Mount Hood

IFC and ASWOU Senate finalize budgetary plans for next school year

IFC plans for 2021 to be approved by the Board of Trustees

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

The Incidental Fee Committee has concluded its open hearings and finalized the budgetary allocations and fee application for the next school year.

In their preliminary decisions, the IFC had a total of 34.77% budget reductions for all 15 of the funded areas, and 27% of the reduction was taken from the Athletics department’s funding. However, 100 students ⏤ primarily athletes ⏤ attended the open hearings advocating for a reduction on the Athletics budget cut. 

In the final plans, budgetary reductions for Athletics was reduced and some of the weight was spread into other departments. In the finalization meeting, department heads voiced they were willing to have greater reductions to their own personal budgets. In total, six areas volunteered to have budgetary reductions: Associated Students of Western Oregon University with 2%; Campus Recreation 0.5%; Creative Arts 3%; Student Engagement 1%; SE: Leadership, Inclusion, Activities 2%; Student Activities Board 1%; Student Media 0.5%.

Because other departments took on the burden of reducing their budgets, the Athletics department budget currently only reflects a 13.5% cut. Athletic Director Randi Lydum has not put in writing what types of cuts the department will face under this budget. 

Students can anticipate seeing a $355 flat rate fee on their bill for the 2021-22 year, regardless of modality. Under the current projections, the IFC anticipates collecting $4,106,640 from the fee in the upcoming year, and will be drawing $373,781.09 from the reserves to meet budgetary needs.  

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

Giving Day continues to draw in donations in 2021

Giving Day at Western quadruples in gifts

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

The Western Oregon University Foundation surpassed 800 gifts from donors on March 2 from this year’s Giving Day, totaling an estimated $175,000 in donations despite financial challenges brought on by COVID-19. Since its establishment in 2016, Giving Day has brought in approximately $460,000 for various departments, scholarships and programs on campus.

“The 2021 WOU Giving Day was like past years,” said Executive Director of Advancement and WOU Foundation Erin McDonough. “We sent out a mailing to about 10,000 friends and donors to the university, spread the word via social media, emails and had an all-hands-on-deck approach in the Student Philanthropy Center phone-a-thon.”

One of the larger changes for this year’s Giving Day was the Foundation licensing new software known as FundRaker.

“This software … allows for groups to engage friends and family in giving to their program, club or team,” McDonough explained. “It also allows for text messaging and social media outreach.”

For the pilot version of the software, the Foundation had eight groups voluntarily participate. According to Mcdonough, the groups that participated raised over $40,000. In contrast to Giving Day spanning only one day, the FundRaker software will be available for use by campus groups from April 1 through Dec. 31.

“We think this day has been critical in strengthening (Western’s) culture of giving and is a reminder to everyone that it does not matter the size of the gift,” said McDonough. “When they are added together, they become something truly inspiring and impactful.”

In addition to new software, the Foundation has implemented a new scholarship known as the Budding Neighbor Alumni Presidential Scholarship. What makes this scholarship unique to Western is that the donor is a Gold Alumni — a graduate of the last decade.

“Special thanks to April Lindsey ’15 and her husband Aaron,” said McDonough. “By leveraging Nike’s generous employee giving match program, we believe she is the youngest person to ever endow a scholarship at (Western)!”

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

Campus cleanup in the works

Facilities spread thin during campus wide repair efforts 

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

Over the course of the year, Western Facilities Services Department has been challenged with layoffs and unexpected projects due to inclement weather and general infrastructure failures. Currently, facility workers are replacing steam line pipes running underneath the university, cleaning up ice storm damage and repairing DeVolder Science Center after a pipe gasket on top of the building exploded causing an estimated $1 million worth of damage.

Underneath the university, the steam line pipes run from the boilers and lead out to the rest of campus. On Monmouth Ave. N, facilities are currently in the process of replacing cracked pipes, as evident from the white steam streaming from the man holes. 

“We’re estimating right now it’s going to be about $450,000,” said Director of Facilities Michael Smith. “It’s a pipe within a pipe so it’s hard to identify where the crack is. We don’t know if it’s at the joints where it’s bolted together or if there’s a large crack in both of the pipes.”

