Mount Hood

New club aspires for inclusivity

Paul F. Davis

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

Western offers over 60 clubs and organizations that students can choose to be involved in. These clubs are created and led by students to enrich the college experience. The newest organization on campus is the Western Oregon University Democrats club, whose purpose is to give all students a place to express their political views and raise awareness of political issues at the local, state and national levels.

After transferring to Western from Chemeketa Community College, senior political science major Steve Bell hoped to find a Democrats organization on campus.

“I noticed that there was a very strong Republican club,” Bell noted. “There’s also a really nice foundation of students that want to get involved that don’t have that outlet, if they have more of a Democrat minded perspective.”

Bell decided to take matters into his own hands and begin the process of starting an organization on campus. Collaborating with political science majors Rubi Tapia and Cristian Urzua, the students founded the club as a project for a civic engagement class. All three individuals have a background in political science, including internships with elected officials and student government positions.

When asked why this club is important, Urzua replied, “I feel like the club comes in handy in allowing students of any view to join in and speak their minds and get engaged on campus. That is part of the college experience.”

According to OrgSync, the purpose of the organization is to promote the principles of the Democratic Party, assist in the functioning of the Democratic Party at all levels of government and help its members develop political and leadership skills.

The club, which meets Fridays at 1 p.m. in the Rogue room of the Werner University Center, is an open space for everyone to share opinions and ideas.

“We are not exclusively just Democrats,” Urzua emphasized. “We accept every different political view. We’re open to deliberation, discussion and debate and we welcome everyone. Just because it says WOU Democrats, doesn’t mean it’s just Democrats.”

Find more information about the Western Oregon University Democrats on OrgSync.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Senator Ron Wyden addresses Polk County concerns

Eric J. Frey

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

One individual asked the senator what citizens could do if the Over 200 citizens of Polk County gathered on Jan. 13 for a public town hall meeting with U.S. Senator Ron Wyden. Wyden, who has a reputation for listening to the concerns of all Oregonians, holds town hall meetings in each of Oregon’s 26 counties every year.

The Senator has been representing Oregon first in the U.S. House of Representatives and then in the U.S. Senate for a total of 37 years. He holds a ranking member position on the Finance Committee, the leading Senate Democrat on the Joint Committee on Taxation, and a member of the Selection Committee on Intelligence and the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Polk County citizens were given the opportunity to have their voices heard and questions answered in the course of the afternoon. Many questions were regarding the state of the federal government and proposed policy changes by the Trump administration.

Concerns were stated from multiple citizens about the deportation of DACA recipients if the DREAM Act is not passed. Wyden expressed support for the DREAMers, explaining, “You meet with these students and you just walk away with a near breathtaking judgment that they represent all things that we like young people to be spending their time on: working their heads off to get good marks, helping their families, career interests that will clearly benefit all of us.” Wyden emphasized. “We are a better and stronger country because of immigration.”

One citizen asked a question about where the Selection Committee on Intelligence stands on investigating collusion in the 2016 election process. Wyden replied, “Our committee is supposed to tell the story of how the Russians, in effect, undermined our democracy… A big part of what our committee should be doing is not getting done.” He went on to explain that the investigation is one of his priorities as a ranking member of the committee. “I am committed to staying at this, and I will say here today at Western as I’ve said around the state, I am your guy on the Senate Intelligence Committee and on my watch this investigation is not going to get swept under the rug.”

Concerns were expressed about the offshore drilling proposed on the Oregon Coast. “I’ve been part of a group of about 35 senators that have made it clear that we’re going to fight this arbitrary politically hotwired process,” Wyden commented. “In terms of our land, air, and water, this is really big stakes stuff for Oregon. Once you sell off your treasures to exploiters, you don’t get them back.”

y are concerned about issues that affect them. Wyden responded that calling senators is an effective way to have your voice heard. “Always remember that those contacts, particularly something like a phone call, really make the difference,” Wyden offered. “Finding an issue where you have a particular interest and you can, in effect, educate others… Political change is not trickle-down. It’s bottoms-up. I really encourage you to be out and talking about what’s important to you.”

