Mount Hood

Goodbye Styrofoam

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

With 2024 in the rearview mirror, Oregon made its own New Year’s resolution. Starting Jan. 1, food vendors could no longer use Styrofoam containers. Oregon lawmakers first passed Senate Bill 543 in 2023, and it was finally put into effect the first day of 2025. 

Oregon has joined 11 other states that have banned polystyrene foam through statewide legislation. Many cities in Oregon already banned Styrofoam food containers. Portland has had them banned since 1990. 

Polystyrene foam, more commonly known as the product Styrofoam, is a non-biodegradable plastic that often ends up as litter in the ocean, since most products made of polystyrene foam are meant to be single-use. 

Commercial Styrofoam products would have been able to be broken down by the combination of oxygen and light, however they have chemical additives to prevent that from happening. The littered Styrofoam is often eaten by animals, potentially causing serious health complications. 

Senate Bill 543 has three main components. The first component bans food vendors from using single-use polystyrene foam containers, specifically to-go containers. The second component prohibits the selling and distribution of polystyrene foam packing peanuts and polystyrene foam containers. It does not apply to products such as a Styrofoam cooler, which is not single-use. The third component strays away from Styrofoam, instead banning the selling and distribution of foodware containers that have perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances — PFAS. These chemicals, like polystyrene, aren’t easily broken down, causing problems for wild animals and the environment. 

If any food vendor still serves customers food in Styrofoam containers, they will be fined up to $100 each day they are in violation of the new law. Any person who sells or distributes Styrofoam packing peanuts, Styrofoam containers or foodware containers with PFAS will be fined up to $500. 

The banning of Styrofoam containers is predicted to have a positive impact on the environment, however the impacts on businesses and the consumers may be less than ideal. Recyclable to-go containers cost more money, which means that many restaurants will have to raise their prices. It may also impact owners of small businesses, who might not be aware of the ban or who might not be able to afford switching to recyclable containers. 

Businesses and customers alike will have to wait to see how Oregon’s new law is enforced and the extent to which it affects restaurants. 

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu 

New year, new “WOU”

Written by: Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief

Western, in light of the new year, has made multiple additions to the face of the school.

Nov. 8, Western reported that it had made history by becoming the first public university to join the Tri-Alpha honor society, which is specifically for first-generation students in college. Nearly half of Western’s student body identifies as first-generation, meanwhile Oregon State University recognizes one quarter or less of its student body as first-generation.

Dana Nunez-Silva, first-generation coordinator at Western, will assist with and advise for Tri-Alpha and provide resources for first-generation students, spreading encouragement and support in a tight-knit community. Tri-Alpha hopes to become part of the Western experience and provide countless benefits and opportunities for deserving students.

Western launched a new initiative titled “Provost Faculty Fellows,” announced Dec. 16 to the Western website, to recognize faculty’s commitment to academic leadership and their contributions. The 2024 faculty fellows included Patricia Gimenez-Eguíbar, Ph.D., David Szpakowski, Ph.D., Feier Hou, Ph.D., Kristen Pratt, Ph.D. and Melanie Landon-Hays, Ph.D.

Each fellow is expected to help highlight Western’s commitment to faculty and student success alike through projects such as faculty mentorship, utilizing artificial intelligence in academic and work settings, developing external partnerships related to research for the National Science Foundation and re-envisioning the college’s student course evaluation instrument. Fellows will work with Academic Affairs leadership for two terms before delivering a report with recommendations based on their work and research.

Dec. 2, Western announced a $650,000 Latinx Student Success Grant, awarded from the Oregon Department of Education. The grant will help expand and provide resources and programs in the Monmouth and Independence area for bilingual education, with partnerships mentioned with Central School District. 

The range of initiatives within Central School District were announced as follows: equity-centered professional development, an advisory board establishment, a peer mentoring program, community events, coaching in ESOL and bilingual education, policy evaluation, MECHA programming expansion, after-school literacy support, post-secondary connections and bilingual educator programs. 

“This grant represents a significant investment in the future of Latiné students in the region and reflects Western’s commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment,” shared professors Jessica Dougherty, Marie Lejeune and Mandy Olsen, all co-PI’s who will manage the grant. One named goal has been to empower Latiné students through impactful strategies.

