PDF Version

Organization – General Provisions

Purpose:  This policy describes the legal establishment, history, structure, and authorities relative to the organization of Eastern Washington University.

History:  This is a revision.  It was adopted by the EWU Board of Trustees on March 23, 2012.

Chapter 1 – Establishment and Organization

1-1. General

This policy provides background information pertaining to the establishment of Eastern Washington University and to the organizational structure under which the university operates.

1-2. Legislative Authority Establishing and Governing the University

The legal authority under which Eastern Washington University exists and operates is set forth in chapters 28B.10 and 28B.35 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW).

1-3. History of the University

The university was established by law in the early days of statehood as the State Normal School and opened in October, 1890.  In 1937, the name of the university was changed to Eastern Washington College of Education.  In 1961, the legislature approved the name Eastern Washington State College.  In 1977, the legislature designated it Eastern Washington University.

1-4. Organization

a.  Established: The organization of the university for its operations will be established by the president with the approval of the board of trustees (cf. RCW 28B.35.120[4]).

b.  Organizational Chart: The organizational chart is revised periodically to reflect changes made in the organization.  The organizational chart is maintained by the Division of Human Resources, Rights and Risk and is accessible through their website.

1-5. Administrative Structure

a.  Established: The administrative structure of the university will be established by the president with the approval of the board of trustees and said structure shall be made known to the faculty and others in the university community by an organizational chart showing the overall plan and functional relationship of the various administrative offices.

b.  Major Administrative Officers: The major administrative officers of the university shall be designated by the president, subject to approval by the board of trustees. Personnel recommendations for these positions will be the responsibility of the president, after consultation and review of candidates with appropriate administrative officers, faculty and students.

Chapter 2 – Values, Mission and Vision

EWU is a regional, comprehensive public university located in Cheney and Spokane, Wash., with programs offered throughout the state and online.

2-1. Values

EWU is dedicated to the following key values:

• Student-centered learning environment
• Quality
• Access
• Inclusiveness
• Integrity

2-2. Mission

EWU expands opportunities for personal transformation through excellence in learning.

EWU achieves this mission by:

• fostering excellence in learning through quality academic programs, undergraduate and graduate student research and individual student-faculty interaction. Students extend their learning beyond the classroom through cocurricular programs, life skills development, internship programs, volunteering and service learning.
• creating environments for personal transformation that enrich the lives of individuals, families, communities and society at large.
• expanding opportunity for all students by providing critical access to first generation students, underserved populations, place-bound students, and other students who may not have the opportunity for higher education.
• developing faculty and staff by growing and strengthening an intellectual community and supporting professional development.

2-3. Vision

EWU envisions a future of professionally, socially and culturally engaged leaders, citizens and communities.  EWU is a driving force for the culture, economy, workforce and vitality of Washington State. Our graduates think critically and make meaningful contributions to both their career fields and their communities.

Chapter 3 – Academic Provisions

3-1. Accreditation of the University

Eastern Washington University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The NWCCU has approved the qualifications of the faculty, the adequacy of the facilities and competence of the administration for the teaching of liberal arts and teacher education. Approval of Eastern’s programs is also provided by the Higher Education Coordinating Board/Council for Higher Education. Information relative to the accreditation and approval of individual colleges and programs may be acquired from those colleges and programs. This university is approved by the United States Attorney General as an institution for nonquota immigrant students. It is also on the approved list of the American Association of University Women. The university has institutional membership in various national associations.