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US NEWS

Task force report

Executive summary

WSU has a history of reviewing ranking results to understand the systems and ensure accuracy of WSU ranks. This report represents the 4th review since 2012. WSU declined in the U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) rankings over past four years. This caused concern by various audiences.

The objective of this Task Force was to investigate data pertaining to the USNWR Best College Ranking. The review is to help guide the approach to be taken by WSU to ensure accuracy of data submitted and invest in strategic areas related to metric that matter to WSU success in the ranking process.

The Task Force was charged with:

  • (a) conducting an examination of the rankings,
  • (b) providing recommendations, and
  • (c) engage in discussions with WSU leadership regarding the potential impact of input variables on future rankings.

Recent Stories

From the President

A message from WSU System President Kirk Schulz informing the WSU community about creating this task force.

Article: U.S. News Task Force issues report

A Washington State University task force trying to better understand how U.S. News and World Report arrives at its annual Best Colleges Rankings is recommending keeping an eye on the outlet’s key metrics as well as a continued commitment to the success of the land-grant mission.

Task Force Members

NameRole
Stephanie KaneInterim Executive Director, Institutional Research
Co-Chair, US News Task Force
Brian FrenchRegents Professor, College of Education
Co-Chair, US News Task Force
Fran HermansonExecutive Director, Institutional Research (Retired)
Chair until retirement on August 1, US News Task Force
Doug CallRegents Professor, Paul G. Allen School for Global Health
Kim ChristenAssociate Vice President for Research
Associate Vice Chancellor for Research
Eric SheldenAssociate Professor, School of Biological Sciences
Faculty Senate Chair
Phil WeilerVice President for Marketing and Communications