Mount Hood

Meet Hunter Hall

Escrito por: Hannah Field | Redactora de noticias

A few things to note about Hunter Hall, the Associated Students of Western Oregon University President: his love for Western is reflected in a Naruto headband engraved with the Western logo, he works with graphic design and used to be deathly afraid of clowns.

Only two of those topics are relevant to his time at Western. 

Hall began his college career at Portland Community College and transferred to Western in 2020, with three years of experience in student government under his belt. During the pandemic, learning was online, and Hall was merely a virtual student. He had little resources and company on campus, but he knew one thing: he wanted to be involved with student government at Western.

His first and second years consisted of student work at the entry level: Destination Western and tutoring at the Math Center. Eventually, he found ASWOU, climbing the ranks to his current position as the President.

“I just slowly integrated myself and started working toward the things I wanted to do here,” said Hall. “I needed to be in a position of power so I could better help support the students like me, who might not have friends or family here, or like many people, to support them … I really tried to throw myself into the sandcastle elbows-deep and get super, duper involved — just (having) many jobs from my first and second years here that helped me get to where I am now.”

Technically, Hall graduated with his Bachelor’s in June of 2023: one in Mathematics, and then another in Interdisciplinary Studies with a double minor in Communications and Writing. Currently, Hall is a graduate student for a Masters degree in the Art of Teaching.

“I’m going to use my math undergrad and then my MAT to teach at the middle school level for about ten years. And then I hope to become a principal of a school, and then eventually a superintendent of a school district. It’s like I said: if you really want to make a change, you have to integrate yourself well.”

Another fact about Hunter Hall: he plans extensively for his future.

Although Hall won’t be ASWOU President next year, he’ll be on campus as a building manager and volunteering at Western’s garden — seeds he planted, a mark to be left behind as he continues to embark on his ten-year plan.

Póngase en contacto con el autor en howlnews@mail.wou.edu

ASWOU voter guide

Western students answer the question: “What is your favorite season and why?”

Camille Lenning | Editor de entretenimiento

Póngase en contacto con el autor en howlentertainment@wou.edu

Spring term is election season for the Associated Students of Western Oregon University — Western’s student government. Campaign Week began on Monday, April 18 with a “meet the candidate” event in the Werner University Center Summit. On Thursday, April 21, there will be a candidate forum on Zoom at 5 p.m. Students will be able to vote starting April 25 until April 29 on Presence, through their Student Portal. 

In preparation for Campaign Week, candidates were asked why they decided to run and what they plan to do if elected, find their answers below: 

 

Candidates for ASWOU President:

 

Gheraldy Bobadilla-Cruz (he/him/his/el)

Major: education 

Current class standing: sophomore

 

A current ASWOU Senator, Cruz has wanted to run for President since he arrived at Western, and wants to give a voice to all students. 

“I’m running for ASWOU President because I believe (Western) is at a pivotal turning point when considering its future. I want to come in and work alongside our new President to help (Western) flourish in this new era… I will make sure that more support is given to all clubs and organizations here on campus. I will ensure that students are being fully appreciated and acknowledged for all the work they do to make (Western) a campus full of diversity and inclusion. It’s time to hold (Western) responsible as an institution to follow through and act on its statements of being a welcoming campus for all. It’s time to make (Western) more than just a school.”

 

Kodee Harwood (she/her/hers)

Major: communication studies 

Current class standing: junior 

 

Harwood has been interested in ASWOU since 2019, and hopes to bring clubs back in full force, while also working to improve accessibility. 

“I want to improve campus and campus culture. … There’s always room for improvement and I’d like to start improving (Western) and make students feel safe on campus and proud that they go to (Western). … If I get elected ASWOU president my office will always be open to any student(s) that have concerns or questions and I will try my best to make change happen and try to support you as best I can.”

 

Candidates for ASWOU Vice President:

 

Hunter Hall (he/him/his)

Major: mathematics

Current class standing: senior

 

As a student government veteran, Hall aims to use his skills to amplify student voices, with an emphasis on safety. 

“I’m running for ASWOU Vice President for a couple of reasons. The first and most important to me is I want to find ways to improve the safety of our campus. I want to do this while also addressing accessibility issues that students face here. … I have (four) years of experience within student government where I’ve worked in various leadership positions. During that time I have been able to learn a lot about what it means to be the student voice. I plan to use my experience to act as that bridge that connects the (Western) staff and students (together).”

 

Owen Hubers (he/him/his)

Major: business 

Current class standing: junior 

 

Passionate about club engagement, Hubers (pictured left) hopes to connect students through Discord and improve event planning. 

“I want voters to know that I am listening to literally everything they say and will work my very hardest to make sure college life at (Western) is the best it can possibly be. I will use every last resource we have to help students here thrive. I will always want to and be willing to talk with any student or anybody at all who is willing to provide me with feedback. I will do the best I can to work with the various members of ASWOU and (Western) as a community. I will do my best … to solve current or future problems and implement new resources or improve existing resources.”

