Mount Hood

Western 101

The wall of RWEC with a doodle of wolf and the caption “GO WOLVES.” | Photo by Hannah Field

Oct 8 2025 |  Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief

First-year students took to their dorm halls for the 2025-26 academic school year Sept. 22, with most students experiencing their first classes Sept. 29. Historically, PACK Welcome Week introduces new and returning students to campus and celebrates them with games, treats and events.

However, most students are still finding their footing well after their first class. Western has its secrets: vacant study spots, useful but secretive resources, need-to-take classes and more.

ASWOU president Morgan Pemberton is in her fourth and final year of classes, majoring in American Sign Language and psychology with a minor in social sciences. Her biggest tip for first-year students? “Don’t wait ‘til Sunday to do your homework.”

“I wish I knew about clubs my freshman year,” said junior Makayla Wright, and then for students living in dorms, “Take advantage of your meal card when you live on campus.”

Western offers a variety of organizations and clubs to join on campus, notably ASWOU, Multicultural Student Union, Abby’s House, the Tri-Alpha Honor Society, Black Student Union and many others. Western also offers activity-related clubs, such as a swim club, board game club and rock climbing club. Plenty of other opportunities are listed on Presence, otherwise known as Involve.

Beyond that, Western has an incredibly safe campus — Monmouth has previously made lists of the top ten safest cities in Oregon — and is very walkable. Only a few blocks from downtown Monmouth, students can safely walk and indulge in hotspot locations, such as Yeasty Beasty, one of Western’s most favored restaurants and pizzerias.

“My favorite place is to go to Yeasty Beasty for pizza,” said senior Faithe Howle. “And my favorite coffee place is Bugles.” 

Pemberton recommended the Werner University Center’s own eatery, The Summit, and commended their burgers as an easy on-campus dining option.

Third-year student Lua Pierce mentioned La Uvita Feliz, Mexican food located downtown.

Favorite study spots vary from Hamersly Library to the WUC, with Howle adding, “I like the education center, the second floor with the swing chairs. I like it in (Abby’s House), people can study.”

Howle is the office manager at Abby’s House, majoring in criminal justice and minoring in forensic anthropology. “I’m really passionate about gender justice and working in a nonprofit field,” said Howle. “Especially when traditional criminal justice paths don’t really align with my goals and what I value with myself, so I find that (here is) a really good way to use my studies in criminal justice to actually impact direct communities, which is really fulfilling.”

Students have many opportunities to find work on campus with groups like Abby’s House. Other departments offering student employment include Facilities Services, Valsetz dining and Student Engagement.

“I would say my biggest tip is to reach out for help and support,” Howle said. “There’s resources everywhere and for every kind of issue you could possibly imagine. So if you’re struggling with something, just reach out (and) they can, at the very least, point you in the right direction.”

Howle also encouraged students to take classes from Taryn VanderPyl, her favorite professor, teaching as an associate professor of criminal justice studies.

“I have a lot of professors that I recommend people take classes with. First of all, linguistics with Rob Troyer, 110 percent,” said Pemberton. “He is my favorite. One thing I value about educators is (being) someone who has a passion for what they’re teaching you — Rob Troyer is super good about all that, he’s really involved in his classes … I would say CM Hall, she teaches a sociology class called LGBTQ Studies. She’s a great professor, very thoughtful.”

Pierce named David Szpakowski in the earth and environmental science department as their teacher of recommendation.

“I really like (Western). I think the campus is beautiful,” said first-year Lily Slish. “A lot of the people who go here are very nice, and the teachers and staff are really, really helpful and resourceful.”

Carley Vevers, friend of Slish and a first-year student, expressed similar notions: “I actually like it a lot. I chose it because the campus is so small and it’s so homey. It makes it a lot easier to bond with people … I mean, finding classes the first week was kind of iffy, but like I said, it’s a small campus, so it’s really easy to pick up on things.”

For first-year Silvia Honaker, the biggest roadblock was navigation. “My sense of direction is like the opposite of good. Google Maps has been my savior.”

Honaker picked Western for its affordability, community and location, being closer to Honaker’s home town. “And some people I knew from high school were coming here, which was a slight benefit.”

Honaker has singled out pre-physical therapy as her area of study, picking Western as her stepping stool into the field and graduate school.

