Mount Hood

Get to know a major

By: Paige Scofield
Campus Life Editor

Western offers a wide variety of degrees that students can major in, many of which students don’t know are offered, or know next to nothing about. This week, in “Get To Know a Major:” receiving a bachelor of science in community health.

Maressa Milat, a junior, is working towards receiving a bachelor of science in community health with a minor in human biology. Although she didn’t come to Western for that specific major, she knew she wanted to come here. “I came to Western to attend a small school rather than a big state school,” Milat stated.

Originally Milat was going to major in nursing, but she didn’t like how competitive it was, so she switched her major to community health. “You can do so much with a major in community health,” she said. “There are a lot of careers available to someone educated in that field.” According to Western’s website, those fields include: medical care facilities, colleges and universities, public health settings, non-profit community health organizations, private businesses and building a foundation for beginning advanced/graduate level work.

“I’m thinking about taking more of a social worker job, that checks in on families, children and the elderly,” she said. “That’s something that I think is a really important job in our society.”

The community health major is described on Western’s website as a program that, “… prepares students to work with individuals, groups, and communities to promote health and prevent disease and disability. Students develop professional skills and competencies that include: assessing individual and community needs, planning and implementing health education programs, evaluating the effectiveness of health education programs, coordinating health education services, acting as a resource person for reliable and valid health information,advocacy and communication of health needs and information to multiple audiences in socially and culturally appropriate ways.”
When asked what her favorite course she had taken so far was, Milat replied, “Human sexuality is my favorite so far. I like how open everything is and there’s no judgement.” She added, “Most of our classes are taught in a lecture style, and our class size is fairly small, so it’s easy to communicate with other students and my professors, I like that a lot too.”

Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu

Club spotlight: Black Student Union

By: Paige Scofield
Campus Life Editor

Student organizations are a very important part of a college education. They allow students to branch out and find their passions, as well as meet new people and make new friends. They teach students how to organize events and meetings as well as how to work as a team.

The Black Student Union is an organization on campus that is part of Western’s University Diversity Committee. Recently, they helped end Western’s MLK Celebration Week with a slam poetry event held in Café Allegro.

Courtney Briscoe, a senior psychology major, has been a part of the Black Student Union for three years and is now president of the organization.

“The Black Student Union is a student organization that works to promote diversity around campus as well as social issues. It is meant to be a fun and welcoming environment where all members of [Western] can go to to talk,” said Briscoe.

She wanted to be very clear that this club is not exclusive, “One thing I want people to know about BSU is that you do not have to be black to be a part of it. Being part of a small ethnic group here we like to see other members of the [Western] community attend. It’s nice to feel supported by our fellow peers.”

Black Student Union has meetings every Tuesday, located in the Klamath room of the Werner University Center at 4:00 p.m. Feel free to attend to learn more about Black Student Union and your fellow peers.

“BSU is important to me, because it gives me an environment to talk to people I identify with either ethnically or socially,” said Briscoe. “It’s a place where I feel welcomed and excited to go to every week! It’s a place where I feel I can talk about issues that are dear to me and the community I am a part of, without feeling like my opinion is invalid.”
To learn more information, visit Western’s website and search University Diversity Committee.

Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu

Gain the confidence to go after the jobs you want

By: Paige Scofield
Campus Life Editor

On Western’s campus, there is a wide variety of jobs and volunteer work available to students. Not only is it convenient, but also easy to access, because the work is on campus. Building up job experience or volunteer work can be difficult to manage when also going to school full time, but Western offers many positions that work with and for its students.

Cheyanne Burt, a senior interdisciplinary studies-health education major has been volunteering for Abby’s House as an advocate volunteer since fall term of this year.

“The past director of Abby’s House came into my violence and public health class the spring term of 2016, and was talking about Abby’s House,” said Burt, “I just got really interested and I wanted to make an impact as well, so I applied to be an advocate. After summer training I started fall term.”