 

Candidate for Senate President:

 

Connor Goehring (he/him/his)

Major: ASL studies and education

Current class standing: sophomore

 

As Residence Hall Association President, Goehring aims to use his leadership skills to improve communication and make campus better for students. 

“There is so much inequity here at (Western) and I don’t plan on trying to fix the broken system we have in place right now, but to rewrite the whole system entirely to make a better, working system that supports our students. … I’m qualified to make a difference and be the advocate you need to make (Western) a safe and inclusive environment for the (campus’s) diverse community.”

 

Candidate for Senate:

 

Samy Reyes (he/him/his)

Major: business

Current class standing: sophomore 

 

As a new student at Western, Reyes hopes to use the Senate position to gain experience in student government. 

“I would like to be further involved in our school and the community of our students. I believe it is a civic responsibility as students to be engaged and involved in our school’s topics and issues. I seek to hear student’s thoughts and concerns on our campus, as I am going to be a voice that represents them. I run for the senate not only to gain experience, but to work towards new policies that will benefit the interests of our fellow students.”

 

Candidate for Judicial Administrator:

 

Coral Davis (she/they)

Major: education 

Current class standing: first-year

 

A PLUS Team member and WOU Ambassador, Davis is excited to bring leadership experience to ASWOU and work with the Justices. 

“My goal for when I am elected for Judicial Administrator is to create a more inclusive campus. I feel that accommodations for students are not being followed through. I also want to try and bring more awareness to all of the clubs that we have on campus as well as bring light to all (of) what our university has to offer to its new and current students.” 

 

Candidate for Incidental Fee Committee Member:

 

Dennis Long (he/him/his)

Major: information systems 

Current class standing: senior 

 

As an IFC Chair, Long was able to work on the IFC Funded Areas web page, allowing anyone to see who received funding and why. 

“I hope to help organize a better training schedule so that new IFC members can feel prepared to make these difficult decisions. There are changes to be made in the bylaws to make this process smoother, and I hope to actively engage in supporting the future of IFC and (Western)! After serving as IFC Chair this year, I discovered that there were many different student voices feeling left out or ignored. As the IFC, we did what we could to ensure that those voices were heard through anonymous forms and Open Hearings. I did my best to reach out to students and tried to forward their feedback to IFC.” 

Postponed certification of ASWOU elections officially finalized

Elections Committee delays certification after a grievance presented to the committee

Carpintero de Sydney | Editor de noticias

After a week of candidates campaigning, the Associated Students of Western Oregon University Elections Committee has selected the candidates that will be representing Western students for the upcoming school year.

For the upcoming school year, students have elected Logan Jackson as ASWOU President, Devin Jay Thongdy as ASWOU Vice President, Elizabeth Braatz as Senate President, Hannah Young as Judicial Administrator, Maria Cuevas and Austin Olin as Justices and Caitlin Wheeler as an Incidental Fee Committee Member. 

Prior to the public certification of the election, the committee received an “outstanding grievance request” from one of the candidates, according to committee chair Houston Winslow.

“Our hearing (on April 27) was pursuant to a grievance regarding the actions of some members of the football team, coaches and players, who advocated a vote for the candidates Logan Jackson and Hannah Young,” said Winslow. “One coach sent a message to players saying: ‘VOTE! Or 1000 versa monday ;)’ which was challenged as threatening voters, a violation of our election’s bylaws.”

Ultimately, the grievance was determined by the committee to not be the result of any actions taken by Jackson and Young, and the candidate that submitted it did not file for an appeal; the committee certified the election results on April 28 at 8 a.m.

“Everything went through the proper channels and it was eventually proven that there were no signs of wrongdoing which I expected,” said junior public policy and administration major and newly elected ASWOU president Logan Jackson. “I think after witnessing such a ‘bumpy’ national election last year, it was made clear that elections may not always go as smoothly as planned.” 

Following similar trends to the national election, Jackson made history at Western for being the first female Black, Indigenous and Person of Color to be elected into the executive branch of ASWOU. 

“I think that it is a sentiment to that fact that we, as a university, are making progress because students of color are starting to want to be involved in leadership positions and decision-making processes,” said Jackson.

Looking towards the future, Jackson plans to work with all members of ASWOU as Western transitions from virtual learning back to in person and hybrid learning. She wants to ensure that students are comfortable and safe being in a lecture hall setting, and open opportunities to address and learn about the stress of members of the BIPOC community. 

Additionally, Jackson advocated for the community to remain proactive during the current health crisis.

“Now that everyone ages 16 + are eligible for the vaccine, get vaccinated!” said Jackson. “We’re at a very pivotal moment in this pandemic where we have the ability to turn things around for the better — that being said, I encourage everyone to schedule their appointments, bring their friends, and ask questions if they have any hesitancy! We’re all in this together.”

