A day for putting out the smoke and picking up a healthy lifestyle
By: Jade Rayner News Editor
Western Oregon University is now in its second year of being a tobacco free campus, yet many students and employees continue to gather around the edge of campus to smoke throughout the day. While it is ultimately up to the individual if they would like to smoke, Nov. 17 is a day aimed 
at informing smokers of the health benefits of quitting along with providing advice on how.
The American Cancer society hosts the Great American Smokeout each year with the aim of getting people to set a quit date or use that day to quit smoking. Cancer.org states that “by quitting – even for 1 day – smokers will be taking an important step toward a healthier life and reducing their cancer risk.” Tobacco use is the largest preventable cause of premature death and disease in the world as reported by the American Cancer Society.
It may not be easy to quit, but the CDC website claims that “the urge to smoke is short—usually only 3 to 5 minutes.” The CDC suggests making a list of activities to do you when you start to feel the urge to smoke; activities could include calling or texting a friend, drinking water or taking a walk/exercising in some way.
The Student Health and Couseling Center on campus provides multiple resources to help students quit; free tobacco quit kits are available to pick up in the waiting room. The kit includes a mint, gum and lollipop to give you something to reach for other than a cigarette, a book of tips for staying tobacco free and a tobacco use tracker in order for you to keep track of when and why you smoke.
Students can also make medical and counseling appointments to get help with quitting by calling the center at 503-838-8313, or visit their website at wou.edu/health.
The decision to quit smoking can be difficult, but the Great American Smokeout is a great day to start the process. With all the resources available on campus, you won’t have to go through it alone.
Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu
Western students and surrounding community come together to make a difference
By: Jade Rayner News Editor
Last week Western hosted its first blood drive of the 2016-2017 school year. The American Red Cross took blood donations on Nov. 10-11 in the WUC, and were met with many eager volunteers. Western students, alumni and community members, both first time and regular donors, came together during the two day event.
In an interview, Marisa Wyckoff, account manager wit
h the American Red Cross, stated that their “goal was to collect 50 units of blood, each unit being a pint of blood, and yesterday we collected 66 units … which is basically a phenomenal day.”
Wyckoff added that “ a couple things that made a really big difference was that a lot of students took the time to make appointments … it helps us to prepare on our end that we bring out enough staff, enough beds, enough equipment so that the wait time and processing goes faster.”
The Red Cross supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply according to their website.
“The beauty about the Red Cross is that we’re a nationwide organization, so we definitely first make sure that the hospitals that we serve-their needs are met first. We can, and we do, ship our blood nationwide to make sure that the needs are met nationwide” answered Wyckoff when asked where blood goes after it’s donated.
Another way you can help out during the blood drive is volunteering to assist people after they make their donation.
“As a student volunteer, essentially what I do is I go in the snack area. When people are done donating I offer them snacks, water and juice,” explained sophomore Andrew Henneman. “We essentially make sure they (the donors) are okay and they stay for about 10-15 minutes or however long they need.”
One of Henneman’s reasons for volunteering was in part because “I’ve donated blood a couple times myself, and I knew some people that had tough times donating, like they got real dizzy after. I never did but know it was always nice to have someone to talk to when you sat down afterwards because you have to wait awhile.”
Whether you want to donate blood or volunteer to be there for someone donating blood, you can make a significant impact for those in need. Be sure to look out for the next blood drive at Western, or go to redcrossblood.org to find where you can donate blood locally.
Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu
2016 General election outcome: what it means for students
By: TK Layman Staff Writer
The 2016 Election has come to an end after a tumultuous campaign. President-elect Donald J. Trump will assume his role in the Oval Office come January. The US Senate and House will have a Republican majority, giving the party control of both the legislative and executive branches. Citizens in nine states voted on ballot initiatives to legalize marijuana for both recreational and medical purposes and voted yes in all states except Arizona.
