Mount Hood

WOU is Alive: a post-election discussion

By: Paige Scofield
Campus Life Editor

Politics in the United States can be very dividing for our country and our citizens. Regardless of who won or lost the presidential race, we can all agree that this election cycle has been exhausting, stressful and thought provoking. For some, the result of Donald Trump’s win was devastating and for others, a glorious triumph.

wou-is-alive-small-colorWithin this election cycle, it has been no secret that president-elect Trump, who has no past political career, has used hate speech and hate rhetoric towards certain ethnicities, groups and individuals. Regarding these facts, some students at Western have concerns.

On Friday Nov. 11, ASWOU put on the event, “WOU is Alive,” to answer some questions and concerns, regarding what might happen to Western’s students once Donald Trump takes office. The panel to answer said questions and concerns included: Jaime Silva, Director of the Student Health and Counseling Center; Ryan Hagemann, Vice President & General Counsel; Rex Fuller, President of Western; Rebecca Chiles, Director of Public Safety; and Gary Dukes, Vice president of Student Affairs. The event was moderated by the president of ASWOU, Alma Pacheco.

The questions were from the audience who attended the event.

Question: Will campus security be up to combat or deter violent acts against minority groups, like women, LGBTQ folks, people of color, etc. What is Western doing to keep campus a safe space for all?

Chiles: We’re doing the same things we’ve always done in addition to just being more vigilant, being more open, being more watchful. We’re monitoring social media more than we ever have before … to see what is going on on our campus. We (Public Safety) are always here, 24 hours a day. To always be a person that anybody can go to for any reason at all. We want to have that opportunity available to everyone on our campus.

Fuller: If you see something that’s out of line be sure to report it, call for help if you need it and rely on the services that are available.

Question: What exactly is the concern of danger that individuals should be worried about on campus?

Chiles: I don’t know if there are any specific concerns that have been put forth. Because of this election, there were racially charged, racially motivated, ethnically motivated, gender motivated speech from some of the politicians involved in that. Certain segments of people are concerned because they have heard those threats or those angry, hate words said about their particular groups.

Question: Can you address the concern of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival students? How is Western specifically going to protect our students who are in that population? What can we do to become more involved so that maybe in the future we can have a voice in the political situation?

Fuller: In terms of the DACA student standing, nothing has changed. The risk, of course, is as an executive order, it may be subject to revision or change. That’s the concern you see nationally and locally. One of the things that can help mitigate against that is to be actively engaged with those involved with the federal level, with regard to influencing the direction of the next administration. That’s one thing we can do. We also can be speaking as a group of presidents around the country talking about the need for immigration reform and to be part of that. With this change in administration, now is the time for higher education to speak to the public good aspect of what the university is. Both in terms of closing the educational attainment gap, but also in terms of a reasonable policy around what does immigration looks like, and how does that benefit from higher education.

Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu

All the resources you need to ace the interview process

By: Shaylie Pickerel
Staff Writer

If you’ve ever doubted yourself over an interview because you were nervous or didn’t know how to act, you’re not the only one. Jennifer Hansen, from the Service Learning and Career Development Center, took the time to help students understand the important aspects that go into acing an interview and feeling comfortable while doing it. She not only talked about the basics on what to wear and how to format your resume, but she also talked about the follow up portion of interviews and even how to behave during video calling and phone interviews.

“The center helps with resumes, cover letters and helps you to succeed here … and in your career. We even help alumni,” Hansen explained. “When you first get called for an interview, it can be exciting. It’s the questions that can be scary.”

She explained the overall purpose of interviews is that it’s a two-way street. The employer is there to check you out and you’re there to check out the company. There are many types of interviews that were talked about. For example, she mentioned the face-to-face interviews we are all familiar with, as well as the increasing amount of video calling interviews and informal interviews. From there she went on to talk about interview prep.

“You need to prepare to speak about you.” Hansen said. “You’ll also want to further your knowledge of the company and utilize the job description.”

During the event, she redefined how we approach the interview process. “The interview process starts as soon as you walk in the door. It could even start in the parking lot.” Hansen explained. She continued, explaining how employers may ask the receptionist about how you acted in the lobby. She touched on every single portion of the interview process as well as making sure students knew about the resources to help them that are on campus.