Póngase en contacto con el autor en scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

ASWOU presenta a sus candidatos

The 2021-22 candidates answer why they’re running and more

Carpintero de Sydney | Editor de noticias

Introducing the ASWOU candidates running for office for 2021-22. Voting begins on April 19 at 5 p.m., and Western students have until April 23 at 5 p.m. to submit their ballots on Engage. Nominees answer the question, “What plans do you have for Western?” Read even more about each candidate in our online issue at wou.edu/westernhowl.

For students interested in asking the candidates questions, ASWOU is hosting Candidate Forums on April 14 and April 21 via Zoom from 6:30 to 8 p.m.. The Zoom link is available on Engage.

Logan Jackson

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Year: Junior

Major: Public Policy and Administration 

Position: President (2021-22) and Vice President (Spring 2021) 

Why are you running?

I am running for these positions because I know that I can make a positive impact on WOU as a whole. I’ve been involved in leadership for most of my school career and I believe that those past experiences have equipped me with the tools needed to pinpoint problems and implement solutions in solving them. I believe that I have been able to view WOU in a different perspective ⏤ as a Black woman who has held leadership positions within housing, ASWOU clubs, as well as being a student athlete, I’ve seen many things within the institution that could use improvements. I’m a firm believer in if you don’t like how something is being done and there is an opportunity for you to get involved, then you need to step up and be the change that you want to see ⏤ and that is what I’m doing.

What plans do you have for Western?

My main focuses will be addressing the inequalities present here at WOU involving race, sexuality and economic status as well as diving deeper into the lack of support our minority groups have here on campus. During such (a) divisive time in our nation, the least we can do as a university is create a space where students not only feel safe physically, mentally and emotionally, but also genuinely feel supported by the administration, staff/faculty and their peers.

What qualifies you to run for this position and help make Western a stronger community?

As I previously stated, I have been involved in leadership for my entire school career, from middle school to college in a variety of different environments all of which required attention in different areas. I believe that those past experiences have equipped me with the tools needed to pinpoint problems and implement solutions in solving them.

Makanaohaililani Johnson-Waikiki

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Year: Junior

Major: Communication Studies

Position: President (2021-22)

Why are you running?

As a woman of color I have dealt with discrimination, bashing, harassment, racism and misogyny. I believe it is a leader’s responsibility to give others the ability to shine by holding spaces of power and opening them to everyone. As your president I intend to use my position to hold the space and open it to students like me who have felt like they didn’t belong, they weren’t safe, they weren’t welcome, they weren’t respected, like they did not have a voice. We have extraordinary potential on this campus, if all students’ voices are heard in the spaces of power. Because we are powerful together. 

What plans do you have for Western?

As a native Hawaiian I hold strong values of community, family and teamwork. As this institution’s first Native Hawaiian president, I plan to create a more inclusive and welcoming culture at WOU that helps everyone feel a sense of community ties, family bonds and togetherness as a team. I will continue championing the Freedom Center and elevating the voices of students of color. I will work to pass legislation that will increase the spaces for BIPOC students and those from marginalized backgrounds to be heard in the conversations that occur in every level of our college experience. I will hold departments accountable for making changes to address discrimination. I will hold administration accountable for their responsibility to ensure that students of color feel safe at WOU. I will work to create a stronger connection between departments across campus and the student body. I will ensure that students are reminded and educated on the power they have to make WOU a safe and inclusive university for everyone.

What qualifies you to run for this position and help make Western a stronger community?

This last year I’ve been involved in ASWOU as the Incidental Fee Committee Chair, I’ve worked alongside other students of color to develop a plan for the WOU Freedom Center ⏤ a resource center and safe space on campus where students of color can be the majority, and I’ve worked closely with the Oregon Students Association to promote students’ needs at the state level. I was a peer advocate with Abby’s House and am currently the Vice President of the Multicultural Student Union. Through these roles I’ve found a drive and passion to change the culture of ASWOU through creating an environment of transparent and open communication, ensuring that students are paid fairly for their jobs on campus, increasing BIPOC representation and addressing the widespread discrimination on our campus.

Devin Jay Thongdy 

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Year: Junior

Major: Psychology 

Position: Vice President (2021-22)

Why are you running?

The reason why I am running for Vice President is to not be an echo in a crowd of underrepresented but a voice that empowers us to push for change, to fight for what is right and do more to help one another. I am a first generation student, first to graduate highschool, first to graduate college next year in my family, came from a family that consisted of my brother, my single mom and me and many more titles and identities I hold. My whole life I had to do more to be where I am now. I did with determination, passion, care and with love. I want to make a change for this campus that not only serves the majority but the minority, the underrepresented, the one (whose) voice gets lost in the crowd. If I am elected for Vice President for the 2021-22 school year, this is what I will do to ensure that we become better and equitable communities.

What plans do you have for Western?

The plans that I have for WOU is to increase accessibility for the student government to the student body. I will increase the connection for ASWOU and student organization to ensure that we have transparency and are meeting students needs. I will get funding and resources for a Freedom Center to ensure BIPOC students have a place to feel safe and seen. I will make every attempt to increase the student wage because every student needs a stable income to be successful in their college journey. 

