHD Traits to Creativity: New Study

We selected this resource because it highlights how creativity and nonlinear thinking can manifest in different ways, and how curiosity and exploration can support innovation and self-expression.

Additional Resources:

• The True Value of ADHD Side Quests, Tangents, and Rabbit Holes
• Stifled Creativity and Its Damaging Impact on the ADHD Brain
• On the Awesomeness of ADHD Creativity
• The Art of Improvising

Trusted Organizations and Resources

• NAMI National Alliance on Mental Illness
• Mental Health America
• Child Mind Institute
• The Trevor Project
• PFLAG
• Workplace Strategies for Mental Health
• LGBT National Help Center
• Human Rights Campaign
• It Gets Better
• ADDitude Magazine
• National Immigration Law Center

Closing Reflection

Creativity does not need to be perfect, polished, or productive to be meaningful. Small moments of curiosity, play, reflection, and experimentation can support resilience, connection, and emotional well-being in everyday life.

For More Support

Need support? Visit eap.wa.gov for confidential counseling, webinars, and other tools and resources to support your mental and emotional health and wellbeing.

The project covers a 5.4-mile stretch of I-90 from about 1 mile east of the Medical Lake exit to about 2 miles west of the Cheney/Four Lakes exit. The roadway will close one lane at a time, so please plan ahead for potential delays and be patient with any wait times.

The project will include removing the surface of the existing pavement and repaving the asphalt.

The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, in EWU’s Showalter Auditorium.

The concert is $10 for general admission and $5 for seniors/students. The concert is free for EWU students and employees.

To learn more about upcoming concerts, please visit the Music Department’s event webpage. 

We have discounted tickets available for Friday, Aug. 14. The park is open from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Boulder Beach is open 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.)

Silverwood Package Prices:

$59 per person | Ages 3-7
$73 per person | Ages 8-64
$66 per person | Ages 65+
Children 2 years and under are FREE!

Package includes:

Admission to Silverwood & Boulder Beach
Lunch is in Pavilion 5 from 1 – 3 p.m.
A Bottomless Beverage Wristband
All tickets will be available at the EWU check-in table at Silverwood until noon. After noon, the remaining tickets will be available at Will Call for the rest of the day.

No tickets will be sent out in advance via email or mail. All tickets will need to be picked up in person.

No discounted tickets may be purchased at the door.

To buy tickets and for more details, please visit our Eventbrite page.

From Jazz and choir to wind and orchestra, the upcoming concerts will appeal to a wide variety of musical tastes, while showcasing the hard work and skills of Eastern’s students.

Here is a schedule of upcoming concerts:

Vantousa Lor, Senior Trumpet Recital May 27, Wednesday | 7 p.m. | Music Recital Hall | Free Admission

EWU Wind Ensemble Concert May 28, Thursday | 7:30 p.m. | Music Recital Hall | $10-General/$5-Seniors

Ian Knight/Junior Saxophone Recital | May 29, Friday | 7 p.m. | Music Recital Hall | Free Admission

Vocal Area Recital | June 1, Monday | 7:30 p.m. | Music Recital Hall | Free Admission

EWU Jazz Concert | June 2, Tuesday | 7:30 p.m. | Music Recital Hall | $10-General/$5-Seniors

EWU Orchestra Concert | June 3, Wednesday | 7:30 p.m. | Showalter Auditorium |$10-General/$5-Seniors

EWU Choir Concert | June 4, Thursday | 7:30 p.m. | Showalter Hall | $10-General/$5-Seniors

**Awards Convocation | June 5, Friday | Noon | Music Recital Hall | Free Admission

Approved Policy Changes

The Board of Trustees approved changes to the following policies on May 15, 2026:

• EWU Policy 201-04: Enterprise Risk Management
• EWU Policy 302-01: Tribal Consultation (new)
• EWU Policy 401-02: Additional or Outside Employment
• EWU Policy 401-03: Background Checks
• EWU Policy 402-03: Accommodating Persons with Disabilities
• EWU Policy 603-06: Golf Carts and Utility Vehicles
• WAC 172-06: Organization & Operation
• WAC 172-125-010: Discrimination and Title IX Violations by Students

Special Open Forum- Security Cameras

We are hosting a special open forum on May 27^th at 3:30 in Tawanka 215 regarding the proposed policy for security and parking cameras listed below. Panelists for the open forum will include the Chief of Police, Chief Information Officer, Associate Professor Stu Steiner, and Assistant Professor Antonio Espinoza. Additional information about this forum is available here. 

