Mount Hood

How the gut affects the brain

Written by: Libby Thoma | Freelancer

It is well known that the brain, through emotion, can trigger an upset stomach. This spans from throwing up due to anxiety to being unable to eat during depression. It is less commonly known that this connection goes both ways. 

The gut-brain connection is the idea that the gut and the brain directly affect each other. The main component of this connection is the enteric nervous system — otherwise known as the ENS — that spans from your gastrointestinal tract to your rectum. The ENS’s main role is digestion, and although the ENS doesn’t think the way we picture thinking, there is a lot of communication between the ENS and the brain. An upset ENS, which may or may not be noticeable, may cause emotional and mood shifts, coupled with an increase in the risk for mental illness, mainly depression and anxiety. The ENS is known as a second brain, which can’t think in the way we presume a thought process is, but does play a role in controlling emotions and mental illness.

Generally, these risks are caused by bowel problems including constipation, diarrhea, bloating, IBS and general stomach upset. The importance of studying this phenomenon is high, due to up to 40% of the population having these problems at some point in their life. 

The study of the gut brain connection is also important due to the fact that it can lead to treatment. This treatment includes soothing both the brain and the “second brain”. 

Antidepressants and cognitive therapy are generally thought to help, but gastroenterologists and medication for stomach issues also help. Treatment has to target both brains to be fully effective. One may also try switching to a healthier diet to help improve the state of both brains. 

The gut-brain connection is a key component to understanding mental illness and the overall unwell mind. It can also unlock an understanding of overall stomach upset. The connection continues to be studied and more information has come out annually, improving the status of treatment options. The gut-brain connection is important and can help millions of people improve their quality of life. 

Contact the author at ethoma@wou.edu

Tree lighting ceremony

Written by: Hannah Field | News Editor

Western’s campus will be kicking off December with the 56th annual Holiday Tree Lighting. The event will start at 6:00 p.m. outside of the historical Campbell Hall. In preparation for the occasion, the tree has been fitted with its giant decorations which will be lit at the event around 6:45 p.m..

“Our sequoia tree outside of Campbell Hall is rumored to be the second largest sequoia (in Oregon),” said Katelin Granger, the coordinator of student activities & inclusion. It was planted in 1887 by former students of Western and is the object of celebration for the Holiday Tree Lighting.

The annual event is expected to bring together the Monmouth-Independence community, alumni, students, staff and faculty at large, as it has in previous years. It begins with a few keynote speakers sharing some words for the public. Some speakers include the President Peters, parade narrators and student voices that Granger established for the sake of inputting student representation in the event.

In the past, the parade has featured around thirty floats and traverses through Monmouth. “We have the annual parade that goes from the Monmouth (Public) library to the middle of campus,” said Granger. “We see people line up down Main Street and Monmouth avenue to watch all the parade floats. It’s just a really fun time.”

After the parade, the Dean of Students, Malissa Larson, will say a few words which will be followed by speeches by the mayors of Independence and Monmouth. Local elementary schools have engaged in an essay-writing contest, where the winner will be announced on the night of the event and assist in lighting the tree alongside President Peters. Prior to the lighting, the winner of the essay contest gets to read their essay aloud to the public attending the ceremony.

The Werner University Center will host indoor activities like cookie frosting and a Santa Claus for photo opportunities and more fun.

“This year, Abby’s House is doing their silent auction and that is going to be open during the after-portion, in the Columbia room,” added Granger.

Tradition will continue on the first Friday of December as the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony commences on campus. Granger encourages students to attend the event and join in on the holiday spirit that the festive night will entail.

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

Since 1962

Written by: Hannah Field | News Editor

Western’s average first-year student would never pass by Campbell Hall and consider that something is missing.

The building blends in with the rest of the old architecture — a staple to Western’s image. Before 1962, however, it had a whole section of rooms and even a bell tower that was lost to the Columbus Day Storm that wrecked the West coast — blowing in dangerous winds and torrents of rain statewide.

Student Wes Luchau photographed the devastation in action, a photo blasted to national media that even ended up earning Luchau 400 dollars which would be equivalent to four thousand dollars in today’s currency.

There is more of this hidden history that exists in the Western archives —  residing in the library archives and passed on in stories.

According to “Since 1856… Historical Views of the College at Monmouth,” a book kept shelved in Western’s Wayne & Lynn Hamersly Library, the enrollment in 1962 was at 1200 students. 

The book states, “The College attracted a student body most of whom were first generation college-bound,” which corresponds today with Western program SEP., specific to first-generation students, a trait Western has incorporated for over 60 years.

At this time, Western was not yet Western Oregon University, but the Oregon College of Education, and would go by this name until the year 1981.

The sixties arranged a period of rapid growth for the college, tripling their numbers by the end of the decade. More educational programs were established, as well as programs related to the arts, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences. 

The college underwent degree establishment requiring prerequisites for classes in elementary education, whereas previously, students could take the required classes in any order they desired, much unlike today’s system. 

More staff were hired and more funding was given to Western so it would eventually become the school as we know it today. It was a long journey from 1962’s disaster-struck college to today’s successful university.

More of Western’s complicated history can be easily found on the Wayne & Lynn Hamersly Library’s website and archival materials. Books, such as “Since 1869…,” are easily accessible and available to be checked out. 