What qualifies you to run for this position and help make Western a stronger community?

The qualities that will help me run for this position (are) that I am very determined, organized, have passion and compassion and many more. I believe these qualities allow me to work hard for what is right but also do it with love and passion for helping others. These will help make WOU a stronger community by always putting the student first and being able to be the voice for them. The Western community itself is filled with people who are also determined and (have) passion for what they want to do. For me running for this position will ensure this community will not be in the shadow and be heard. 

Elizabeth Braatz

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Year: Junior 

Major: Criminal Justice

Position: Senate President 

Why are you running?

I have been involved in leadership since the second week of my first year at college. I have served as the Vice President of Heritage Hall government, Vice President of the Residence Hall Association and I am currently serving as a Resident Assistant. I also serve on the University Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, as well as the University Cultural Competency Advisory Committee. I am running for this position because I am extremely dedicated to listening to students and their voices, and making sure that students have a spot of the table. I am a Black, Hispanic, Alaskan Native Indian, gay woman, so I know how it feels to be left out, unheard and unseen. I will represent this student body to the best of my ability, and make sure that every student feels heard, seen and feels welcomed and loved at this institution.

What plans do you have for Western?

If elected as Senate President for the 2021-22 school year, I will continue my efforts in listening to what students of this university need to feel welcomed, loved, heard and seen. I will continue using my platform to continue the important and necessary conversations that need to be had. I want to ensure that I graduate next year knowing that I worked hard to leave a more welcoming and equitable university that embraces BIPOC members of this campus community, as well every human being regardless of their walk of life. 

What qualifies you to run for this position and help make Western a stronger community?

I served as Vice President of Heritage Hall government, Vice President of the Residence Hall Association, Resident Assistant of Barnum Hall, member of University Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, University Cultural Competency Advisory Committee, Ambassador, PLUS Team Peer Advisor and Summer Bridge Peer Advisor. My first year at school I helped create and lead the End Hate March on campus, I am also the founder and creator of the newly implemented Satisfactory/No Credit grading option for the 2020-21 school year. Those are my qualifications.

Hannah Young

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Year: Junior 

Major: Public Policy and Administration 

Position: Judicial Administrator 

 

Why are you running?

I chose to run for Judicial Administrator because I believe that I could continue the work I’ve done so far this academic year, and continue to grow and be a part of greater changes in ASWOU. I can do this in the role of Judicial Administrator by providing just and honest feedback and decisions that uphold the Governing Documents and prioritize the needs and betterment of the student body. 

What plans do you have for Western?

I hope to provide leadership experience while working together to promote ASWOU’s values and to prioritize student voices in order to best represent the entire student body. My goals are to work closely with both students and advisors to strengthen the relationship between all branches of student government in order to work to achieve goals led by student voices.

What qualifies you to run for this position and help make Western a stronger community?

I have already been serving in the role of Judicial Administrator since the beginning of Winter Term 2021 ⏤ in that time I have grown as a student leader and gained invaluable experience in ASWOU. This year has been a wild and challenging time for all students, including myself. In my role, I have worked to protect the student body’s ideals and values set forth by our Governing Documents, and gained experiences working with my own Judicial Board as well as numerous other students and groups on campus.  

Kassidy Fegles-Jones

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Year: Sophomore 

Major: Political Science 

Position: Judicial Administrator 

Why are you running?

I became interested in serving as a Judicial Administrator once I settled into college life and figured out where my ambitions and passions lie.

Truthfully, my first year at Western Oregon University, I did not get involved because I never saw myself being the person I am today. I was raised in West Salem which is a fairly conservative and predominantly white domain. I had a harder time adjusting in high school because I came out as openly gay my junior year, not to mention I was already known as the girl who had (two) moms. I experienced many things that ultimately led me to deter from getting involved in school clubs, organizations and taking chances. That perspective and lens changed when I began dating a woman of color. The experiences we faced led me to wanting to make change anywhere I could.  

What plans do you have for Western?

I will use my platform and the privileges that I hold for the betterment of equitable representation on this campus, and ensuring that BIPOC and marginalized voices on this campus are listened to by students, faculty and the university administration. As a campus community, we need to do right by all of the students who chose to go here. 

What qualifies you to run for this position and help make Western a stronger community?

Being appointed as the Director of Equity for the Associated Students of Western Oregon University has helped me step into who I’ve always been meant to be. It has given me the platform to create change and start conversations that are needed. 

Within this role I work with clubs and organizations, state organizations and committees, as well as help put on campus programs focused on diversity and inclusion. This year I began testifying on bills and measures that would directly impact students and universities, as well as as Oregonians as a whole. I was appointed as a member of the University Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, as well as worked on Statewide Cultural Competency Campaigns. 

Maria Cuevas 

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Year: Sophomore

Major: Early Childhood Education 

Position: Justice 

Why are you running?

