Mount Hood

Heartfelt holiday gifts

Low and no-cost presents for this season of giving

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

The holiday season can quickly burn a hole in your pockets by the time gift shopping has been completed. But there are numerous heartfelt gifts to give that cost little to no money and still bring the holiday joy. Consider these low and no-cost thoughtful presents for friends and family this year.

Art piece: Having a knack for art — whether it be drawing, painting or crafting — can make for personalized and low-cost gifts. Depending on one’s skill set, ask loved ones for their favorite flowers, quotes, animal or character and create something special for them.

Memory jar: Use sticky notes or strips of paper to write down some favorite memories between one another. Roll or fold the notes up and place them in a jar or similar container. Decorate the jar if desired with sequins, twine, stickers or lettering.

Mixtape or playlist: Though cassette tapes are pretty outdated, the thought behind making a music mix for someone can translate to today’s era. If the gift receiver has a way to play them, make a cassette tape or CD and design a fun cover. Otherwise, create a playlist on their preferred music streaming service, and get creative by sticking to a theme. This could be the gift receiver’s favorite genre, songs that lift their spirits or songs that remind the maker of the receiver.

Offer services: Time can be one of the most useful gifts to all in our busy lives. If one has time to spare, write out a coupon book of services which the gift receiver can redeem for future use. These services could include babysitting or pet sitting, cooking meals, cleaning or yard work.

“Open when…” letters: Take some time to write personalized letters for the gift receiver to open in the future. Choose a number of specific occasions, such as “Open when you need a pep talk” or “Open when something worth celebrating has happened,” and write letters and notes to put into individual envelopes. Gather all the letters in a nice box to present to the gift receiver.

Personalized journal: Buying a journal, planner or sketchbook can be useful for many types of people. These kinds of presents can be made more personal by writing a note on the front page: give them some words of encouragement or best wishes, or draw them a picture.

Recipe cards: For families and friends who share their love through cooking, consider designing recipe cards for one another. Choose a personal favorite recipe and decorate a note card with the recipe written on it. If there are too many recipes to choose from, create multiple cards and compile them with a binder ring.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

This week in completely made up horoscopes

The Western Howl Staff

Aries 3/21-4/19  

Huh, weird. 

Taurus 4/20-5/20

Damn that movie was really bad. 

Gemini 5/21-6/20 

Wow that was worse than 2016

Cancer 6/21-7/22

Somebody once told me the world is gonna roll me….

Leo 7/23-8/22

When the whole world took the L … lel

Virgo 8/23-9/22

“This mac and cheese, man, Oh, he’s got a plan to end my life” 

Libra 9/23-10/22

I would like a full refund and a heartfelt apology.

Scorpio 10/23-11/21 

GG, we’ll pick it up next time

Sagittarius 11/22-12/21

Weird flex but ok lol

Capricorn 12/22-1/19

Thanks, I hated it

Aquarius 1/20 – 2/18

At least it’s over

Pisces 2/19 – 3/20

… if you have nothing nice to say then – 

Roxxxy Andrew hosts online Drag Show Bingo

Student Activities Board organizes drag show bingo event hosted by “RuPaul’s Drag Race” star Roxxxy Andrews

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

Under current government guidelines, much of Western’s planned in person activities have been altered to a virtual format or dropped entirely to ensure the safety of all of Western’s community.

Although some events have been canceled, organizations such as the Student Activities Board  have put together events that equate to or surpass the typical in person events. This week, the SAB has organized Drag Show Bingo. Students were given the opportunity to select one of four prominent drag queens to host the event: Alexis Michelle, Roxxxy Andrews, Brita Filter and Pandora Box. Ultimately, Western students voted to have “RuPaul’s Drag Race” star Roxxxy Andrews lead the activity.

Michael Feliciano, known for his drag persona Roxxxy Andrews, began doing drag in Orlando nightclubs, and later competed in drag show pageants. In 2012, Feliciano’s stage character became a nationally recognized household name after being featured in the fifth season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and being that season’s runner up. 

