Statement of Inclusion

University Recreation and the Chinook commit to empowering students and community members to succeed through equitable support and engaging programming. We foster an inclusive climate that enables all to thrive.

University Recreation and the Chinook values providing programs and activities that are accessible. We are proud to provide equipment and programming that creates an inclusive environment and makes every reasonable effort to be accessible to everyone.  Reasonable accommodations are available with adequate prior notification.  Students with disabilities who may need accommodations to fully participate in activities at UREC or Chinook must have accommodations approved through the Access Center at 509.335.3417.  Contact Joanne Greene at 509.335.9669 for more information.

Our Commitment

University Recreation and the Chinook actively seek opportunities to improve access to facilities and programming and the overall participant experience. Our professional staff invests in the wellbeing of our members and employees by expanding our knowledge and skills through various diversity training. Through the use of self-report surveys and University Recreation’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee, we evaluate such data as well as current and new offerings to tailor programming to suit our patrons.

Your feedback is important to us. Please let us know if you have any feedback regarding equity, diversity, or inclusion.

WSU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, genetic information, and/or protected veteran status in its programs and activities. 

Locker Room & Restroom Accessibility

Individuals shall not be forced to use the locker room corresponding to their gender assigned at birth. In locker rooms that involve undressing in front of others, individuals who want to use the locker room in accordance with the individual’s consistently asserted gender identity will be provided with the available accommodation that best meets the needs and privacy concerns of all involved. Based on availability and appropriateness to address privacy concerns, such accommodations could include but are not limited to the use of a private area in the locker room (i.e., a bathroom stall with a door, an area separated by a curtain) or use of a family change room.

Intramural Sports and Sport Clubs Participation

WSU students, faculty/temporary employees and spouse/partners of students, faculty, and temporary employees shall be permitted to participate in Intramural Sports and Sport Club programs in accordance with the individual’s consistently asserted gender identity. Participation in competitive Sport Club or Extramural athletic activities will be resolved on a case by case basis based on applicable National Governing Body.

Participation in University Recreation Programs and Facilities

Individuals shall be permitted to participate in University Recreation Programs and at University Recreation & Chinook Facilities in accordance with that person's consistently asserted gender identity.

Accessible Equipment and Facilities. 

Service Animals

A service animal is defined as a dog or a miniature horse that is trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, or intellectual disability. The work or tasks performed by a trained service animal must be directly related to the individual’s disability.(28 USC 36.104, RCW 49.60.040)

Gender-Inclusive Attire

To be inclusive of all personal workout attire preferences, University Recreation & Chinook encourages patrons to wear whatever attire honors their workout experience and still meets facility/activity standards for safety and hygiene. 

Inclusion Training for Staff

Diversity and Inclusion are a priority at University Recreation & the Chinook. Throughout the year we offer required and optional training opportunities to equip our staff with the tools to ensure a welcoming a space for all.

Required Training:

  • Inclusive Language: This presentation explains the importance of using inclusive language to decrease barriers and exhibit inclusion. This is required for all staff working at University Recreation.
  • Bi-Annual EDI Student Modules: These modules are created by University Recreation's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. They cover a variety of topics, i.e. Implicit Bias, Disability Awareness, and Diversity in the workplace. These modules are required for all staff working at University Recreation.
  • Fitness: Fitness instructors are required to present progressions, regressions and  modifications for all classes to meet the needs of our patrons. 
  • Competitive sports: In addition to required diversity training, Competitive Sports staff undergo training specific to bias in sport, importance of Open Leagues, and effectively working with international students. 
  • Challenge: Additional training for Challenge staff focus on front loading emotional & physical safety to patrons, and emphasizing modifications are available to fit group needs. 
  • Climbing Wall: Inclusive route setting training (spread of difficulty, types of routes, reach, etc.) 
  • Aquatics: Additional training specific to teaching to those with disabilities.
  • Cougar Kid's Camp: Training specific to children with special needs, youth developmental characteristics and learning styles, and bullying prevention. 

Optional Training:

Student Grant Program

We offer a grant program for current UREC & Chinook student staff to attend any additional Equity, Diversity and Inclusion trainings that may be cost prohibitive.

Additional Resources