I am running for this position to be an active student at WOU, but also to be a voice for students during hard times. 

What plans do you have for Western?

I plan to be an honest and active member of the judicial board. I plan to listen to students and make sure that ASWOU’s laws and constitution are being upheld. 

What qualifies you to run for this position and help make Western a stronger community?

During my time at WOU, I was secretary of the Unidos club. This club is a great example of making WOU a stronger community, with all the outreach they do and making sure that WOU students feel safe and accepted. 

Austin Olin

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Year: Junior

Major: Political Science 

Position: Justice

Why are you running?

I am currently the Vice-Chair of this year’s ASWOU Judicial Board, and I have found the judicial branch of ASWOU to be an important part of my life. It helps me connect to WOU’s student body while allowing me to contribute my judicial knowledge to ASWOU through making important decisions alongside my fellow Justices. I would love nothing more than to continue serving as a Justice in my final year at WOU. 

What plans do you have for Western?

WOU is an amazing college, and part of what makes WOU so incredible is the hard work that ASWOU puts into their responsibilities. I plan to uphold the ASWOU Constitution and Bylaws while also keeping in mind the greater good of the WOU student body in my decisions as an ASWOU Justice. I believe that the Judicial branch of ASWOU is extremely important, and if I am elected as a Justice in the following year, I will continue to take my responsibilities seriously while contributing to the ASWOU Judicial Board to the best of my ability.

What qualifies you to run for this position and help make Western a stronger community?

As a political science major, I have continually studied judicial practices throughout the last three years of my life. Not only do I have experience as an ASWOU Justice, but I also plan to start a career in law after I graduate WOU. This is my passion, and therefore I believe I am extremely qualified for this position.

Caitlin Wheeler

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Year: First-year

Major: Criminal Justice  

Position: IFC Member

Why are you running?

To engage more of the student body in the power of IFC and how Incidental Fees can work for them, overall in (an attempt) to make their experience here more exciting!

What plans do you have for Western?

Allocating funds where they’re needed (is) dependent on what the student body wants out of their experience at WOU. I want to educate more students on what their money is going towards.

What qualifies you to run for this position and help make Western a stronger community?

I am a natural-born leader with great listening abilities. I believe strength comes from the people and WOU is (a) developing community that needs more voices heard. As a potential IFC member, my focuses would be directed towards full frontal honesty of why Incidental Fees are collected and how they are redistributed amongst our programs here at Western.

Comunicado de prensa: Los estudiantes BIPOC piden al Consejo de Administración de la WOU que atienda las necesidades de los estudiantes

Estudiantes negros, indígenas y de color de Western explican su propuesta global al Consejo de Administración de WOU

Makana Waikiki | ASWOU IFC Chair

Para publicación inmediata

3 de abril de 2021

La propuesta de los estudiantes negros, indígenas y de color de la Western Oregon University pide al Consejo de Administración y a la Administración de la WOU que atiendan las necesidades de los estudiantes

Monmouth, OR - Los estudiantes negros, indígenas y de color de la Western Oregon University han lanzado una propuesta integral a la Junta de Síndicos de la WOU que presentarán en la reunión de la Junta del 21 de abril de 2021, llamando la atención sobre las necesidades de los estudiantes a través de la financiación y la reevaluación de las necesidades que la WOU y su administración no han proporcionado a los estudiantes, el personal, el profesorado y la comunidad.

La propuesta se divide en dos categorías de necesidades de los estudiantes de la WOU: fiscales y de reevaluación. En los últimos años, los estudiantes de WOU han compartido su frustración debido a la falta de apoyo a través de los recursos de la administración. Los estudiantes de color siguen siendo algunos de los grupos de estudiantes más afectados en este campus y han estado abogando por un centro en el campus que los reúna, que sea un espacio seguro y que promueva y celebre la diversidad y la riqueza de sus culturas. La primera demanda fiscal es financiar el Centro de la Libertad, un espacio creado por estudiantes BIPOC para estudiantes BIPOC en WOU. Este espacio proporcionará salas de estudio, tecnología y un lugar al que los estudiantes de color puedan acudir en busca de apoyo, recursos y, lo que es más importante, un entorno seguro en este campus.

Nuestra propuesta también aborda la grave necesidad de una educación post-secundaria en WOU que sea asequible, accesible y proporcione a los estudiantes los recursos que necesitan para tener éxito. La tasa incidental es una importante fuente de ingresos que financia servicios vitales, programas, recursos, como la despensa de alimentos, y las oportunidades de empleo para los estudiantes y el personal. Estos servicios y programas necesitan ser financiados, sin embargo, está ligado a la matrícula y con la disminución de las tasas de matrícula que seguimos presenciando deja áreas que proporcionan servicios esenciales y recursos insuficientemente financiados. Estamos pidiendo a la Junta de Síndicos que subvencione los recortes que el Comité de Tasas Incidentales (IFC) tuvo que hacer este año (~$203.000) para que todas las áreas financiadas por el IFC que benefician a los estudiantes estén totalmente financiadas en el próximo año académico.