According to Smith, the double insulated pipes in use regularly need maintenance, citing large universities such as Oregon State University having a designated budget for the specific repair. However, Western’s Facilities will be using a portion of the $3.2 million Deferred Maintenance money given to them every biennial by the state of Oregon instead of their insurance because the damage was not caused by outside interference. At this time, facilities is looking for contractors ⏤ a process that takes around two weeks.

“We’ll have (repairs) done hopefully before students return or hopefully by the summer,” said Smith.

An ongoing project Smith anticipates taking four to six months is the remaining tree cleanup caused by the ice storm. In total, 75% of Western’s trees were damaged by the storm. 

“We’re a Tree Campus USA,” said Smith, “and getting hit that hard was really rough.”

At this time, workers are still cutting down trees and removing fallen branches. Smith says general clean up could take up to two weeks, but over the course of the next few months he anticipates more hidden loose branches will be knocked down by wind. Outside of tree damage, the university saw minimal damage to buildings. 

“Most of the damage that we could see that were exterior were some fences and a retaining wall that got hit … I have to meet with the insurance person about the ice storm stuff (this) week,” said Smith. “On top of that we’ll be doing the DeVolder stuff. I think the DeVolder stuff will be more expensive than the ice storm stuff.”

Two weeks ago, a gasket on the roof of DeVolder malfunctioned causing water from the hot water line to flow out. According to Smith, workers were able to shut the pump off and stop the water from further flooding the building. Most of the damage done was inside various classrooms such as the Cadaver Lab, which suffered ceiling damage.

“We have to find out what equipment got damaged or didn’t get damaged,” said Smith. “The professors have to take their time and go through it and that could be a quarter of a million dollars … We have a whole group of professors and facilities guys working through it and working with the insurance company.” 

While Smith anticipates the insurance will cover a majority of the damage done to DeVolder, he said the university still has a $5,000 deductible for each incident that occurs on campus. However at this time universities are pooling together insurances and Smith hopes that it will cover the deductible.

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

Commencement Committee in final stages of graduation plans

Graduation format survey currently under review by committee

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

This year’s graduating seniors are currently waiting on plans from the Western Oregon University Commencement Committee.

On Jan. 7, the committee sent out a survey to students, inviting them to voice opinions on how this year’s graduation ceremony should be structured. Within the survey, students were given three graduation format options: graduation parade, graduation week or a graduation drive-thru. The option of a normal graduation ceremony was not offered, as the committee already decided against the idea. 

According to the survey results listed on wou.edu/graduation, of the 447 participants, 257 students listed graduation week as their first choice in their preferred mode of graduation. A drive-thru ceremony, with 227 votes, was the second preferred option and the graduation parade had 231 votes as the third option.

“I know that some people may not agree with me,” said senior molecular biology major Paige Gillespie, “but I think given the pandemic they had reasonable options that still benefit those that are graduating.”

Gillespie noted her disappointment that her family will not be able to see her graduate in person.

“I was only going to participate for my family, as I am the first person in my family to graduate from college,” said Gillespie. “But the sense of accomplishment is still there … I think I chose the one with the parade of sorts because I thought it would be the coolest.”

At this time, the committee is still deliberating the preferred method for the 2021 graduation ceremony, and plans to announce the graduation format on March 29.

The story will be updated as more information is released.

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

Western hosts virtual Family Weekend

Student Engagement accommodates students living at home and on campus for Family Weekend

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

Western’s 66th annual Family Weekend has been decentralized and formatted to fit an online platform. For this year’s activities, Student Engagement has ensured students living on campus and students living at home can participate by creating two “WOU family care packages.”

Packages: Families or students can purchase these packages for $20 which includes shipping cost. If families have more than one Western student, or there are multiple families, students can purchase two packages total.

  1. Package #1: Made for students living at home ⏤ Contains a Western family-themed car decal, a DIY craft kit, murder mystery Zoom link, a custom Western puzzle and Family Weekend merchandise.
  2. Package #2: Made for students living on or near campus ⏤ Contains a Western family-themed car decal, a DIY craft kit, murdery mystery Zoom link, Family Weekend merchandise and a card that is sent to the student or family member.

Families can add on $10 if they are interested in purchasing additional Family Weekend t-shirts. Each family can order up to three t-shirts. For more information, visit their website at this link https://wou.edu/student-engagement/programs/family-weekend. All package orders are due to Kelly Welch by March 29.