As President Obama counts down his final days in office, Trump will begin to prepare for his role as president. He has a plan to reduce college costs for students by “making a good faith effort … in exchange for federal tax breaks and tax dollars,” according to his campaign site.
Along with reducing costs, Trump’s website states that he wants to make it easier for students to attend a two or four-year college. He also proposes to create an additional 25 million jobs over 10 years and increase the economy by creating 1.2 million new jobs for every 1 percent growth in national GDP.
Oregon’s gubernatorial election is making national headlines with incumbent Kate Brown, who took office after the previous governor John Kitzhaber resigned, becoming the first openly-LGBTQ governor in national history. Brown’s website lists her accomplishments since taking her place as Oregon’s governor: she has passed a plan to increase Oregon’s minimum wage in relation to local population, expanded the Oregon Opportunity Grant, and created the Oregon Promise Grant which allows low-income students to attend community college for as low as $50 a semester. By creating an affordable education, Brown hopes to create an educated workforce that can earn a livable wage.
Oregon also passed several ballots measures that affect students. Measure 98 passed with a 65 percent vote. The measure is set to help Oregon students prepare for higher education by helping reduce the dropout rate and create college preparedness courses. The Oregon Voter’s Pamphlet details that Oregon has one of the worst graduation rates in the nation, with 10,000 failing to graduate each year.
Almost 75 percent of high school graduates who do seek higher education will be placed into remedial courses. The measure claims that it will invest no less than $800 per student within the state of Oregon, based on attendance, to improve graduation rates and offer more college-level courses for students to be better prepared for higher education.
In our Nov. 2 issue, news editor Jade Rayner wrote about measure 95, a ballot measure allowing public universities to reinvest their equities to reduce financial impact on students. Measure 95 passed with a 70 percent “yes” majority.
The campaign has come to an end and there is still much more to come. The midterm election of 2018 is just two years away. Students hoping to get involved are encouraged to contact their party’s headquarters for more information.
Contact the author at tlayman16@wou.edu
Complete cultural immersion: how study abroad can change a student’s perspective
By: TK Layman
Staff Writer
Studying in another country can sound like an exciting yet daunting event that many students dream of doing one day. Western Oregon University offers many study abroad programs, and informational meetings to help students achieve their goals of experiencing another country, culture and possibly language for a full term.
Students have a variety of programs that can fit their individual interests. From a diverse list of countries like Argentina, China, Germany, South Africa and several more, students can immerse themselves in a new country and way of life.
Exchange Student Beatrice Andersson came from her hometown of Karlskoga, Sweden to study at Western Oregon University. When asked why she chose Western Oregon, and her favorite parts of studying here she stated, “It was that the school was more involved with the students. The people here are very friendly and very helpful. The teachers here are really involved with their students and engage them.”
The experiences gained can impact a student for a lifetime. A person who studies abroad will be learning a new way of life in another part of the world, have the possibility of learning a new language and immersing themselves in an unfamiliar environment.
“Just do it … there will be a time where you will feel uncomfortable with the whole experience, and you just want to go home, but those times are nothing compared to the amazing experiences you will get as a whole,” Andersson expressed.
If you are interested in studying abroad there are few ways to learn more. On the WOU Study Abroad page you can search which program they feel will fit you best, followed by a group advising session offered Wednesday’s at noon in Maaske 114. For anyone wanting to learn more you can call 503-838-8905, email studyabroad@wou.edu or stop by Maaske 112 for more information.
WOU Study Abroad home page
https://wou.edu/provost/studyabroad/index.php
WOU Study Abroad location and Information
http://wou-sa.terradotta.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.MapSearch
The Tuition Choice: Western gives it’s students the power to decide how they pay tuition
By: Jade Rayner News Editor
Western Oregon University offers countless opportunities to its students, but one of many that sets Western apart from other universities is the option to choose your own tuition plan upon once being admitted to the university.
