Todd Hall was built in 1912 and was originally 10,800 square feet, costing about $50,000 — equivalent to $1.65 million today — to build. With its steep roof, small glass windows, red brick detailing and chimney, the building was constructed in a Tudor style, common for the time period. The original purpose of Todd Hall was to house students on campus, with students starting to move in in 1913. In 1921, additional dorm rooms were added to the building along with a second dining room, and later in the same year renovations took place to add the West Wing, the Music Room and the Arcade. The kitchen and dining room were moved to the new Student Center in 1960 and the space was transformed to only encompass dorm rooms, a living room and two study rooms. This remodel cost about $31,000. The building started housing the Teaching Research Division in the 1970s, until it eventually became the Todd Hall we know with classrooms, offices and PsychPAC. Todd Hall received its namesake from Jessica Todd, the first dean of women and the first director of dormitories at Western. She was born in 1869 in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, and moved to Monmouth in 1912 when she became the supervisor of critic teachers for Monmouth Training School. When Todd moved to Monmouth and started working at Western, she recognized a need for a dormitory on campus and helped petition to the state for funds to build a women’s dorm, ultimately leading to the construction of Todd Hall. In 1926, she received an honorary baccalaureate in recognition for her exceptional work on campus. When she eventually retired in 1931, the Oregon State Board of Education unanimously agreed to name the dormitory she directed after her, thus creating Todd Hall. Jessica Todd was a strong advocate for women living on campus, but was known for her very strict nature. Her dormitory was strictly an all-girls dorm, and she was often reported to push her teachings of how to be a “proper woman” onto the girls living in her dormitory. She would promptly lock the dormitory doors right at curfew and make her residents say goodbye to their dates right before she did so. For these reasons, the girls in her residence would often be known to sneak boys in through the basement — which was then the laundry room. Jessica Todd eventually died in 1944, but it is speculated that her spirit may live on. Rumors have spread around campus that her ghost still lives in Todd Hall to this day, and students often report strange occurrences like hearing footsteps or seeing lights flicker. Most of her ghost sightings originate from the bathroom because it was the room that used to be her living space. It’s also theorized that her ghost targets men specifically because her building was an all-girls dormitory and she doesn’t like men inside. Whether these speculations are true or not, Jessica Todd was one of the big reasons women were able to have a place to live on campus, and paved the way for the historic and unique Todd Hall known today.
A photo of the king tides crashing over a large rock. | Photo from @tillamookcoast on Instagram
Nov. 19 2025 | Abbi Duhart | News Editor
King tides — formally known as perigean spring tides — made an appearance along the Oregon coast Nov. 4-7. These tides occur when a full or new moon reaches perigee, when the moon is at the closest point in orbit to the Earth, and when the sun, moon and Earth are in alignment. The combination of these two things creates a strong gravitational pull on the ocean, which leads to higher-than-normal tides that push waves the furthest upshore. In general, king tides are the highest level of tides that can be predicted. Scientists have pointed out factors that contribute to these recent king tide occurrences being more drastic and deadly than others. Over the past decade, sea levels have continued to rise drastically from climate change. The continually higher sea levels cause king tides to reach a higher point on the shore. Additionally, the coast has faced turbulent weather, with large wind and rain storms causing harsher conditions in the ocean. The high levels of wind cause water to swell, intensifying the waves and making the king tides stronger. Normally, king tides aren’t as dangerous, but the combination of all these factors made the tides that occurred recently the most dangerous that have happened. Newport, Oregon was hit the worst, and was reported to have tides that rose higher than 10 feet. Oregon scientists discussed the high possibility of erosion and flooding. Because the tides were predicted to be so harsh, it was likely that the tides coming so far into the shore would create erosion along the sand and rocks. The tides combined with the stormy weather were a big indicator for flooding as well, potentially even up to U.S. Route 101. Scientists are using the king tide occurrences to observe and document the impacts rising sea levels have on erosion and flooding. The king tides often attract tourists, whether it be for photography or just viewing. While watching them can be an amazing opportunity, residents are advised by Oregon scientists to remember the dangers they create. Those who go are encouraged to watch from a safe distance and area, and remember to never turn their back on the ocean. Many residents enjoy visiting the beaches after the tides occur as well, because the high tides often bring in copious amounts of sea treasures for collectors. If anyone likes sea combing, they are recommended to visit right after the king tides because they often yield the best finds. For those who missed these occurrences of the king tides and would like the opportunity to go see them, the tides will appear again Dec. 4-6, 2025, and Jan. 1-4, 2026.
