With student loans comes great responsibility
By: Jade Rayner News Editor
As spring term nears the halfway point, many students have begun to receive their financial aid packages for the 2017-2018 school year. However, it isn’t too late for those who still need to fill out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or search for student loans.
A financial aid package also brings with it a plethora of decisions that need to be made, most of which revolve around the decision to take out student loans or not, as well as how to manage them.
Students that don’t already have loans, but may be looking to take one out in the future, have a number of options available to them.
Romeo Lopez Gonzalez, one of Western’s two bilingual financial aid counselors, laid out what students need to know when searching for student loans; anyone seeking loans for school need to know that they must be repaid, and that students should only borrow the amount they need.
Lopez Gonzalez also says that, “it is important to understand the types of federal loans offered.”
For those eligible to receive federal direct subsidized stafford loans, “the federal government pays your interest while you’re in school at least half-time and for some loans, during grace periods and periods of deferment. You must have ‘need’ to qualify for the subsidized loan,” he explains.
The other type of federal loan is a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, which is made available “to students who do not qualify for ‘need’ based Federal Direct Subsidized Loans, or who are not eligible for the full Federal Direct Subsidized Loan amount. The amount of the loan cannot be more than the difference between the cost of attendance and any financial assistance you will receive from the school and any outside source (including the subsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan). Interest accrues on the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan while you are in school and during the six-month grace period before repayment begins.”
Additionally, students have options outside of federal loans.
“Students considering a private loan should research private loan options carefully to see which loan is right for them. Although WOU does not recommend any particular lender, we have developed a worksheet with questions to consider when shopping for an alternative student loan,” added Lopez Gonzalez.
The worksheet noted above can be found on Western’s financial aid website.
Those who are already using loans to pay for college have both the opportunity and responsibility to keep track of what they owe and who their loans are being serviced by.
The National Student Loan Data System is an online resource where students can track their federal loan information. Information on private educational loans will not show up on the NSLDS. Students will need to contact their private lender individually to access that information.
In response to the Jan. 2017 lawsuits filed against Navient, the nation’s largest student loan servicer, USA Today presented suggestions for those already using student loans to assist with paying for college.
First of all, students should know who their loan servicer is.
“It’s not always the same company that lent you money in the first place,” stated Teddy Nykiel. “Since 2010, the U.S. Department of Education has been the direct lender for all federal student loans, but it contracts with private, third-party companies, including Navient, to handle loan servicing. Prior to 2010, private banks, including Sallie Mae, lent federally guaranteed student loans under the Federal Family Education Loan program.”
Students who are unsure of who their federal loan servicer is can find out by logging into their account on the federal student aid website, the same site where the FAFSA can be filled out.
Nykiel also recommends that borrowers keep track of their credit score for errors, and to be familiar with all of their loan repayment options.
Western’s financial aid office, located in room 310 of the Administration Building, offers a variety of services.
“We are available to meet with students to discuss financial aid packages, scholarship opportunities and how to pay for college,” explained Lopez Gonzalez. “We also help students navigate Federal Student Aid websites … we offer scholarship workshops, FAFSA filing events, and outreach to high schools. We do not recommend any particular private educational lender.”
For more information got to wou.edu/finaid. Students can make appointments with financial aid counselors by logging onto their portal and going to the WCS tab.
Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu
National March for Science takes Corvallis
By: Justin Oehler Staff Writer
On April 22, scientists, science enthusiasts and self-proclaimed nerds gathered all over the world to raise awareness of the attack on science. Though this was early spring with rain clouds in the sky, more people turned out than the organizers expected. According to Kelby Hahn, one of the event organizers for the march in Corvallis, 500 to 1,000 people were expected which is what the event’s permit was for. However, well over 2,000 adults, children and dogs turned out, surpassing even the wildest estimations of the organizers.
Speakers such as Corvallis Mayor Biff Traber and Benton County Commissioner Anne Schuster, called for the crowd to continue the support of science and real facts, not the “alternative facts” that have recently plagued national news.
Mayor Traber said, “beliefs do not equal fact.” This sentiment was echoed throughout the march. He also called out deniers of science, saying that, “you cannot question scientific facts. They are facts for a reason.”
Commissioner Schuster took a more personal route, telling the story of how she first fell in love with science in her father’s greenhouse. She went on to say, “science has informed all that I do.”
Attendees’ ages were fairly mixed: from young children who could barely walk to older folks who used canes. However, there was a small number of college-aged students in attendance.
Jocelyn Chavez, an anthropology major from Western attended. When asked why she chose to come to the event, she explained that, “normally, this would be a fun social event to mingle with other members of the science community; however, with the actions of the current administration push against science and facts this has turned it to an important event to gain attention for the cause.”
