The right programs in the right places
Spokane Campus'
Relocation Plan

Relocation Plan
Spokane Campus'
FAQs
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Creating a Unified Spokane Footprint

Eastern Washington University is a key economic driver that is ever committed to advancing the creative and technological vitality of the region. Eastern expanded into the state-of-the-art Catalyst building in 2020, giving students and faculty the space and proximity to work directly with local business and industry experts.

As part of the strategic resource allocation process, EWU’s Academic Task Force findings highlighted persistent challenges with Spokane operations of traditional undergraduate programs and recommended strengthening clinical and cohort programs in Spokane.

Over the last two years, EWU has conducted broad listening sessions with campus stakeholders to refine the vision of the Catalyst Building. A Catalyst Strategy Planning Workgroup was established which developed an updated Catalyst mission, vision, values framework. Spokane-based programs were then surveyed to ensure EWU was aligning space with program type and student need.

In 2025, EWU received state legislative funding to establish a new Dental Therapy program, creating an immediate opportunity to better connect the College of Health Science and Public Health and health-focused programs, which are predominately located throughout EWU’s Spokane locations.

Together, these activities informed a relocation plan and the decision to create a unified, clinically-focused Spokane footprint.

FAQS

What’s Happening

Beginning Fall 2026, the School of Business, School of Professional Accounting, Creative Writing, Urban & Regional Planning, Get Lit!, and Willow Springs will relocate from the Catalyst building in Spokane to the Cheney campus.

Fall '25 – Spring '26

Faculty and staff offices gradually relocate from Catalyst to Cheney by May 1.

Spring '26

Classes continue at Catalyst as scheduled.

Fall '26

Classes for Business, Accounting, Creative Writing, and Urban & Regional Planning begin on the Cheney campus.

Looking Ahead

This transition is part of EWU’s commitment to providing the right programs in the right places — ensuring students in Spokane benefit from a clinical, health sciences-focused learning environment, while students in Cheney gain expanded access to business, creative, and planning disciplines in a comprehensive campus setting.

Frequently Asked Questions:

School of Business, School of Professional Accounting, Creative Writing, and Urban & Regional Planning will relocate their programs to the Cheney campus. In addition, the Get Lit! program and Willow Springs offices will relocate to Cheney.

During the Science Building renovations on the Cheney campus, STEM faculty and staff are in temporary locations (e.g., CEB, Cheney Hall, Isle Hall). The lack of specialized lab space on the Cheney campus at this time prevents moving Catalyst-based STEM operations. We will reassess as the facilities projects progress.

If a program operates in Catalyst but is not among the programs identified for relocation, it is not moving at this time. Spokane assignments will continue to emphasize clinical and cohort-based programs.

For programs relocating to Cheney, offices will be moved between October 2025 and April 30, 2026. All affected offices must be out of the Catalyst by May 1, 2026, to allow for interior renovations.

All classes will proceed as scheduled through the current 2025-2026 academic year to avoid disruptions for students. Beginning summer of 2026, classes for the moving programs will be scheduled on the Cheney campus.

Scheduling will prioritize appropriate classroom capacities, technology, and proximity to related programs and student services.  

Departments will send direct communications to majors/minors/advising lists by early Spring 2026, with course schedules, locations, and student services information. Advisors will be prepared to support students with commuting, scheduling, and modality questions.

Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Communication Sciences & Disorders are expected to be located in Catalyst as we reconfigure Spokane to support clinical and cohort-based education.

Yes. Catalyst remains a connection point with Spokane partners. As design and remodel plans are finalized, we will maintain shared-use spaces (e.g., reservable meeting rooms, hoteling/temporary offices, lobby and event areas) to support collaborations.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to work with their program chair and college dean. Faculty and staff who are returning to Cheney will be located in Patterson Hall and Senior Hall. Facilities will coordinate moving services for office contents and standard equipment. Faculty and staff are responsible for boxing up their materials. Further details will be distributed through chairs and deans.

These FAQs are meant to clarify decisions and next steps for relocating selected Spokane-based programs to the Cheney campus. 

Questions?

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