When asked why it’s important for students to work for their school, Burt replied, “I think it’s a great experience in a controlled environment. So we’re gaining that experience, and gaining that work experience, and volunteer experience, with people who are willing to help us, people who are wanting to see us succeed. They provide us with the tools to do that when we graduate.”

If thinking about whether to work for Western or not, Burt says, “The more experience you have the better. All the work and volunteer work I’ve done at campus will help me to pursue the careers I want to, and have that confidence in what I have done the last four years to get a good job.”

If interested in looking for work or volunteer work at Western, visit Service Learning and Career Development downstairs in the Werner University Center. They have job applications for part-time and full-time jobs, as well as volunteer work opportunities.

Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu

Get to know a major

By: Paige Scofield
Campus Life Editor

Western offers a wide variety of degrees that students can major in, many of which students don’t know are offered, or know next to nothing about. This week, in “Get To Know a Major”: receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theater.

Natalie Doerfler, a sophomore, is working towards receiving a BFA in theater with a focus in acting.

“Originally, I had gotten a scholarship to St. Mary’s, in Minnesota of all places. But, my twin sister, Meghan, wanted to come visit Western, so I tagged along with her,” said Doerfler. “As soon as I got on campus I knew that I wanted to go here. It’s small, and I thought, this is a place I could call home nine months out of 12.”

Once Doerfler learned more about the BFA program from the theater professors, she was ready to start her college years at Western. The Western website describes the program as, “a rigorous and competitive program of study for students interested in pursuing careers in the professional theater. This pre-professional program is designed to combine intensive training with a liberal arts education. All aspects of theater—art, craft, business and education—are examined, with a focus on theatrical production.”

The program offers many classes, from Theater History to Acting for the Camera.

“Some of the classes are more intensive in just acting, and learning and doing and performing. There’s classes like stage combat that you can take, it’s not required, but you can take them. It’s really cool, and I know how to properly fight with a broadsword now,” she said.

When asked what her favorite class was, Doerfler replied, “Movement II, because I got to study an animal, and see how animal movements can influence a character’s movement. You want your character’s movement to be different than how you move. Otherwise it’s not a full performance.”

“The BFA theatre program is almost all acting classes, and it’s less generic things. It’s specifically if you want to be an actor, and want to pursue it as a job,” continued Doerfler. “I’m glad I am able to be a part of it.”

Natalie Doerfler is currently in the Black Box production of “All in the Timing,” which performs on Feb. 9, 10, and 11 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee on the 11th at 2:30 p.m.

Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu

For better or for verse

By: Jasmine Morrow
Staff Writer

During MLK Celebration Week, Western held many events to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. To finish, the MLK Celebration Week ended with Slam Poetry. The event was held at Café Allegro, so volunteers could perform a poem or short story of their choice.

Slam poetry, which is known for being powerful, meaningful and artistic, brought many students together to honor the late Dr. King. The audience filled café Allegro with support and applause. Some of the pieces performed were originals written by the performers, while others read some of their favorite poems from other authors. Although a handful of people performed, there were two performers who took the microphone more than once.

Nathan Mirles, who has been interested in slam poetry for 11 years, performed two original poems named “Flowerbud” and “TWO GAY DUDES AND THE BEACH.”

“Being able to share with other people is fantastic,” said Mirles, who had been to a few other MLK events earlier that week to become more culturally literate and to be educated and to learn about diversity. Mirles has been to many other slam poetry performances, such as: Voice in New Mexico, Hillsboro High School, here at Western Oregon and frequently at the Insomnia Café.

Another performer, Courtney Briscoe, read poems by her favorite poet, Maya Angelou. Briscoe has been doing slam poetry since high school. This event meant a lot to her because, “It’s a great way for BSU to interact, and it is a safe space to share thoughts and feelings.” When she isn’t performing slam poetry, Briscoe is involved with the drag show here on campus.

The slam poetry event was a slam-bang finish to the end of MLK Celebration Week. There will be more slam poetry events around campus throughout the year so be sure to keep an eye out for them.

