2021 – Page 4 – The Western Howl

Intramural recruiting for Fall 2021 begins

Mikayla Coleman | News Editor

The recent return to campus life leaves many students questioning just what extracurricular activities are resuming for fall term. Intramural sports have made a strong willed return.

Intramural sports programs are open to all Western students, faculty, staff and spouses. They are a great option for those who want to participate in sports, but may not necessarily have the commitment level or developed skill set for a school sports program.

“Intramurals fill a unique void. There are no practices, no coaches — it’s just show up and have fun and play with your friends,” said Andy Main, assistant director for Campus Recreation.

Intramurals have less emphasis on qualities that make sports a stressful event and weigh more on getting involved within the campus community.

“It’s a unique way to blow off steam, maybe take your mind off of a stressful final coming up — for me, most importantly is to meet and bond and get to know new people,” Main said.

Western’s intramural program has thirteen different sports that they are currently recruiting for. Each sport does have a cost associated with it depending on the scope of the league, tournament or event. This fall term they plan to offer many exciting in person events including Badminton League, Corn Hole League and Volleyball League. Amidst the pandemic panic we have all endured, they also plan to grow with the technical times and implement two virtual sports and activities: the NCAA Bowl Game Pick’em and esports.

All rules and regulations can be found on imleagues.com/wou.

Contact the author at newseditor@thewesternhowl.com

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Letter from the Editor

Fall transitions for Student Media’s 99th year

Cora McClain | Editor-in-Chief

Hey, Western. Here we are again, the start of another year, this one my last.

Going into my fourth year on “The Western Howl,” third year as Editor-in-Chief, and the 99th year since the conception of Student Media at Western, there are a lot of expectations for us at the Howl, as well as for me.

Since it’s my senior year and I will not be able to return next year, it’s my job to find and prepare the next Editor-in-Chief for producing the centennial volume of the Howl.

So, while I am focused on this, I might make a few errors along the way. For instance, this letter.

I’m so sorry for my letter from the Editor not making it into Volume 4, Issue 1. Unfortunately, there just wasn’t room in Issue 1 for this letter, as the issue was overwhelmed with an amazing flood of creativity and passion from the new writing staff.

You should know the drill by now Western: new year, new staff.

I’m so very excited to be working with all of the fresh perspectives from senior integrated English studies major Sarah Austin, junior English studies major Mikayla Coleman, and senior political science major Camille Lenning. I am especially looking forward to sophomore English studies major Mirella Barrera-Betancourt pioneering the new position of staff writer and helping to develop what this position entails.

At the same time, I am very lucky to have some key returning figures to help train and guide our staff through some major transitions. Senior interdisciplinary studies major Rylie Horrall returns as our Managing Editor and currently designs our issues in the absence of a designer. Stephanie Moschella, senior social science major, is once again our Digital Media Manager and taking over as photo editor in the absence of one. Allison Vanderzanden, senior English studies major, takes up a new role as Copy Editor this year.

Overall, this staff looks very strong in creativity and passion, as well as skill and experience. Just looking at Issue 1, I can already tell that this is going to be a great year for the Howl to expand and build after surviving heavy budget cuts, staff reductions and product downsizes.

Speaking of expanding, let’s get back to those transitions I mentioned.

Firstly, I am overjoyed to welcome our new adviser, William McDonald-Newman, to Student Media. Though he’s learning the ropes, he has already proven to be a big help to me and the staff.

Secondly, reading through this issue, it is pretty noticeable that we are expanding back to a 12 page issue. However, this could fluctuate back to eight pretty regularly.

Thirdly, flipping through this issue, it’s obvious that we are printing once again. New weekly issues will be found at newsstands and on tables around campus and Monmouth. Be on the lookout for these issues and don’t be afraid to pick one or two up; after all, they are for you, Western. Find a full list of our on and off campus distribution locations on our Instagram @thewesternhowl and website wou.edu/westernhowl.

Fourthly, we will not have a Sports section again this year, at least not a regular weekly section. Instead, the Howl will feature more special or limited sections; Issue 1 featured a Culture section, and Issue 2, a Homecoming section.

Finally, we are using new emails with our own domain, something we are very excited about. These will be the official Western Howl emails from now on. Please be patient with us while we are figuring out some technical issues with emails bouncing back.

That’s all for the changes we have made so far. If any more come up, Western, you will be the first to know.

Big things are coming, Western, and I am so excited to share them with you.

Contact the author at westernhowleditor@thewesternhowl.com

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Smith Fine Arts Series’ COVID safe comeback

Smith Fine Arts Series returns to Rice Auditorium with COVID-19 safety precautions

Camille Lenning | Entertainment Editor

Smith Fine Arts Series is entering its 44th season this October, and it’s making a triumphant return to in person performances after switching to an online format in March 2020.