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

Albany’s Veterans Day parade

Written by: Hannah Field | News Editor

Families camped out on the sidewalks in Albany with hot chocolate and puffy coats in what was the 72nd annual Veterans Day Parade, an event that locals claim to be the biggest parade west of the Mississippi. Technically, Albany’s Veterans Day Parade used to be the biggest parade west of the Mississippi, but Los Angeles holds that title now. “Per capita, Albany is much larger,” said Christine Ferguson, the Linn County Oregon Veterans Day Parade Committee president. 

Still, the 2023 parade was expected to host thousands of people, both in the parade and on the sidelines. Spectators lined up for blocks to observe the parade despite the chilly November morning air. In the past, the parade has racked up over 45,000 spectators. Ferguson is hoping for a similar turnout. The parade consisted of 160 units, besides the motorcycles, and was projected to last around three hours.

“We have everything — from dads pulling their kids in wagons, classic cars, we have military units, we have high school units, equestrian units, we have businesses,” stated Ferguson. “There’s all different kinds of people. That’s what’s so great about it.”

Ferguson brought in food trucks, bleachers, additional trash cans and porta potties to kick off the traditional Veterans Day parade in addition to handling all sponsorships and paperwork. 

The parade, as tradition goes, begins with hundreds of motorcycles revving and riding down the streets of Albany, followed by floats, clubs, school teams and so on. War tankards clunk down the streets as well as antique cars — some of which carry local Veterans to be celebrated in their hometown.

Banners decked out in memorabilia to Veterans dangle from street lights — put up weeks before the parade. Local businesses offered hot chocolate, steaming cider and donuts to the crowds, many of which decorated their shops in tandem with the parade.

Ferguson went on to explain that the parade is open to everyone. “If you wanna pull your kid in a wagon and be in the parade, you’re welcome to. If you have a classic car you want to drive in the parade, you’re welcome. If you have a fire engine, an old military vehicle — all of it, it’s welcome.”

 “All of us are honoring those who fought for us,” said Ferguson. “We all have the same gratitude for the life we get to live. And none of it is political. None of it is religious, it’s just a whole community coming together.”

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

A timeline of the Israel-Hamas conflict

Written by: Cami Ansley | Copy Editor

As of Tuesday, Nov. 7, the Israel-Hamas conflict has officially surpassed a month with no end in sight. Since the initial attack on Israel by Hamas on Oct. 7, Israel has been consistently retaliating against Hamas, a militant group located in and governing the Gaza Strip. As of Nov. 13, the death toll has reached more than 1,400 Israelis and over 11,180 Palestinians. Here is a timeline of key events in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

During the early morning hours of Saturday, Oct. 7, Hamas launched a barrage of thousands of rockets targeting Southern and Central Israel and infiltrated small towns and Kibbutz, slaughtering and kidnapping men, women and children.

One of these targeted locations was the Negev Desert, where the Supernova Universo Paralello Festival was being celebrated. Thousands of people were sent running for their lives as Hamas militants paraglided into the area and sprayed bullets in their direction. Some attendees took to hiding in bushes, finding refuge in nearby buildings, and playing dead. At least 260 Israeli bodies were recovered from the Festival site, while an unspecified number of people are still missing and/or are suspected of being taken as hostages. 

On Oct. 9, the Israeli Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, ordered a “complete siege” of Gaza, starting by cutting electricity, food, water and fuel from entering the territory, and mobilizing 300,000 troops — the most Israel has ever gathered in such a short amount of time. On Oct. 13, leaflets were dropped over Gaza ordering all citizens to move South to avoid being hit by the upcoming missile attacks from Israel.

On Oct. 14, Egypt, Israel and America came to an agreement to let Palestinians enter Egypt for refuge through the Rafah Border — causing a surge of Gazans to flock to the border. However, the Rafah Border was not opened to citizens or aid services at this time. 

On Oct. 17, an explosion hit the al-Ahli hospital, killing over 500 people. Hamas blamed Israel for the attack while Israel claimed that the explosion was caused by a “failed missile launch” by Islamic Jihad, another militant group. 

As a result of the hospital explosion, a summit scheduled for Oct. 18 between Jordanian King Abdullah, President Biden, Egyptian President Sissi and Palestinian Authority President Abbas to discuss the state of affairs in Gaza was mutually canceled on Oct. 17. Two American hostages were also released by Hamas after being kidnapped from a kibbutz they were staying at in Southern Israel.

On Oct. 18, President Biden visited Israel for seven hours, showing support for Israel while also encouraging them to allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. An agreement was made between Israel and Egypt to allow 20 trucks of humanitarian aid to enter Gaza through the Rafah Border.

On Oct. 23, Hamas released two elderly female Israeli hostages. On Oct. 27, Israel cut off all communication to and from Gaza and amped up their ground offensive in preparation for their upcoming invasion.

On Oct. 29, the UN reported that thousands of Palestinians had broken into their warehouses, taking basic items and hygiene supplies. On Oct. 30, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel rejects the calls for a ceasefire with Hamas.

Following negotiations between Hamas, Israel and Egypt, the Rafah Border Crossing was opened to allow sick and wounded civilians as well as dual nationals and aid organization staff to enter Egypt on Nov. 1. By the end of the day, more than 350 dual nationals and 76 injured/sick had crossed the border.

On Nov. 2, Israel claimed they had completely surrounded Gaza City. During a televised speech on Nov. 3, Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected the idea of a temporary ceasefire unless Hamas released all their hostages.

On Nov. 6, the Rafah Border was temporarily reopened to allow pre-approved foreign passport holders and some injured to enter Egypt. By early evening, a total of 80 dual nationals and 17 injured had crossed over.