Contact author at jmorrow16@mail.wou.edu

The celebration of free speech

By: Shaylie Pickerel
Staff Writer

Free speech, politics and a step back into 1962 pop culture, is what covers the walls of Western’s Hamersly Library. On Jan.18 Hamersly Library held the opening of a new art exhibit including works done by James Masnov. Masnov has curated the exhibit named “Free Speech Culture, Politics and the Art of Expression Then and Now.” It all started with his passion for free speech and the importance of the right Americans have to express differences of opinion.

When asked why free speech is such an important concept, Masnov replied, “Defending someone’s free speech right is not the same as defending their views.” He continued, “I defend people’s free speech right even if it’s a topic I don’t agree with, which is what Ellis Stebbis had done.”

Ellis Stebbis, the interim president at Western in 1962, allowed Gus Hall, the general secretary of the Communist Party of the United States, to speak on campus. Although Stebbis did not agree with what Hall had to say, he believed in his right to freedom of speech and agreed to let him speak if both the democratic and republican parties on campus agreed.

This event inspired Masnov to research what transpired at Western when Hall spoke, and draw creativity from politics, pop culture and modes of expression from 1962.

Masnov’s exhibit has the history of Stebbis and Hall, as well as all the hate mail Stebbis received for his actions. He displays other historically significant events that also deal with the matter of free speech in chronological order. The exhibit also includes displays of art and pop culture events relevant to 1962 to give the viewer an idea of what was going on in society during the event at Western.

This exhibit underlines the importance of free speech and the opportunity for people to advocate for their rights. It also reminds viewers how far we’ve come as a society and how important it is to keep advocating for free speech.

To learn more about this event, more key events in history and everything that 1962 had to offer, find the exhibit on the second floor of Hamersly Library until March 9.

Contact the author at spickrell15@wou.edu

Inclusion on campus

By: Paige Scofield
Campus Life Editor

Western is known for having a wide variety of opportunities for its students’ education, but it also has a wide variety of opportunities for its students’ hobbies and interests. A student club organization fair was held in the Werner University Center on Jan. 19 to showcase some of the clubs that are on campus who are looking for new members. Katherine Macias-Torres, a sophomore nursing major, ran the booth for the Multicultural Student Union.
“I think it’s important to have these fairs, because it helps the students to know what’s available on campus, it helps students to kind of branch out of their comfort zones,” said Macias-Torres. “Clubs like MSU help to promote diversity, but it’s also a safe zone, it’s inclusion.”
If you’re interested in joining a club but aren’t sure what clubs are available on campus, visit Western’s website and click on “Student Life” and then “Clubs and Organizations” to browse what Western has to offer. The clubs listed below are some of the organizations offered:

Multicultural Student Union Student Media
Catholic Campus Ministry Model United Nations
College Republicans Anthropology Club
Black Student Union Men’s Rugby
Rock Climbing Club WOU Student Veterans of America
Green Dot Plus Team
African Students and Friends Association
Lions Club
Dance Team
CRU
KWOU Student Radio
Student Activities Board
Western Compass
Resident Hall Association
Byte Club
Men’s Lacrosse
Art and Design Club

Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu

You can get paid for the notes you will already be taking

By: Paige Scofield
Campus Life Editor

Looking to help out others and get paid doing it? Then look no further, the Office of Disability Services is always looking for notetakers. You might have gotten an email from ODS telling you that one of your classmates needs someone to take notes for them. Only one notetaker is needed per class/section, so make sure to take the opportunity when you see it.

The ODS email states, “If you are interested in the opportunity to earn a little extra money, have a minimum GPA of 2.5, have legible handwriting and good class attendance, you are qualified to be a notetaker. ODS pays $20 per credit hour, per class-per term for students lecture notes.” That means you can get paid for the notes you will already be taking.