Maaske Hall while under construction for asbestos abatement. | Photo by Hannah Field
Nov. 19 2025 | Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief
Maaske Hall is facing renovations through the end of Fall term on the first floor. Construction began Monday, Nov. 17, and is expected to take roughly three weeks. In an email sent out to campus, the school reported that a contractor would perform asbestos abatement, which is the process of identifying asbestos and removing, repairing or encapsulating it. Asbestos is a cancer-causing substance, affects the lungs through irritation and causes scarring to the lung tissue. Most often found in buildings or cars, asbestos is present in many buildings built before the 1980s, found in various places such as piping, insulation and roofing. It was a common building material before it was found to be harmful, because of its anti-corrosion and heat-resistant properties. Due to the risks, the first floor was sealed off to the rest of the building as well as the outside. Students, staff and faculty are asked to not attempt entry into the first floor of Maaske Hall. An exterior elevator is present for use on the north side of the building to enter upstairs, with many offices in the building for faculty on the second and third floors. Further renovations are reportedly coming in the following Winter and Spring terms, including new flooring, lighting and fresh paint, but no further information was released hinting at what kind of changes or upgrades are coming to the building other than the overall goal: to build a Forensic Education Center. The center will be an interdisciplinary collaboration in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, led by the Division of Criminal Justice and the Department of Chemistry. “The space will provide hands-on learning in the field of forensics and provide opportunities for wider community and regional engagement,” said Rebecca Chiles, assistant vice president, in an informative email sent to campus. Maaske Hall is tucked between the Werner University Center and the Math and Nursing Building. It harbors no classes, so students often pass right by it, and many were previously unaware of any inside damage or potential harm, up until the asbestos abatement began and a large danger-sealed gray hallway was sealed to the front doors. Ideally, it’ll attract students for more than their professors’ office hours with the planned Forensic Education Center, which is a first for Western and could spark a lot of positive change in the college community.
Contact the author at howleditorinchief@mail.wou.edu
A black-and-white photo of the 2023-2024 women’s basketball team playing a match at Western, posted Dec. 4, 2023. | Photo from @wou_wolves and @wouwbb on Instagram
Nov. 19 2025 | Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief
In January of 2025, nine former basketball players from the women’s team at Western filed a $28.2 million lawsuit against the college, coaches Jessica Peatross and Demetrius “DJ” Marlow, athletic director Randi Lydum, Dean of Students Malissa Larson and President Jesse Peters, alleging abuse from coaches Peatross and Marlow that, once reported, led to retaliation via rescinded scholarships.
The 2023-24 women’s basketball season was cut short with six games left without detailed explanation from the university following a practice Feb. 12, 2024. Western conducted an internal investigation while Peatross and Marlow were put on paid administrative leave Feb. 19 until being reinstated two months later after no conduct violations were found.
Recent investigations from the Statesman Journal reported the internal investigation, handled by law firm Littler Mendelson P.C., had “misquoted players, misconstrued situations and misstated what happened during a contentious practice on Feb. 12, 2024, and in the days after it.”
The alleged event included one player, Hanne Hopkins, who bumped into Head Coach Peatross during a drill, which turned into Peatross accusing Hopkins of running into her intentionally and telling her to leave practice, and was captured on video saying “I’m your coach. Get out. Get out. Y’all don’t get a choice.”
The day after, Peatross called the Monmouth Police Department and said she was intentionally elbowed in the chest at the practice and she had left practice to go to the hospital, where she experienced pain on a scale of 1-10 at a 10, and that it felt even worse the next day.
The video taken on a team member’s phone shows Peatross “talking calmly” after the alleged incident, said the Statesman Journal.
Two days after that, Peatross filed a report with Campus Public Safety and said she was experiencing chest and head pain, shortness of breath and nausea. The police officer whom Peatross spoke to earlier tried to contact Peatross for a month following the incident, but heard nothing back, and was denied access to the video by the university according to the Statesman Journal. From there, the investigation was requested to be closed due to “lack of cooperation,” per the police officer.