Since the show, Roxxxy Andrews has won titles such as Miss Gay Southernmost USA 2015 first alternate and crowned Miss Angel City Continental 2019. Additionally, Andrews has been featured on the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” spin off “Untucked” seasons one and two, “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” seasons two and five, “Queen to Queen” and “The Queens.”

For students that are interested in meeting Roxxxy, the Drag Show Bingo event is being held on Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. over Zoom. Winners will receive SAB swag and various Western items. The Zoom link for the event can be found on the WOU Engage event page.

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

Cuts to Western’s departments and programs

President Fuller’s Article 15 Task Force proposes draft of program curtail and Non-Tenure Track reductions

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

Beginning in 2011, the administration office began seeing lower enrollment rates at Western, resulting in financial challenges in the years following.

In spring 2020, COVID-19 accounted for 70% of the university’s 25% drop in enrollment. This resulted in the university asking the deans to propose two budgets to reduce salaries by 10% and 17% in June. In addition, all Cabinet members were asked to review budgets for FY21 and develop 10% and 17% cuts, based on salary. 

When the task force began reviewing program curtailments, an extensive list of qualitative and quantitative factors were taken into account. 

Additionally, the task force also utilized feedback from original reports from the deans, the recommendations from Western Oregon University’s Federation of Teachers, the recommendations from the Faculty Senate Executive Committee, PowerPoint for panel discussion, feedback from three faculty panel discussions, the report from the faculty Sustainability Task Force and Article 15 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement outlining faculty contracts and rights.

In totality, the task force has proposed the elimination of five majors, two programs, seven minors, one program freeze and one history concentration removal. For non-tenure track faculty, 15 departments have received deductions in full-time equivalents.

All of us are frustrated and shocked, and more importantly we are not okay with it,” said senior earth science major Nicole Niskanen. “Granted, the times we are in are very challenging and it is understood that the university is not exclusive with the sacrifices it is making, because many other schools are in the same position.”

Niskanen explained that a lot of the cuts are impacting first-generation college students that are interested in pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and math.

“Western Oregon University is an affordable option for many first-generation college students, along with that, the campus prides itself on diversity and equality,” said Niskanen. “The Earth Science program at Western has a significant number of women and other individuals from diverse backgrounds and populations enrolled in the program including students with disabilities.”

According to Niskanen, eliminating the program strips away the opportunities for some of those underrepresented first-generation college students and deprives those who cannot afford to attend expensive STEM-focused universities.

Under the current program cuts, students will be permitted to complete their major and professors will still teach until students learning in their areas complete their major or minor; the effects of program cuts will impact all incoming students starting in 2021.

“I am writing on behalf of all of the Earth Science students who have completed the program, who are currently trying to finish the program, and those who will complete the program; we don’t want to see any of our professors leave because they have done so much for us by dedicating their time to support us and by selflessly helping prepare each student for whatever career path they take. We want to fight for the program and fight for our educators,” said Niskanen.

Currently, faculty are working to try and save these programs. To advocate for programs or faculty jobs, students can go to the ASWOU site within Engage. From there, students can fill out the Student Concern Report.

UPDATE (DEC. 15TH, 2020 @ 6:52PM)

Western has announced its final program curtailment enacted by Article 15, as well as non-tenure track layoffs outside of Article 15.

Under the article, the university is permitted to make reductions in cases of demonstrable financial need, discipline curtailment or retrenchment. As of now, Western is claiming financial strain due to COVID-19 and long-term decline in enrollment as the cause of enacting Article 15.

Since fall of 2011, Western’s enrollment has decreased over 25% from 6,217 to 4,552 in fall of 2020, as reported in the Article 15 Task Force’s finalized plans. Currently, under the Article 15 program curtailment plans, 14 full time positions will be lost, and a total of 10 majors and minors will be eliminated along with two masters programs. Outside of Article 15, a total of 16 full-time non-tenure tracks are being laid off.

“Quite frankly, our options for achieving a balanced budget are limited,” said President Rex Fuller in a letter to the campus community. “Given that more than 85% of our expenses are salary and benefits. With limited options for tuition increases, declining enrollment, and likely cuts to state funding, we must act decisively to align our budget with our fiscal reality.”

