2018 – Page 50 – The Western Howl

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

Western is currently the only public university in Oregon that requires a minor for all students. However, beginning fall 2018, many students will have the opportunity to opt out of a minor while still working toward obtaining 180 credits.

This policy was proposed and approved by Faculty Senate, a representative group of faculty members who oversee the development of curriculum and strive to improve the learning environment for Western students.

The proposal for this policy change stated that required minors place a burden on many students, particularly transfer students, exploratory majors and individuals with military credit. Minors can create a barrier to graduation in four years and often result in students taking more than the required 180 credits.

Erin Baumgartner, senator and professor of biology, explained that the minor was created so that students can build a broad foundation of knowledge in multiple subject areas. But according to the policy change proposal, less than 40 percent of Western student graduates from 2013 to 2016 minored in a field that was significantly different from their major.

“The minor was no longer doing what we originally intended it to do,” commented Baumgartner.

Have no fear — minors aren’t completely going away. Instead, specific majors within departments will decide whether or not to keep a required minor for their students. Other students may choose to declare a minor if they wish. Students without a minor must still complete 180 credits for graduation, but they have more flexibility in the classes they choose to take.

“For many students, they are now going to have access to a set of credits that previously would’ve been part of a required minor,” Baumgartner explained. “A lot of students may still choose to do a minor … Now, they have a little bit more autonomy in making that choice.”

This policy change doesn’t only affect incoming freshman. All Western students have the choice to switch to the 2018 catalog year requirements by filling out a form in the registrar’s office. This may allow upperclass students to opt out of a previously required minor.

The committee hopes that this change will be positive for students.

“No one will delay their graduation because they didn’t finish minor requirements,” Faculty Senate Vice President Paul Disney remarked.

Baumgartner mentioned, “I think all of us are going to reexamine our minors and think about — What are we offering in these minors that will really be meaningful and attractive to students and really add value to their degrees? … It gives us a chance to reflect and engage in that continuous improvement that’s really important to offering the best possible programs we can.”

For more information, contact Faculty Senate President Adele Schepige at schepia@wou.edu.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

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Care guide for winter skin

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

As the high temperature of the day in Monmouth remains consistently around the mid-40s, this can lead to the inconvenience known all too well by many: winter skin. The chilly weather plays a large part in the way our skin feels and looks, which can often lead to incredible discomfort and displeasure. For that reason, it’s important that during this time of year we put extra effort into making sure we are taking proper care of the skin we’re in.

Think about your daily skin routine if you have one. There are some changes you might want to consider making to it. And if you don’t have a skin routine, now is an important time to pick one up. How often do you exfoliate your skin? During this time of year, if you have particularly dry skin, you might want to consider lessening it or stopping altogether.

“Exfoliate less than you would normally,” Dr. Michele Farber, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group, noted on huffingtonpost.com, “because your skin barrier is going to be a little bit compromised because of the dryness and the cold air.”

On top of that, make sure you’re using gentle products on your face and body. As often as many enjoy using ultra-fragranced products, they can wreak havoc on your skin. Your best bet is to opt for something more gentle and bland, and stray from any heavily scented soaps or moisturizers. Foaming soaps are great as they don’t strip moisture away from the skin.

Your shower routine can also have negative effects on the skin. If you choose to take overly hot showers, the hot water will evaporate very quickly. Because of this, you need to moisturize your skin immediately after, otherwise the water will actually dehydrate your skin — this can be painful and lead to dry patches. Also, do not go outside right after showering or washing your hands. Make sure you’re completely dry, otherwise your skin will chap.

Finally, make sure you’re moisturizing properly. After you shower, you should pat your skin dry, then apply a thicker moisturizer that is higher in oil content while your skin is still damp. Again, avoid fragrances as they can irritate or further dry out the skin. And make sure you don’t go overboard on how much you use, as your skin can become dependent on it and won’t work to maintain its own natural hydration.

Contact the author at chealy16@mail.wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

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Bringing eastern Texas to Western Oregon

Stephanie Blair | Staff Writer

On March 1, the “nicest little whorehouse you ever did see” will be open to the public at Rice Auditorium. Under the direction of dance professor Sharon Oberst, actors and techs have been preparing Western’s production of “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” a Tony Award-winning musical best known for the 1982 film adaptation.