The home page of ODS states, “ODS uses the credits stated in the catalog, not the schedule of classes, for determining payment; i.e., a Biology class is broken down as 3 hours of lecture and 2 hours of lab in the catalog. Generally, we only pay for notes provided for the lecture portion of the class; i.e., $60.”

The email from ODS, that was sent at the beginning of winter term, gives you instructions on how to apply for the position and it’s on a first come first served basis.

Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu

21 and up

By: Paige Scofield
Campus Life Editor

Once the weather starts to turn colder, nothing is more relaxing than snuggling up with a hot beverage and lots of blankets. For those of you that are 21 and older, a warm alcoholic beverage might just hit the spot. Thanks to Alex Schlientz, a junior theatre major, who found the perfect concoction for the end of a winter day. The recipe is as follows:

What you need:
4 ounces of Evan Williams Honey Reserve Kentucky Liqueur
2 cups of water
2 cups of milk
3 tablespoons of brown sugar
2 chai tea bags

Directions:
In a medium saucepan add water, milk, brown sugar, and chai tea bags. Bring the liquid to a boil, stir occasionally. When the mixture starts boiling, add and stir in the Evan Williams Honey Reserve Kentucky Liqueur. Take mixture off heat and let cool for a bit before serving.

Please drink responsibly and enjoy!

Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu

Change of seasons

By: Paige Scofield
Campus Life Editor

For some, the start of fall and transition into winter is a beloved time of year. But for others, the change in seasons can cause unwanted symptoms known as seasonal affective disorder.

As stated by American Family Physician, SAD affects 4-6 percent of Americans, and 10-20 percent of Americans can have a mild form of seasonal affective disorder.

According to Mayo Clinic, “Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons – SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you’re like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody.”

Symptoms can start out mild but can quickly become more intense and excessive. As stated by Mayo Clinic, symptoms can include: irritability, tiredness or low energy, problems getting along with other people, hypersensitivity to rejection, heavy-leaden feeling in the arms or legs, oversleeping, appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates and weight gain.

Although the cause of seasonal depression is unknown, there has been some speculation of certain factors that might cause some of these symptoms. Those include your biological clock, also known as your circadian rhythm, serotonin levels and melatonin levels.

According to Mayo Clinic, “The reduced level of sunlight in fall and winter may cause winter-onset SAD. This decrease in sunlight may disrupt your body’s internal clock and lead to feelings of depression. A drop in serotonin, a brain chemical or neurotransmitter, that affects mood, might play a role in SAD. Reduced sunlight can cause a drop in serotonin that may trigger depression. The change in season can disrupt the balance of the body’s level of melatonin, which plays a role in sleep patterns and mood.”

Although SAD can affect all, a higher number of women are diagnosed but men may have more severe symptoms. Severity of symptoms are also dependent on the person. Someone who may have a family member with depression is more likely to have SAD. Someone who is diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder can also have more severe symptoms during fall and winter.

According to American Family Physician, SAD usually affects those who are 20 or older, which is within the age range of students who attend college. If you think you might be suffering from any of these symptoms, Western has a Health and Counseling Center on campus that can help you understand why you have these symptoms and how to cope with them.

Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu

So much more than a three day weekend

By: Paige Scofield
Campus Life Editor

Martin Luther King Day is celebrated by students everywhere as a three day weekend, rather than a day to remember and appreciate all Martin Luther King Jr. did in his lifetime. Western, however, is making a one day holiday into a week long celebration of the life of Martin Luther King Jr. To honor the Civil Rights leader, Western is putting on several different events intended for any who are interested: the community, students, staff and faculty are all welcome.

Although there were no classes on Jan. 16, the University Diversity Committee didn’t waste any time. On Jan. 16 the University Diversity Committee made the holiday a “day on versus a day off” for the Marion-Polk Food Share Service Project. On Jan. 17, the committee held a Community-Police Dialogue to “engage in a dialogue about race, class and justice with local law enforcement officers,” held in the Werner University Center in the Willamette Room.