Information worth noting about Western would be its most popular programs: ASL, education and criminal justice. After all, Western is the only place on the West Coast where an ASL major is offered, on top of formerly being named the College of Education.

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@wou.edu

HWC entrance updates


Photo of HWC’s entrance with scanners | Photo by Hannah Field

Oct 8 2025 | Abbi Duhart | News Editor

Buzz has been happening around campus about the new method of getting into the Health and Wellness Center. Students are using an online barcode found in Western’s Portal to scan at the entrance. In reality, this system of entry has been present since Fall 2024, but is now more widely implemented and known.

University Computing Solutions started the Banner optimization project, aiming to move Western to the use of Experience within the Portal. This was the start of the transition from using student ID cards to being able to use the barcode found in the Portal. Students can still use their Western ID cards in addition to the barcode. The use of the barcode through Experience enhanced the system that the HWC was already using. The decision to optimize Banner was university-wide, not just within the HWC.

To access this barcode, students should log in to their Portal — most likely on their phone — and then navigate to the Experience tab at the top next to Wolf Web. Students who have never used Experience before will be prompted to login with their Portal information and go through a tutorial. Using the options at the top, students can go to the tab “My Account,” which will include a box titled “WOU Barcode.” This is where students can access their barcode in order to get into the HWC.

Additionally, students can bookmark their barcode so it appears on the home page in the Experience tab, making it easier to access. The barcode can also be screenshotted and will still work when accessed from the camera roll. While the barcode is an option, students can also still use their Western ID cards to get into the HWC.

After entering the Experience tab, students can also navigate to “Services” and explore many of Western’s helpful resources, such as Financial Aid and the Writing Center. Students can also easily access different building schedules, like open hours at the Health and Wellness Center, encompassing the rock climbing wall, gym and pool.

When asked how she felt about the addition of the barcode as a way of entry, Diana Gray, a WSI swim instructor and guest services specialist at the HWC, said, “At first I struggled because it’s just new technology and I feel like a grandma sometimes. But now I appreciate it, learning where everything is in Experience, learning that all your services are all right here. Having access to everybody’s hours in one place without tapping all the apps in Portal is amazing. Change is hard and that’s okay.” 

The barcode can be used in other places around campus, primarily Hamersly Library. Students still have to use their ID cards to swipe into athletic events, such as football games. 

Campus Recreation has gone through other changes as well. The HWC director, Rip Horsey, explained that the HWC was able to implement more hours of operation for this term based on how well they did last year. The new hours so far this term include normal operation hours all days of the week, bouldering for the majority of the day, and top rope hours in the evening, but not on the weekends. In order to top rope, students must do a belay certification course first. Finally, the aquatic center has various hours throughout the day for lap swim, open swim and therapy pool. Aquatic hours were most adjusted this term to add more lap swim time and add two more lap swim lanes. 

Horsey also said that the HWC is looking to add new equipment to the facility. A lifting area is being integrated downstairs. The HWC is also analyzing their budget, looking to add a couple of new stair climbers and slowly starting to phase out some of the older treadmills in favor of newer ones. 

The HWC has various events happening throughout the year, such as squat and bench press competitions, hamster ball and Hoopfest. The marketing department is also looking to add a couple of other exciting events throughout the year. Students are encouraged to follow the Campus Recreation Instagram — @woucampusrecreation — to keep tabs on these events. 

All Western students are encouraged to use the HWC whether they’re an athlete or not. There are many different amenities available for any type of student and many fun events that any student can participate in. Horsey encouraged, “We’re trying to do as much as we possibly can to try to engage folks, and not so much always in the traditional sport because sometimes it’s fun just going out to play.”
Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

Dr. Ruth Lautenbach

Photo of Ruth Lautenbach at her desk. | Photo by @westernoregonuniversity on Instagram

Oct 15 2025 | Isaac Garcia | Sports Editor

Students returning to Western this fall may notice that the Old PE building is now Ruth Lautenbach Hall. This change came after an announcement Sept. 29 saying that it would be named after Ruth Lautenbach. Lautenbach was at the university, then known as Oregon College of Education, from 1940 to 1974 and was “the pioneering female physical education teacher and advocate for women’s sports,” as described by the university in a statement about the change. Dr. Carol Brownlow, a colleague of Lautenbach and inductee into the Western Oregon Hall of Fame, described her as a “professional at her core,” and called her “one of my favorite lifetime people.” 