Contact the author scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

Committee searches for new president

The Board of Trustees has assembled an advisory committee to assist in the search for an interim president

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

On Oct. 8, 2020, current university president Rex Fuller sent out an email to colleagues announcing his plans to retire in fall 2021.

Since the announcement, the Board of Trustees has approved of new “Board Statement on Presidential Vacancies” search guidelines for the interim president — mid-summer 2021 to June–July 2022 — and search guidelines for the regular president. The newly assembled advisory committee consists of Betty Komp, Ryan Hagemann, Jon Carey, Dr. Vivian Djokotoe, Sandra Holland, Dr. Bojan Ilievski, Malissa Larson, Mike Morgan, Nathan Sauer, Dr. Rob Winningham and Alex Ped. The titles of each committee member can be viewed on the presidential vacancy website at wou.edu/presidentialvacancy.

For student representation, the Associated Students of Western Oregon University President NJ Johnson was tasked to suggest a candidate to the board.

“I advocated for more students to be on the committee,” said Johnson, “but that was not what the Board of Trustees voted on and the Board of Trustees is the governing board.”

In his recommendation, Johnson chose junior criminal justice major and ASWOU Senator Elizabeth Braatz.

“I selected Elizabeth because I knew that she could represent the student body in a way that we could be proud of,” said Johnson. “Elizabeth has a really diverse range of student leadership experiences from University Housing and including ASWOU.”

However in the finalized committee, Betty Komp decided to implement her own candidate, Alex Ped, a nontraditional Western student since 2002.

“I asked for suggestions and made it clear diversity was important,” said Komp, “but ultimately I make the decision on who’s on the committee.” 

At this time, the final committee containing 11 community members consists of one person of color. 

The Board of Trustees office has selected March 12 at 11 a.m. to hear from the campus community’s thoughts on how the committee should go about looking for an interim president. The committee will begin to review application materials on March 15.

The story will be updated as more information is released. 

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu 

Campus Dining opens new cafe at Valsetz

Valsetz Dining Hall to begin serving Starbucks coffee

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

As of Feb. 22, Valsetz Dining Hall has officially opened their new Valsetz Café located in the backstage section of the hall. Prior to Valsetz Café, Campus Dining re-opened Caffè Allegro during fall term, but the campus coffee shop was closed due to low popularity. 

“When we decided to open again we thought a coffee shop would be more successful in Valsetz because it is closer to the residence halls for students and we already receive a lot of traffic due to students picking up their meals at Valsetz throughout the day,” said Campus Dining Marketing Program Assistant Tatianna Brock. “This will be a permanent installment. When we are able to open The Press and Caffè Allegro again, The Valsetz Café will turn into a late night cafe. We will still serve Starbucks beverages, but we will also open our convenient store and offer individual pizza, calzones and more.”

In preparation for the cafe opening, Valsetz has prioritized staff training.

“Some of our Valsetz staff members that will be working in the Café received barista training and our new student employees hired on also received barista training,” said Brock. “A Starbucks representative stopped by Valsetz to train our staff on preparing Starbucks coffee and gave us training materials.”

In addition to staff training, Brock also explains the cafe has been designed to ensure student and staff safety.

“We have floor stickers throughout the Café area limiting the amount of spots available for customers,” said Brock. “There are three floor stickers for the ordering line and then other customers will be directed to wait outside Valsetz for the next available floor sticker.”

At this time, the cafe has a mask mandate and has sanitizer dispensers available for customers to use. Additionally, Valsetz has four floor stickers placed in the pickup line to help customers stay six feet apart when waiting in line.

According to Brock, the cafe will function similarly to The Press — a coffee shop found in Hamersly Library. On the ordering menu, students can choose from espresso drinks ⏤ including lattes and mochas ⏤ chai tea, refreshers, shaken iced tea, lemonade and other items. The full menu is accessible to students on the Campus Dining website on the “Menus” tab or “Campus Coffee” page.

For additional questions, students can email brockt@mail.wou.edu.

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

Winter storm damages Oregon’s storybook theme park

Enchanted Forest owners plan to reschedule spring reopening 

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

Oregon’s family owned fairytale theme park, Enchanted Forest, was hit hard by the mid February ice storm, causing an estimated $500,000 worth of damage.

Already enduring the financial strain brought on by COVID-19, the Tofte family ⏤ the park owners ⏤ intended to reopen on Mar. 19 after holding various fundraisers to get them through the winter season last year. However, the planned grand reopening has been postponed as a result of the ice storm.