On Nov. 7, over 500 more evacuees, including foreign and dual nationals as well as 19 injured, crossed the Rafah Border Crossing. On Nov. 9, Israel agreed to four-hour pauses in fighting in Northern Gaza every day from then on. 

On Nov. 12, the Al-Shifa hospital, the largest in Gaza, went “out of service” after losing electricity and thus, the ability to perform surgeries, life-support and other services. 



Contact the author at howlcopyeditor@mail.wou.edu

Oregon graduation requirements changed

Written by: Libby Thoma | Freelancer

Oregon’s essential skills requirement has been dropped at least until the graduation of the class of 2029 due to Senate Bill 774.  The essential skills requirement, known as the Assessment of Essential Skills, is the requirement of students to pass a standardized test containing basic skills such as reading, writing and math skills. 

Senate Bill 774 is a bill addressing the decrease in education and learning due to the pandemic. 

The test was dropped not only because of the amount of learning and education decreasing during lockdown but also because the standardized test format was found harmful to marginalized students. Marginalized students include students of color, students with disabilities, students with English as their second language and more. 

Many argue that taking away this test also takes away the ability for students to get the extra help in school they need. Others argue that the test holds marginalized students back, not just grade wise or diploma wise, but also by taking away their ability to join an elective because of tutoring.

The school board claims there’s a lack of evidence that the extra education stemming from the test helps students progress toward college or work. Those in favor of disbanding the tests believe in the harmfulness to marginalized students. Those for keeping the standardized test believe that not testing students for essential skills leads to the value of a diploma decreasing and making achieving a diploma “easier” — as they believe — are not helpful for students. 

Oregon doesn’t have much room to do worse in education, as Oregon is 42nd in the U.S. in education K through 12.  Throughout upcoming years, time will tell if this decision is the correct one. 

Contact the author at ethoma23@mail.wou.edu

A fireside chat with the President

Written by: Gretchen Sims | Edition-in-Chief

Western’s President, Jesse Peters, joined by the Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Dominique Vargas, and the Vice President of Student Affairs, Tina Fulch, got down to earth by meeting students face-to-face in a very casual manner — around the fireplace in the Richard Woodcock Educational Center no less.

This Nov. 2 meeting was a way for students to bring their concerns to the attention of people who have the power to take them into consideration and enact real change. 

The chat offered a comfortable environment that encouraged students to speak their minds — the inclusion of hot chocolate, tea and sweet treats also helped students feel invited to bring forth their grievances.

One of the first topics brought up by students was the mysterious disappearance of scholarship funds. Many students were missing scholarships this school year. Many were forced to pay their student bills without finding out what had happened to their money — despite many unhelpful and uninformative calls to the financial aid office. 

Tina Fulch answered this question with great concern, stating that if this has happened to any student, they should not give up on their scholarships. The financial aid office is horrendously understaffed and it is taking longer than usual to distribute funds. 

If one has already paid their student bill before getting some or all of their scholarships, the funds will be returned in the form of a reimbursement check at the end of the term. 

Another issue raised by students was the unreliability and impractical design of the school’s portal — citing that the widgets at the top are all different shapes and spaces apart. Additionally, crashes almost prevented them from paying their student bill on the day it was due. 

Fulch considered this and will bring up a possible redesign to the Director of UCS.

Faith DeVyldere, an Education student at Western who student-teaches at Oregon Child Development Coalition in Independence, brought up the fact that student teachers are unable to afford school and housing due to the fact that they hold unpaid positions. Western has many education students, but they are struggling because there is no help for them once they begin their stints as student teachers — rent and school can be expensive if one is working without pay. Fulch recommended talking with the Dean.

Overall, the general consensus was that people are starting to come out from hiding after COVID and are beginning to become active on campus again. Western’s campus has come to life this past year, and the small things, like this fireside chat, prove that the students are ready to make a difference and change Western for the better.  

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@wou.edu

Climate change, causes and effects

Written by: Libby Thoma | Freelance Writer

Climate change affects every being on Mother Earth — even humans. Worries surrounding climate change have been rising for years and continue to rise daily. So, are these concerns valid?

The short answer is yes, but there will most likely not be devastating effects directly to the current generations. However, if there isn’t major change, then there could be devastating effects to not only the earth, but to the future of humanity. 

Although the effects of climate change may not be critical yet, there are still effects of climate change to our generation, as well as those after us such as a rise in heat, more severe weather, drought, flooding, decrease in food availability and human health — with air quality, diseases spreading and food not being as healthy. 

These effects will continue to worsen with the temperature rise. What actually is climate change? Climate change, simply put, is changes in weather patterns and temperatures. Climate change is caused by greenhouse gasses getting trapped in the atmosphere and trapping the heat from the sun in the earth. 

This causes icebergs to warm and melt into the ocean, not only decreasing drinking water, but also decreasing albedo feedback — reflection of heat — and continuing to trap more heat. This also ruins land and sea creatures’ habitats. 

Climate change is destroying the earth and humanity. The current state of climate change continues to worsen, temperatures are rising twice as fast as they previously were as of 1981, and earth’s temperature has risen 2° F in total since 1880. The 10 warmest years ever recorded have all occurred from 2010-2023. 

Each of the symptoms of climate change worsen as the temperature rises annually. Although the state of the earth may sound dire, individuals can contribute to stopping climate change in its tracks.

One might try eating less meat, preserving energy in their home, using more clean energy and avoiding driving or flying regularly. If everyone contributes, climate change can be lowered, but the biggest climate change contributors are not average citizens, rather rich people constantly flying private jets, large corporations unnecessarily producing mass amounts of greenhouse gasses and superfluous mass production of factory products. 