Most of Dr. Lautenbach’s work came before Title IX, a federal law passed in 1972 that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Because of this, Lautenbach had to advocate fiercely for women’s sports, making sure they had adequate and equal resources. Jon Carey, a former administrator, women’s basketball coach and athletic director, mentioned that when he started his career at OCE in 1975, the women’s sports programs were much more sophisticated than other universities. “I attribute that in large part to the influence of Dr. Lautenbach,” Carey said. Carey explained that many universities did not have a dedicated crew like OCE did to set up women’s athletic events, and athletes at other schools would have to set up their own events. In addition, participants in women’s sports at OCE in the 1940s were able to receive a “letter,” a form of recognition for achievement in a sport, and then eventually a letterman jacket under the same criteria as men. This was nearly unheard of at the time, but was the case at OCE due in large part to advocacy from Dr. Lautenbach.

Dr. Lautenbach was also described by Dr. Brownlow as “hard as nails, soft as a pillow.” Sharon Baugh, an advisee of both Dr. Lautenbach and Dr. Brownlow, agreed, adding that she was “straightforward and no-nonsense.” Baugh noted that upon her first meeting with Ruth Lautenbach, she encouraged her to be better academically than she had been to start her college career. “She set me on the right path the minute she met me,” Baugh said. 

Baugh, who went on to get her master’s degree and have a career as a principal, wonders if she would’ve given the effort that she did if she had never met Dr. Lautenbach. Baugh also mentioned how Dr. Lautenbach had inspired her to fight for women’s sports herself, telling a story about how she stood up for the girls’ teams at a middle school she was working at, who had next to nothing in terms of resources. Baugh, like Lautenbach, stood up firmly and was able to secure equal funding and resources for both girls’ and boys’ sports at the school.

Dr. Brownlow believes that Dr. Lautenbach would be very humbled by the honor, saying that she was very modest and didn’t like to have a big fuss made about her. Baugh brought up how much time Dr. Lautenbach must’ve spent in the building that now shares her namesake, as well as saying that she is “super proud of what we’ve been able to do for Dr. Lautenbach.” 

 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Save the turtles

Photo of a Northwestern Pond Turtle | Photo courtesy of the Oregon Zoo

Oct 15 2025 | Abbi Duhart | News Editor

Northwestern pond turtles, one of Oregon’s only native freshwater turtle species, are currently classified as an endangered species in Washington and a threatened species in Oregon. These turtles are unique to the Pacific Northwest and it would be a devastating loss if they were to go extinct. Biologists are working to preserve them, and have had success so far, but they call on residents of the Pacific Northwest to be on the lookout, so together the extinction of this species can be prevented.

The northwestern pond turtles used to be very common from Baja California to Puget Sound, but have become increasingly lower in numbers. By 1990 only two pond turtle sites were left in Washington, encompassing fewer than 100 turtles. Since then, biologists at the Oregon Zoo partnered with the Department of Fish and Wildlife in 1998, and have worked hard to increase populations up to six sites established from Puget Sound to the Columbia River Gorge.

This species faces many threats to their survival, including habitat loss, shell disease and invasive predators and plants. Their natural habitat is slowly decreasing due to the draining and filling of wetlands and the building of dams. Both decrease the water area that these turtles need to build their nests and lay eggs. Additionally, the northwestern pond turtle suffers from a shell disease that leads to paralysis and death in the later stages. Currently, scientists don’t have a lot of information regarding the disease and are focusing their efforts on keeping the turtles safe from predators. Invasive species that threaten these turtles include American bullfrogs and largemouth bass because they often eat turtle hatchlings before they can grow. Invasive plants also threaten them because plant growth limits areas where turtles can dig nests to lay eggs. 

Biologists at the Oregon Zoo are helping northwestern pond turtles first by monitoring their nests and fencing them off with wire so that predators can’t get to them. Once the baby turtles hatch, they collect them and take them to the Oregon Zoo to live. The turtles stay at the zoo for around a year, at which point they are released back into the wild. After a year, they are large enough that predators like the bullfrogs can’t eat them and they are safer in the wild. These tactics have proven effective, as the turtle population has been slowly rising since 1990. 