Monmouth police officers were eventually able to review the video and saw no indication of forceful or intentional contact from the player to Peatross. Police also did not see evidence to support Peatross being injured or in pain.
The team soon met in a small conference room where, when asked, 10 players voted to not play the six games remaining in their season. According to the Statesman Journal, some of the players expressed feeling pressured by the coaches to leave the team, with Peatross allegedly giving an ultimatum to player Ana McClave: “You either quit or you come and you kiss my ass.”
Both coaches were placed on paid administrative leave Feb. 19, 2024.
Players also alleged intense physical activity during practices, noting physical illness, dehydration and vomiting. The lawsuit states that if they did not complete the exercises, the punishment was more laps, with McClave stating, “The running we had to do, it wasn’t for speed, quickness or strength, it was for harm and to see how they could break us.”
One player, Kailiana Ramos, reported losing 20 pounds, and McClave was forced to engage in practices without being cleared by a doctor after knee surgery. Player Jodi Noyes said that Peatross and Marlow claimed “nobody’s welcome back” on the team after they learned of private discussions about the coaches.
Additionally, the lawsuit alleges NCAA rule violations, such as forcing players to miss their classes, pray before games and sign sheets that indicate they “weren’t practicing too much,” with team bonding events on the calendar actually being excessive physical exercise practices.
Peatross allegedly suggested that Noyes quit taking her antidepressant medication in November of 2023. Noyes obliged, but told university staff, who said it would be reported to athletic director Randi Lydum. No changes followed, and it’s unclear if Lydum did or did not receive the information. Lydum and Dean of Students Malissa Larson met with four players individually and “promised immediate changes that never happened,” wrote the Statesman Journal.
The lawsuit states that Lydum told a player, “These coaches deceived us, and this is not what we wanted for the school.”
The coaches were reinstated in April of 2024. A small group of players met with WOU Board of Trustees Chair Betty Komp to explain the situation, but no action took place. Letters came in April 23 to players still eligible to play that said their scholarships were terminated.
Littler Mendelson, which is based in the U.S. and is the world’s largest firm specializing in labor and employment law, was paid $33,696 to conduct the investigation by Western. The firm claimed that Feb. 12, during the practice where Peatross alleged she was elbowed intentionally, that Hopkins, the player who made contact with Peatross, was warned to not perform the action by McClave. The investigation also claimed that the lawsuit inaccurately reported Hopkins’ response to Peatross following the event, which was captured on camera, despite citing the video filmed by a player. It also allegedly wrongfully stated which players were told to leave and who was allowed to stay at practice, and contained conflicting information regarding who remained.
The investigation implied that the three students — Hopkins, McClave and Ramos — involved in the conflict failed to follow university conduct when they did not immediately oblige Peatross’ demand for them to leave. The report also did not clarify the intention in the contact between Peatross and the student.
In another incident, McClave claimed that Assistant Coach Marlow collided with her Jan. 4, 2024, reinjuring her left knee post-surgery. The Littler Mendelson report “casts doubt if McClave was injured in that collision,” according to the Statesman Journal. However, McClave documented being in pain and sought help from athletic trainer Sara Gordon.
The report itself implicated team members Ana McClave and sister Cali McClave of having a negative influence over the culture of the team and implied criticism of team members for addressing concerns with Lydum over Peatross and Marlow. The players were addressed as “problematic” in the investigation and it also stated that Lydum appeared to understand that.
Western denied the request to share the report with the Statesman Journal. Following an appeal that handed the report to the Statesman Journal, Western filed a lawsuit against journalist Bill Poehler, who was providing coverage on the ongoing lawsuit, requesting a court order to clarify what information the university is required to submit. Ultimately, Western was ordered to provide the documentation by a district attorney.
Western is seeking to dismiss the lawsuit from the nine basketball players. The lawsuit was moved to federal court in February of 2025; the Statesman Journal reported, “The sides are in a lengthy discovery process that has a deadline of June 5, 2026.”