When push comes to shove, scientists and science lovers, alike, come up with many interesting signs and slogans. A chant that elicited giggles of joy from marchers every time it was said was, “What do we want? Science! When do we want it? After peer review!” This helped to enforce the lightheartedness of the march.
Another sign displayed a more comic side of one the marchers describing his idea for the next presidential candidate: “Darwin 2020: Gradual change we can believe in.”
Others were more pointed towards President Donald Trump. One artist made a painting of a large Trump-head breathing fire onto a sad, lone polar bear atop a small floating iceberg. Another attendee even called to, “make America think again.”
The March for Science was coordinated with the help of the City of Corvallis and the Corvallis Police Department. The event was entirely peaceful; no arrests and no property damage occurred.
Contact the author at joehler12@wou.edu
Zika virus threatens the Americas
By: Jenna Beresheim News Editor
In May 2015, the first Zika virus infection in Brazil was confirmed, and since has spread to most of South America and Mexico.
Before this confirmation, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that the Zika virus was commonly found in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
The Zika virus is spread through mosquito bites and leads to symptoms such as fevers, joint pains, rashes, and red eyes.
Due to the transmissible nature of this virus the CDC has issued a Level 2 travel alert for individuals traveling to countries that may contain the virus. A Level 2 travel alert encourages travelers to practice enhanced precautions and understand the risks of traveling to certain countries for various reasons.
The virus will typically pass from an individual’s blood within a few days and rarely results in death or hospitalization. There is currently no vaccine for the Zika virus and those infected are urged to prevent further mosquito bites to spread the virus, as well as to rest and remain hydrated until it passes. The virus remains contagious in the bloodstream for up to a week.
Pregnant mothers that become infected with the virus risk their infant being born with a severe birth defect known as microcephaly. This defect results in a much smaller head than an average infant’s, often affecting the brain as a result.
Women who are currently pregnant or hoping to become pregnant soon are encouraged to stay out of areas with known cases of the Zika virus.
National Public Radio (NPR) reports that Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Jamaica have advised that women hold off on getting pregnant. El Salvador went as far as to urge women to hold back on having children until 2018.
Salvadoran law currently prohibits and criminalizes all abortion, on any grounds. However, the stance may be shifting in light of the Zika virus affecting newborns.
This may lead to more mothers finding their own methods of abortion, with the risk of serving time if caught.
“[The result would be] more clandestine abortions and a higher number of women being sent to jail,” predicts Angela Rivas, a Salvadoran abortion rights activist as reported by NPR.
Individuals are encouraged to wear long sleeves and pants as well as to stay in places that are air-conditioned and prepared to keep mosquitoes out with screened windows and doors. Apply sunscreen before applying insect repellent and never spray repellent directly onto the skin beneath clothing.
If travelling to countries with known cases of Zika virus, invest in mosquito netting for sleeping areas.
The World Health Organization (WHO) held an emergency meeting on Monday, Feb. 1 to discuss what needs to be done to combat the virus that is rapidly spreading through the Americas.
“The people in these countries deserve the protection of the international community and the World Health Organization,” stated Lawrence Gostin, director of Georgetown’s O’Neill Institute, in a JAMA editorial.
According to Sylvain Aldighieri of the Pan American Health Organization with USA Today, the Americas could see three to four million infections a year.
“WHO officials want to make sure that nations don’t take inappropriate steps to limit travel or trade because of the virus,” stated Bruce Aylward, assistant director-general of the WHO. “During the Ebola outbreak, many countries closed their borders, which harmed the fragile economies of West Africa.”
Buckle up and keep your eyes ahead
By: Zoe Strickland Managing Editor
April is the fourth annual Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Distracted driving in Oregon has been declared an “epidemic” by the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Distracted driving involves driving while your attention is diverted elsewhere, and includes but is not limited to: eating or drinking, talking or texting and using navigation devices.
As society makes strides in advancing technology and things like navigation devices become more of a driving staple, the temptation to drive while otherwise engaged can become more enticing. When a person takes their eyes off of the road for a mere five seconds while driving 55 miles per hour, they travel the length of a football field without looking at the road.
Though a distracted driver may only take their eyes off of the road for a short five seconds, a study done by the American Automobile Association Foundation suggests that “distraction ‘latency’ lasts an average of 27 seconds, meaning that, even after drivers put down the phone or stop fiddling with the navigation system, drivers aren’t fully engaged with the driving task.”
“During daylight hours, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cellphones while driving,” reported the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The regular use of cellphones has drastically increased the number of accident-related deaths. End Distracted Driving reported that since 2014, there has been a 14 percent increase in car accident fatalities, which is the largest increase in the past 53 years.