So, as an average citizen, the best actions to take are signing petitions, protesting, participating in walkouts, public or social media advocacy and promoting climate change education — all of which are also extremely important. Climate change is extremely damaging and even deadly, so it is time humanity does something about it. 

Contact the author at ethoma23@mail.wou.edu

The faster the fashion the faster the controversy

Written by: Taylor Duff | Freelancer

Fast fashion populates many people’s homes and lifestyles, making familiar fashion brands such as Nike, H&M, and the cheapest on the market, Shein, extremely popular. 

The brand has become highly desired on the internet because of the thousands of influencers who participate in showing clothing hauls — to sway customers to make mass purchases of items due to their impossible-to-beat prices. The prices of clothing on Shein are just a fraction of what all other clothing brands charge — making over-consumerism undeniable. 

Shein is an internet-based retailer in Nanjing, China that was founded in 2008. Due to the rise of social media, Shein became an overwhelming success in 2020. As popular as the company is, Shein has been followed by much controversy throughout its standing.

One example of this is speculation on whether or not the company properly pays its employees or that its employees are being subjected to rigorous hours — also known as forced labor. 

With the mass amount of clothing being produced, and trends changing constantly, it’s hard for many consumers to believe that clothing items can be made and shipped promptly without constant movement. 

Another complaint with fast fashion, with Shein at the core of the debate, is that, because of the large consumerism especially with social media influencers, a lot of this clothing is contributing to landfill pollution. Many fast fashion companies, like Shein, have been accused of burning their unused clothing to keep up with seasonal trend demands for new and more sought-after pieces. 

Many high-end brands such as Ralph Lauren and Doc Martens have sued Shein for copyright infringement, saying that Shein has stolen ideas and designs, making their products closely resemble the higher-end brands. From a consumer perspective of those who can’t afford the higher-end prices, Shein could be a great alternative.  

Many fast fashion companies face similar charges and many brand owners and designers have sued. Similarly, Shein has racked up many lawsuits — many of which are ongoing. 

Another company that is receiving controversy, and, not surprisingly, competes with Shein, is Temu. Temu is another online retailer that has been accused of collecting user information to track trends and personal information. 

Temu does what Shein and many other brands do and makes faster, cheaper products to sell at a massive scale and sway consumers to purchase more. These are allegations many online marketplaces have received. 

Overall, being aware of spending habits and the quality of clothing, as well as how much is being bought, is important because it contributes to how much is being produced. People purchase clothing and dispose of it just as fast. It makes perfect sense to get the quickest and cheapest fashion possible for the same styles the high-end brands are producing. 

Finding more efficient and safe ways to donate and recycle is important. Just being aware is all the better; purchasing affordable clothing is a wise choice, but spend wisely and help save the planet. 



Contact the author at: tduff23@mail.wou.edu

Weed’s positives and negatives for college students

Written by: Libby Thoma | Freelance Writer

Everyone has heard of the negatives of marijuana use, especially those of us who are in college. In 2020, college student’s marijuana use escalated so much that one in 12 college students used marijuana daily, and this statistic continues to rise. Therefore, if there are so many known negative effects of marijuana, why do so many people use it and rely on it, given that marijuana isn’t technically addictive? The students of Western should be aware, not only of the negative effects of marijuana, but also the positive effects that many know exist. 

The effects of marajuana, particularly on students who are attending college, are overwhelmingly negative. There are three main ways it has been proven to affect students, mainly occurring during marijuana use and for up to 24 hours after use while the drug is wearing off. 

Attention is the first ability to be affected, which is necessary for understanding topics in class, understanding and finishing homework. The second of these effects is memory. College students are very aware of how important memory is for learning and achieving good grades. Memory isn’t just crucial for memorization for tests, but for making connections between the course material, building upon subjects and remembering what was learned throughout class. Finally, articles state ‘learning’ as another detriment of smoking weed while being a college student. This seems to mean overall learning through slower processing speed. 

Now, onto the positive effects of marijuana use. Positive effects from marijuana mostly stem from helping specific health issues. These specific health issues include; epilepsy, cancer and the negative effects from chemo, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, mental health problems, anxiety, chronic pain, sleep issues —specifically insomnia, eating disorders and so many more. 

A common misconception is “marijuana is impossible to be addicted to.” This is purely untrue. As anything can be addictive, such as food, caffeine and so much more, it is safe to say that an actual drug can be addictive. Though the addiction is different from that of a typical drug, it is considered a ‘use disorder.’ A person won’t experience withdrawals, but one will experience ‘dependence’ to marijuana — this is when a person goes without the substance and experiences symptoms such as irritability, sleeping difficulties, a decrease in appetite and more — much like when a person quits nicotine. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that about 9% of people who use marijuana will become dependent on it. 

Once a college student reaches the age of 25, these negative effects, and negative long-term effects not spoken about in this article, lessen. 

In the end, marijuana use without a need for it from other health effects will likely result in the outweighing of negative effects over positive effects for a college student. If marijuana is a necessity for health, the positives effects of it will outweigh the negatives. If there is not a need for marijuana, rather used recreationally, the negative effects will then outweigh the positives. To do well in a college career, one should steer away from recreational use, at least not using it as often or using it before one needs to do anything learning related. 