The show, both wild and western, tells the story of conservative ideals battling it out against a century of tradition in Texas. After popular television personality Melvin P. Thrope, portrayed by junior BFA acting major Nicholas Hulscher, condemns a whorehouse, the town goes into a frenzy. Some trying to close it, others fighting to keep it open.

At the center of the conflict is brothel-owner Miss Mona — the iconic role portrayed by Dolly Parton in 1982, here played by Lindsay Spear — and the abiding Sheriff Dodd, who regular attendees of Western theater will recognize as senior BFA acting major Gabriel Elmore. It seems like a simple plot, but the two-hour long production tackles a number of themes.

“This show is much more than it presents itself to be. There are societal overtones to it which I believe are still prevalent today,” said Elmore. “The deep-seated tragedy of watching something unfold before your very eyes, knowing damn well that there’s nothing you can do to stop it, is something which isn’t addressed in everyday life.”

The musical is still primarily a comedy, however, and a mature one, at that. Parents who are unfamiliar with the show may wish to see it before bringing their children. On the doors of Rice Auditorium, signs can be found warning of adult themes, including alcohol use, strong language and mild sexual content, in stereotypical Texan language: “Howdy y’all! This here show has some cussin’ and some rootin’ tootin’ shootin’ in it. There’s a piddlin’ of hop juice an a tad bit of spoonin’ and carryin on.”

From the 26-person cast to the box office workers, the set builders to the costume crew, the amount of work put into the production gives the show a feeling of authenticity and passion in every detail.

“I love musicals, and it’s been wonderful to have a chance to get to know some people and create some really gorgeous music with them,” said Hulscher. “A lot of work went into this show from a lot of different people, and I really hope anyone who comes to the show can see how much effort was put into it.”

Elmore echoed that sentiment, saying: “The amount of work that the ensemble has to put into a show like this is obscenely difficult, and every second counts. To watch them push themselves past what they thought possible is a wonderfully beautiful experience.”

The show opens on March 1, and continues through the week until Saturday with performances beginning at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 4 will have a matinee at 2 p.m. and then the schedule returns to normal, with March 7 through 10 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at the box office in person, or by calling the office at 503-838-8462 or emailing boxoffice@wou.edu. General admission is $14; senior citizens receive a discount, making their tickets $10; and students can purchase tickets for $8 with ID.

With eight performances slated and a 600-seat house, there is plenty of opportunity to see the musical, however purchasing tickets in advance is always advised. It’s also worth noting that, though the next two main-stage productions are dance-centric, this is the only musical of the year.

Contact the author at sblair13@wou.edu

Photos by: Paul F. Davis

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Lacrosse and rugby get two big wins

Simson Garcia | Sports Editor

The Wolves won big, then bigger, as Western’s men’s rugby and lacrosse teams outperformed their competition after picking up a few wins in the month of February. Rugby not only won, but trounced Oregon State, 41-12, on Feb. 17, while lacrosse jumped on San Jose State and put them down, 24-9, on Feb. 18.
Lacrosse added to the momentum with two more wins the following week, from Feb. 24-25, with another blowout victory versus Pacific Lutheran University, 30-7, and an 18-12 outcome against the University of Portland.
After many forfeits and weather postponements, rugby finally got their season back up and running. They faced a familiar foe as the Beavers defeated them back on Nov. 11, for the only Wolves loss on the season.

“As a team we’re extremely happy with the outcome. It’s always our biggest game because Oregon State has been our rivals for many years,” said junior back Dominic Akina. “It’s a good feeling beating a DI school, but we had to look at it as another game on our schedule.”
Whenever and against whoever, the team according to Akina, was just relieved to play in full contact again and it showed in the first five minutes of the game. The team created a turnover off a huge defensive play, transitioned that into offense, and off senior back Ryan King’s run, created a gap in the defense that allowed for Akina to score the first try.
Energized afterwards, the game became more physical with big hits throughout. What was supposed to deter the Wolves rather fed them momentum that transferred into try after try.