En las audiencias abiertas del Comité de Tasas Incidentales, los estudiantes deportistas expresaron su preocupación por la necesidad de nuevos uniformes y equipación. Es necesario invertir para apoyar a los estudiantes deportistas de nuestro campus, que ayudan a reclutar nuevos estudiantes. Pedimos que se asignen $122.000 a los estudiantes deportistas para sus uniformes y equipaciones. Esta asignación duplicaría el presupuesto de cada deporte, ya que están gravemente infradotados.

Este último año hemos sido testigos del aumento de los ataques dirigidos contra las comunidades de color y de cómo esto ha afectado al bienestar mental y físico de los estudiantes de color de nuestro campus. Esta universidad quiere enorgullecerse de sus valores fundamentales de diversidad y respeto afirmando que "la equidad y la inclusión son una base fundamental en la diversidad humana" y, sin embargo, los estudiantes de color son los que exigen y trabajan para crear el Centro de la Libertad. Los estudiantes no deberían ser el único grupo de personas de nuestro campus que quiera crear un entorno seguro y acogedor; esta debería ser una misión por la que todos nos esforzáramos. La Junta puede tomar medidas para ayudar a abordar esta cuestión mediante la financiación de un Director de Equidad e Inclusión. La financiación para este puesto sería de 2 años y sería contratado por un comité de estudiantes, profesores y personal BIPOC. Este puesto se ocuparía de los casos de injusticia racial y social sistémica, y apoyaría a los estudiantes, el personal y el profesorado de color en la consecución de sus objetivos en WOU.

El Consejo de Administración también debe reevaluar cómo se contrata al profesorado y al personal. Hay una falta de representación BIPOC en la administración, el profesorado y los puestos del personal. El Presidente Fuller debe preparar un plan para establecer una nueva política de contratación de profesores y personal, y un plan que incluya la representación de no menos de un estudiante BIPOC, no menos de un miembro BIPOC de la facultad, y no menos de un miembro BIPOC del personal, para la próxima reunión de la Junta de Síndicos. Además, la Junta de Síndicos debe reconsiderar nuestro plan sobre la reapertura del campus para el período de otoño en su próxima reunión de la Junta de Síndicos, con un punto específico del orden del día con 30 minutos de comentarios públicos sobre el asunto. La junta también debe colaborar con ASWOU para llevar a cabo una serie de foros públicos el próximo otoño 2021, en el que los estudiantes, profesores y personal será capaz de proporcionar información sobre los siguientes temas: Seguridad pública en el campus, racismo en el aula por parte del profesorado, Centro de Salud y Asesoramiento Estudiantil, instituir una clase de competencia cultural y racismo sistemático de primer año para que todos los estudiantes de WOU la tomen en su primer año, instituir un currículo cultural en todas las clases ofrecidas para Licenciaturas y Posgrados en consulta con el Director de Equidad e Inclusión, y la Respuesta COVID-19.

Esta propuesta integral de los estudiantes BIPOC en WOU aborda las principales preocupaciones que los estudiantes de WOU han expresado durante años e instamos a la Junta de Síndicos a tomar medidas mediante la aprobación de nuestras peticiones presupuestarias y recomendaciones de reevaluación. Nos hará falta a todos: estudiantes, profesores, personal, la administración y la Junta de Síndicos para salvar nuestra universidad y restaurar el nivel de confianza, transparencia, responsabilidad, inclusividad y, lo que es más importante, nuestro sentido de comunidad.

Para más información, póngase en contacto con la presidenta de ASWOU IFC, Makana Waikiki, en mwaikiki18@mail.wou.edu.

Anexo

11 de abril de 2021

"Como comunidad, hemos depositado nuestra confianza en personas y sistemas que no la merecen. Nos estamos poniendo en peligro cada día que nos levantamos y tratamos de obtener una educación aquí en WOU. Con el aumento de los crímenes de odio, la falta de recursos para las comunidades marginadas, y el aumento en el precio y la dificultad de la educación superior, necesitamos que la Junta de Síndicos priorice nuestras necesidades. Los estudiantes de WOU están presentando esta propuesta, de nuestras necesidades fiscales y de reevaluación que WOU y su administración no han proporcionado a sus estudiantes, personal, profesores y comunidad. Es hora de cambiar".

- Makana Waikiki (ella/ellos) Líder estudiantil y defensora de los derechos de los estudiantes

IFC y ASWOU Senate ultiman los planes presupuestarios para el próximo curso escolar

La Junta de Síndicos aprobará los planes del IFC para 2021

Carpintero de Sydney | Editor de noticias

El Comité de Tasas Incidentales ha concluido sus audiencias abiertas y ha finalizado las asignaciones presupuestarias y la aplicación de tasas para el próximo curso escolar.