“If you need to practice a video call interview or you need an opinion on your handshake or outfit, just come in,” Hansen said. “We are always here to help and we want to see you succeed.”

To learn more about the Service Learning and Career Development Center or about how to ace your next interview, you can stop by the center downstairs in the Wener Center, room 119, or at wou.edu/slcd.

Contact the author at spickrell15@wou.edu

A safe alternative to walking is one call away for Western students

By: Jade Rayner
News Editor

Western provides a wide range of services to ensure the safety of its students. One of those services is WOLF Ride. WOLF ride is a “reliable shuttle service [for] students of Western Oregon University who would otherwise walk alone at night and risk their safety or possible assault,” as stated on Western’s Division of Student Affairs website. Whether you live on campus or off, you can use WOLF Ride to go grocery shopping, see a movie or to simply have a safe ride home.

wolfride-colorwou-eduUsing WOLF Ride is completely free, and you can be picked up or dropped off almost anywhere in Monmouth and Independence. For a map detailing the areas in which you can be transported, go to wou.edu/student/wolf-ride. Service hours are Monday-Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. In order to receive a ride, you can call WOLF Ride at 503-428-7238, then request where you would like to be picked up and where you are going. All ride requests are taken on a first come, first served basis.

There will be days when this service is unavailable; all of which you can find on the website mentioned above. Upcoming days to watch out for are Nov. 23-27 due to Thanksgiving break.

On the other hand, special ride request forms are now available for students who need a ride to connect to other means of transportation in Salem. During finals week, Dec. 7-9, you can make a request to be driven to the bus station, Amtrak train station or the Salem airport which has a connecting shuttle to the PDX airport for a $10 fee. The forms must be completed and the fee must be paid by Dec. 1.

For students who would like a safer and faster form of transportation than walking, WOLF Ride is an efficient and free option. WOLF Ride is in no way a designated driver service; intoxicated students will be refused service.

If you are seeking more information, or have questions call the office of Vice President for Student Affairs at 503-838-8221. Do not contact this number for ride requests.

Contact the author at jrayner14@wou.edu

Old Man Logan makes cinematic debut

By: Kinsey Bushart
Freelancer

The third installment to the “Wolverine” franchise had its first trailer released Oct. 20, though the movie title, “Logan” was leaked by Hugh Jackman himself two weeks prior.

This “Wolverine” movie is said to be the final film where Jackman plays Logan, a character that Jackman has played since the 2000 movie, “X Men.”

In the “Logan” trailer, mutant populations have dwindled, and those who are born are taken by the government to be used for their abilities. The X-Men are a thing of the past and both Logan and Professor X are alone. Logan himself has become aged and scarred while the Professor lays in a hospital bed.

With the introduction of a new mutant child, it seems that the two ex X-Men may get another chance to continue their work in the protection of mutants. “Logan” is to be released to American theaters March 3, 2017.

Contact the author at kbushart16@wou.edu

Cubs top Cleveland in seven games

By: Burke De Boer
Sports Editor

“Chicago takes World’s Series.”
That was the headline in the Oregonian the last time the Cubs won the championship. Or, at least, the headline in the Morning Oregonian, which was what the paper was named in 1908. The paper went on to say “Championship baseball honors go to the Cubs once more.”world-series-cubs-colornytimes-com

One hundred and seven baseball seasons later, the honors have gone to the Cubs again.

Pitchers Kyle Hendricks and Jon Lester were the two Chicago aces that lead the entire league in earned run average this season. And they were not the only stars on the mound.

Closing pitcher Aroldis Chapman holds the record for the fastest pitch in MLB history. In his World Series outing, he also recorded the fastest pitch in Series history, zipping a fastball at 104.1 mph in game two.

From the warm days of spring training to the darkening of September’s autumn, the high-powered rotation of some of the best pitchers in the league lead the way. Sports fans united to watch the Chicago Cubs break the longest World Series drought in MLB history.

2016 promised that the curse of the billy goat would be broken. This year, finally, Baphomet would crumble.

And so it was.