While biologists at the Oregon Zoo are working hard to protect the native turtles, they also list some ways that residents of the Pacific Northwest can help. The primary way is by reporting turtle sightings. This can be done through an online tool listed on the Oregon Zoo website. The website where residents can submit a sighting was developed by Western along with Port of Portland and Oregon Native Turtle Working Group. If residents see a turtle to report, the Oregon Zoo urges that they take pictures without disturbing or moving the turtle. After submitting a picture through the website, they would then drop a pin on a map provided to give the approximate location, try to identify the turtle by pictures and options listed, and finally leave their contact information in case biologists need to follow up. 

If residents see a turtle trying to cross the road that is in danger of being hit, they are advised to move the turtle to the other side of the road in the direction it was going. Unless they are in danger, the Oregon Zoo asks that people not move turtles even if it appears they are lost. Ultimately, the turtles know where they are going and are likely looking for a spot to dig a nest. If a turtle must be moved, don’t turn it in a different direction, because it will get confused and likely lost. 

The survival of the northwestern pond turtles continues to look hopeful as biologists work to restore populations around the Pacific Northwest. When needed, residents of Oregon and Washington can be a part of this rehabilitation and should follow the steps listed to help save the northwestern pond turtles. 

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

Portal updates

Screenshot of the new Experience tab in Portal | Photo by Abbi Duhart

Oct 15 2025 | Abbi Duhart | News Editor

Starting next calendar year, students at Western will be facing a major upgrade in their Portal experience with just that — “Experience” — taking Wolf Web’s place. Experience is accessible to students right now, and contains key information students need for university resources.

Contrary to popular belief, the decision to make the change from Wolf Web was not university-wide; rather, it was a decision made by Ellucian, the parent company of both Experience and Wolf Web. Ellucian is not part of the university, but manages softwares like the  Portal through their Banner service. Essentially, Ellucian decided to make the change from Banner 8, which included Wolf Web, to Banner 9, which will replace Wolf Web with Experience. In simpler terms, this means that Western’s Portal will be transitioning from one version to another. All in all, the reasoning behind adding Experience to the Portal was due to the fact that Wolf Web will no longer exist. 

Experience is fully functional right now, but things are still being added to it as the year progresses. University Computing Solutions, the department in charge of the change, decided to keep Wolf Web active along with Experience until the end of the year so that students and faculty can adjust to the change without being thrown headfirst into using Experience. Ultimately, Wolf Web will completely disappear Dec. 31 and be fully replaced by Experience.

The biggest issue with Wolf Web is that it’s just very outdated. It was created 20 years ago, so it is not up to the standards of today’s technology. One of the goals of UCS was to enhance Experience to look much better and cleaner than Wolf Web did. Christopher Lopez, the web applications developer, explained that a large goal was to make sure it looked more aesthetic with better usability, meaning it will be easier for students to find the information they need. While the change is necessary because Wolf Web will disappear, the switch is also seen as an improvement in order to modernize the Portal.

A big way that Experience is aiming to improve over Wolf Web is by becoming more user-friendly. Rather than having to click through multiple links in Wolf Web to find a page, Experience will have a section for each important resource. For example, to register for classes, students can navigate to Experience and find the specific section for it, rather than using Wolf Web and needing to go to the student menu, then registration and schedule, then register for classes, then hunting down a CRN code on top of everything else. Experience will create a much easier and quicker process. Additionally, Wolf Web has multiple obsolete links that are not needed.

Experience will have all the same features, but will look much more modernized and clean. Students won’t lose any of the features that were previously found in Wolf Web, rather, they will just be found in a new spot. Students can use Experience to access their registration, billing, financial aid, barcode and other university resources. One new feature unique to Experience is the student barcode. Students can go to their account and see their WOU barcode, which acts the same as student IDs and can be used at places like the Health and Wellness Center and Hamersly Library. Unlike Wolf Web, students can also go into Experience and customize their dashboard to include easy access to things they use often.

University Computing Solutions is slowly working to add Portal functionality in general to Experience. Many things accessed from the Portal, such as Canvas and Zoom, are slowly being integrated into Experience in the hopes that one day the entirety of Portal will be swapped for Experience. While this is a goal of UCS, it has no confirmed timeline. Experience is being added, but the Portal is not going away at the end of the year, only Wolf Web is. Lopez explained that this is a common misconception with students right now. 

While change can be hard, UCS firmly believes that not only will these changes help the Portal look better, but they will also help students access vital resources faster and more smoothly. The transition from Wolf Web to Experience will be beneficial to both students and faculty after the adjustment period.