“Our forwards played really well, made huge stops, and caused game changing turnovers,” said Akina. “With those turnovers, our offense, forwards and backs, moved the ball very well. Our forwards created space for the backs to run the ball.”
With the win, Western’s club is now 5-1 on the season, and will wait a few weeks before playing their next game on March 17 against Southern Oregon University.
Lacrosse faced off with San Jose for their first game of the season on Feb. 18. The team thought it was going to be neck and neck and had a big week of preparation prior. But as they took the field, they became primed and ready. The Wolves rapidly put up four goals before the Spartans could initiate their offense and kept their foot down on the Spartans.
Juniors Andrew Barnett, an attackman, and Alex Eidler, a midfielder, were a common one-two punch in the first half as the duo connected on four goals to add to a first half score of 13-2. The game was over even as Western relentlessly scored more goals, but Western didn’t let loose and the scoring continued into their second game against Pacific Lutheran University.

Western leaped to a 14-1 lead and the Lutes were no match for the Wolves’s offense as they had many shots on goal and made most of them en route to a 30-7 victory. Barnett broke the school record for points (15) with eight goals and seven assists.
Barnett kept it going in the third game against Portland scoring two quick goals but Portland wasn’t the team they faced the day before as the game was tick for tack going into the third quarter at 9-8. But a 10-3 upheaval run by the Wolves ended affairs.
The 3-0 lacrosse team now looks forward to their next game against Central Washington which will be played on March 3. Face off begins at 3 p.m.

Contact the author at journalsports@wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

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Western celebrates Black History Month

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

As February comes to a close, students reflect on events that stimulated engaging conversations, provided an artistic outlet and aimed to educate the public during Black History Month.

Organized by Black Student Union, Western’s Black History Month events were a time to engage in discussion and awareness of issues within the black community at Western.

“I think, in our culture, we can be passive about marginalized communities and minorities in general,” explained BSU president Marnasha Fowlkes. “I definitely think Black History Month is needed because that continuously happens. And until we can break out of that, this is definitely a time where black culture needs to be celebrated or else oppression is going to be this continuous cycle that is super detrimental to the community.”

Events during Black History Month included a poetry slam, Don’t Touch My Hair student panel and a display in Hamersly Library. The display was an arrangement of books and DVDs contributed by BSU members that highlight black authors and additionally raise awareness regarding the Black Lives Matter movement.

The Don’t Touch My Hair panel featured six black identifying students that shared their experiences, struggles and triumphs with black hair. The panel discussed topics like natural hair versus styled hair, being treated differently because of their hair, feeling self conscious about how it’s styled and others inappropriately touching their hair without asking.

Aminna Ackridge, a second-year psychology major, explained that her hair is a way that she expresses herself. “My hair is a huge part of my identity because it is part of what makes me black and what makes me look black,” Ackridge explained. “I spend a good portion of my life dealing with my hair. Your hair is part of what makes you unique, what makes you stand out, what makes you different.”

Fowlkes encourages all individuals, not just those who identify as black, to attend upcoming BSU meetings and get engaged in these conversations.

“Education is power,” Fowlkes stated. “Even though we do live in a predominantly white community, different perspectives and perceptions of the world throughout the various communities are always welcome at BSU meetings. The information is universal, whether it’s just learning and consuming that information and using it out in the world or giving your input in those discussions … We want to invite people in rather than exclude people out.”

Check out BSU meetings on Mondays at 5 p.m. in the Santiam Room of the WUC.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

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Dorm room guide for first-years

Caity Healy | Lifestyle editor

For those living in a dorm, you know that the atmosphere and the living situation feels entirely different than if you were living somewhere else. You now live with a roommate that you may or may not know, your space has been condensed into a cramped room, and for many, you have to learn how to share this small space with someone you’d never experienced living with before.

While ultimately this can lead to conflict, some unavoidable, there are ways to best navigate the issues or minimize the amount that will arise.

When it comes to living with a roommate, the most important thing to maintain is respect. “Respect is really the baseline for a healthy roommate relationship,” commented sophomore education major Kaiana Bradley, who is an RA at Western, “treat them and their things how you would want to be treated.”

As for the biggest ways for keeping the relationship between you and your roommate civil, she noted that it really comes down to two points: compromise and communication. “People are raised differently and live differently,” said Bradley, “but talking about differences and issues and finding compromise is the best way to avoid conflict.”