Visit wyden.senate.gov for more information on Sen. Ron Wyden and a schedule of upcoming Town Hall meetings.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Psychology student receives fellowship abroad

Haley Morris

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

Western psychology major Haley Morris is using her passion for global health to change the world. In late January, Morris will join a team of students and faculty from various universities on a month-long fellowship in Rwanda to conduct research on reproductive health.

In February of 2017, Morris was notified of the opportunity by her advisor, Western sociology professor Dr. Callero. The highly competitive fellowship, funded by the National Science Foundation, covers all domestic and international living and travel expenses. Morris decided to apply in May of 2017 and was notified that she was one of only nine applicants that received the award.

The program begins at Western Washington University in early January, where the fellowship recipients take classes and learn about qualitative research. At the end of January, Morris and her team leave for the country of Rwanda, where they will conduct research for a full month.

The purpose of the research is to gain a better understanding of the contraceptive programs that the country offers. Morris states that the percentage of individuals using contraception have tripled over the course of ten years, and the implementation of contraceptive use programs in Rwanda is much more successful than neighboring countries. The team hopes to obtain data that can give insight into Rwanda’s success and help other Sub-Saharan countries do the same.

In addition to the benefits this research provides for several African countries, it will also help Morris develop important data collection skills and international research experience. She noted that the opportunity is going to be important for her future endeavors. “Knowing how many doors it’s going to open for me is really, really exciting,” she commented. “After WOU, I hope to get my Masters in global health. Having this experience on my resumé is going to be incredibly helpful when applying.”

Callero explained that education abroad is important in gaining a new perspective on the world. “Most students who experience international education through study abroad report being transformed by the opportunity,” he commented. “When our personal beliefs and parochial assumptions are confronted with an alternative cultural worldview, change happens.”

“It’s really exciting knowing that I get to travel and see and experience things that many people go their whole life without seeing or experiencing,” Morris explained. “This experience is going to blow my mind, and I can’t wait for it to begin.”

 

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

New year, new laws

Paul F Davis

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

Over 700 laws were passed in Oregon in 2017, many of which went into effect on Jan. 1, 2018. Read on for a few examples to become familiar with.

Increased tobacco age

The age at which an individual can purchase and use tobacco products has increased from 18 to 21 with the start of the new year. This law also prohibits the use of vape products, e-cigarettes and other inhalant delivery systems by anyone under the age of 21. Western remains a tobacco and vape-free campus and prohibits the use of these products campus-wide.

Move Over Law

Oregon’s previous Move Over Law required vehicles on the roadway to change lanes or slow down if there are emergency or roadside assistance vehicles on the shoulder of the road. On Jan. 1, this law expanded to include any vehicle that is pulled over with activated hazard lights. If a far lane is available, it is required for drivers to change lanes. If not, they must slow down to at least 5 miles per hour below the posted speed limit. Drivers that do not move over or slow down can face a fine up to $400.

Bottle bill expanded

On Apr. 1, 2017, the deposit value of refundable beverage containers increased from 5 cents to 10 cents. But even more changes to Oregon’s Bottle Bill became effective with the new year. Now, the bill has expanded from only including water, beer, and soft drinks to including almost everything that comes in a container between 4 ounces and 1.5 liters. Exceptions include dairy, wine, distilled liquor, infant formula, and meal replacement drinks. Everything from energy drinks to coconut water is now refundable for a 10 cent deposit.

Process for changing name, sex on birth certificate

Before Jan. 1, individuals that wished to change their name and/or sex designation on their birth certificate had to obtain a court order to prove that they had completed sexual reassignment. Beginning in 2018, House Bill 2673 states that any individual born in Oregon can submit an application to alter their birth certificate to accurately reflect their name and gender identity.