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

Clubes del trimestre de invierno

22 de Enero del 2025 | Isabelle Jones | Editora de Estilo de Vida

¿Buscas maneras de involucrarte fuera de las clases? Western ofrece una gran variedad de clubes que pueden atraer a cualquier tipo de estudiante. Ya sea para ampliar tus conocimientos de una carrera, conocer a otras personas de la comunidad o impulsar un cambio, Western tiene mucho que ofrecer — anímate y únete a un club. 

Club de ASL de WOU (Instagram @wouasl) 

Una organización para estudiantes Sordos, Sordos+, con Discapacidad Auditiva y estudiantes Oyentes de Western. 

Asociación de Aspirantes a Maestros (Instagram @wou.ata) 

Apoyando a futuros educadores desde el primer paso. 

Estudiantes Asociados de la Universidad Western Oregon (Instagram @aswou) Defensores de los derechos de los estudiantes ante la administración de Western, así como ante el estado de Oregon y la nación. 

Unión de Estudiantes Afroamericanos (Instagram @woubsu) 

Un espacio seguro para que los estudiantes se reúnan, tengan conversaciones intelectuales y se sientan comprendidos. 

Club de Juegos de Mesa (Instagram @wou.board.game.club) 

Trae juegos y haz nuevos amigos. 

Club de Negocios y Economía (Instagram @woubeclub) 

Un espacio para que los estudiantes participen en debates, conferencias, talleres y oportunidades de networking en los campos de los negocios y la economía. Gremio de Escritores Creativos (Presencia 

https://wou.presence.io/organization/creative-writers-guild) 

Un espacio donde todos los escritores creativos de cualquier medio de escritura pueden escribir y compartir su trabajo con el gremio. 

Club de Justicia Criminal (Instagram @wou.cjclub)

Esta organización debate los eventos y problemas del sistema judicial. 

CRU (Instagram @cruatwou) 

“Somos personas reales que lidiamos con los problemas reales de vivir una fe auténtica en el mundo real.” 

Club de Ciencias del Ejercicio 

Los estudiantes de ciencias del ejercicio pueden conectar con diferentes miembros de la comunidad para brindarles oportunidades únicas, networking, actividades recreativas y perspectivas sobre posibles profesiones futuras para los miembros. 

Reuniones el tercer martes de cada mes en el Centro Educativo Richard Woodcock, sala 208. 

Club de Artes de la Fibra (Instagram @wou.fiberartsclub) 

Este club está abierto a todos, desde quienes llevan años tejiendo a ganchillo o a punto hasta principiantes interesados en aprender una nueva artesanía. 

Asociación Filipino Americana de la Universidad de Western Oregon (Instagram @faa.wou) 

Fomentando y promoviendo la cultura de Filipinas entre los filipinos y otros estudiantes que desean aprender sobre las costumbres y la cultura del país. 

Club Hawai’i (Página de Facebook “Ohana of WOU Hawai’i Club”) 

Educando a los estudiantes sobre la cultura hawaiana y sus raíces, a la vez brindando un espacio seguro para nuestros estudiantes. 

Capítulo Estudiantil de la Sociedad Gerontológica de América (https://www.geron.org/) Este capítulo del campus se centra en compartir conocimientos, experiencia e intereses en gerontología. Un espacio acogedor para que todos los estudiantes interesados en gerontología participen en eventos sociales, networking y aprendizaje de servicio. Hermandad Kappa Delta Chi Inc. (Instagram @kdchibetadelta) 

Una hermandad basada en el servicio a la comunidad, defendiendo los valores de unidad, honestidad, integridad y liderazgo, priorizando la formación académica, el servicio y la hermandad. 

Radio KWOU (Instagram @kwoustudios) 

Estación de radio en línea dirigida por estudiantes que difunde música a todo volumen, crea una biblioteca musical y amplía el equipo de transmisión. 

Club de Matemáticas (Instagram @woumathclub) 

Abierto a todos; ven a participar en el Estimathon y el Día Pi. 

MECHA (Instagram @mechadewou) 

Un grupo centrado en la comunidad, el apoyo, el activismo y la defensa. 