Western was also awarded a $2 million Workforce Ready Grant to assist with training more counselors and behavioral and mental health professionals through June 2026.

According to Western, “Similar to the shortages of teachers and medical providers, there is a severe lack of counselors and behavioral health professionals who can work with clients in both Spanish and English. The program will recruit bilingual undergraduate students, provide them with tuition assistance and offer opportunities to work with Polk or Marion county in an earn-to-learn setting. Students placed with the counties will work part-time, gaining valuable experience and supervised clinical hours while addressing the acute shortage of counselors in the community.”

The program is launching in early 2025 and is inviting interested individuals to a dinner event to learn more about careers in behavioral health and scholarships, which will take place Feb. 12 at 5:30 p.m. in the Werner University Center Pacific Room.

In December, Western announced the launch of its first comprehensive fundraising campaign, “Wolves Rising: The Campaign for Western Oregon University.” The campaign aims to continue Western’s legacy of ensuring a personalized learning community. Funds raised through the campaign will support scholarships, a new turf field for men’s and women’s soccer, student success through the newly-built Student Success Center and resources for basic needs.

Western looks forward to new additions to the educational opportunities offered, such as potential new graduate programs.

As of Dec. 14, the Wolves Rising campaign boasted $17 million toward their goal of $20 million, all in efforts to further foster Western’s welcoming culture and empower students.

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@wou.edu

CGE strikes at OSU

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

The Coalition of Graduate Employees — CGE — at Oregon State University went on strike Nov. 12, 2024. Their main goal was to negotiate with OSU to receive a 50% minimum salary increase and a change in contract cycles. 

Graduate employees — specifically teaching assistants — conduct the majority of the coursework for the classes they work in. The CGE advocated for the graduate employees’ pay to match their workload.

A Community Letter of Support for CGE was written, urging OSU to come to an agreement with the CGE. 

“We urge the university to ensure that all its employees can afford to live and contribute to the community in which they work,” the letter stated. “For Oregon State University to fulfill its mission to our community and state and to retain — and truly serve — its diverse student body, it must start compensating graduate employees fairly.” 

The letter was signed by nine Oregon state representatives, three Oregon state senators and one Corvallis city counselor. 

During another mediation, the CGE attempted to compromise with the university by advocating for a 30% increase in minimum wage salaries instead of 50%, however, OSU did not agree with their proposal.

“After a year of openly combative negotiations, OSU has made it abundantly clear that their priority is not the pursuit of knowledge, but rather the pursuit of money, even at the expense of their own dedicated, hard-working, and talented graduate employees,” the CGE wrote in a post on their Instagram — @cge6069. 

Throughout the strike, the CGE has organized picket lines. Nov. 21, undergraduate students were invited to join the picket in solidarity with the strike. They dressed up in pink clothes and stood in front of the Kerr Administration building. 

OSU’s football game Nov. 23 against Washington State University was disrupted by graduate employees. As football game-goers left the stadium, they saw a projection on a building that read “$17.9 million raided from the education fund for athletics.” This year, the athletics budget received an increase of $17.9 million, with that money taken from the education and research budget. 

In an Instagram post about the game, the CGE wrote, “Our message is clear: tuition should fund education. OSU needs to reassess its priorities. This is not just about us. We want a better OSU for all.”

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

Monmouth’s holiday cheer

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

Many people think of winter as a time of traditions and festivities. For Monmouth’s holiday season, the Holiday Tree Lighting and the Monmouth Merry Market bring the holiday spirit to the community. 

The light parade — also a holiday tradition — is set to begin at 6 p.m. at the Monmouth Public Library. Local businesses can design a float or walk in the parade to show off their holiday spirit.

Dec. 6 the community is invited to gather for the annual tree lighting on Monmouth Avenue that will commence after the holiday light parade finishes its course. 

The large sequoia tree in front of Campbell Hall will be adorned with many strings of lights, bringing holiday cheer to Western’s campus. The tradition of lighting the tree began in 1967 and has been a staple of winter in Monmouth ever since. Every year before the lighting, several guest speakers address the crowd. Then, the winner of an elementary student essay contest is announced, followed by the winner reading their essay publicly. 