A photo of an ICE agent touching a protester in a gas mask outside of Portland | Photo from @killendave on Instagram
Nov. 5 2025 | Abbi Duhart | News Editor
ICE is slowly becoming a known presence in the Willamette Valley. With a multitude of restraints and arrests happening in areas like Salem and Woodburn, residents are starting to fear for their lives and their family and friends. Often driving unmarked vehicles, residents are even concerned with being able to identify when ICE is coming. Students at Western have received instructions on what to do if ICE comes to campus from Western administrators, Unidos Migrant Student Association and Western’s Young Democratic Socialists of America organization, as well as various resources for knowing their rights.
On Oct. 30, more than 30 people were restrained and arrested in Woodburn by ICE. The Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition, a hotline that residents of Oregon can contact if someone they know has been detained, received numerous calls that carloads of people were stopped and arrested while on their way to work. Loved ones were calling in to report that their families hadn’t arrived home from work. The number of calls like this that they receive has only been increasing since.
Juan Larios, the Woodburn School District superintendent, alerted parents to the presence of ICE agents and reassured them that the district does not partake in any sort of immigration enforcement and will not allow ICE agents to access any school building.
Similarly, the superintendent of Salem-Keizer School District, Andrea Castañeda, has informed families that ICE agents are not allowed to enter school buildings or access student records without a court order. Many families in the Salem-Keizer area have expressed fear, as many come from immigrant families. Confirmed by the Salem police department Oct. 30, immigration authorities are operating in and around Salem. The Salem police explained, though, that they receive no notice when ICE agents come into Salem.
With the looming threat of ICE agents, it’s important for students at Western to know their rights. If a student is approached by an ICE agent on campus, they should call Campus Public Safety immediately at 503-838-8481, and can additionally call the Office of the General Council at 503-838-9471. All ICE agents are required by law to check in with Campus Public Safety before they take any action, so students can call Campus Safety if approached and can respond to agents by saying, “I do not consent to anything.”
The presence of ICE, and even thinking about ICE, can be extremely distressing for students. For these reasons, students are also encouraged to utilize mental health resources around campus. The Student Health and Counseling Center is available to students Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and then 1 to 5 p.m. Students can make a crisis appointment by calling 503-838-8313. Additionally, students can contact the Unidos Migrant Student Association, which is actively advocating for students and hosts informative events to help students understand what to do in these situations. They also have many useful resources, such as documents with example scenarios and responses for students.
If anyone becomes aware of the presence of ICE agents in protected areas, such as on campus at Western, they can call the Sanctuary Promise Hotline at 1-844-924-STAY. Students can also sign a petition provided by the Western Oregon University Young Democratic Socialists of America that calls the university to declare the campus a sanctuary to students of all backgrounds, implement an alert system, train staff and faculty on how to interact with ICE, provide training and information to students and pursue options for financing legal support centers. Students who wish to sign this petition can find the link on their Instagram: @wou_ydsa.
A photo of a kid wading through heavy floodwater in the Dominican Republic. | Photo from @washingtonpost on Instagram
Nov. 5 2025 | Abbi Duhart | News Editor
Hurricane Melissa is one of the most powerful hurricanes that has occurred in the Atlantic Ocean to this day, having ripped through the Northern Caribbean and leaving thousands of people without power and homes. When the hurricane reached Jamaica Oct. 28, it was reported as a Category 5 hurricane with wind speeds up to 185 mph. A Category 5 hurricane is the highest level classification for hurricanes and means the storm has winds at 157 mph or higher and is accompanied by catastrophic damage.
On Oct. 30, the hurricane reached Jamaica and caused major destruction, affecting residents and even taking lives. Many residents were left without a house after the storm, and many lost personal belongings due to waterlogging. The storm also wiped out roads and bridges, making it harder for Jamaican residents to get assistance after the storm hit. Eventually, helicopters flew in to distribute food, water, medicine and other necessary supplies. During the aftermath, search and rescue teams found at least 19 dead, and more than 13,000 people remain in crowded shelters because they lost their homes. Seventy-two percent of the entire island was left without power.
Similar damage occurred in Cuba, but the Cuban Civil Defense was able to evacuate 735,000 people before the storm hit.