Modelo de Naciones Unidas (Instagram @wou_mun) 

Una organización que participa en una simulación de las Naciones Unidas donde los estudiantes actúan como delegados y trabajan juntos para resolver problemas globales. Asociación de Estudiantes de Enfermería de Monmouth (Instagram 

@monmouthstudentnurses)

Estudiantes que practican la diversidad y la inclusión a través de proyectos de alcance comunitario y voluntariado. 

MSU (Instagram @msuwou) 

MSU organiza algunos de los eventos culturales más grandes y concurridos, que se han convertido en tradiciones importantes en Western. Esta asociación estudiantil mantiene un compromiso continuo con la promoción de la diversidad y la conciencia cultural en el campus. 

Club de Cultura Nativa/Indígena (Instagram @wounativeclub) 

Promueve conexiones y amistades entre los estudiantes de WOU que se identifican como Nativos/Indígenas y sus correspondientes seguidores, dentro de un espacio de respeto. Club de Ciencias Naturales (Instagram @wou_natural_science_club) Ofrece actividades a mano, del mundo real más allá de las clases y el laboratorio, ofreciendo redes sociales y académicas para los estudiantes. 

Fraternidad Omega Delta Phi Inc. (Instagram @wou_knights) 

Una hermandad dedicada a las necesidades e inquietudes de la comunidad, que promueve los valores tradicionales de unidad, honestidad, integridad y liderazgo. 

Club de Pre Medicina (Instagram @woupremedclub) 

Nos esforzamos por ser un espacio seguro para cualquier persona interesada en la premedicina y brindar conexiones y recursos valiosos. 

Club de Pre Enfermería 

Un recurso para estudiantes interesados en el campo de la enfermería a través de eventos virtuales y presenciales. 

Club de Salud Pública (Instagram @wou.publichealthclub) 

Ofrece un espacio para estudiantes interesados en educación en salud comunitaria y salud pública. Ofrece oportunidades de networking, liderazgo, aprendizaje de servicio y formación preprofesional. Las reuniones se realizan bisemanalmente los lunes de 12 – 1 p.m. 

Iglesia Resonate (Instagram @resonatemonmouth) 

Ven a forjar amistades duraderas y descubre el propósito para el que nacimos. Club de Español (Instagram @wou_spanishclub) 

Una comunidad vibrante donde las personas se reúnen para explorar el idioma y la cultura hispana a través de una multitud de actividades en un ambiente diverso, respetuoso e inclusivo. 

The Northwest Passage (Instagram @wounp) 

El Passage se ha publicado de una forma u otra durante 80 años, apoyando las artes creativas en todo momento. 

Club Unidos (Instagram @unidoswou) 

Construyendo una comunidad y creando un ambiente seguro y de apoyo para ayudar a empoderar a los estudiantes a luchar con valentía contra la justicia social. Club de Baile Swing de Western Oregon (Instagram @wouswingdance)

Especializado en West Coast Swing y Single-Time Swing. No se requiere experiencia. Compañerismo de la Universidad Western Oregon (Instagram @wou_fellowship) Creando comunidades diversas donde los estudiantes se sientan seguros para buscar respuestas a preguntas o inquietudes espirituales y religiosas. 

Club de Juegos Digitales de WOU 

Creado con el propósito de mantener un espacio seguro donde los estudiantes de Western disfruten de los videojuegos, y fomentar dicha comunidad en Western. Las reuniones son de 4 – 7 p.m. los Jueves en el ITC, sala 303. 

Veteranos Estudiantiles de WOU de América (Instagram @wousva) 

Dedicado a fomentar un sentido de pertenencia, camaradería y empoderamiento entre los veteranos estudiantiles, los militares en servicio activo y sus familias dentro de nuestra comunidad universitaria. 

Club de Actores (Insta @wouthespiansclub) 

El Club de Actores de Western ofrece, apoya y promueve oportunidades educativas, sociales y de actuación. 

Si te interesa saber más sobre los clubes afiliados a Western, visita sus páginas de participación en https://wou.presence.io/ 

Contacta al autor en howllifestyle@wou.edu

Involucrate

13 de Noviembre del 2024 | Sadie Latimer | Editora de Noticias

Macy Clemens es la asistente del programa de marketing y participación virtual. En la primavera del 2024, se graduó de Western con una licenciatura en negocios con especialización en marketing. En el campus, Clemens promueve eventos y le apasiona animar a los estudiantes a participar en todo lo que Western ofrece. Debido a su interés, Clemens decidió que Participación Estudiantil era el lugar perfecto para ella. 