According to Susan Vaslev, an owner of the park and daughter of owner Rodger Tofte, this is not the first time the park has endured a weather related disaster.

“The park was through something similar but not as extensive about 12 years ago, also from a big ice storm,” said Vaslev. “This is much worse. It looked like a war zone initially with trees uprooted and limbs and debris so thick you could not walk through the park.”

After being notified by the park caretaker a day after the storm on Feb. 13, Vaslev reported immediately texting contractors the park had worked with in the past, such as Pfeifer Roofing, Dalke Construction and Carter’s Fire and Sprinkler. Over the course of the cleanup initiative, Vaslev said a lot of progress had been made on general cleanup efforts. 

“Our own employees have worked for two weeks now on (cleaning up) and cutting trees,” said Vaslev. “Pfeifer Roofing has had crews out there solidly for two weeks repairing extensive damage to roofs. Dalke Construction has been out there daily working on reconstruction and tree/debris removal. (F&W) Fence is working on fences. Bethel Excavating is working on underground pipes. Carter Fire and Sprinkler recharged and inspected our sprinkler system.”

Park staples like Humpty Dumpty and the Witch’s Head were unharmed, however the park’s Kiddie Train was completely crushed by fallen tree limbs and the castle roof covered seating area at the theatre has been damaged. Vaslev reported that the big rides appear to have had only minor damage once all trees were removed.

“Thanks to fundraising like GoFundMe, insurance was paid in full,” said Vaslev. “There is a high deductible and it will not cover everything.”

At this time, the park is not taking volunteers to help with the clean up because, according to Vaslev, Enchanted Forest is not a nonprofit organization and any volunteers would have to be paid.

“Reopening date is unknown at this time,” said Valslev. “Hopefully before summer.”

For more information on Enchanted Forest, visit their website enchantedforest.com or follow them on Instagram @enchantedforest.

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

Q&A with ODS’ Assistant Director for Accessibility and Inclusion Rian Gayle

Learning all there is to know about the Office of Disability Services with Rian Gayle

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

There are a variety of services on campus dedicated to providing students with a more supportive college experience. The Office of Disability Services is no exception, providing students with academic accommodations and connecting them to a community that cares. ODS’ Assistant Director, Access & Inclusion Rian Gayle answered some questions through a sign language interpreter, Benjamin Cavaletto.

What is ODS?

The Office of Disability Services, commonly referred to as ODS, is here on campus to provide accommodations and also disability awareness building for the campus. We make the university compliant with federal laws that require us to provide accommodations. 

What are some services ODS offers?

We offer a variety of services; these are not services that are based on what we assume a student should have. We actually have conversations with students based on documentation they provide. Some examples of accommodations would be extra time for exams, interpreting services, note taking services, transcriptions and furniture accommodations in classrooms. Now during COVID, we’ve noticed an increase of students being in online courses, so there’s been a strong reliance on extra need for extended test time and services that can be provided online.

What is proper paperwork for students to be able to use the services provided by ODS?

Typically we require students to have some form of documentation to receive services. That documentation can be a 504 plan from high school, or it can be an Individualized Education Program that they had from K-12 education. If a student does not have a 504 plan or an IEP, they can go to any medical provider and have a diagnosis written. 

Can students use the services on campus to get a diagnosis?

You could go to the Student Health and Counseling Center, but they would not be able to serve all diagnoses. They may refer you to another place for other kinds of treatment if it’s not within their capabilities.

What are some examples of what they (SHCC) cover?

From my experience, I have seen that they have diagnosed students with ADHD. I think that’s the most prevalent I’ve seen. It’s possible that they could do other diagnoses but I don’t want to give you false information.

Have you seen grades improve after students enter ODS?

Yeah we have seen grades improve and students be able to graduate. We know that because we’ve been emailed. We get thank yous and people have said “If it weren’t for you I’m not sure how I would have done.” At the same time, I want to make sure that people are aware that if you do get accommodations, it doesn’t mean that it’s going to solve all of your problems. 

What’s one thing you’ve grown to love about Western?

When I applied for the job, one of my concerns was how communication would happen. My first language is not English. It’s often that communication barriers will occur in the workplace, but Western was able to support me using my first language. The people around me are able to sign and understand me, and that is something that really attracted me to the position.