Lisa Schachter, director of the Smith Fine Arts Series, is in charge of operations and fundraising, and has been working hard to get performances running again. Among her other duties, Schachter was also involved with implementing Smith Fine Arts Series’ COVID-19 safety guidelines.

“Once we got clearance that we were going to actually be able to start doing things in the performing arts hall, but with a lot of limitations, that’s when we knew we could move forward with the artists and (get) in touch with them,” Schachter said. “The musicians and artists are all very anxious to get back on stage, we just wanted to make sure we did it safely.”

Schachter asserted that Smith Fine Arts Series will strictly follow Western’s COVID guidelines, including: requiring vaccine cards upon entry to Rice Auditorium; declining to serve food or drinks before, during or after performances so that masks can be worn at all times; cancelling intermissions during shows to reduce crowding in the lobby; and closing seating within the first three rows of the auditorium to allow social distancing between artists and the audience.

Andi Moring, a senior math and theatre double major at Western, has worked as the program assistant for 18 months. Hired right before the pandemic began, she had never worked on ⏤ nor seen ⏤ an in person performance from Smith Fine Arts Series.

“I’m taking ticket orders now, which I’d never done prior to this,” Moring said. “It’s so much more exciting to be like ‘Yes, I’ll take your ticket orders for these shows that we will have.’”

Though Moring has little experience dealing with an in person Smith Fine Arts production, she remains optimistic.

“I’m a little nervous, but I’m really excited to see a show and interact with people, that’s one of my favorite things in life,” said Moring.

Contact the author at entertainmenteditor@thewesternhowl.com

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What to expect from Smith Fine Arts in 2021–22

Smith Fine Arts Series performance lineup for its 44th season

Camille Lenning | Entertainment Editor

Smith Fine Arts Series is known as a haven for the arts, and its top quality productions are returning to present a variety of diverse performances for all ages.

Halie Loren (Friday, Oct. 8) — A multilingual singer-songwriter with eight albums to her name, Loren has received international critical acclaim for her jazz musical stylings.

Vianna Bergeron Brazilian Jazz (Saturday, Dec. 4) — Known for performing a diverse mix of Brazilian music genres, this band features vocalist Rosi Bergeron, saxophonist Tom Bergeron, pianist Cassio Vianna, bassist Wagner Trindade and drummer Cam Siegal.

Rainbow Dance Theatre (Friday, Jan. 14) — This Oregon-based dance company will perform their “20 in 2020” repertory show, choreographed for their 20 year anniversary tour, which was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Seamus Egan Project (Saturday, March 12) — Specializing in Irish folk music, Egan has redefined the genre through his mastery of Irish flute, guitar, mandolin, tenor banjo and other instruments. He will be joined by Scottish fiddler Jenna Moynihan, guitarist Kyle Sanna and guitarist, banjoist, mandolinist Owen Marshall.

Thalea String Quartet (Saturday, April 2) — This group of internationally renowned musicians brings timeless music to all audiences, featuring violinist Christopher Whitley, violinist Kumiko Sakamoto, violaist Lauren Spaulding and cellist Titilayo Ayangade.

The Thornette David Band (Saturday, June 4) — A blues legend, Davis has been on the scene since 1987 and will be performing with her seven piece band.

All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Day of show ticket sales begin as early as 6 p.m. Advance ticket purchases are $28 for adults, day of show tickets are $33 and both options are $10 for non-Western students. Those with a valid Western student ID can get their tickets free of charge, just make sure to show up early to book a seat. Call the Smith Fine Arts Series’ office at 503-838-8333 with any questions.

Contact the author at entertainmenteditor@thewesternhowl.com

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Fall vibes for weary ears

A soundtrack for watching the leaves fall compiled by The Howl staff

The Western Howl Collective

The autumn season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate the leaves changing than with a new playlist to listen to throughout the season? “The Western Howl” staff has compiled some of their favorite fall songs they like to listen to. To check this playlist out and others we have created, find us on Spotify @TheWesternHowl.

“Sweater Weather” — The Neighborhood
“고엽” or “Autumn Leaves” / “Dead Leaves” — BTS
“TT” — TWICE
“Dearly Departed” — Marianas Trench
“Witchcraft” — Pendulum
“Wake Me Up When September Ends” — Green Day
“We Close Our Eyes” cover — Ninja Sex Party
“Heather” — Conan Gray
“we fell in love in october” — girl in red
“Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” — Cage The Elephant
“Zombie” — The Cranberries
“Candy” — The Presidents Of The United States Of America
“Heads Will Roll” — Yeah Yeah Yeahs
“Witch Love” — Nico Yaryan
“In A Week” — Hozier ft. Karen Cowley
“Pumpkin” — The Regrettes
“Pumpkins Scream In the Dead of the Night” — Savage Ga$p and 93FEETOFSMOKE ft. shinigami
“Zombie Love” — Bohnes
“Halloweenie II: Pumpkin Spice” — Ashnikko
“Howl” — The Family Crest
“Safe & Sound” — Hannah Jern-Miller
“THIS IS HALLOWEEN” remix — Whiiite
“Ghost Story” — Cheat Codes ft. All Time Low
“All Too Well” — Taylor Swift