Contact the author at journalsports@wou.edu

How student veterans on campus can get connected

By: TK Layman
Staff Writer

Student veterans on campus have many resources available to them in order to help them achieve personal success. With events held by the Veterans Success Center, also known as the “Vet Center” around campus, students with prior or current military service are invited to be a part of their group.

The Veterans Success Center hosts a variety of events, along with allowing students to come in and plan their long-term education and career goals. Andrew Holbert is a five-year veteran who served with the Marine veterans-office-2-colorCorps. during his time in the military and works as the veteran services coordinator on campus. His role on campus is to help student veterans find the resources available to them on campus, by assisting with finding scholarships and becoming successful both academically and within their chosen career.

The VSC also puts on several events for students on campus, both with the military and not serving. This week in the Werner University Center they have a table where students can express what Veterans Day means to them. On Thursday, Nov. 10 students have the opportunity to be a part of a student panel where both active and inactive service members share their experiences in the military.

Another resource for students who are considering joining the military is the university’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corp, or ROTC, which allows students to observe what military life is like before making a commitment to serve. By offering a standardized training program, students sign up to graduate through the ranks.

“If students have no prior service, the first two years gives a sense of military experience,” said Andrew Doborowski, a Cadet with the ROTC, “When you contract as an MS3 in your third year, you are in the military, you receive a stipend, and at the end of your fourth year you are commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the military, and you commit to four years’ service active duty, or six years’ national guard or reserve.”

The ROTC program also has scholarship opportunities for students both looking to enroll after high school, and current college students. High school students must meet academic and physical requirements, along with agreeing to accept commission with the Army, Army Reserve or National Guard. Current college students are able to receive a two, or three-year scholarship: eligibility coming with the same academic and physical standards, but make a shorter commitment to the Army, Reserve or National Guard.

Western offers classes for MS1 and MS2, which are Private to Sergeant ranks respectively. MS3 and above are offered through Oregon State University.

Students looking to join the ROTC program are encouraged to speak to Major Boisvert on campus who can help guide the students in the correct direction to enroll.

The VSC is open to students the same hours the WUC is open. Andrew Holbert is available to assist students Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If students have any other questions they are encouraged to contact the VSC at 503- 838-9246 or email at wouveterans@wou.edu

“ Life and death is always united, always complimentary”

By: Paige Scofield
Campus Life Editor

To help promote diversity on Western’s campus, the Multicultural Student Union held an event in the Columbia Room of the Werner University Center.

Dia de los Muertos or, “Day of the Dead,” was celebrated on Wednesday, Nov. 2. This event included a guest speaker, fashion show, tamales, hot chocolate and pan dulce.

The MSU’s Western page described Dia de los Muertos as, “a time for the spirit of the deceased to return home and visit loved ones, feast on their favorite foods and listen to their favorite music. The MSU honors our deceased with ofrendas, or offerings, which may consist of photographs, bread, other foods, flowers, toys and other symbolic offerings.”

The guest speaker was Jaime Marroquin, a Spanish professor here at Western. He had a 15 minute presentation on what exactly Dia de los Muertos is, and why it’s celebrated in certain cultures. “First, a little bit of history,” said Marroquin, “Dia de los Muertos has pre-hispanic origins that we’re unsure about. But we do know that there was a big celebration. One fundamental thing about Mesoamerican or pre-hispanic cultures is the concept of duality. Life and death is always united, always complimentary.”

Those who celebrate Dia de los Muertos, cater to the needs of deceased loved ones. They make altars of food and line paths with flowers so the dead can find their way home.

After Marroquin’s presentation was complete, it was time for the hungry party goers to eat tamales. Plates were loaded up and bellies were filled with this traditional dish.

To finish the event with a bang, MSU held a fashion contest. The contestants strutted their stuff down the runway to show off their traditional Dia de los Muertos outfits. The winner won items with the MSU logo on it.

If you are interested in helping Western become more diverse, or wish to learn about other cultures, MSU meetings are Wednesday nights at 6:00 p.m. in the Columbia room in the Werner University Center. To contact MSU, you can email them at msu@wou.edu or by phone at (503)838-8403.

Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu

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