En sus decisiones preliminares, el IFC dispuso un total de 34,77% de reducción presupuestaria para las 15 áreas financiadas, y 27% de la reducción se tomaron de la financiación del departamento de Atletismo. Sin embargo, 100 estudiantes ⏤ principalmente atletas ⏤ asistieron a las audiencias abiertas abogando por una reducción en el recorte presupuestario de Atletismo. 

En los planes finales, las reducciones presupuestarias para Atletismo se redujeron y parte del peso se repartió entre otros departamentos. En la reunión de finalización, los jefes de departamento manifestaron que estaban dispuestos a tener mayores reducciones en sus propios presupuestos personales. En total, seis áreas se ofrecieron voluntarias para tener reducciones presupuestarias: Associated Students of Western Oregon University con 2%; Campus Recreation 0,5%; Creative Arts 3%; Student Engagement 1%; SE: Leadership, Inclusion, Activities 2%; Student Activities Board 1%; Student Media 0,5%.

Debido a que otros departamentos asumieron la carga de reducir sus presupuestos, el presupuesto del departamento de Atletismo sólo refleja actualmente un recorte del 13,5%. La Directora de Deportes, Randi Lydum, no ha puesto por escrito qué tipo de recortes sufrirá el departamento con este presupuesto.. 

Los estudiantes pueden anticipar que verán una tasa fija de $355 en su factura para el año 2021-22, independientemente de la modalidad. Según las previsiones actuales, el IFC prevé recaudar $4.106.640 de la tasa el año que viene, y sacará $373.781,09 de las reservas para hacer frente a las necesidades presupuestarias.  

Póngase en contacto con el autor en scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

Comunicado de prensa: Control del gasto en construcción universitaria

Los líderes de los gobiernos estudiantiles de las universidades públicas de Oregón piden al Estado que invierta en ayudas económicas

 N.J. Johnson | Presidente de ASWOU

Jueves, 11 de marzo de 2021 

Los presidentes del cuerpo estudiantil de la Universidad de Oregón, la Universidad de Oregón Occidental, la Universidad de Oregón Oriental, la Universidad Estatal de Oregón y la Universidad Estatal de Portland han publicado hoy una carta conjunta dirigida a los miembros de la Asamblea Legislativa del Estado de Oregón y de la Comisión Coordinadora de Educación Superior en la que piden al Estado que aborde el aumento de las matrículas y mejore la gobernanza y la supervisión de las universidades públicas de Oregón, que fueron desreguladas en 2015.

La carta dice:

A: Comisión de Coordinación de la Enseñanza Superior y Legislatura del Estado de Oregón

Fr: Asociación de Estudiantes de Oregón y Gobiernos Estudiantiles Universitarios Asociados

Asunto Prioridades de la enseñanza superior para la sesión legislativa

Entendiendo que el efecto de COVID-19 y la recesión financiera que le ha seguido han tenido un inmenso impacto en los estudiantes, nosotros los presidentes del cuerpo estudiantil de las universidades públicas de todo el estado de Oregon hacemos un llamamiento a la legislatura estatal para que tome medidas significativas para reevaluar el curso de la financiación de la educación superior.

Tras una cuidadosa evaluación de las prioridades de nuestro campus y de las necesidades de los estudiantes en medio de esta pandemia, esta asociación ha determinado que las inversiones de emergencia en la Beca Oportunidad de Oregón sean una prioridad absoluta. En la actualidad, menos de 1 de cada 4 estudiantes que cumplen los requisitos para recibir la Beca de Oportunidad de Oregón reciben la financiación. Se trata de un defecto muy preocupante en la distribución estatal de la financiación. Creemos que la inversión en ayuda financiera es una parte fundamental de cualquier estrategia para la recuperación económica a largo plazo en todo el estado. Los estudiantes que cursan estudios superiores constituyen una gran parte de la población de clase trabajadora del estado de Oregón; sin más ayuda financiera, prevemos que estos estudiantes se verán obligados a elegir entre su búsqueda de oportunidades de educación superior y la estabilidad financiera. 

Esta pandemia ha puesto aún más de manifiesto las desigualdades de nuestros numerosos sistemas sociales. Específicamente, bajo el análisis de la distribución financiera a nuestras universidades públicas, hemos visto una tendencia recurrente en la financiación de iniciativas y proyectos a través de las universidades estatales que no contribuyen directamente a las necesidades de los estudiantes. Si bien la OSE apoya la inversión en actualizaciones y mejoras de seguridad, así como la construcción de centros de equidad, centros de estudiantes multiculturales y centros de recursos para soñadores, las necesidades de los estudiantes no siempre se tienen en cuenta cuando las instituciones priorizan los nuevos proyectos de construcción. Somos muy conscientes de la recuperación financiera potencial que ofrecen las iniciativas de construcción de capital en estos tiempos difíciles, sin embargo, sopesamos la

Las cargas financieras a las que se enfrentan los estudiantes son una prioridad para la financiación estatal. En su estado actual, la financiación de la construcción de capital no apoyará directamente las necesidades de los estudiantes, especialmente cuando estos proyectos tienen fechas de finalización previstas para años en el futuro. Las administraciones universitarias han argumentado que las inversiones en construcción de capital mitigarán la crisis de matriculaciones y harán que la educación sea más asequible. En cambio, los datos recogidos en la última década muestran un descenso de las matriculaciones y un aumento alarmante de las matrículas. Pedimos que los estudiantes y las necesidades de los estudiantes sean una prioridad directa durante esta sesión. Pedimos que los legisladores trabajen con los estudiantes para reevaluar y reimaginar los incentivos, la gobernanza y las prioridades de nuestras universidades públicas.