On Jan. 18, the committee is holding the MLK Jr. Celebration Annual Dinner in the Pacific Room of Werner University Center. Along with a dinner, guest keynote speaker Lasana Omar Hotep, will be presenting.

“Lasana Omar Hotep is an entrepreneur, essayist and educator committed to providing insight and practical strategies in the areas of student development, cultural fluency and institutional equity. His fact-based, witty, multimedia presentations inform and inspire individuals to think critically about themselves and society. He has delivered talks and engaged audiences around issues of cultural identity and educational equity at over 100 institutions throughout the country,” stated the University Diversity Committee MLK event page.

Tickets for this event are $3.00 for students and $5.00 for general admission. Tickets can be purchased, cash only, at the Werner University Center front desk or in the Office of Disability Services, APSC 405. Students who have a meal plan can use their ID/Meal cards to purchase tickets for $3 at Wolf express in the Werner University Center. Doors open at 5:45 pm and the program begins at 6:00pm.

On Jan. 19 the University Diversity Committee, co-sponsored by the Black Student Union, are putting on a poetry slam. “Join your peers and Western faculty along with BSU as they recite poetry and even read their original works. Grab a drink and listen, or even recite something yourself!”

Make sure you take part in Western’s 2017 MLK Celebration Week so you can learn and appreciate all Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. did to start the conversation on equality in America and how he’s impacted those today.

Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu

Alma Pacheco

By:  Paige Scofield
Campus Life Editor

A message from President Rex Fuller:

Dear Western Oregon University community,
It is with great sorrow that I tell you our Associated Students of Western Oregon University President Alma Pacheco passed away on Dec. 9. Many of us cared for Alma and now we grieve together with her friends, family and loved ones. We extend our deepest sympathy to all who loved Alma and have been touched by her commitment to our community. Please join me in alma-wou-signrespecting the privacy of Alma’s family; we believe it is their choice on whether or not they want to share the circumstances of her passing.

Alma joined Western to study communications after earning her associate’s degree from Mt. Hood Community College. From El Salvador, she was a passionate advocate for students on our campus and cared about access to college for all and led a town hall event last month to address post-election fear. Throughout these challenging days, Alma has called us to look forward in unity.

In the meantime, we encourage you to share your stories and photos of Alma with each other.

Our hearts go out to Alma’s family and friends as we all grieve for this important member of our community. Western is a caring community and this loss is a shock to us all. Grieving is a difficult process and takes different forms for us all. Seeking support and resources is a sign of strength and we encourage you to share your feelings with those you feel comfortable doing so.

Memorials to honor and pay tribute to Alma were held on Dec. 11, 13 and 14. On Dec. 11 a candlelight vigil was held for Alma at the Main Street Park in Monmouth, Oregon. On Dec. 13, visitation was held at Gresham Memorial Chapel. On Dec. 14 funeral mass was held at Ascension Catholic Church in Portland, Oregon. Alma was buried on Dec. 14 at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Gresham, Oregon.

Contact the author @ journalcampuslife@wou.edu

The words of a loving friend

By: Paige Scofield
Campus Life Editor

“Alma was an all star woman in my eyes. I was new to Western spring of 2016 and that was around the time that Alma was running for ASWOU president,” said Anamercedes “Meche” Garibay, friend and sorority sister to Alma Pacheco. “Every time I saw her or walked passed her I felt intimidated because she walked with such confidence and strutted her walk everywhere she went. Shortly after, Alma became my sorority sister and we’ve stayed sisters ever since. She became a true genuine friend, a great study partner, and also a great listener. I’m positive I will never be able to find another Alma like Alma Pacheco.”

After the devastating news of Alma’s passing, Garibay put together a candlelight vigil to honor Alma and bring together those who knew her, to share their thoughts, memories and silence to keep her spirit close to their hearts.

“This girl knew how to have fun and that’s something I admired in Alma. She knew how to balance her professional business life and could still kick back and be a social bug with her friends,” said Garibay. “That’s something most of us students are still trying to learn, while Alma was an expert at balancing the two. Not only did Alma inspire me to become this Wonder Woman that she was, but she helped me understand and appreciate the true meaning of a friendship.”