The best plan of action would be to consult a doctor and get assessed for the need for medical marijuana. It is understandable that some people do not have access to medical care, and if this is the case and one can not gain access to medical marijuana, then one should honestly evaluate whether they need it, but either way, one should be using as little as possible for needed reasons and be prepared to dedicate more time to ones learning. 

Contact the author at ethoma23@wou.mail.edu

Learn about Western National Student Exchange Program

Written by: Sierra Porter | Staff Writer

In high school, some of us stressed to get straight A’s, some stressed to live their most active social lives and some just attempted to get by each day. Regardless of how we lived our high school careers, all of us had to reach the difficult decision regarding what we wanted to do after we walked across that stage. 

For those of us that choose to go to college, there comes the second decision of choosing which college to attend. Thankfully, students here at Western have the chance to take advantage of the National Exchange Program (NSE) with universities from 50 states, Canada, Guam, The US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. 

What are the requirements? Full time enrollment at Western, at least one completed academic term and at least 45 completed credits by the time of the exchange — freshmen, don’t worry, that just means there is plenty of time to plan where you want to go. When it comes to grades, you must have at least a 2.5 GPA, including at the time of exchange, and no incomplete grades from previous terms. Lastly, students must also be in good academic standing and must not be on any probationary status or any pending legal judgments — on or off campus. 

The first step of the application process is to visit the NSE website, to gather more information about the program and make an appointment with the NSE Coordinator, Cameron Mortensen, to discuss what options are best for you. Next, make sure you’ve applied for FAFSA for the next academic year and take a look at your financial resources; the NSE budget worksheet form can help with planning a budget. Finally, fill out and turn in the completed application, form and essay by mid February. Be aware, there is a $200 fee for application submission that is non-refundable. 

What does the cost look like? Generally, you can choose to pay the host payment or the home payment. The host payment includes paying all resident tuition fees for the campus you will exchange to; some host schools can also provide a tuition plan. The second option is to pay Western Oregon University’s tuition and fees at their current rate — other fees may be added so check out the website for specific payment plan offers for each university. 

Edith Santoyo, a sophomore at Western, shares her NSE story and favorite experiences in San Juan at the Universidad de Puerto Rico. 

Santoyo let the Howl in on her amazing experience with extremely fun locals, beautiful sand beaches, new friends and a culture in San Juan that has been nothing but welcoming and kind. Some of these new experiences include getting used to a whole new university environment. Since attending Universidad de Puerto Rico, she has learned about these different school cultures and said it has amazing benefits. Edith said, “Unlike at Western, I have three advisors” and she also said the campus is so large “…there are 9 libraries.” For all the cat lovers out there, Edith said her favorite part of Puerto Rico is that there are cats roaming all around, “This is quite literally cat island,” Edith said. Her favorite experience was when her mentor gave them salsa lessons and then took them to a local restaurant to show off their new moves. When asked if she would recommend the NSE program to other students she said absolutely; “It gives them an opportunity to be in a completely new environment that helps you grow as an individual, discover new things about yourself, become more independent while also helping you appreciate what you have back home.”

Contact the author at  howlstaffwriter@wou.edu

Critical nationwide blood shortage manifests in PNW

Written by: Aubrey Laine Baker | Freelancer

According to the American Red Cross, a critical, nationwide blood shortage has the medical demands of hospitals quickly outpacing their supply of blood donations. Aside from a general decline in donors, the nation’s low blood supply is also in part due to the effects of Hurricane Idalia. The cancellation of more than 12 blood drives resulted in a loss of 30,000 blood donations.

Without a sufficient amount of blood donations, patients with cancer, trauma, sickle cell anemia, burns or chronic diseases may suffer from an increasing scarcity of life saving treatment options. Even organ transplant patients require blood from donors — resulting in a dearth of blood donations can also negatively affect the process and supplies of organ replacement procedures. Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, but the deficit of platelet and type O blood donors is especially crucial to address. 

Beyond giving blood, there are also a multitude of volunteer opportunities to support the blood donation process and serve one’s community. 

Bloodworks Northwest, an independent, non-profit organization that provides blood supplies to 95% of hospitals in the Pacific Northwest, reports a blood shortage in the region that mirrors the deficit of the nation as a whole. Known previously as Puget Sound Blood Center, the organization has been a long standing, trusted cornerstone of healthcare in the region.

Information on their blood center locations, appointment scheduling and detailed blood donation FAQs can be accessed through the official website of Bloodworks Northwest. In an interview with KOIN Portland, Jacob Cole, the donor services supervisor of the organization, disclosed that a new blood center in Beaverton will have its grand opening on Nov. 17. 

To make an appointment for a donation through the American Red Cross, or for more information on blood, platelet or plasma donations and guidelines for donor requirements, visit the official website of the American Red Cross Blood Services. A blood donor app is also available to download and appointments can alternatively be made by calling the organization at 1-800-RED-CROSS. The American Red Cross provides assistance without discrimination to alleviate human suffering wholly through its network of volunteers, donors and partners.



Contact the author at albaker23@mail.wou.edu.

Homecoming schedule and events

Written by: Gretchen Sims | Editor in Chief

Homecoming. While some view this as a chance to revel, others roll their eyes at this throwback to high school. However, campus-wide events like homecoming can be an excellent way to bring Western students together and get them acclimated to campus life. 

Western’s 2023 Homecoming kicked off on Oct. 16 and will conclude this Saturday, Oct. 21, with the Homecoming Game against Midwestern State University Texas. 

Although it seems routine, Homecoming marks the first campus-wide event of the academic year — making it the first opportunity for students to bridge the gap between coming to campus exclusively for classes and getting involved with campus life. 