Policy Proposals Open for Public Comment

The following policy proposals are open for public review and comment on the EWU policy website under “Review Policies in Process.” You may also click on the policy titles below for a direct link. These proposals will remain open for comment until June 12, 2026.  You may submit your comments on the policy website or by attending a public hearing, in addition to the special open forum, on June 4, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. in Showalter 201. If you need an accommodation to attend the hearing, please contact me at least three days prior to the hearing. 

• EWU Policy 604-03: Security & Parking Cameras (new)
  • This is a new policy that outlines the requirements for the use of security cameras and drones on campus or in an EWU leased facility. It also applies to the use of license plate recognition technology by an EWU department consistent with recent changes in state law.
• EWU Policy 302-08: Conflicts of Interest- Research & Technology Transfer
  • Updates the language about significant financial interests to better align with guidance from the National Institutes for Health.
  • Identifies the information that EWU must disclose regarding financial conflicts of interest held by senior/key personnel involved in a federal grant.
• EWU Policy 204-02: Postings & Flags
  • Adds language indicating that posters will only be approved for posting on campus if they are connected to a university department or a student club or organization. Additionally, only events sponsored by a university unit may be approved.

We have also extended the timeline for comments on EWU Policy 205-01: Non-Credit Courses and Certificates to June 12^th. 

If you have any questions about the policy process or EWU policies, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Annika Scharosch, J.D. 

Chief of Staff & Compliance | President’s Office

Eastern Washington University | The Region’s Polytechnic

ascharosch@ewu.edu | Office: 509.359.6724 | 

EWU provides an inclusive, equitable, and transformative learning experience, driving the pursuit of knowledge with affordable academic excellence.

EWU Professional & Continuing Education and the EWU Criminal Justice Program are hosting a 2‑Day Community Forensics Summer Camp on the Cheney campus.

Designed for students rising into grades 7–12, the camp offers hands‑on exposure to crime scene investigation techniques including fingerprint analysis, crime scene photography, and evidence evaluation.

The camp costs $150 per camper and emphasizes applied learning in a university lab setting.

Here is some additional information:

Dates: June 25 & 26 (Thursday and Friday)

Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Midday break with bring your own lunch)

Location: Patterson Hall

Agenda and contact information is available online.

The contract is currently being revised and will be made available to the union so it can be presented to members for ratification. It should be made available to the union today, Monday, May 11, 2026.

Any specific questions from faculty concerning the content of the tentative agreement should be directed to UFE.

“I see every day the dedication and heart our employees bring to this university. This award recognizes those who go above and beyond to support learning, our campus community and our region,” says President McMahan.

Four awards will be presented to celebrate excellence across the four strategic plan pillars that reflect EWU’s institutional priorities:

• Student Success and Student Experience – For those who enhance retention, support and holistic well-being of our students.
• Belonging – Recognizing efforts to foster an equitable and welcoming campus culture.
• Regional Anchor / Regional Impact – Honoring contributions that strengthen the university’s partnerships and presence in the region.
• Investing in Our People and Places – Highlighting leadership in sustainability, employee development and workplace culture.

Nominations are open now through June 1 and can be submitted by colleagues, students or by self-nomination. Award winners will be recognized by President McMahan at the Fall Luncheon, where they will receive a commemorative award and their choice of two rewards — one from each of the categories:

Category A:

• Annual S Parking Pass (valued at $750)
• Full Year of URC Membership for Self or Family (valued at $800)

Category B:

• $500 Eagle Store Gift Card
• $500 Cash

The President’s Award for Exemplary Service stands as a meaningful way to recognize that the collective efforts of individuals shape the future of Eastern Washington University. President McMahan encourages all employees to take a moment to acknowledge the colleagues who inspire them. Learn more and submit a nomination online.

Any earned compensatory time not taken by the end of June 2026 will be cashed out and charged to the applicable index on record for June 2026. Employees will receive their compensatory time cash out payment, along with their regular semi-monthly pay, on their July 10, 2026 paychecks.