Local vendors will be available for the public to enjoy from 5-9 p.m. in the Werner University Center — WUC — for Monmouth’s Merry Market. Also in the WUC at 7 p.m., cookies will be available for decoration. At 7:30 p.m., children and adults alike will have the opportunity to get a picture with Santa. The market is a great opportunity for businesses to both give and receive support from the Monmouth and Western communities. 

Along with the market, a silent auction will be held throughout the evening in the WUC. The auction is an annual fundraising event hosted by Abby’s House. 

The festivities aren’t only limited to Dec. 6. Up until Christmas Day, Main Street Park will be home to many light displays sponsored by local businesses. Any Main Street holiday shopping will be accompanied by colorful lights and fun displays. 

Every year, Monmouth and Western’s communities come together to create a supportive environment for students, Western faculty, Monmouth residents and anyone else who wishes to join in on the celebrations. 

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

The Blind Soccer League in South Sudan

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, is gaining recognition for a remarkable initiative — the Blind Soccer Premier League. While the country is often celebrated for its basketball talent, this league highlights the determination of people with disabilities, offering them an opportunity to shine in a different version of the sport.
The league, which began in 2023, operates in the capital city of Juba. It currently consists of four teams and aims to combat the stigma often associated with disabilities. For many players, mainly in their 20s, the league has become more than just a sport — it is a chance to be a part of a community that supports one another. Through its efforts, the league not only provides competition but also promotes awareness about the capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Jimmy Just Augustin, the captain of the Kator Blind Football Club, helped found the league. Blinded as a child due to untreated retinal damage, Augustin once believed his soccer-playing days were behind him. However, his discovery of blind soccer in 2020 reignited his passion for the sport. Nicknamed “Messi” by his teammates for his impressive dribbling skills, Augustin has become a role model for others, telling them “a disability does not define one’s abilities.” His journey has inspired players and fans, spreading the message that sports can break barriers.
While blind soccer shares similarities with traditional soccer, it isn’t completely the same sport. Players wear eye coverings, regardless of their level of vision. The ball is designed with rattles inside, which helps players locate it by sound. Games are played on enclosed fields, which help maintain fast-paced games. And lastly, to prevent injuries, players are required to call out “voy” — Spanish for “I’m going” — when attempting tackles or challenging opponents.
Though still in its early stages, the league has huge plans for the future. Organizers hope to expand its reach across South Sudan, encouraging greater participation and representation of people with disabilities. They also aim to compete in international tournaments, with the 2026 Blind Football African Championship serving as a key milestone. This could pave the way for Paralympic participation in 2028, a goal that would not only elevate the league’s profile but also inspire a new generation of athletes in South Sudan.
The South Sudan Blind Soccer League is more than just a game — it is a movement. Challenging stereotypes, it is proving that determination can light the path to a brighter, fairer future for us all.

Contact the author at howlsports@mail.wou.edu

Western’s food pantry

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

Western’s food pantry is located in room 165 of the Welcome Center. It is open Tuesdays 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. for Western students and faculty only. It is open to the public 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Wednesdays and 2 – 6 p.m. Thursdays. Abby’s House — Western’s center for equity and gender justice — is the parent organization of the food pantry.

Everyone is welcome to utilize the food pantry on the allotted days, even including non-residents of Monmouth. There is also no maximum or minimum amount of income an individual needs to have to be a customer. Everything in the food pantry is free to all customers. 

Also located in room 165 of the Welcome Center is the Stitch Closet. The Stitch Closet provides clothes for individuals, free of charge. It has the same hours as the food pantry for the convenience of users. Like the food pantry, the Stitch Closet is also a part of Abby’s House. The concept for the Stitch Closet was imagined in 2020 and came to fruition fall 2021. 

Tarly Sineo, a first-year at Western majoring in psychology, started volunteering at the food pantry and the Stitch Closet as soon as it opened for the 2024-25 school year. “I took multiple steps to ensure that I got to volunteer the first day it was available to me,” said Sineo. 

Student volunteers are integral in ensuring the organization runs smoothly. “(I make) sure that the floors are clear, everything’s stocked correctly, clothing racks are clear and we’re using the right hangers. Just general maintenance,” said Sineo.