Una herramienta que Clemens espera que los estudiantes aprovechen con más frecuencia es Involve, un sitio web con listas de clubes, organizaciones y eventos en el campus. “Con Involve, los estudiantes pueden explorar todo lo que sucede en el campus en cualquier momento. Es como un calendario personal de eventos para todo lo relacionado con (Western), lo cual creo que es útil,” dijo Clemens. “Involve ofrece oportunidades interesantes y ayuda a los estudiantes a desarrollar habilidades y a construir sus redes.” Los próximos eventos en el campus incluyen la “Serie de Oradores FEM en STEM” el 14 de Noviembre de 4 – 5:15 p.m., el evento “Show of Green” el 14 de Noviembre de 8:30 – 8:50 a.m. y un desayuno para veteranos el mismo día a las 9 a.m. Puede encontrar más información sobre estos y otros eventos a través de Involve. 

“Puedes acceder Involve a través de (tu) portal, o puedes descargar una aplicación en tu teléfono,” dijo Clemens. Los estudiantes pueden conectar la aplicación a su calendario de Google para recibir notificaciones cuando se acerca un evento. Para muchas organizaciones y eventos, los estudiantes pueden ver más información e inscribirse directamente en la aplicación o el sitio web de Involve. También les muestra cómo contactar a muchos de los grupos del campus. “Es más que una aplicación — es una forma para que los estudiantes encuentren y formen una comunidad,” dijo Clemens. “Involve puede ayudarte a conectarte en el campus. Y también ayuda a crear conexiones que se extienden más allá de la universidad.” 

Clemens sabe que los estudiantes pueden sentirse nerviosos al probar clubes o asistir a eventos nuevos para ellos, sin embargo, ella cree que las experiencias que obtendrán al participar serán invaluables.

“Expandir es lo que realmente importa,” dijo Clemens. “Dar el primer paso y asistir a estos diferentes eventos es realmente útil. Quizás te des cuenta de que es mucho mejor, incluso si (te daba) miedo diversificarte un poco.” 

Contacta al autor en howlnews@mail.wou.edu

Semana de primera generación

13 de Noviembre del 2024 | Sadie Latimer | Editora de Noticias

La semana del 4 al 8 de Noviembre estuvo dedicada a los estudiantes de primera generación de Western. Casi el 50% de la población estudiantil de Western son estudiantes universitarios de primera generación. Cada día de la semana se organizaron eventos con diferentes aspectos de ser un estudiante de primera generación. 

El tema del Lunes fue educación financiera y necesidades básicas. Hubo eventos que enseñaron a los estudiantes a presupuestar la compra y la preparación de comidas, y un taller de educación financiera organizado por Unitus Credit Union. 

El Martes se dedicó a la concientización sobre la salud mental. Los estudiantes aprendieron sobre tener conciencia y cuidado personal, escribieron cartas de agradecimiento y se relajaron con artes y manualidades. 

El tema del Miércoles fue encontrar un sistema de apoyo conociendo gente nueva y creando conexiones. El primer evento fue un encuentro con empleados de primera generación de Western, seguido de yoga y meditación. Se organizó una sala de escape para estudiantes de primera generación en la Sala Willamette del Centro Universitario Werner. Esa noche, hubo una presentación sobre cómo navegar la vida universitaria. 

El Jueves se centró en la preparación profesional, con eventos que ayudaron a los estudiantes a prepararse para sus futuras carreras. Los estudiantes pudieron obtener fotos profesionales gratuitas. También pudieron prepararse para la Extravaganza de Otoño, que se llevará a cabo el 13 de Noviembre, aprendiendo a establecer contactos, crear un currículum y tener éxito en una

entrevista. El tema del Jueves también incluyó el evento “Inventario de Preparación Profesional” y un panel de exalumnos de primera generación. 

El Viernes fue el momento para que la gente aprendiera sobre y celebrara el Día Nacional de la Primera Generación. El día comenzó con el Taller de Aprendizaje Experiencial con Mohammed Soriano-Bital. Tras la conclusión del taller, se realizó un panel que destacó a los empleados de primera generación de Western. El último evento de la semana fue un almuerzo preparado por Mi Casita Market. 