Haiti was also badly impacted by Hurricane Melissa, with at least 30 deaths occurring and 20 residents reported missing. Port-au-Prince, the capital, faced some of the worst damage. Hurricane Melissa brought heavy rain storms, flooding a vast majority of the area and rendering homes inaccessible. Residents slowly started to return home Oct. 30. The hurricane destroyed homes and ripped apart families, as children were reported killed. More than 15,000 people were staying in shelters during the aftermath. In Haiti and Cuba, the tremendous amount of rain and flooding left communities with hundreds of residents completely isolated with no way to contact anyone for help.
Hurricane Melissa caused at least 50 deaths throughout Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba, but this number is expected to rise as experts continue to search the islands for those reported missing. After these devastating events, Hurricane Melissa moved away from Bermuda the morning of Oct. 31 as it died down to a Category 1 hurricane. By 11 a.m., the storm grew smaller and was classified as a powerful post-tropical cyclone with winds around 85 mph, traveling to the northeast. As the storm continued in this direction, the northeast U.S. coast and parts of Canada were expected to be impacted by the storm, primarily through large rain storms. While it will most likely not bring the same damage to land as it did in the areas above, the storm will still create harsh conditions in the ocean near the shore.
A photo of the entrance to Salem’s Grand Theatre | Photo from @salemhistoricgrandtheatre on Instagram
Oct 29 2025 | Abbi Duhart | News Editor
No matter one’s preferences between cozy, community-centered Halloween events or scary, chilling adventures, there is sure to be a local Halloween event happening that is going to scratch that itch. While there is much more to explore in the area, I’ve compiled a list of note-worthy Halloween events that I encourage both autumn lovers and spooky enthusiasts alike to give a try.
Halloween Spooktacular —A big local event happening in Monmouth that many locals enjoy is the Halloween Spooktacular. This fun experience takes place Oct. 31 and begins at 4 p.m. at Main Street Park. Businesses around downtown Monmouth will be open for trick-or-treaters, and the park will have various goodies and activities set up. Businesses will also have pop-up booths along Main Street Park where they will be handing out various treats. There will also be a photo booth; residents are encouraged to dress up in their Halloween costumes and take some fun pictures. Students at Western can also find a photo booth with Wolfie to take pictures with him in their costumes. This event is completely free and open to the public.
Dia De Los Muertos — During the Halloween Spooktacular event, residents can also stop by Monmouth Senior Center for Dia De Los Muertos, including various multicultural festivities. This event will have Halloween snacks, candy, arts and crafts and Mexican hot chocolate. They will also have a community ofrenda — a memorial table — set up. Anyone from the community is welcome to contribute to the table by placing special items to remember and pay homage to deceased loved ones.
Ghost of the Grand — Those seeking more of a haunted feel to their Halloween celebration may love the Ghost of the Grand tour. This event takes place at the Grand Theatre in Salem and consists of a tour through the theatre’s main stage, the initiation room and the basement. This isn’t just a normal ghost tour though; they combine theatre and ghostly haunting to create an interactive experience that allows participants to go in search of G.H.O.S.T. — a mysterious and dangerous cult that was driven underground after last year’s tours. Audience members will actively make choices that seal their fate in this event. Happening through Nov. 1, general admission for this event costs $24.95. The Grand Theatre is known as one of the most haunted places in Salem. Participants often report sensing a ghostly presence, whether it be a gentle breeze or a shadow lurking out of sight, so consumers of the paranormal will love visiting this theatre.
Halloween Scavenger Hunt — Powered by Questo, those who seek a fun, interactive event for a large group will love this Halloween Scavenger Hunt in Salem. Starting Oct. 30 and running through Nov. 2, participants who sign up will access the scavenger hunt through the Questo app and travel around Salem exploring haunted areas, tracking ghosts and solving puzzles. Great for those who love a challenge, participants will compete to find clues and finish first, and can even win fun prizes. There will also be a costume contest, so make sure to wear fun costumes. Questo promises that frightening dialogue, bone-chilling intrigue and petrifying twists are in store for those who sign up.
Just a short trip away, these are some of the intriguing and fun Halloween events to look forward to at the end of October. I believe there’s something out there for everyone to enjoy this time of year, even if none of these events sound that interesting. I encourage all to go out and try something new, because, chances are, there’s a lot of fun in doing so.
A photo of the route for roadwork in Monmouth and Independence. | Photo courtesy of Oregon Department of Transportation
Oct 29 2025 | Abbi Duhart | News Editor
Construction and road work has begun throughout main roads in Monmouth and Independence. Here’s what students and residents in the area should expect from the construction phase and the outcome.