When asked what message she thought Alma left with her friends and family, Garibay replied, “Always strive to be the best you, believe it then achieve it.” Alma Pacheco worked for and with the students of Western always keeping those around her in mind.

“I just hope everyone keeps Alma in their hearts because she was a phenomenal woman who strived to do so much for Western, and it showed with all the accomplishments she has done,” added Garibay.

Contact the author @ journalcampuslife@wou.edu

How to make it to the other side

By: Paige Scofield
Campus Life Editor

The dreaded week is almost upon us.: finals week. One of the most stressful times for college students everywhere. By the end of the week, students look more like ghosts than people and your bed is the light at the end of a dark, dark tunnel.

For some, finals week is an old battle ground they keep tirelessly returning to, for others, it is only the beginning. Whether you’re a first year, or an eighth year senior, finals week is never easy.

The amount of stress that college students go through during the school year, and especially during finals, can seem endless. Massive amounts of stress aren’t only bad for how well you perform in school and day to day activities, but can take a physical toll as well.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, everyone’s body deals with stress differently: “ … Some people experience mainly digestive symptoms, while others may have headaches, sleeplessness, depressed mood, anger and irritability. People under chronic stress are prone to more frequent and severe viral infections, such as the flu or common cold, and vaccines, such as the flu shot, are less effective for them.”

Below are some tips for finals week, so you can keep your stress levels down, and your studying techniques at top notch.

1) Know when to take a break
According to the American Psychological Association, “… time off boosts energy reserves so that you need to exert less effort to get work done when you return.” Taking a break when you have a lot of studying to do can be beneficial to the quality of your work in the long run. So make sure you put the books down for a day or two and go out to eat, watch a movie or chill out.

2)The less caffeine, the better
Energy levels can begin to drop when you’re stuck in one place for too long. Many students rely on coffee or caffeine filled drinks to keep themselves going. Make sure you don’t over do it. Once finals week rolls around, coffee drinkers tend to go from two cups a day to four or five, just to keep up. For your own health, don’t do this. As stated by Mayo Clinic, drinking four or more cups of coffee a day may cause side effects such as: insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, upset stomach, fast heartbeat, and muscle tremors.

3)Eat nutritiously
There are other ways to get energy than drinking your weight in coffee. Eating right to keep your blood sugar levels normal is just as effective at boosting up your energy. According to WebMD, “Portable combinations of complex carbs and lean protein, like low-fat cheese and whole-grain crackers, whole fruit and a handful of nuts, or a low-fat granola bar, are great munchies for energy.”

4)Make an outline for those essays
Procrastination is a college student’s best frenemy. Especially when you have an eight to 12 page paper due in two days. Being one of the biggest procrastinators on Earth, I can tell you that writing a brief outline of what’s going to be in your essay is extremely helpful. It allows you to organize your thoughts, so you know what direction your essay is heading. Don’t worry, you can still pull most of it out of thin air, but it’ll be just a little easier to assemble.

5)SLEEP
Sleep is a student’s best buddy. As stated by the American Psychological Association, sleep improves your ability to comprehend information. “… Research suggests that sleep improves the brain’s ability to remember information. In a 2006 study in Current Biology, Harvard Medical School sleep researchers found that memories of recently learned word pairs improved when participants slept between learning and testing.” The longer you force yourself to stay awake to continue studying, the less information you keep.

Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu

Winter wonder week kick off

By: Shaylie Pickerel
Staff Writer

If studying for finals has made you lose your holiday spirit, and caused you to look for other forms of distraction, then look no further. Until Dec. 9, the Student Engagement Committee will be hosting events to help students de-stress from finals, as well as get them into the holiday spirit. On Monday Nov. 28, Student Engagement held the event: Do You Want to Build a Snowman? Students received the opportunity to take a break from studying and get a feel of some homemade snow.