Despite laws against it, “at least every 3 hours someone in Oregon is injured by distracted driving behavior,” reports the ODOT website.
As a state law, Oregon prohibits the use of cellphones while operating a vehicle; except in cases of an emergency. The fine for breaking this law is $142.
Though April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, practicing safe driving habits year-round is essential to the safety of everyone on the road. To learn more about distracted driving and how to help prevent it, visit distracteddriving.gov.
Contact the author at journalmanaging@wou.edu
Respect the pack
By: Jade Rayner News Editor
In the month of April 2017, two crimes involving racism occurred on campus and off, both towards Western students.
One incident, revealed in an all-campus email from President Rex Fuller, “involved a student being subjected to racist language while walking on campus.”
The second incident occurred at one of the Wolfpack Village apartment complexes, where sophomore Dwightaye Spears’ apartment door was vandalized with a racist slur on April 10, according to Fox 12.
“It was just a really uncomfortable experience,” Spears said in an interview with Fox 12.
Crimes involving discrimination at Western aren’t common. Western’s “2016 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report” crime-statistics show that the last reported hate crimes for campus and the surrounding community within a one-block radius, were two in 2013; the report has statistics for 2013, 2014 and 2015.
When asked in an interview what a student should do if they feel they have been discriminated against, Campus Public Safety director Rebecca Chiles explained that, “students can report incidents to Campus Public Safety, Office of Student Conduct, Monmouth Police Department, or local police department where the incident has taken place, Human Resources, Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs, and University Housing are just a few of the resources on campus that can take a report.”
Chiles offered Western’s Student Health and Counseling Center, Abby’s House, Veteran’s Services, Multicultural Services and Programs and the Stonewall Center/Safe Zone are resources available to students if they feel they feel unsafe or discriminated against.
“For students who are concerned for their safety or want to get support when making their way around campus or off campus, Campus Public Safety provides an on campus escort program where an officer can walk students to and from campus buildings; the Wolf Ride is another great resource for students to utilize for getting to off-campus locations,” added Chiles.
In the April 11 email sent by Fuller, he reminded everyone on campus that, “(WOU’s) practices are guided by…equity and inclusion; a fundamental basis in human diversity; appreciation for the complexity of the world; and strength drawn from our variety of backgrounds, abilities, cultural experiences, identities, knowledge domains and means of expression.”
Anyone with useful information regarding the above incidents are encouraged to contact the Monmouth police at 503-838-1109.
Students that would like to contact Campus Public Safety, for an escort or otherwise, can call their non-emergency number 503-838-8481.
Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu
One day for one Earth
By: Jade Rayner News Editor
The 47th annual Earth Day will be observed on April 22, 2017. Earth Day was founded in 1970 by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson; the idea to dedicate a day to focus on the environment was triggered by a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California in 1969, according to earthday.org.
The creation of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts all resulted from the many rallies and protests that occurred on Earth Day 1970.
As explained on the EPA’s website, their mission is to protect human health and the environment. In order to accomplish their broad goal, the EPA works with Congress by writing regulations for any environmental laws they create. They will also assist states in making sure they meet national environmental standards when needed.
This year, there are many ways that people can be active in the environment on April 22 if they choose to.
A common Earth Day activity is planting trees. “Planting trees is one of the simplest and most effective ways of tackling climate change caused by greenhouse gas. As trees grow they absorb carbon dioxide (CO2), a major greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. When communities plant trees they can help to reduce the impacts of climate change in their local area and around the world,” states www.worldvision.com.
The Luckiamute Watershed Council is hosting a free event to plant trees and shrubs at the Luckiamute State Natural Area in Albany alongside the Central Lions Club of Independence and Boy Scout Troupe #38.
By planting native vegetation, the LWC is hoping to restore the natural area’s wetlands, which is explained in further detail on their website, http://www.luckiamutelwc.org/earthday.
The Oregon Gardens in Silverton will be hosting special activities, along with free admission from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Earth Day; however, parking for the event will be $5.
Locally, the Monmouth Public Library will be doing free Earth Day themed crafts from 2-3 p.m.
In addition to these events, many cities around the country will be holding a March for Science.
“What began as a Reddit conversation has grown into a movement of scientists and science lovers standing up for evidenced-based policy making and inclusivity in the science community,” states www.scientificamerican.com.
Corvallis will be holding its March for Science from 1-3 p.m. at the Benton County Courthouse on April 22. More details can be found on the event’s facebook page.
For those looking for more ideas on how to help the environment, information can be found on www.earthday.org.
Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu
WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY
345 Monmouth Ave. N.
Monmouth OR 97361
503-838-8000 | 1-877-877-1593
EN 
ES