Además de organizar la semana de la primera generación y celebrar el Día Nacional de la Primera Generación, Western también se unió a la Sociedad de Honor Alpha Alpha Alpha, o Tri-Alpha. Tri-Alpha es una organización sin fines de lucro dedicada a apoyar y celebrar a los estudiantes de primera generación que cursan estudios superiores. La Universidad Morava en Pensilvania fundó Tri-Alpha en Marzo del 2018. Desde entonces, más de 150 universidades en los Estados Unidos han creado un capítulo de Tri-Alpha, pero Western es la primera universidad pública en Oregón en unirse a la organización. 

Contacta al autor en howlnews@mail.wou.edu

City of Monmouth clamps down on unlawful parking

Byron Kimball | Staff Writer

Students attempting to avoid buying a parking permit may be in for a surprise. Recent changes to how parking will be enforced in downtown Monmouth are set to impact students parking at numerous local businesses around the city.

Among these changes: two-hour parking spots will be more strictly monitored by Monmouth police, bringing an end to students camping out in front of Yeasty Beasty in order to avoid paying for an on-campus parking pass.

“We always want to encourage faculty staff and student to park on our campus when doing business here. We have tried hard to keep our permit prices down as much as possible and still provide ample parking and maintain our lots,” said Darin E. Silbernagel, Director of Business Services for Western.

The change, according to Russ Cooper, Public Works Director for the City of Monmouth, was driven by local business owners.

“(Businesses) were asking for us to be more vigilant about enforcing parking,” said Cooper.

What can students do to avoid being cited? Buying a parking permit, namely. There’s no word on whether unmarked spots along Church Street and Stadium Drive are still safe, though students may still be able to park there without a problem.

“Students need to comply with the rules, both here on campus and in the City of Monmouth, depending on where they are at the time,” advised Silbernagel. “When students, faculty and staff are frequenting downtown business, it is completely appropriate to park downtown. When students are here on campus, we would like them to obtain the appropriate parking permit.”

Appropriate parking permits can be purchased online through Wolf Web and picked up at the Business Services office on the first floor of the Administration building. Permits are available for annual and per-term rates, with prices ranging from $47 for a per-term permit and up to $99 for a full-year hang tag permit.

Contact the author at bkimball16@wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

Disbursement and deferment dilemmas

By: Jenna Beresheim
News Editor

Despite an efficiency measure added to the deferment process this year, those students who submitted their financial aid application past the priority deadline are feeling the financial crunch.

By submitting the FAFSA after the priority deadline, a delay is created in the processing of financial aid, which in turn causes trouble for students who may face a series of late fees.

“I submitted my FAFSA after the priority deadline, and I received an email from the financial aid office saying that I could defer,” stated Berenice Gabriel, a fourth year psychology major.

Gabriel’s financial aid has yet to come in due to this delayed submission. With the deadline for the initial payment swiftly encroaching, Gabriel and many other students have filled the Financial Aid Office in hopes of deferring payments to a more reasonable date.

Deferment is used to avoid late fees and allow extra time for students to pay their current term’s bill. One third of a student’s bill must be paid by Oct. 2, 2015, or else a $100 late fee will be charged.

Paying the $12 deferment charge will save students from being charged the $100 while they wait for delayed financial aid to come in, or if they do not receive aid, to save up enough to pay the third of their bill.

Students who need to apply for an emergency loan may do so in the Business Office. These loans are for emergencies that a student may have other than institutional charges.

A separate promissory note is required for these loans. A more detailed statement of this policy is available at the Business Office.

The Financial Aid office has developed a new online payment system for students, allowing students to pay for their term or request deferment online through the Wolf Web system.

“I believe this streamlines the process for students to do their deferments,” states Darin Silbernagel, the Director of Business Services.

If students are interested in paying online rather than in-office, the process is as follows: after accessing the student menu in Wolf Web and choosing Account Summary by Term, there will be a link to the deferment and payment options at both the top and bottom of the page.

This system was created as a tool to meet short-term needs while simultaneously minimizing fees for the students.

“Students who need to defer or who do not want to be charged the late fee I would strongly urge to take action before this Friday at 5,” Silbernagel encouraged.

The second payment is due by November 1st, 2015, and the final payment for the term is due by December 1st, 2015.

The Financial Aid Office also reassures that this situation is a very rare occurrence. For those students needing more information, the Financial Aid Office is happy to assist with any questions and clarification.

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