The Tuition Choice gives students the power to choose how they want to be billed for tuition in their four years here at Western. The choice outlines two plans: the Tuition Promise, a new plan that offers students a guaranteed fixed-rate tuition for their first four years as an undergrad at Western, and the Traditional Plan which is subject to potential annual tuition increases.
According to the WOU Admissions website, the Tuition Promise is a “save later” plan that is outlined to save students money in the long run. A first time student this year, 2016-2017, on the Tuition Promise would begin with a tuition rate that is about 4.2 percent higher than the 2015-2016 rate, but it will remain unchanged for four years. While the student is estimated to pay more in their first two years at Western, they are set up to potentially save more in their last two years due to annual tuition increases.
On the other hand, the Traditional Plan is a “save now” tuition plan that starts at a lower price, but will shift with annual tuition changes. For a student beginning their undergraduate at Western in the 2016-2017 year, they are estimated by WOU Admissions to save more than $1,000 on tuition and fees in their first year than a student on the Tuition Promise. It is estimated that opposite to the Tuition Promise, the Traditional Plan will save more their first two years, but could end up spending more than the Tuition Promise price their last two years.
When comparing the numbers on the graph provided on the WOU Admissions website, a student could save more altogether on the Traditional Plan, but it isn’t guaranteed since tuition rates are subject to change annually. With the Tuition Promise, a student may end up spending more at first, but there is the potential to save money if tuition rates increase at an unexpected rate.
As a first time student at Western Oregon University you had the chance to choose your own tuition plan. It is important to note that the plan you chose sticks with you for four years, and cannot be changed after your first class here at Western.
How student veterans on campus can get connected
By: TK Layman Staff Writer
Student veterans on campus have many resources available to them in order to help them achieve personal success. With events held by the Veterans Success Center, also known as the “Vet Center” around campus, students with prior or current military service are invited to be a part of their group.
The Veterans Success Center hosts a variety of events, along with allowing students to come in and plan their long-term education and career goals. Andrew Holbert is a five-year veteran who served with the Marine 
Corps. during his time in the military and works as the veteran services coordinator on campus. His role on campus is to help student veterans find the resources available to them on campus, by assisting with finding scholarships and becoming successful both academically and within their chosen career.
The VSC also puts on several events for students on campus, both with the military and not serving. This week in the Werner University Center they have a table where students can express what Veterans Day means to them. On Thursday, Nov. 10 students have the opportunity to be a part of a student panel where both active and inactive service members share their experiences in the military.
Another resource for students who are considering joining the military is the university’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corp, or ROTC, which allows students to observe what military life is like before making a commitment to serve. By offering a standardized training program, students sign up to graduate through the ranks.
“If students have no prior service, the first two years gives a sense of military experience,” said Andrew Doborowski, a Cadet with the ROTC, “When you contract as an MS3 in your third year, you are in the military, you receive a stipend, and at the end of your fourth year you are commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the military, and you commit to four years’ service active duty, or six years’ national guard or reserve.”
The ROTC program also has scholarship opportunities for students both looking to enroll after high school, and current college students. High school students must meet academic and physical requirements, along with agreeing to accept commission with the Army, Army Reserve or National Guard. Current college students are able to receive a two, or three-year scholarship: eligibility coming with the same academic and physical standards, but make a shorter commitment to the Army, Reserve or National Guard.
Western offers classes for MS1 and MS2, which are Private to Sergeant ranks respectively. MS3 and above are offered through Oregon State University.
Students looking to join the ROTC program are encouraged to speak to Major Boisvert on campus who can help guide the students in the correct direction to enroll.
The VSC is open to students the same hours the WUC is open. Andrew Holbert is available to assist students Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If students have any other questions they are encouraged to contact the VSC at 503- 838-9246 or email at wouveterans@wou.edu
WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY
345 Monmouth Ave. N.
Monmouth OR 97361
503-838-8000 | 1-877-877-1593