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

Veteran Resource Center’s director accepts teaching position with the DoD

Vetertan Center director Colin Haines leaves Western

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

After three and a half years of serving student veterans attending Western, Veteran Resource Center director Colin Haines has resigned.

The announcement came after Haines accepted a teaching position with the Department of Defense’s Science and Technology Academies Reinforcing Basic Aviation and Space Exploration program. Founded in 1991, the program was tailored to provide 25 hours of military personnel demonstrating science, technology, engineering and math in “real world” scenarios to fifth grade minority students.

“The DoD Starbase program combines everything I strive to be as a professional educator,” said Haines. “(Western), along with its students, faculty and staff, will always hold a place in my heart, but I felt the time was right to progress my career and make an impact on young students who need me the most.”

Haines reported that his time serving students at Western had been impactful ⏤ personally and professionally. He went on to say the student leaders of Peer Advisers for Veteran Education program have always provided student veterans or veteran-dependents with quality information regarding Veteran Affair benefits and academic life on campus.

“The fact that I have such an outstanding student staff who are more than able to help their peers during the period between directors allows me to leave with a bit of (peace) of mind that our student veterans will not be left hanging,” said Haines. 

At this time, Western has hired a new director, and Haines said he has confidence in the hiring authorities’ ability to identify and nurture great talent. To learn more about the new director or learn more about veteran benefits on campus, email sva@mail.wou.edu.

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou

Thoughts and Gifts Project invites community to grand opening

The Thoughts and Gifts Project welcomes Polk County residents to celebrate the move to their new permanent location 

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

On Feb. 20, the Thoughts and Gifts Project nonprofit organization will be commemorating their permanent move to 427 Main St. E from 1 to 3 p.m..

Established in 2018 by founder Jean Love, TAGP celebrates the birthdays of underserved youths and qualifying senior citizens by providing $30 worth of gifts, three books and two birthday cards. 

Prior to COVID-19, TAGP would host one large birthday party each month for all participants within their program. Adapting to COVID regulations, the nonprofit does not have large birthday parties, but now does monthly prize drawings with donations from the Dollar Tree in addition to their other gifts.

Love had the idea after listening to a Toys for Tots commercial on the radio during Christmas time.

“It’s great that there’s such an outpour of support for one day, but what about the other 365 days of the year?” explained Love.

When the organization first began providing services to the public, their original location was temporary. 

“We had a partnership with the Polk County Service Club … They allowed us to use their club house free of charge and we were there for three days a week,” said Love, “but we did not have on site storage.”

According to Love, they spent the next few years fundraising until they were able to purchase a storefront in Monmouth during the fall of 2020. 

“We thought about doing a grand opening in October, but at that point you’re getting into November and December where the main focus is Christmas,” Love explained. “We don’t want to compete with anything Christmas because there is too much good that happens then.”

For the event, TAGP is doing a ribbon cutting ceremony in front of the store at 1:30 p.m. in addition to three different game stations.

“They will be quick fast games and after they can win prizes,” said Love.

Participants will also be able to receive some TAGP swag bags that contain various branded items. At this time, food will not be provided due to COVID regulations. People interested in attending the event are required to wear a mask, but no RSVP is required.

“We’re really doing something positive for our community,” said TAGP volunteer Kathy Grudle. “It’s such a wonderful feeling to be able to say this something we’re giving you and because we care about you having a birthday.”

To learn more about qualifications or to donate to The Thoughts and Gifts Project, students can visit their website at thoughtsandgifts.org.

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

IFC concludes spring term discussions and moves on to the next school year

The IFC has finalized spring term and are working on next year’s budget

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

Western’s Incidental Fee Committee has completed their process for establishing fee and budgetary allocations for spring 2021.

During their Feb. 5 meeting, seven IFC members voted to approve the motion of allocating all budgetary requests from all 15 funded areas while one member abstained. For the money allocation, the committee supplied three areas with additional funding: Student Media received $2,750; the Creative Arts department, $1,500; ASWOU, $81.

For spring term, the committee opted to lower the $150 fee students saw on their bill this term due to lower budgetary requests, according to IFC chair Makana Waikiki. From the meeting transcript, it was revealed by IFC member Quentin Kanta that only one student voted on the fee preference option and voted for a $125 fee to be charged on student billing next term.