Besides, Homecoming is nostalgic. It gives first-year students comforting high school flashbacks and helps make college seem less intimidating. 

As college students begin to feel comfortable with their new lives, they adopt an identity through the school — accumulating school spirit and pride in their university and peers. 

One of the best ways to outsource that pride is through school-affiliated sports. Homecoming gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves in spirit alongside their peers and fosters a sense of community and belonging.

Within this sense of belonging lies the true roots of community that Western supports in its students. 

Katelin Granger, the coordinator of Student Activities and Inclusion, said that the connection between Western students makes Homecoming, Homecoming. 

“Western draws such unique students that have such diverse qualities and interests that it’s a unique place where you can find a home for you and I think that is where it becomes important that you feel connected to our campus, and you feel like you embody what it is to be a Western Wolf,” Granger said. 

Encouraging such diversity allows for students to find a place where they can call home — despite the constant turmoil that frequents daily life for college students. 

A recent alteration to the Homecoming tradition of Homecoming King and Queen accentuates Western’s devotion to diversity. Western now chooses two graduating seniors, regardless of gender identity, and crowns them Wolf Royalty. 

Voting for Wolf Royalty will be open until Friday, Oct. 20. 

Diversity has always been a staple in Western’s core beliefs, so much so that remnants of it can be seen even in something as trivial-seeming as Homecoming.

Western’s Homecoming offers a variety of activities for everyone — to help foster that relationship of students connecting with other students. 

Though this year’s Homecoming is already underway, there is still time to join in on the festivities and add your unique voice to Western’s diverse community. 

Thursday 

7–8:30 p.m. — I Love Female Orgasms, hosted by Abby’s House, “Join us to learn and laugh about the ‘Big O.’”

Friday 

6 p.m. — Wolf Wars: Class vs Class Dodgeball Tournament, in Old PE

8:30 p.m. — Bonfire Pep Rally, on the Field by the Public Safety Building 

VOTE FOR WOLF ROYALTY

Saturday 

12 p.m. — Homecoming Football Game

                  Tailgate and Spirit Table

                  Wolf Royalty Announcement, during Halftime

Be sure to vote for the Wolf Royalty Court. Use this link until Oct. 20 https://wou.presence.io/form/wolf-royalty-voting-2023.

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@wou.edu 

Dorm Decor

Written by: Hannah Field | News Editor

Western’s move-in day featured hundreds of Western students flooding their respective halls and clamoring into their dorms so they could hang tapestries, adorn their walls and prop their stuffed animals upright against their pillows.

Bookshelves were put to full use while some opted for vinyls over paperbacks. While some students hung lights over their private desk spaces, others added picture frames and fake flowers. Important letters, heirlooms and other homely items were set up in dorms to bring a semblance of home. 

Finding a theme was important to a lot of incoming students, corresponding colors from their blankets to picture frames. Others brought their favorite comfy items from home —one student having obtained a handmade quilt from her grandmother.
Cluttered desks showed off calendars, friendly faces, flowers and jars of pens. Each student’s personality and favorite pastimes showed through their desk design and personal item arrangement.

On the outside, resident assistants were welcoming their fellow student residents, having decorated their halls with themed adornings, interactive games and colorful lists of rules and guidelines for all residents. Some offered coloring pages, sticky notes with empowering words for the taking and introductory boards with helpful information regarding the local resident assistants.

Being fully settled into dorm life, residents may better function in a home-away-from-home as they progress through the Fall term.

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

Move-in Day: Freshmen here for Fall

Written by: Hannah Field | News Editor

On Sept. 17, approximately six-hundred Western students brought with them their belongings and stood with their families outside of the dorm buildings — waiting to officially move in for the Fall term.

The move-in process was smoothly regulated by Public Safety — an integral part to Western’s systems of operation. Western staff and student workers kept busy cheering on and directing new students, assisting with move-in and renting out big red bins for students to fill with their belongings and lug upstairs.

First-year Resident Assistant Arianna Gsell participated in the productive day as a member of the set-up crew and pop-up helper for students, otherwise known as a ‘floater’, meaning she had no particular task to fulfill. “We started set-up for move-in day at 8 A.M. We had tables out front where a rotation of five RAs sat all day for check-in.” Gsell said.

From there, incoming students were divided into lanes directed toward the floor of their new residence. They signed room condition reports, were given their room keys and eventually shepherded toward their respective dorms.

Inside the dorm rooms, students got to work setting up their decorations, dividing up their belongings and meeting their roommates as well as their resident assistants and neighbors. Many roommates met for the first time on move-in day — the beginning of a long nine months of close contact.

“The only thing I saw go ‘wrong’ on my end of the day was we had a set of pegs for the bunk beds that got stuck in the beds and we had to have multiple RAs work at it with pliers,” Gsell said jokingly. “But we got it out.”

Each resident assistant took the residents of their hall to Valsetz Dining Hall for food and proper introductions in the evening at 5 p.m. After that, the groups attended their first community meeting with the Resident Directors of Heritage Hall and Ackerman.

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

The 2024 Presidential Election

Written by: Nicholas Sarysz

The 2024 United States Presidential Election is just under 17 months away, which means many of the presidential nominees are declaring themselves for election, with a few big names still expected to be announced. Here is a brief overview of the democratic incumbent President Joe Biden, who is not the guaranteed Democratic nominee, and the top three Republican nominees who are fighting to be his contenders on the ballot in Nov. 2024.