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Four tips on combating homesickness in college

A student’s guide to managing feeling homesick while living away from home

Mirella Barrera-Betancourt | Staff Writer

While COVID-19 continues on its rampage around the world with the recent emergence of the delta variant, college students have held out and moved back to campus for in person classes. Although most welcome the change, many first-year students have taken the biggest hit. Following the events of virtual classes in 2020 and 2021, more college students than ever are having to endure a stressful change in schedule and routine. Here are four tips on managing homesickness while away at college.

Connect with family and friends back home. A good way to combat feelings of homesickness is to find ways to stay in touch with family members. An easy way to do so is by taking advantage of today’s technology and video chatting with friends and family. Seeing a familiar face in the midst of unfamiliarity has proven to be cathartic in more than one way. For those who live closer to home, setting up a time to meet up with family in person is also as effective.

Establish a routine and familiarise oneself with the new surroundings. College students can spend up to nine months at a time on their college campus, sometimes more. It is important that students learn to establish a set routine that makes their temporary living situation feel more like home. Walk around campus and become familiar with scenery and surroundings. Explore the town that will be called home for the next few years, such as grocery stores, restaurants and retail stores.

Get involved in campus activities by joining clubs, community organizations and volunteering. Everyone wants to be welcomed and feel a sense of belonging. Getting a job or joining clubs or other student organizations is a great way to combat feelings of homesickness. It keeps the mind occupied while also providing comfort and security. Western is home to more than 60 clubs and organizations, so students are sure to find something that reflects personal passions.

Take advantage of campus resources. Many first-year or transfer students do not take advantage of the resources their university provides. Western is proud to have their WOU Ambassadors, which work with the Admissions Office on campus to provide campus tours, help with preview days as well as other various on campus activities. Sometimes feelings of homesickness can be brought on by stress. When classes or workload gets tough, or if one is in need of a much needed emotional or psychological break, the Student Health and Counseling Center is open for virtual and in person appointments from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. to provide counseling. Western is also home to the PLUS team — students who welcome first-year students during orientation, New Student Week and registration. The PLUS team is there to serve any students in need of guidance, and are always willing to help make college a happy and healthy experience.

Contact the author at staffwriter@thewesternhowl.com

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College students and coffee: A match made in heaven?

Understanding the pros and cons of caffeine consumption amongst college students

Mirella Barrera-Betancourt | Staff Writer

Classes at Western are underway, and with them has initiated the caffeine rush so many university students experience. Studies have found that over 50% of university students consume caffeinated beverages daily. With coffee being a staple in almost every student’s diet and lifestyle, it is important to consider the potential health benefits — and detriments — of drinking it, including what it could mean for students’ bank accounts and mental energy.

Pro: Boosts metabolism

Coffee, specifically black coffee, contains chlorogenic acid, which has been linked with lowering glucose levels. This kick starts metabolism, eventually leading to weight loss. That being said, coffee must be consumed in moderation in order for it to take effect. The recommended amount of coffee is 400 milligrams per day.

Con: Increases anxiety levels and the likelihood of panic attacks

Caffeine is a stimulant drug, and while it keeps one awake, consuming too much, or even the recommended amount, can lead to jitteriness, muscle twitches, heart palpitations and even an increased likelihood of panic attacks.

Pro: Decreases the risk of Alzheimer’s and Type 2 diabetes

People who drink a moderate amount of coffee are 65% less likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. As for diabetes, the antioxidants found in coffee can aid in boosting metabolism and insulin levels, which can help keep insulin levels from plummeting.

Con: Loss of sleep

Caffeine has been found to disrupt the REM sleep cycle, as well as one’s circadian rhythm — which is the body’s internal alarm clock. Add that to the little amount of sleep many students already experience due to exams and assignments and it can all become a big hassle. To avoid this, it is better to consume caffeine in the mornings.

Pro: Increase in memory retention, focus and mental energy

Small doses of caffeine in the system can help with minor attention issues, such as being unable to focus during lessons or difficulty with storing information. It increases levels of alertness, and in dire circumstances, can help one remain awake with a boost of energy.

Con: The cost adds up over time

Caffeinated beverages are expensive, especially if bought from popular coffee chains. If consumed daily, perhaps it is best to make a pot at home.

Contact the author at staffwriter@thewesternhowl.com

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.

Accessibility Public Records Privacy Student Consumer Information

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.

Intramural sports return

Letter from the Editor

Smith Fine Arts Series’ COVID safe comeback

What to expect from Smith Fine Arts in 2021–22

Fall vibes for weary ears

Four tips on combating homesickness in college

College students and coffee: A match made in heaven?

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