While construction lasts, crews will be working along Main Street, Monmouth Street and South Main Street. Residents should expect to see construction crews at work Monday through Thursday during normal business hours, with occasional work on Fridays and at night when needed. As of Oct. 29, only shoulder closures have occurred, which doesn’t change the flow of traffic, but residents should be prepared for possible lane closures and shifts as needed. In that case, drivers will see flaggers directing traffic. Additionally, residents should expect some loud noise at times, as construction workers are using loud machinery. The Oregon Department of Transportation asks that residents be aware during this time, and that they slow down and watch for workers.
The reasoning behind the construction is to add curb ramps along Monmouth and Independence sidewalks to meet current ADA accessibility standards. Workers are adding and remodeling 150 ramps in the area. These new curb ramps will make it easier for people to transition from the road to the curb, and vice versa, while walking around town. Accommodations such as these will help those who have trouble stepping up and down from the sidewalk, as well as wheelchair users. The changes can additionally help people with strollers, walkers, hand carts and bikes.
Residents may notice that not all ramps are being built on the same timeline. This is because workers must review each corner where a ramp will be placed and evaluate it to see if it is ready or needs modification before a ramp can be built. Additionally, not all intersections and locations are the same. Some areas are construction-ready, while some areas have things to plan around, like fire hydrants, utility boxes and utility poles. The construction-ready intersections are being worked on first, while others will be completed at a later date as ramps are designed around the intersections’ barriers.
These construction ramps are part of a larger project throughout Astoria, Corvallis, Cottage Grove, Newberg, Salem, Keizer and Springfield, in addition to Monmouth and Independence. Design and construction for these changes totals $1.56 million. Residents can check an interactive map provided by the Oregon Department of Transportation here to see which areas are currently under construction.
The work being done locally is part of a larger project throughout the Willamette Valley and North Coast to bring over 2,300 curb ramps to ADA standards. The Oregon Department of Transportation is working hard to bring accessibility to cities and towns like Monmouth and Independence that will benefit everyone.
A photo of Vice President JD Vance taking questions regarding the government shutdown at a press briefing. | Photo from @whitehouse and @vp on Instagram
Oct 29 2025 | Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief
On Oct. 1, the United States government ceased its operations and entered a shutdown, following Congress’ failure to pass the bills necessary to fund those operations. Republicans and Democrats failed to agree on how the money would be used throughout the government, resulting in the shutdown, limiting governmental operations across the country and endangering certain benefits for millions of Americans.
For the most part, students remain unaffected by the shutdown. Western students can continue to attend class and participate in their typical activities, but there may be some instances where students are impacted.
It is expected that thousands of Oregonians will lose their food stamp benefits, known as SNAP, after Oct. 31 due to the stalled funding. While most receiving benefits are not college students, the students who do receive food stamps will lose their access alongside an estimated 41 million Americans.
Western students who have compromised food aid due to the shutdown are encouraged to connect with resources on campus, such as Abby’s House and the Food Pantry, to avoid further food insecurity. Food banks are expected to be heavily utilized following Nov. 1, meaning resources may be limited across the country.
Another way students may be impacted is through travel. Demand for air traffic controllers has been high since well before the government shutdown, but now many are not coming to work, despite being considered essential workers — all of whom are expected to work without pay during government shutdowns. Due to the lack of staffing, many flights are experiencing cancellations or delays, namely at major U.S. airports such as Newark, Phoenix, Nashville, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas and Burbank, and likely more as the shutdown progresses. Security lines through checkpoints at airports may be longer than normal as well.
Thankfully for students, funding for FAFSA, student loans and Pell Grants has not been suspended. Federal grants awarded to schools will continue, but new grants may face delays. Students across the country may be let go from work-study jobs depending on funding.
While many things are still up in the air regarding the government’s funding, one thing is certain: the longer the shutdown, the more it will affect. Millions of Americans on SNAP will continue without benefits, essential workers will keep working for free and travelers will face further roadblocks.