Sineo is passionate about helping students and members of the community and making sure they have the resources they need. “It means a lot to me. Pretty early (in the term) I figured that I’d probably be bored and have a lot of hours just kind of sitting around my room … So I figured I’d kill two birds with one stone; busy myself, and make the community a bit better for the people around me.” 

Food pantries are an important part of many communities, and it is especially beneficial for students. Western’s food pantry is helping to battle food insecurity among students, with college campuses statistically having more people who struggle.

“It’s a really valuable asset,” said Sineo. “Some (meal plans) don’t get to three meals a day on all of the weekdays.” The food pantry also helps anyone who is hosting community events — such as a Thanksgiving gathering or a residence hall event — get the materials and resources they need. 

Western’s food pantry put together turkey baskets for community members. The baskets have uncooked turkey or ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, cranberry sauce and the ingredients to make green bean casserole. 

“It’s a program for people who might not have the money to get a full turkey or the circumstances to be able to get a bunch of different Thanksgiving food for their family,” said Sineo.

Much of the food that Western’s food pantry offers is provided by a Salem food bank — Marion Polk Food Share. The rest of the food supply is a collection of donations from people in the community. 

The food pantry follows a client-choice model of shopping. Customers can choose their items instead of receiving a preselected bag of groceries. This ensures that people will use everything they take, instead of wasting the things they either don’t like or can’t eat due to allergies. 

There is no limit to the number of times people can shop at the food pantry. They can take as much food as they need as long as they are courteous of other customers who also need to use the food pantry. Once customers have finished shopping, they weigh their food and anonymously fill out a checkout survey. The personal information of shoppers is never collected. 

Individuals can support the food pantry and the Stitch Closet by volunteering or giving donations. They accept donations of food, clothes, hygiene products, pet food and school supplies. Donations are collected in a box in front of the food pantry. Individuals can also donate money to the food pantry through Abby’s House. 

For food donations, homemade goods and meals from restaurants will not be accepted. Store-bought foods should have a visible expiration date and nutrition label. It should be in the original packaging with any lids and seals still intact. 

For clothing donations, the Stitch Closet will not accept anything that shows offensive words or visuals, or clothes that are damaged or dirty. 

If donors are unsure if an item will be accepted, they can take it to a student volunteer who will inspect it. 

For students who would like to volunteer, there is a volunteer interest form linked in the food pantry’s Instagram — @woufoodpantry.  

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

Neuroscience

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

A new neuroscience minor is being offered for students at Western, with the college joining universities such as Portland State University and Linfield University which both have impressive neuroscience programs available. 

A meeting of Western’s board of trustees was held Aug. 9, 2024, where the request for a neuroscience minor was discussed. According to the meeting docket, “The study of neuroscience provides students the opportunity to apply interdisciplinary knowledge in order to have a better understanding of the behavior of both human and non-human animals.”

The learning objectives are to, firstly, “understand the fundamental disciplinary content and concepts in neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and neuropsychology,” secondly, “Connect the structure and function of the nervous system to topics such as human behavior, non-human animal behavior, neuropharmacology, sensory and perception processes and neurological disorders” and, thirdly, “apply the appropriate experimental and analytical methods to current issues in neuroscience.” 

The program would require students to take 25–28 credits in select biology and psychology courses. Depending on their major, students will be required to take two foundational courses in either biology or psychology. If students who are not biology or psychology majors choose to minor in neuroscience, they may have to take all four foundational courses since they are prerequisites for many required classes. Students will also choose eight credits worth of core electives and 9–12 credits of additional electives. 

The neuroscience minor is hoped to be advantageous for Western and its students by appealing to more potential students who are interested in the program and by giving existing students more variety to their academic experience. There is a growing field of mental health professionals, and studying neuroscience could help students who plan to make a career in mental health.

For biology majors who will possibly go into healthcare, the minor will “provide these students the opportunity to combine their elective courses into a coherent curricular structure that will further their understanding of human health and behavioral issues and could make them more competitive when applying to post-baccalaureate programs,” according to the meeting docket.

Psychology majors will also have the option of amalgamating their electives into a well-organized minor that could “help further (students’) understanding of the biological basis of their primary field of study.” 

The board of trustees’ decision was unanimous, and in summer 2024 the minor was added to Western’s catalog and Degree Tracks.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

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