President Joe Biden officially announced his reelection bid in a video that was released on April 25, 2023. By referring to the next election as a “battle for the soul of America,” Biden framed it as a choice between freedom and liberties or a smaller degree of each. 

By highlighting people like Marjorie Taylor Greene, Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis, as well as images of the attack on the US Capitol and pro-abortion rights protests, he aimed to distinguish the ideas of his administration from those of his political competitors. Biden underlined the significance of the rise of MAGA extremists, who he said threatened fundamental liberties.

When he made the official announcement from his South Florida club, Mar-a-Lago, in November, former president Donald Trump was the first candidate to announce his campaign from either party. Although he has not been very active on the campaign trail, he has recently upped his travel, making stops in important early primary states such as Iowa and New Hampshire. 

Trump, who is widely seen as the front-runner for the GOP nomination, strengthened his position by giving a keynote speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), where he topped the straw poll among attendees, in March. He continues to be a strong contender within the Republican Party, but his campaign will encounter tough legal obstacles.

The former South Carolina governor and Trump administration ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, launched her campaign for the Republican nomination in the middle of February. Haley, 51, has suggested a required mental fitness test for lawmakers above the age of 75 in an effort to establish herself as a new face in the Republican Party’s leadership — covertly making references to both former President Trump, who is 76, and President Biden, who is 80. Haley is a native of Bamberg, South Carolina and has served two successful terms as governor. Her ancestors were Indian immigrants. She made a name for herself as the senior American diplomat at the UN from Jan. 2017 to Dec. 2018 while the Trump administration was in power.

On May 24, Ron DeSantis officially began his presidential campaign. DeSantis’ announcement was delayed by technical issues just before he officially launched his campaign on Twitter Spaces, joined by the platform’s CEO Elon Musk. His staff viewed this as proof of his popularity and joked that he “literally busted up the internet.” DeSantis offered a comprehensive platform at the beginning of his campaign that included improving the nation’s crime rates, fostering energy independence and resolving immigration issues. He assured primary voters that he would take office on Jan. 20, 2025, emphasizing his dedication to providing outcomes devoid of justification. DeSantis confronts a significant obstacle in his bid for the presidency in the shape of former President Trump, who has already directed attacks at him.

Note: This piece is not meant to promote any presidential nominee over another and is strictly informational.

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu

Oregon author Kim Johnson visits Western

Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

On May 31, Kim Johnson — the author of the best-selling, young adult novel, “This Is My America” — visited students and the community to speak on the success of her acclaimed debut novel.

Johnson is the recipient of the Pacific Northwest Book Award and Malka Penn Human Rights Award for Children’s Literature. In addition to writing, Johnson serves as Vice Provost at the University of Oregon, constantly advocating for new methods to teach and educate new generations of students in order for them to thrive. 

Johnson said, “It really is an honor (to be here), especially to be here talking to you not as an administrator, but also talking to you as a creator; as a writer, someone who speaks truth to power or hopes to speak truth to power in the words that I write.”

“This Is My America” follows the story of Tracy Beaumont, a budding Black student journalist and social activist, fighting to clear her father’s name — who is sentenced to death row — as well as prove her brother’s innocence after he becomes the prime suspect in the murder of a white classmate.

The event opened with a keynote speaker presentation from Johnson, where she delved, in detail, into the journey she undertook as a blossoming writer; from the realization of her affinity for storytelling, to persevering and maintaining resilience even in the face of adversity and the chain of rejections from literary agents and publishers. In a display of vulnerability, Johnson shared that she spent two years submitting her work to agents, to the point where she eventually hit a total of 150 rejections.

“I tell you (this) long story because there are so many times that we see ‘no’s. There are so many roadblocks, there are so many barriers … I feel like my purpose in my work is to identify systemic barriers and move them out of the way,” said Johnson. “You gotta get past the mountain to get to your ‘yes.’”

The students and the community were invited to engage in conversation with the author after the keynote speaker presentation through a Q&A session, book signing and a writing workshop; the latter of which was solely offered to students. 

There was a question posed by an audience member, which prompted Johnson to disclose that her inspiration — not only to write, but the inspiration for the protagonist in the novel — was the lives of the students and leaders she taught and mentored. However, Johnson shares that she sees the protagonist as a small mirrored reflection of herself, pushing against the status quo.

In 2021, it was announced that “This Is My America” was selected to be developed as a film adaptation series on HBO Max, after Johnson sold the rights to the novel to a film production company in Los Angeles, California. The writing and filming are in the early planning and development stages.

Johnson’s new novel “Invisible Son” is set to release this month. The novel is now available for pre-order. 

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

Western to lift vaccine mandate

Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

Western will no longer require students and faculty to receive the primary doses of the COVID-19 vaccination — a change in policy effective on June 30. 

Beth Scroggins, director of the Student Health and Counseling Center, announced the plans of the change in university protocol via an email sent to current students last month, quoting a message from President Jesse Peters, Ph.D. In the message, Dr. Peters equally encourages current students to continue following guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and remain up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. 

Director Scroggins said that the decision to eliminate the vaccine requirement was a result of extensive “group effort” with the community, with consideration taken into the county numbers, other university protocols, the statewide and university vaccination rate, as well as CDC and OHA guidelines. 

“There is a lot that goes into each decision around COVID, including lifting the vaccination requirements,” Scroggins said. “We felt we’re at a good place where it’s safe to lift the requirement.”