A photo of the Trio lounge. | Photo by Abbi Duhart
Oct 29 2025 | Abbi Duhart | News Editor
Being first-generation means that neither of the student’s parents or guardians graduated with a four-year degree. If someone’s parents earned an associate degree or started at a four-year college but didn’t finish, the student is still considered first-gen. Identifying as first-gen means that a student has an amazing opportunity to achieve and succeed, yet they may not have the same guidance about the process of enrolling in college that non-first-gen students have, making the transition much more confusing and scary. For these reasons, first-gen students can often feel vulnerable or face imposter syndrome because they encounter different barriers.
To support first-gen students, TRIO is putting on various events during First-Generation Week, starting Nov. 3. TRIO is a federally funded nationwide program implemented to advise and assist students who are first-gen, low-income or receive accommodations through Disability Access Services. Students part of TRIO have a specific advisor who helps them with academic, career and major advising, finding resources, finding a job and more.
First-Generation Week happens at Western as a replacement for First-Generation Day, which is a national celebration on Nov. 8. Because Nov. 8 is a Saturday this year, TRIO created First-Generation Week so students can celebrate the week leading up to First-Generation Day. Every day during First-Generation Week has different events that help students connect with the diverse resources around campus.
Each day of events during First-Generation Week has a different theme. Monday, Nov. 3, is all about basic needs. The day will start with a kick-off happening in the TRIO lounge at the Student Success Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is primarily to outline the events happening throughout the week, but students can also come for some fun games and snacks. Next, students can head over to the Werner University Center from 1 to 3 p.m. to learn about meal prepping. Meal prepping can be especially hard for students in terms of budgeting, so this event can help them learn how to actively and efficiently meal prep at a lower cost. 2 to 4:30 p.m., there is a drop-in for students to chat with SNAP workers in the Werner University Center. SNAP is a federal nutrition assistance program that gives students a certain amount of money each month to purchase groceries. In the same location, there are Food Pantry and Stitch Closet tours happening from 2 to 4 p.m. These are both helpful resources on campus that students may not know about, and these guided tours can show students where they are and how they work.
Tuesday’s theme is mental health. Starting off, there are presentations happening from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Santiam Room in the Werner University Center. Counselors from the Health and Counseling Center on campus will be giving presentations about the importance of mental health. Later, there will be a trail walk starting in the TRIO lounge from 1 to 2 p.m. Students will join a walk around campus and participate in a mediated conversation where they ask each other questions and just talk about life. From 2 to 4 p.m., students can head back to the TRIO lounge to participate in a mini brain break where they can do some arts and crafts and join a “Mario Kart” tournament.
Wednesday’s theme is community. Students can attend a first-gen fair happening in Richard Woodcock Education Center Room 101 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Here, they can connect with fellow students, staff, faculty, resources and departments around campus. Each department will have a table. Students who go will receive a bingo card to mark off each table they attend, with a possibility of winning a prize. There will also be free food at this event. At 4 to 5 p.m. in the Student Success Center, Room 203, a workshop with Student Success and Advising will take place. This will surround the theme of professional goal setting.
Thursday’s theme is “step in the right direction,” beginning with a Career and Professional Pathways fair happening from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second floor of the Student Success Center. Students can go to network with recruiters from various organizations and jobs, as well as with alumni. These professionals will be giving students advice on how to land jobs in their chosen career path. From 3 to 5 p.m., there will be a TRIO and first-gen alumni panel in the Willamette Room in the WUC. Students can talk with them and get an understanding from someone of a similar background on how to get to the career they’re in.
Friday’s theme is celebration. A Tri-Alpha induction ceremony will be happening in the Willamette Room from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. This is for the Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society, an honor society for first-gen students. Students can come to celebrate and support inductees as they join Tri-Alpha. 12 to 3 p.m. in the TRIO lounge, there will be a First-Generation Day celebration to celebrate National First-Generation Day. There will be different stations and games for students as well as cake to enjoy. Students who attend any event throughout the week will be entered in a raffle for prizes on Friday.
Andres Hernandez, the first-gen coordinator, explains that everyone — not just first-gen students — can benefit from attending these events. While the resources are catered to help first-gen students more, all students can learn how to best support first-gen students who often come from different backgrounds and face different barriers. If anything, students can attend any event throughout the week to learn about helpful resources, potentially win some prizes and maybe even meet some new friends.