As of now, the impact of the program cuts will not impact students who are currently majoring or minoring in the program. In the letter, Fuller noted how important it is for students impacted by the program cuts to finish their degrees. According to the campus-wide letter, program curtailment will only impact incoming students starting in the 2021 to 2022 school year. Tenure-track and non-tenured positions will not be cut until deans and division heads submit final layoff decisions. The decisions are expected to be an ongoing discussion through the month of January.

Some members of Western’s faculty union — the WOU Federation of Teachers — are asking for program curtailment to be delayed until the new university president comes into office.

“We know that WOU is in some financial difficulties,” said WOUFT Communications Director Scott Beaver. “We just don’t want to rush, do long term solutions without due diligence.”

In an effort to advocate for faculty and departments WOUFT included some alternatives to department layoffs in the finalized plan, including moving Western out of Division II sports, looking for efficiencies in non-instructional office budget cuts and personnel assignments, reduce the number of campus sponsored events and used additional money from the fund balance.

In the final plan, all layoff notices must be given to designated faculty no later than the end of January. Affected tenure-track faculty will receive a one-year layoff notice before their positions end, at the latest by the end of January 2022.

The union at this time remains hopeful that there are departments that can be saved before layoff notices are issued. Beaver said the union is still fighting. 

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

The IFC decides winter term fee and department area funding

The IFC has completed 85% of their fee establishment process, but are still in debate with WOU Administration and Board of Trustees Chair

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

In the third open hearing on Nov. 25, the Incidental Fee Committee evaluated all student feedback they received on fee proposals and department area funding. From their survey sent out to students, it was revealed that 192 students participated in the questionnaire.

Based on their feedback, the IFC ultimately determined all funded areas would receive their full asking amount. However, Interim Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Randi Lydum asked for a budget reduction of approximately $100,000 due to some sports opting out of traveling.

Of the two fees proposed, 62% of the respondents voted on the lesser fee of $150. Unanimously, the IFC agreed to the $150 fee proposal and approval of all area funding proposals. With total operating costs of around $920,000, the IFC is pulling around $270,000 out of reserves.

While the IFC has completed most of its legislative process, they are still being opposed by WOU Administration and Board of Trustees chair Betty Komp. In an emergency IFC meeting held on Nov. 23, IFC members discussed the areas of disagreement between the IFC and the Board of Trustees with President Rex Fuller. 

In the meeting, Fuller voiced he does not agree with changing the current fee structure that was approved by the board in April. Fuller went on to say that he couldn’t fully say whether he would be in support of the IFC’s request of an emergency meeting with the Board of Trustees because he had seen no formal proposal from the IFC.

“I would need to see more of the argument for resolution or the recommendation you are proposing,” said Fuller. “I have not seen a clear definitive argument that you want the board to consider. What I’ve seen are ideas.”

Although Fuller says he is unwilling to have the IFC change their fee midyear, many IFC members explained that their attempts to meet with the Board of Trustees during the summer were denied, believing the discussion would be better at a later date. According to IFC Vice Chair Nick Denning, when ASWOU President NJ Johnson and President Fuller were discussing the million dollar deal, Fuller said the IFC would be given time to discuss fee applications in the winter..

“In an email that you (President Fuller) sent to NJ regarding what your plans were for winter term,” said Denning, “we (The IFC) agreed we would take your million dollars on the condition that you would plan to organize 2020-2021 IFC at the earliest possible date in order to advance incidental fee for winter and spring term of 2021. This work will form the basis joint presentation to the board of trustees at the Nov. 18 meeting.”

At this time, due to the unwillingness of the Board of Trustees to initiate an emergency meeting — granted by the bylaws — and President Fuller’s plans to withdraw funding for winter if the IFC continues its process, the IFC will continue to look into writing an appeal to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission.