Self-serve fuel

House Bill 2482, passed on June 6, 2017 and officially taking effect Jan. 1, 2018 allows individuals in low-population Oregon counties to pump their own gas. This law does not require gas stations to allow 24-hour self-service, but instead gives them the option to offer it. This policy change follows the 2015 law that stated that individuals in low-population counties – counties with a population of 40,000 or less – may self-serve fuel between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. The law applies to counties in Eastern Oregon as well as Clatsop, Tillamook and Curry counties.

 

Visit oregonlegislature.gov for more information on bills passed in 2017.

 

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Meet the Greeks

Paul F. Davis

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

When Greek letters are displayed campus-wide, it can only mean one thing – fraternity and sorority new member recruitment.

There are currently four Greek organizations established on Western’s campus: Omega Delta Phi, Kappa Sigma, Alpha Chi Omega and Kappa Delta Chi. Each organization has its own mission, philanthropy and standards that Western students can learn more about.

Omega Delta Phi is a multicultural service-based men’s fraternity with the philosophy “One culture, any race.” The traditional values upheld by the fraternity are unity, honesty, integrity and leadership. According to the Omega Delta Phi national website, individuals in the fraternity aim to “form an organization which not only challenges the traditional perception of fraternities, but also one with deals with the issues of culture and race for a completely new perspective.” Omega Delta Phi’s philanthropy is through Court Appointed Special Advocates, a national organization that provides advocates for abused or neglected children.

Kappa Sigma is a values-based men’s fraternity focused on the four pillars of fellowship, scholarship, leadership, and service. According to kappasigma.org, the fraternity aims to promote the ideal of brotherhood, promote ethical behavior, encourage service to others and contribute to the personal growth of its members. Kappa Sigma’s philanthropy is the Kappa Sigma Fraternity Military Heroes Campaign, which advocates for veterans and men and women wounded in combat.

Kappa Sigma is tabling every day during weeks one and two of winter term to recruit new members. Check them out in the WUC from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for more information on how to join.

Alpha Chi Omega is a social-based sorority on Western’s campus. According to the sorority’s national website, “The real, strong woman is what we aim to help Alpha Chi Omegas become in their four years of college and beyond. It’s what we’re most proud of, and the outcome we’re committed to creating for each member.” The sorority selects its members based on the five national standards of membership: academic interest, character, financial responsibility, leadership ability, and personal development. Alpha Chi Omega’s philanthropy is domestic violence awareness.

Alpha Chi Omega members will be recruiting in the WUC from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 10 and Jan. 11 and again from Jan. 16 to Jan. 18. Stop by for more information on joining the organization.

Kappa Delta Chi is a multicultural community service-based women’s sorority that values unity, honesty, integrity, and leadership. Stated on the chapter website, Kappa Delta Chi members “blossom into committed leaders, are able to network with our remarkable alumnae, and continue to serve as civic leaders well past their graduation.” The national philanthropy of Kappa Delta Chi is the American Cancer Society.

Greek organizations can be an excellent way to get involved on campus. Alpha Chi Omega president Julia Webster comments, “Just joining anything on campus is a great way to stay connected to the community and find your place to fit in.”

Visit OrgSync for more information on Greek organizations and upcoming events.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Suspicious activity alerts community

Paul F. Davis

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

Two separate instances of suspicious activity within the same week alerted the Monmouth community in early December. One incident occurred on Nov. 29 when a woman reported that a man tried to enter her parked car near the intersection of Clay and Knox Street. Less than a week later on Dec. 6, another woman reported that a man approached and tried to grab her near her residence. The investigation of this incident is ongoing.

Although these circumstances occurred off campus, Campus Public Safety was quick to offer advice on keeping safe and taking the necessary precautions both on and off campus.

One service that Campus Public Safety provides is the safety escort service where a Public Safety officer will escort individuals around campus if they feel unsafe. If a student doesn’t want to walk with an officer, they also have the option to stay on the phone with an individual from Public Safety as they walk, or an officer could keep an eye on the student via campus cameras.

Although the safety escort program only offers assistance around campus, Wolf Ride is available for off-campus locations. If a student feels nervous or uneasy about walking around Monmouth or Independence, they can call Wolf Ride at 503-428-7238  for a ride from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. daily. Wolf Ride is not operational during winter break.

In addition to safety escorts and Wolf Ride, Director of Campus Public Safety Rebecca Chiles suggests following the most well-lit paths through campus, indicated by the white paw prints on the sidewalks. Emergency phones are available in various locations around campus that directly connect to Campus Public Safety in case of an emergency.

Chiles also offers an additional piece of advice for students: participate in bystander training.

“Any kind of training and information that you can get empowers you to make decisions to be able to interact and intervene when things like that are going on,” Chiles advises. “Knowledge is power. The more you know, the more you can react positively and be able to take care of yourself and keep yourself safe.” Contact Craig Wimmer at wimmerc@wou.edu for more information on Green Dot bystander training on campus.

Chiles advises to stay alert when walking alone. It’s common for students to browse social media while walking down the street or sitting in a car, but putting the phone down and being aware of one’s surroundings can prevent distractions that lead to unsafe situations.

Chiles wants students to know that Campus Public Safety is there to support and keep them safe. “Our department here on campus works hand in hand with Monmouth Police Department. Everything that we do is tied to the university’s mission and strategic plan to make this a safe place to learn, to live, to work, and to visit … We’re going to do everything we can to provide those safe environments.”

Students who are concerned for their safety can contact Campus Public Safety at 503-838-8481.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Survey campaign gives Western students a voice

Paul F. Davis

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

On Oct. 4, members of ASWOU and the Oregon Student Association could be found on campus sidewalks engaging with students about important issues that many college students face. This was part of a statewide survey campaign to get input from college students regarding what issues they want to see addressed on campus and in the state legislature.

The Oregon Student Association, or OSA, is a student-led non-partisan organization that works to advocate for student issues and concerns in Oregon. OSA represents schools ranging from Portland State University to Central Oregon Community College and serves over 110,000 individuals in postsecondary education.

“As we know, there are big differences in issues that impact students from a regional university like Western to a big university,” commented OSA Communications Director Devin Hutchings on the importance of representing a wide variety of institutions. “That’s why having a board is really important and to make sure that students from all different types of public higher education in Oregon are at the table and making decisions together.”

Every two years, OSA goes through a process of choosing which issues they will prioritize and work on in the coming years. OSA leadership students present and debate several proposals, and ultimately all students in OSA represented schools can vote on which topics they’d like to see addressed.

OSA partnered with ASWOU to bring the statewide student survey to Western’s campus and allow students to vote on the 10 proposed issues. At Western, 845 individuals gave their input and 17,081 students statewide participated in the survey.

According to the survey, the top five issues that students want to see addressed are tuition and textbook affordability, affordable and stable housing, increase mental health resources for students, student control over tuition setting and college governance and food assistance for food insecure Oregonians.

Focusing and working on these issues has led to changes in the legislature in the past. In 2015, one of the issues that OSA staff members focused on was sexual violence prevention and reform. Senate Bill 762, which exempts victims of sexual assault from prosecution for offenses related to the possession of alcohol by a person under the age of 21, was brought forward by the Oregon Student Association.

This bill was passed and signed into law this past summer.

“That is a victory that impacts quite a few students and was brought forward by students, was worked on a lobbied for, students went to the capital, and was eventually passed and is now a law,” Hutchings commented. “It was student-led the whole way.”

“We’re thankful for the students that participated in the survey and we really appreciate it,” commented Annie Broussard, ASWOU Director of State and Federal Affairs.

To find out more information on OSA, visit orstudents.org.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

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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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