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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 value providing accessible programs and activities. 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, programming, and the overall participant experience. Our professional staff invests in the well-being of our members and employees by collecting feedback from users and expanding our knowledge and skills through training. We evaluate current and new offerings to tailor programming to suit our patrons.

We value your feedback. Please let us know if you have any feedback regarding your experience with our facilities, programs, or services.

WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.  

Locker Room & Restroom Accessibility

Private locker room and restroom facilities are available at the Chinook and Student Recreation Center. If you have any questions, please email us at urec@wsu.edu.

Participation in University Recreation Programs and Facilities

We welcome all Cougs to participate in our facilities, programs, and services. Please email us at urec@wsu.edu to schedule a facility tour, ask questions about services, or suggest activities.

Accessible Equipment and Facilities. 

Service Animals

We recognize the importance of service animals for people with disabilities and welcome service animals in accordance with EP39-Service and Support Animals Policy.  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).

Unless it is readily apparent that an animal is trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, WSU employees are permitted to ask the individual the following two questions to determine if the animal is a service animal:

  • Is the animal performing, or being trained to perform, work required because of a disability?
  • What work or task is the animal trained or in training to perform?

Attire

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

Inclusion Training for Staff

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

  • 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,the  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 trainings that may be cost prohibitive.

Additional Resources