The lifting of the vaccine mandate consequently means the discontinuation of mandated isolation for students in on-campus housing who test positive, as well as self-reporting through the student portal. However, the university still highly advises students, staff and faculty to be considerate of the people around them, and to continue isolating in residence halls if symptoms appear or contact with an infected person is suspected. This applies to any illness. 

“If you’re sick, have symptoms, stay home, regardless of what you’re sick with,” Scroggins said.

Butler Hall, which is the residence hall designated for students who test positive, will remain open to students who wish to isolate themselves from the community. Testing services and rapid self-testing kits will also remain available for students at the Student Health and Counseling Center. 

The change in protocol regarding the vaccine arrived two months before the end of the spring term and conclusion of the 2022-23 academic year. However, it is not exactly surprising for the community. 

The Federal Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 expired on May 11, which Scroggins says was also taken into consideration in the decision to lift the vaccine requirement. With the public health declaration soon expiring, colleges and universities across the country were quick to do away with their vaccine mandates. This includes Oregon State University, which will no longer require the vaccine beginning June 16. 

This slew of changes in university policies and protocols instigated controversy on many university campuses, as well as sparked safety concerns for students and faculty. 

Scroggins addressed this concern, stating, “I’m sure not everybody likes every decision. I just really want to emphasize how thoughtful (Western) is on the decisions they make. I want people to feel comfortable that a good decision was made with the information that we had.”

For any questions and concerns regarding Western’s COVID-19 protocol, students should contact the Student Health and Counseling Center.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

Gov. Tina Kotek signs ban on Styrofoam food containers into law

Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

Beginning in 2025, restaurants and food vendors in Oregon will be required to ditch the use of styrofoam takeout containers under a new law passed by the Oregon Legislature. 

On Monday, May 8, Gov. Tina Kotek signed a ban on plastic polystyrene foam containers into law — making Oregon the ninth state in the United States to ban the usage, sale and distribution of the plastic foam containers.

The fight towards the ban on polystyrene foam containers was a long time coming, according to  lawmakers. On Wednesday, Apr. 26, Senate Bill 543 cleared the House with a 40-18 vote. On Monday, Apr. 3, the bill was passed by the Oregon Senate with a 20-9 vote. 

The recently signed Senate Bill 543 would phase out the common polystyrene foam used for takeout containers, which advocates claim is quick to break down into small particles and pollute the ecosystem. The new law would equally prohibit businesses from using and selling foam packing peanuts, as well as single-use foam coolers. 

The new law joins Oregon with the likes of Colorado, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Virginia and Washington in outlawing the use of polystyrene. Meanwhile, the cities of Ashland, Eugene, Florence, Lincoln City, Medford, Milwaukie, Newport, Portland and Silverton have already passed ordinances prohibiting the sale of polystyrene foam for prepared meals.

The history of bans outlining environmental concerns have been abundant throughout the state. 

A similar bill suggesting a ban on styrofoam takeout containers was rejected by the Oregon Senate in 2019, with a 15-14 vote out of the 16 votes required. In 2020, stores and restaurants became strictly barred from providing single-use plastic bags, replacing them with paper bags and the option for a more ecological form of a plastic bag for a small charge. In 2019, an additional law was imposed that forbade restaurants from providing single-use plastic straws unless requested by the customer. 

Over the years, both environmental activists and advocates of the ban have brought up a multitude of issues surrounding the use of single-use styrofoam takeout containers. For one, styrofoam containers are not accepted in curbside recycling. 

Furthermore, styrofoam containers contain poly-fluorinated substances — known as “forever chemicals” — which are used by restaurants and food vendors for grease and waterproofing. These chemicals accumulate in abundance in the environment and have been linked to reproductive issues, cancer, high cholesterol and immune system suppression. 

“Polystyrene is a threat to the health of our communities and our land,” said Senator Janeen Sollman, a chief sponsor of Senate Bill 543. “This is a step towards a more sustainable and mindful approach to consumption and a commitment to preserving the health, beauty, and diversity of Oregon for generations to come.” 

Senate Bill 545 was signed by Gov. Tina Kotek alongside Senate Bill 543, which directs the Oregon Health Authority to create rules and regulations for vendors regarding personal reusable food containers for takeout and leftover meals. This second law makes it legal for the public to utilize their own reusable takeout containers.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

Peacock Festivities

Written by:  Mikayla Coleman

The first annual Monmouth Peacock Festival will be held May 20, at Monmouth Main Street Park from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The city will be coming together to celebrate the wild peacocks present in Monmouth’s residential neighborhoods. Admission to the festival is free. 

The purpose of the festival is stated on their website, “The Peacock festival is an opportunity to celebrate Monmouth Oregon’s uniqueness and to bring enjoyment to the attendees through art, craft, entertainment and education.” 

The festival will have live entertainment and demonstrations, arts & crafts vendors, community groups and children’s activities — as well as a Finders Keepers art rock hunt.

The festival will also include The Running of the Peacocks — a 5k and 1k fun run for all ages and abilities. The run will begin and end at the Main Street Park Amphitheater, circling through Western’s campus. Registration is required and costs $10 per person, children under 12 are free of charge as long as they are accompanied by a paying parent or guardian. Each participant will be given a commemorative pair of peacock-themed socks, while supplies last. 

There will also be a Peacock Calling Contest at 2:00 p.m. on the amphitheater stage. Peacock calls will be judged on tone, cadence, pitch, volume and overall accuracy. Participants are encouraged to pre-register online and there is no cost to enter. The winner will be awarded a prize. 

The Peacock Festival seeks to appreciate the area’s natural resources and celebrate community engagement. 

Contact the author at howleditor@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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