Finding compromise with your roommate can come in many forms. Set guidelines between each other that you need to follow. There are many important questions that you should be asking your new roommate to get a sense of how they’d prefer things to go, and so that they can hear your perspective as well. How do you feel about guests coming over? When do you want it to be quiet? Are there any foods that you just can’t stand the smell of and would rather me not microwave in here? How do you feel about people spending the night? Things like this, while the answers might not always be in sync, will still allow you to both have a voice in how the rest of the year will go.

If conflict does arise, though, it’s best to tackle it early on. You can try to work it out with your roommate, but if that’s proving to be ineffective, take it to your RA.

“If the resident feels uncomfortable addressing their concern directly to their roommate, they can let their RA know what is happening and the RA can help them through the process from there.” Bradley added.

Lastly, realize that dorm room etiquette means more than just within the bedroom; it also includes the shared bathroom. This single bathroom is shared between you and everyone in the dorm, so keep a few things in mind. There are limited showers, so try to cut down your time as there could likely be people waiting. Also, make the janitor’s job easier and pick up after yourself. “Remove hair from the shower after you get out, remove soaps from the shower … and pick up your trash,” noted Bradley.

Contact the author at chealy16@mail.wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

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“Wish You Were Here” comes to Western

Zoë Strickland | Editor-in-Chief

Religion, pop culture and politics all intertwine within the gallery halls of Campbell Hall. On Feb. 21, the Cannon Gallery of Art unveiled its newest winter term exhibition: “Wish You Were Here,” a posthumous display of the mixed media works of local artist David George Andersen.

Andersen’s work tends to incorporate multiple mediums — displayed in the gallery are pieces that feature found objects, photographs and, in one case, flashing lights.

“I think this work takes some time to fully comprehend, just as it took time for the artist to conceptualize,” said Paula Booth, director of the Cannon Gallery. “While it is exquisitely crafted work and looks beautiful in the space, some might be turned off by some of the imagery.”

The work shown in the Cannon Gallery doesn’t shy away from bringing up controversial issues. Through his art, Andersen used everyday items that are often found in popular culture as a means to explore religious symbolism, the way religion is played out through the separation of church and state, as well as religion-based slurs. In his work, exhibit goers can find references to advertising campaigns, paint by number layouts and spirit boards.

When asked what she thinks Western students can get out of this exhibit, Booth responded, “While I can’t say exactly what students will take from the exhibit, I do know that if they spend time with the work, they may be surprised by the depth of meaning and humor in the work, as well as its relevance to the current moment in history.”

Andersen, who passed away in January 2017, had signed up to show his work at Western but was unable to see the exhibit through to its inception. Andersen’s wife, Melanie Weston, chose the title and title piece for “Wish You Were Here.”

“Vacation,” the piece of art highlighted on all of the publicity materials, is comprised of a Ouija board that spells out the chosen title for the exhibit.

“Quija boards that spell out ‘wish you were here’ are, in and of themselves, kind of humorous and intriguing,” said Booth. “That combined with the fact that David is no longer with us just adds another bittersweet layer to the piece.”

In addition to working on his own art, Andersen held multiple positions relating to exhibit design; he worked as an exhibit designer at both the Frye Art Museum in Seattle, Washington and the Cheney Cowles Museum in Spokane, Washington. In a more local context, Andersen joined the team at Hallie Ford Art Museum in Salem, Oregon in 2007 and worked as both exhibition designer and chief preparator.

“Wish You Were Here” will be on display in the Cannon Gallery until March 23. Next term, the gallery will be showcasing a display of art from students at Linn Benton Community College, as well as the 50th Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition.

Contact the author at journaleditor@wou.edu

Western Oregon University’s Land Acknowledgement
Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR is located within the traditional homelands of the Luckiamute Band of Kalapuya. Following the Willamette Valley Treaty of 1855 (Kalapuya etc. Treaty), Kalapuya people were forcibly removed to reservations in Western Oregon. Today, living descendants of these people are a part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.

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WOU prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by WOU.

Curriculum changes coming this fall

Care guide for winter skin

Bringing eastern Texas to Western Oregon

Lacrosse and rugby get two big wins

Western celebrates Black History Month

Dorm room guide for first-years

“Wish You Were Here” comes to Western

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