Por lo tanto, nosotros, los presidentes del cuerpo estudiantil de la universidad pública en el estado de Oregon, hacemos un llamamiento a la legislatura para hacer inversiones de emergencia significativas en la Beca de Oportunidad de Oregon para ayudar a los estudiantes que sufren financieramente durante la larga sesión. Pedimos a la legislatura que apoye los llamamientos de los estudiantes para aumentar la transparencia y la responsabilidad de las universidades públicas para garantizar que los fondos están apoyando directamente las necesidades de los estudiantes. Por último, pedimos a la legislatura que se oponga a la actual deriva hacia la privatización de nuestras universidades públicas mediante la planificación de una inversión significativa y una reforma significativa de la gobernanza.

Firmado,

Isaiah Boyd, Presidente Estudiantes Asociados de la Universidad de Oregón

N.J. Johnson, Presidente Estudiantes Asociados de la Western Oregon University

Keegan Sanchez, Presidente Estudiantes Asociados de la Universidad de Oregón Oriental

Motutama Sipelii, Presidente de los Estudiantes Asociados de la Universidad Estatal de Portland

Isabel Núñez Pérez, Presidenta Estudiantes Asociados de la Universidad Estatal de Oregón

En los cinco años transcurridos desde que se desmanteló el Sistema Universitario de Oregón y se instauraron las juntas institucionales, las matrículas han aumentado un 18,5%, un ritmo superior al de los cinco años que precedieron directamente al fin del Sistema Universitario de Oregón. Esto da lugar a enormes desigualdades en el acceso a la enseñanza superior. En la Universidad de Oregón, por ejemplo, hay casi tantos estudiantes cuyos ingresos familiares se sitúan en el 1% de mayores ingresos como estudiantes cuyos ingresos familiares se sitúan en el 20% de menores ingresos.

Mientras tanto, la recaudación de fondos privados en las universidades, que se dijo a los estudiantes que se destinaría a ayudar a mantener las matrículas bajas, se ha destinado en cambio a proyectos de construcción de alto perfil, a menudo con poca participación formal de los estudiantes. En el bienio 17-19, el estado de Oregón destinó $330,8 millones a proyectos de construcción de capital en las universidades. Esto es más del doble de la cantidad asignada a la ayuda financiera ese año: la Beca de Oportunidad de Oregón recibió $146,1 millones. Un libro blanco publicado por SEIU Local 503 en 2019 demuestra que desde 1999 hasta 2019, la proporción de apoyo financiero estatal para las universidades que se destina al servicio de la deuda de construcción aumentó de menos de 3% todo el camino hasta 16%.

En relación con la carta, el presidente de la ASUO, Isaiah Boyd, afirmó: "En este último año, la epidemia de Covid-19 ha puesto de manifiesto las crecientes deficiencias de nuestros sistemas de educación superior. Hemos sido testigos del agravamiento de los problemas socioeconómicos a los que se enfrentan los estudiantes que cursan estudios superiores. Los estudios superiores en todo el país están llegando a un punto crítico en el que los estudiantes ya no tendrán la estabilidad financiera necesaria para perseguir sus sueños."

NJ Johnson, Presidente del cuerpo estudiantil de la Universidad de Oregón Occidental, afirmó: "Con los insostenibles aumentos de las matrículas correlacionados con la disminución de las inscripciones en todo el estado, ahora es el momento de invertir significativamente en el acceso y la asequibilidad para poner fin a este ciclo."

Para más información, póngase en contacto con el Presidente de ASWOU, N.J. Johnson, en el teléfono (503) 838-8555 o en la dirección de correo electrónico aswoupresident@mail.wou.eduo póngase en contacto con Isaiah Boyd, Presidente de ASUO, en el teléfono (541) 346-0624 o en la dirección de correo electrónico asuopres@uoregon.edu 

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La Western Oregon University de Monmouth, Oregón, está situada en el territorio tradicional de la tribu Luckiamute de los Kalapuya. Tras el Tratado del Valle de Willamette de 1855 (Tratado Kalapuya, etc.), los kalapuya fueron trasladados a la fuerza a reservas del oeste de Oregón. En la actualidad, los descendientes vivos de este pueblo forman parte de la Tribus Confederadas de la Comunidad Grand Ronde de Oregón y el Tribus Confederadas de los Indios Siletz.

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