If you have any questions regarding compensatory time, please contact the Human Resources Office at (509) 359-2381 or hr@ewu.edu.

Go online to access all of the payroll announcements.

Events and Webinars

Live Webinars:

EAP Orientation for Supervisors, Leaders, and HR Professionals – May 11 at 4 p.m.

Learn how to access EAP services, what’s available, and how we support employees, leaders, and organizations.

EAP Orientation (All Employees) – May 11 at 4:30 p.m.

Learn how to access EAP services, understand available supports, and explore tools to support your well-being.

Train Your Inner Coach: Building Healthier Self-Talk – May 14 at 4 p.m.

Explore the difference between the inner critic and inner coach and learn practical strategies to build a more supportive internal dialogue.

Wellness Wednesday Series: Mental Fitness

Train the mind like a muscle. This four-part series explores practical ways to build cognitive flexibility, strengthen attention, increase emotional resilience, and shift unhelpful inner dialogue. Each session offers practical tools you can apply right away. Sessions are offered every Wednesday at noon and again at 4 p.m.

• May 6 – Cognitive Flexibility Training
• May 13 – Attention Strengthening Practices
• May 20 – Stress Inoculation: Building Emotional Strength
• May 27 – Positive Intelligence: Managing Your Inner Narrator
• View and register for all May live events and webinars: https://eap.wa.gov/how-eap-can-help-you/webinars

Work/Life Resources

In May, the EAP Work/Life site is offering tools and resources to help you better understand how to build financial basics, like budgeting, saving, and planning, so you can build confidence and financial stability as a foundation for your daily life and future goals.  Learn more through the on-demand seminar, “Smart Money Moves: Strengthen Your Financial Know How” – The seminar is available starting May 19: login using your organization’s Work/Life Access Code: EWU

Monthly Resources: Mental Fitness

At Work: Focus, Flexibility, and Resilience

Featured Resource: Developing Cognitive Flexibility at Work

We selected this resource because it provides practical strategies to strengthen adaptability and problem-solving in workplace settings.

Additional Resources:

• How to Stay Focused at Work
• Short Mindfulness Practices for the Workday
• Window of Tolerance (Stress Awareness)
• Recovery Practices to Prevent Burnout
• AI and the Attention Crisis at Work

Attention, Stress, and Emotional Strength

Featured Resource: What Actually Makes You Resilient?

This resource highlights how resilience is built through everyday practices, not just during major challenges.

Additional Resources:

• 7 Ways to Have a Healthier Relationship with Stress
• How to Transform Stress into Courage and Connection
• Tips for Becoming Emotionally Resilient
• Stress Management Overview
• Distress Tolerance Skills

Self-Talk, Growth, and Perspective

Featured Resource: How to Talk to Yourself

We chose this resource because it explores how internal dialogue shapes thinking, emotions, and behavior.

Additional Resources:

• The Power of Positive Self-Talk
• Self-Compassion Break Practice
• How to Stop Negative Thought Spirals
• Quiet Your Inner Critic with Kindness
• Five Self-Acceptance Self-Talk Sentences

Trusted Organizations and Resources

• NAMI National Alliance on Mental Illness
• Mental Health America
• Child Mind Institute
• The Trevor Project
• PFLAG
• Workplace Strategies for Mental Health
• LGBT National Help Center
• Human Rights Campaign
• It Gets Better
• ADDitude Magazine
• National Immigration Law Center

Closing Reflection

Building mental fitness happens through small, consistent actions. By strengthening flexibility, attention, and self-awareness, we can better navigate challenges and support our well-being.

Need support? Visit eap.wa.gov for confidential counseling, webinars, tools, resources, and more.

You can access the e-newsletter through this link.

Coverage under the university-paid PEBB insurance package of medical, dental, vision, basic life and basic long-term disability will continue through the summer months for full-time faculty and staff on less than 11-month appointments, provided they return to eligible pay status in September.

For faculty appointments paid over the 9-month academic year and staff on less than 11-month appointments, double insurance premiums are deducted (ballooned) from April 10 through June 25 to collect premiums due from July through September.

If your insurance premiums are ballooned and you receive pay anytime in July through September, no medical or life premiums will be deducted. Employees on a semester schedule may have adjustments in fall if full premiums are not collected, due to the early semester end date in May.

For more benefits information, visit EWU HR online.