The operating costs for spring term total $585,886.67. Under the current proposed fee, the IFC anticipates collecting $502,750 and supplying the remaining funding using money from their $800,000 worth of reserves. The difference between winter and spring term’s operating budgets is approximately $330,000 less. The difference is due to the athletics department not making any budgetary requests for spring due to sufficient funding from their winter term requests.

The IFC is also working on drafting budgetary allocations and fee proposals for the 2021-2022 academic year. All funded areas have been asked to pitch 10%, 20% and 30% cuts. The reason for this request is due to the uncertainty of enrollment for the upcoming year and the unpredictability of COVID-19.

At this time, only 11 of the 15 areas have proposed their budgets for the upcoming school year. All areas were supposed to finish their proposals on Feb. 12, but the IFC chair cancelled the meeting because of the ice storm, and anticipate resuming proposals on Feb. 19.

For students that are interested in the IFC’s process, the committee holds their meetings via Zoom every Friday starting at 9 a.m. All committee meetings are open to the public and the link to the meeting can be found at their website wou.edu/ifc/. For all other inquiries regarding the IFC, students can email the IFC chair at ifcchair@mail.wou.edu.

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

Booze & reviews: “Valentine’s Day”

A comedic romance in the perspective of three drunken reviewers

Kyle Morden | Head Designer

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

“Valentine’s Day” may not have scored high on Rotten Tomatoes, but it sure makes for a great drunk movie night. Read our full reviews in our online issue, which may contain spoilers. Please drink responsibly.

Kyle Morden | Head Designer

This needs to be put out there. If Allie doesn’t say this, SHE IS PISSING WHILE WRITING THIS> 

Love, cheating, thriller, jason, harry styles, queen beyonce, and valentines day — a day full of lonely a– b—–s who somehow get a love interest by the end of the day?? EVEN THIS LITTLE A– 7 YEAR OLD GETS HIS ONWN MOTHER BACK?? “Lmao im 7 and love sick” B—H WHAT ABOUT MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWSEFERSFDRSGFDRGFGFRGdfgfsjhfvsgfsjhghkjfbvdjkbfhjsdbhjvhbfhbhjvbjnkvbjnkfnk?????????fjkhsgjcgkhhbjkhjkgfbgjfhgfxhjgyibfhhsdjkbzakuhks. Btw. military families amitire? Love em. Thank god that military mom came back for her son. Btw tbh i only remember the actors name (bradley cooper hit me up)

Valentines day is a day where a lot of people get f—-d (up to your interpretation uwu)

Ok ok so “valentine’s day” a movie full of twist and turns and sharkboy and lavagirl — without the lava girl and shark. How the f–k do you get two taylors into one movie??? LET ALONE HAVE THEM DATE EACH OTHER??????????????????????

ANNIE HATHAWAT IS OKAY WITH PEOPLE WITH FETISHES, BUT BACK OFF. SHES MINE. SO IS BRADLEY COOPER — HE LOVES ME. B—H

I accidentally deleted my last paragraph, so go watch this movie yourself.

GAY COUPLES ARE THE ONLY COUPLES. ALSO DONT F—–G GROUP ALLIE WITH ME. SHES CRAZy. She said shes rolling, but idk if she means the drug or literally rolling on the floor? Dont do drugs, drink responsibly

How much do i need to type? I dont remember a word count. I KNOW HOW TO FINISH THIS.

Overall review: Let’s get naked~ uwu

Slide into my dms @_kylemorden on instagram 😉

Or contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Okay first of all i was NOT too into this movie i was just having fun. MY ROOMMATE was into it tho

I would like to preface my review with the fact that i know none of the characters names, only taylor and taylor. I am inept when it comes to celebrities

Rotten tomatoes is WRONG, I had an AMAZING time watching this movie even though I was really confused. Who’s at the airport??? Whos barely legal in high school??? I could not tell you I could not

But listen. Really. It’s a fun movie to watch drunk. Tbh itd probably be Bad if I was not intoxicated. But it was cute! It was nice! There was representation! Gay men and single mums! We support them all!!! GAY BRADLEY COOPER!!!!!!!