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

Resources for tough times during the holidays

What to do when the holiday blues strike

Natalie Dean | Entertainment Editor

There’s no amount of eggnog, Hallmark movies or peppermint bark that can fully cure the holiday blues. There are great parts of the holidays, don’t get me wrong. Half the fun is in buying gifts for family and friends, drinking too much hot chocolate and cozying up in bed to sleep the day away. 

The overall Christmas cheer and elaborate colorful lights around town do help ease the gloomy, cold days that have set in. There’s no denying that this year has been a whirlwind, and with everything combined, the encroaching Yuletide can sometimes feel like an emotional tsunami. The reality is that sometimes the holidays are just plain difficult, even if it can generally be a positive time. We’re only human, and everyone is just trying their best with what they’ve got. How we deal with trying times is ultimately up to us, but there are resources available to prepare for the upcoming holidays and New Year.

Financial stress and food insecurity can affect many people during their life, and extra help can be the difference between eating some nights versus not. Western has its own Food Pantry, and updates can be found on their Facebook and Instagram page, @WOUFoodPantry. 

There’s also a comprehensive list of food pantries and hunger relief organizations in Marion and Polk County that can be found at https://marionpolkfoodshare.org/get-help/. Services like these are available to anyone facing any level of food insecurity. This website lists the name of the organization, as well as their address and phone number, and their hours of operation.

There are many helplines and text services that can potentially help those who need someone to listen, talk to or get additional help. It can be extremely difficult to ask for help when needed the most, and if you or someone you love could benefit from these hotlines, don’t be afraid to just check these out. If they aren’t quite what you’re looking for, that’s okay too.

  • SAMHSA National Helpline: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can direct people to helpful resources, treatment facilities and support groups in the area at any time. Call 1-800-662-4357.
  • NEDA Helpline: National Eating Disorders Association offers confidential support for anyone coping with an eating disorder, or for concerns about disordered eating habits and actions. There’s also a chat option on their website, nationaleatingdisorders.org/. Available 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (ET) Monday through Thursday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET) Friday. For their crisis support, call 1-800-931-2237 or text ‘NEDA’ to 741741. 
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: Confidential assistance with trained professionals for people experiencing domestic violence, or questioning if they’re in an abusive relationship. There’s also an online chat on their website, thehotline.org/. Call 1-800-799-7233 or text ‘LOVEIS’ to 22522 at any time. 
  • Veteran Crisis Line: For veterans and service members in crisis, there are specially-trained VA responders available at any time. Call 1-800-273-8255 or text 838255. 
  • NSPH Hotline: National Suicide Prevention connects people to local crisis centers and offers confidential support from trained staff at any time. Call 1-800-273-8255. 

 

The holidays are stressful in general and there’s a lot going on in the world, and it’s perfectly normal to have days where you’re feeling anxious or down in the dumps. The holiday blues affect more people than we realize, but if you or someone you love is seriously struggling, please reach out to these resources and to those around you. If it is ever a true emergency, call 911. From one human being to another, just get through the day as best as you can. Acknowledge your needs for today, take care of yourself, and reach out to family and friends. Know that the sun will always rise and set, and we can try again tomorrow. 

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Reviews are in for Sony’s anticipated PS5

Console gaming gets an upgrade with the PS5 

Natalie Dean | Entertainment Editor

The PlayStation 5 had to be one of the most talked-about releases for many, and it’s been a little over two weeks since it became available in the U.S. on Nov. 12. It was also released in the U.K. a few days later on Nov. 19, and since hitting the markets, the PS5 has proven how advanced the gaming industry has become. 

Initial reviews raved about the incredibly fast loading times and the technology in the DualSense controller, as well as detailed 4K visuals and a sleek interface. 

While people have found aspects of the device that they enjoy, like any product, there is always room for improvement. Some drawbacks have been found in the DualSense wireless controller, which some found to be bulky. Other reviews point out the considerable 15.4 x 10.2 x 4.1-inch console, which may not be the most effective for smaller storage spaces. 

It’s no doubt that the PS5 was one of the most highly anticipated releases this year, and the time has finally come for gamers to experience the PS5 for themselves and see if it’s been worth the wait. 

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu