Mount Hood

Admiring diversity from around the globe

Caitlyn Nakatsukasa | Staff Writer

Western’s International Night aimed to break culture shocks and express the diversity of students from around the world. The event was hosted on May 11 by the International Club, an organization that promotes cultural awareness and fosters friendships with students from around the world.

“This club helps international and domestic students broaden their horizon and perspectives on cultures, individuality, and life,” said junior and International Club Vice President Berlyn Buncal. Buncal has been a member of the club since her first year at Western. “[Our purpose] is to share and let other students make friends with people they never thought they would click with too.”

Junior Faafili Papalii agreed, stating that, “the club is worldwide. It means that anyone can welcome to join and share with us.”

This is Papalii’s third year participating in the International Night as a dancer. “We help each other and the new students who need friends, directions and education,” said Papalii. “The club thinks that students are away from their families and they are far away from home, so International Club is home away from home.”

This annual event provides the audience with a wide scope of diverse cultures and acknowledges a variety of backgrounds.

“International Night is about sharing different cultures with the university and the community at an evening,” said Buncal. She believes the event helps create visibility of the wide variety of international students attending Western. “It is where people from other parts of the world can feel at home. They get to see that there are other international [students] and share their culture, something that not many have the opportunity to do.”

The event had Arabic entertainment booths such as Henna artwork, samples of tea and treats, displays of handcrafted clothes and a person that wrote guest’s names in Arabic. It gave people the opportunity to explore the lifestyles of people from Saudi Arabia.

The dinner consisted of specialty dishes from around the globe, such as ye’abesha gomen from Ethiopia, beef bulgogi from South Korea, yakisoba noodles from Japan and vanillekipferl from Germany.

The entertainment portion of the event kicked off with a fashion show extravaganza that foreshadowed the upcoming performances. International Club members had the chance to show off traditional clothing from different countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Ghana and Thailand. Members had the opportunity to flaunt clothing from their own native countries and demonstrate what they normally wear in their hometowns.

Throughout the night were various performances that represented various cultures and rituals. There was the Yasugi Bushi performance, a famous folk song from Japan that involved two participants dancing while wearing face masks. Another performance was the Bollywood dance, a performance that demonstrated many different Indian dance styles. There was even a Rubik’s Cube performance where Lianhua Zhou solved the puzzle in a matter of minutes. The Rubik’s Cube is a popular puzzle that is well-known in western culture.

The event wrapped up with the emcees thanking the audience for attending and bringing all of the volunteers and performers to the stage.

“[Tonight is] a night that we invite everyone to celebrate and promote the unity of International on campus,” said Papalii. “It doesn’t matter what race, color, or language we are; we believe in equality.”

Contact the author at cnakatsukasa15@wou.edu.

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

$4 million surplus in university budget provides opportunity for growth

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

On May 8, a university budget update given by president Rex Fuller and interim Vice President for Finance and Administration Jay Kenton disclosed a new revelation to Faculty Senate: the university budget, which was previously thought to be in a deficit, is actually in a $4 million surplus.

This surplus of money arose from various sources. Though enrollment is still declining, the university is attracting more out-of-state students, who pay more for tuition than Oregon residents. This unexpected revenue cuts down the deficit. Additionally, the migration from the Banner software system to the cloud application saved the university a one-time savings of $450,000. And nearly half of the $4 million was money that was budgeted for various departments but not being utilized. Instead of re-allocating these funds halfway through the year, the administration decided to be proactive about their investments.

“It allows us to be a bit more investment-oriented,” explained Fuller. “We’re moving to a point where we’re creating our future as opposed to simply being in reaction mode.”

Now the question is: what will the university invest in? Fuller thinks it’s important to focus on increasing enrollment at Western.

“We need to be more creative and innovative about driving enrollment to Western,” Fuller stated.

One way to accomplish this is to establish a campus in Salem to appeal to students that are currently commuting from Salem to Monmouth. Another focus would be creating new programs with an emphasis in professional STEM fields and implementing more accessible degree paths through online classes.

An important change, what Kenton refers to as a ‘new paradigm,’ is decentralizing the budget and allowing individual departments to manage their own budgets.

“Everything was very centrally controlled here,” Kenton commented. “Most universities push responsibilities out — decisions are better made closer to their point of impact.”

The way it is now, departments only manage nearly 20 percent of their own budgets. Kenton aims to change this.

He explained that faculty are stakeholders in the university, stating: “You (the faculty) are part owner of this operation and you deserve to have this information to know how your organization’s doing and how you’re going to be impacted by decisions we make. We need to be inclusive and transparent.”

Dr. Kimberly Jensen, professor of history, believes that the administration should provide more information to the faculty and explain why this surplus was not found sooner.

“This was money, over time, that could have supported faculty and the wonderful students we teach in many ways,” Jensen explained. “I would like to see the administration provide us more information about the specific accounting, and I would like the administration to see that there is restitution for what has happened.”

Dr. Karen Haberman, professor of biology, suggested that these funds be used to provide competitive pay for open faculty positions.

“In light of budget surpluses going back many years, we need to prioritize filling tenure-track positions that were vacated due to retirements,” Haberman proposed. “Several of these positions have been open for many years, presumably due to budget constraints.”

The discovery of a budget surplus came in the middle of faculty bargaining, where faculty and administrators meet to explain their positions and come to an agreement regarding faculty compensation and benefits. Kenton believes that the budget will play a role in faculty negotiations going forward.

“This revelation may complicate bargaining,” Kenton remarked. “I think the expectations are high as a result.”

Jensen agreed, stating: “This has undoubtedly affected our collective bargaining processes as we seek to have faculty salaries that will recruit and retain faculty, decisions about replacing faculty who have left (Western), and funding for programs to benefit faculty and students here at (Western) as we seek to make this the best educational experience for students we possibly can.”

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

 

D.R.E.A.M. club supports students with disabilities

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

A new organization joined Western’s campus in April; D.R.E.A.M., which stands for “Disability, Rights, Empowerment, Awareness and Mentoring,” is a club that aims to provide a judgement-free zone for Western students, faculty and staff to talk about disabilities and the challenges that individuals with disabilities may face at Western.

“It’s kind of a place for us to talk about our lives but then also find ways to change the campus and change people’s perspectives,” explained D.R.E.A.M. club founder and sophomore Frankie Holborn. Holborn participated in a discussion panel for Western Accessibility Awareness Month where individuals talked about their experiences with a disability. She realized that many students with disabilities were facing similar challenges and took it upon herself to create a way for these students to help one another.

“For a lot of disabled people, it’s very hard to want to come out and ask for help, and want to join clubs like this,” said Holborn.

While the club is still new, they hope to do big things at Western. Club leader and sophomore early childhood education major Faith Van Putten aspires to help future educators learn about disabilities in the classroom.

“I want to focus on the teaching aspect of it and do the parts with the future teachers and getting them more educated on disabilities,” said Van Putten. She claimed that Western’s education program does not teach extensively about working with students with disabilities, explaining, “There’s so many different (disabilities) and no two people with the same disability are alike and their accommodations are never the same. So, I want to focus on that.”

To erase the stigma around disabilities, Holborn invites everyone to attend club meetings and ask questions.

“We want people to talk to us about it,” Holborn expressed. She hopes that both students and professors take the time to learn more about disabilities and ways to make Western more accessible for individuals with disabilities.

“If you don’t know if you want to identify with the community or if you don’t know if this club is right for you, I’d say come. We’re very open-minded. We want to talk with you. We are a judgement-free zone,” encouraged Holborn. “Anyone is welcome.”

To learn more about Western’s D.R.E.A.M. club, visit OrgSync or attend a club meeting Mondays at 6 p.m. in the Calapooia room.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

ASWOU elections come to a close

Zoë Strickland | Editor-in-Chief

After a nearly-two-week campaign quest to meet the mandated 10 percent student voting quota, the 2018-2019 Associated Students of Western Oregon University leaders were announced on May 4.

Evelyn Guzman, who currently serves as ASWOU Vice President, was elected to the position of President for 2018-2019, while Erik Morgan Jr. was elected to fill Guzman’s seat as Vice President. Current Director of State and Federal Affairs Nathan Soltz was elected to serve as ASWOU Senate President, and Logan Doerfler was re-elected as Judicial Administrator. Both Jamie Norr and Rowan Hammer were elected Senators — this will be Norr’s second year as part of the branch. At the time of publication, there are pending write-ins for Senate, Judicial Board and Incidental Fee Committee members.

There were a total of 511 votes cast, with 10.9 percent of Western’s student body being represented.

The new pack of ASWOU leaders have proposed widespread goals, including: reworking the IFC process, encouraging further student involvement, promoting diversity and inclusion on campus and creating an open communication between students and Western’s administration.  

Two of Soltz’s goals involve changing the ASWOU governing documents and overhauling the IFC: “Our current Governing Documents are vague,” he said. “I have served, and continue to serve, as the Rules Committee Chair and Parliamentarian for several organizations; I know well what bylaws and governing documents should look like and our current ones check very few of those boxes.”

When it comes to the IFC, Soltz plans to mend how the committee operates; “As things are now, the IFC creates its own bylaws and in those bylaws, it dictates to the Senate what the Senate can and cannot do and makes it so that only the IFC can remove one of its members; these are just two of the most egregious parts of the IFC process, in addition to the IFC being mentioned only in passing by our governing documents without it ever being clearly established.”

Senate member Norr stated in her candidacy mission statement that she wants to focus on making Western accepting and receptive to student needs: “I believe that our student government should be an open space where everyone can voice their opinions and have their ideas heard … I hope to assist in creating a safe and accepting school by listening to fellow students, advocating for changes, speaking out against discrimination or notions that may harm students, and working towards a better community.”

For more information regarding ASWOU, visit wou.edu/aswou.

Contact the author at journaleditor@wou.edu

African tradition shared with Western community

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

Traditional African clothing, expressive dance movements and authentic cuisine characterized the African Students and Friends Association’s African Cultural Night on May 2. The evening aimed to educate guests on African culture while celebrating the diversity of the continent.

“African tradition is expressed through many different art forms, such as music, dance, art, sculpture and beadwork,” explained dance professor Darryl Thomas. Thomas is co-artistic director of Rainbow Dance Theatre who performed the traditional Mendiani dance at the event. This group was one of many that represented various African cultures through dance.

Senior business major Amanda Kiflay performed in several dances throughout the evening. Kiflay is an international student from Sweden whose ethnicity is Eritrean.

“As an Eritrean, I can say that dance and music is a big part of our culture, especially during different types of celebrations such as weddings, graduations, church and holidays. It’s a way of celebrating and expressing your emotions,” explained Kiflay.

Clothing was another way African culture was expressed at this event. ASFA club member junior Marnasha Fowlkes explained that clothing is specific to the various African regions, and a person could tell where in Africa the garment came from based on its patterns, fabric and style.

“What we wear, whether we like it or not, is a reflection and representation of who we are,” Fowlkes commented. “Many African cultures and their people are proud of who they are and where they come from.”

Kiflay added, “It’s a way of expressing the collective shared meanings of that culture. Having something that is different from other cultures helps it to stay alive and passed down to the next generation.”

Traditional garments were worn during dances, instrument performances and for the African culture fashion show.

While entertaining and high-energy, the African Cultural Night provided an opportunity to educate the community about African culture and its tremendous diversity.

“The African continent is one of the most diverse continents in the world and I believe it’s important to share some of the countless numbers of cultures with the students of Western in order to remove some of the stereotypes,” Kiflay expressed. She believes that education is necessary to fight for the rights of marginalized communities and make Western a more inclusive space.

Thomas explained that the drum he played during the Mendiani dance is called the “djembe,” meaning “let’s come together (in peace).”

“Tonight, at Africa Night, the WOU community ‘came together in peace and harmony’ to celebrate the music, dance, food and art of Africa. In the current political climate, what could be more poignant, what could be more beautiful,” said Thomas.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

25 years of celebration

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

Bells that decorate clothing ring with every step, a drum beat that’s so loud that it vibrates the walls. Positive energy radiated from the arena during Multicultural Student Union’s 25th annual Pow Wow — the largest annual celebration of Native American culture on Western’s campus.

“With the Native American people, we don’t have many ways of coming together and celebrating,” explained Nick Sixkiller, master of ceremonies for the event and member of the Cherokee of Oklahoma tribe. Sixkiller has been the emcee for Western’s annual Pow Wow for nearly a decade.

The Pow Wow provides an opportunity for Native Americans to share various dances from their culture. These dances include both the men’s and women’s Fast and Fancy Dance, the Jingle Dress Dance and the men’s and women’s Traditional Dance that, according to Sixkiller, “represents all of our Indian nations.”

All dances have a story; the Jingle Dress Dance originated from a Ojibwe man’s vision that provided instructions for a dance that would cure his ill daughter. Regalia, or Native American outfits, for the Jingle Dress Dance include rows of metal cones, referred to in the Ojibew language as ‘ziibaaska ‘iganan,’ that ring with every step. Sixkiller commented that, when the arena is filed with dancers, “it sounds like a rainstorm in Oregon.”

Native American dances are fluid and allow an opportunity for personal expression.

“Your vision is in your own head dancing and you just gotta listen to the drum beat,” Sixkiller explained. The drum beat represents the heartbeat of Mother Earth and how she gives life to the native people. “There’s no one style of dancing. It’s what’s in your body and how you want to dance this style.”

In addition to the entertainment for the 12-hour event on April 28, Native American vendors brought in handmade items to share their culture with others.

One of the vendors, Tina, is a South American Indian from the Andes. She displayed hand carved wooden flutes, rings made from coconut shells and twisted wire jewelry.

“In the old times, we didn’t have electricity, we didn’t have anything,” said Tina. “So what we learned to do is things by hand. We learned how to weave, we learned how to do jewelry, we learned how to work with the animal furs. We just had the whole time in our hands.”

Since she moved to Oregon, she shares her love of working with her hands with her friends and children. She fondly looks back on the days growing up in the Andes.

“It was busy, busy life,” Tina remembered, smiling. “It was wonderful.”

Pow Wows are not only an opportunity to entertain with song and dance, but they are also a time for Native Americans to gather and educate others on their history. Sixkiller hopes that more people learn about the true story of the Native Americans.

“We’re the first persons here on this land and we’re ignored. And we can’t change it,” Sixkiller expressed. “It’s just irritating. We’re trying to get teachers in schools to talk more about natives in truth rather than what the old history books are talking about.”

He explained that one way that people can learn about the culture is attending an event like this.

“I’d like to invite everybody to come to a Pow Wow and learn more about American Indians and not what history has taught them over the years,” Sixkiller encouraged.

“I feel like we aren’t really shown Native Americans and their culture,” said MSU’s Social Membership Director and sophomore Gabbie Acevedo-Solis. “It’s good to be aware and be informed as well as celebrate.”

Acevedo-Solis also encourages individuals to experience the various Native American dances at their annual Pow Wow. She explained that the positive energy on the dance floor spreads throughout the audience and can be felt by everyone; “You have to see it for yourself and you’ll realize how beautiful it really is.”

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis

Initiative Petition 22 threatens Oregon immigrants

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

Thirty-one years ago, the Oregon sanctuary law was put in place to prevent Oregon law enforcement agencies from “detecting or apprehending” individuals solely based on federal immigration law violations. A new initiative petition seeks to place a measure on the November ballot to repeal this law and remove Oregon’s sanctuary state title.

“I believe it’s something that would put a lot of communities under attack and fear,” explained Unidos Vice President and sophomore Monica Ortiz.

Western’s Unidos Club strives to act as a “support system to everyone who identifies as undocumented and/or are DACA recipients” according to the Unidos OrgSync. The club hosted an informational workshop on April 26 which aimed to educate students about the proposed ballot measure.

The main organization behind the campaign for IP 22 is Oregonians For Immigration Reform, or OFIR. According to their website, OFIR “works to stop illegal immigration as well as reduce legal immigration to a more environmentally, economically and socially sustainable level here in Oregon and across the United States.”

Unidos President Cristina Garcia, however, believes that the measure would only incite hate in Oregon.

“It would cause more division,” Garcia stated. Because the ballot measure would allow law enforcement to stop individuals on the basis of citizenship, she believes that it would lead to an unsafe environment.

“People of color wouldn’t feel comfortable walking around, because they’d be targeted by police,” explained Garcia.

The workshop explained the purpose of the initiative, the organizations such as OFIR that are behind it and ways that students can get involved such as voting and telling others what IP 22 is.

Garcia encourages students to get informed on the initiative petition; “We’re trying to let people know that this is what it is, don’t sign it.”

In addition to the informational workshop, a timeline of immigrant rights history with significant events including the signing of the federal anti-immigration bills in 1996 and the Oregon sanctuary state law passing in 1987 was displayed. Ortiz believes that Oregonians can create positive changes for the future.

“I believe that now is the time to do something about changing the timeline, doing something positive and helping pass something that is helping communities, not bringing them down and in fear,” expressed Ortiz.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Photo by: LATimes.com

Western Oregon University

Facebook   Instagram   X  YouTube

WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY
345 Monmouth Ave. N.
Monmouth OR 97361

503-838-8000 | 1-877-877-1593

Tools

Campus Maps
Canvas
Find People
Portal
WOU Email
Technical Support

Resources

A-Z Index
Accessibility
Academic Calendar
Class Schedule
Jobs at WOU
News
Explore WOU
Partnerships
Student Services
Freedom of Expression

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.

Accessibility    Public Records    Privacy    Student Consumer Information

WOU prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by WOU.