Students got to be creative and make their own little, snowy bundles of joy by using fake snow, felt and pipe cleaners to bring them alive. The Student Engagement Committee was thrilled with their inclusive and festive event. If you missed it, don’t worry, the Student Engagement Committee has hung posters highlighting many other fun opportunities to partake in this week.

If you have trouble finding them, you can go and take a look at the Student Engagement Facebook page, search for WOU Student Engagement. They also have their own personal Elf on the Shelf, who will be announcing these events. The Student Engagement Committee will even provide an opportunity for you and your friends to help name the little guy. The other events include things such as snowman bingo and a stress ball making station. So, if you want to join in, make sure to check out their page for daily updates and information about these fun winter events. It’ll get you in the perfect spirit for the tree lighting event on Friday Dec. 2.

Contact the Author: Spickrell15@wou.edu

Light up the Night

By: Paige Scofield
Campus Life Editor

The giant, 123-foot sequoia tree on Western’s campus has thrived for 129 years. Throughout these years students have been able to admire it’s height from anywhere on campus, especially during the holidays. For the past 48 years, Western has decorated the giant sequoia tree with bright lights and topped it with a shining star. This year is no different. On Friday Dec. 2, Western’s Alumni will be holding the 49th annual tree lighting event, Light up the Night: Holiday Tree Lighting. As stated by the Western’s alumni page, the event begins at 6:00 p.m. The invitation to enjoy the splendor is as follows:

Come to campus to watch the parade, hear the laughter and songs of children, build community and watch the tree light up in splendor.
The WOU Alumni Association Board of Directors will hand out complimentary hot cocoa and hot cider under the alumni tents, be sure to come say hello and grab a cup to warm your hands.
Activities for the whole family will take place after the tree lighting and will include pictures with Santa, cookie decorating, crafts and more.

This event is for all to come and enjoy.

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

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

Are you graduating the right way?

By: Katherine Ljungquist
Freelancer

If this is your last year at Western, chances are you’re counting down the days until the commencement ceremony on June 17. In addition to finishing your coursework there is still a lot to be done before you graduate. If you were unable to attend the Senior Kickoff on Wed. Nov. 9, this article can catch you up on what you missed, including where to find help building a résumé, how to apply for graduation and how to get your cap and gown.

Western offers a handful of graduate programs in areas such as criminal justice, graduating-colormanagement and information systems, and education. If you’re planning on attending graduate school in the future and are seeking information regarding your specific program Student Administration encourages you to meet with Western alumni, Amber Deets. Amber is on campus Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and students are also welcome to schedule appointments with her via email at deetsa@wou.edu.

When preparing for life after graduation, students are encouraged to meet up with a counselor at the Service Learning and Career Development Center for help building a resume, practicing job interviews, and figuring out your next steps during your senior year. The Service Learning and Career Development is located downstairs in the Werner University Center in room 119, where you can find the development director, Adry Snorradottir Clark, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Students are also encouraged to meet up with alumni mentors through the Career Mentoring Program, where alumni share their knowledge and experience with students.

It is important that students visit the Registrar’s and Financial Aid Offices before their final term at Western. At the Registrar’s Office, seniors need to fill out paperwork to apply for graduation and they also need to check their Degree Works to make sure they will be finished by their last term. The Financial Aid office will help students navigate exit loan counseling and advise students on different loan payment options. Perkins loan exit counseling must be completed before a student can get their degree. If you are planning on attending graduate school, the 2017-2018 FAFSA is available now.

On April 3-5, there will be a Spring 2017 Grad Ordering Event outside the bookstore. Jostens is the company that supplies students with caps and gowns, personalized announcement cards, tassels, and official Western rings. If you are unable to attend this event don’t worry, after April 5 you can purchase your cap and gown at the bookstore or online at wolfstore.wou.edu.

Finally, as a graduate of Western Oregon University, you are encouraged to register as a Western Oregon alumni. You can register with the alumni program by filling out a contact update available at alumni@wou.edu.

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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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