Even through the confusion i was extremely satisfied w/ the ending. Through the MULTIPLE PG-13 sex scenes, there was still a sweet undertone where everyone got a happy ending uwu Not that I shouvlde expected ANY less from a 2010 rom com. Google “romcom drinking games” and watch this movie, you’ll have a fantastic time.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu or don;t

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

Okay so this what I got from this, please note this is my first time being drunk in my life. There were a lot of straight people but at some point we were gay and it was beautiful. I’m convinced all of these people were stunt doubles cause there absolutely no way all these famous people got together. The stunt doubles failed to give me wolf man and sharkboy there was sex scenes sometimes which was fine but i wasn’t really paying attention because I was busy eating my chili fries there was a little boy with a lot of angst for no reason over a cougar woman In conclustion roses are expensive af, and this mans was throwing them in the lake to feed ducks and thats acceptable.  THE MILITARY MOM CAME BACK AND IT WAS BEAUTIFUL. Im going to bed 

Dont email me, i wont’ reply email thank you

A sign of love from the ASL Club

Stop by ASL Club’s Valentine’s Day tabling event

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

The Werner University Center has permitted clubs to hold small tabling events, which the American Sign Language Club is taking advantage of. In honor of Valentine’s Day, the ASL Club is hosting a pre-Valentine’s Day tabling activity on Feb. 10 from 12 to 3 p.m. to inform students about the club and answer any questions people have in regards to the Deaf community.

“We really wanted to try to do something in person,” said junior ASL/English interpreting major and ASL Club treasurer Shayla Barnes. “We just want to provide a little beacon of friendliness and personal connection in a time where Zoom reigns supreme.”

According to Barnes, the purpose of this event is to connect like minded people interested in developing their knowledge of ASL; Barnes explained all experience levels are welcome to join. For people who are new to ASL and are not completely comfortable with their level of signing, the Office of Disability Services was able to provide interpreters to attend the club meetings in addition to the students that are already in the club.

“I would encourage people to look into ASL for numerous reasons,” said Barnes, “first it’s a wonderful language with a wonderful community around it. Secondly, there’s a huge Deaf population.”

Barnes recalled her own experience learning more about the Deaf community, citing how surprised she was at the amount of famous people associated with ASL.

Additionally, students who attend the tabling can expect club members to offer free Western merchandise.

If a student needs an accommodation to participate in the tabling, contact the ODS at least 72 hours in advance at 503-838-8250 or ods@wou.edu.

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

IndyMo celebrates a month of buying from local businesses

IndyMo businesses reward locals with utility bill discounts and in-store coupons

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

In honor of Valentine’s Day, Monmouth and Independence have come together to dedicate the entire month of February to the purchase of products from local businesses, known as the “Love Local” event. In each town, residents are rewarded with different benefits. 

For Monmouth, all patrons who purchase $20 worth of goods from local retail stores, restaurants, fitness facilities or personal service businesses with a physical storefront will be credited with $10 towards their next utility bill. Participants can earn this $10 credit up to three times per account.

Photo courtesy of Love Local Indy 2021

“(We’re) trying to get some recreational things happening out here,” said Dancing Muse Costume Shop owner and Vice President of the Monmouth Business Association James Martin.

“I have to remind people that there’s fun still. Even if you are stuck in the house because of COVID-19, you can still go to a Zoom meeting and hang out in different costumes.”

Martin explained he intends for his patrons to escape the mundane life activities brought on by COVID.

“I enjoy dressing up and having fun and I want to have other people dress up too,” said Martin. “Drinking a mug of ale with a bunch of friends and singing sea shanties while dressed as a pirate, well there’s nothing better, even if it is through Zoom.”

Photo courtesy of City of Monmouth – Love Local Challenege

For businesses in Independence, patrons who make purchases from any of the 14 participating businesses will receive a scratch it ticket worth $1, $5, $10 or $20 that will go towards their next purchase. 

For more information on the event, contact Suzanne Dufner at 503-838-0722.

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

IFC moving towards final fee decision for next term

IFC announces preliminary budgetary plans for spring 2021

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

The Incidental Fee Committee has announced preliminary decisions for spring 2021.

In an email announcement sent out on Jan. 21 by IFC Chair Makana Waikiki, the committee provided a spreadsheet of budgetary allocations and two variations of the IFC fee for next term.  During the Jan. 15 meeting, the IFC narrowed down the spring term fee to $115 or $125, to be voted on by students in a survey due Feb. 4. The budget sheet shows that the committee has opted to lower the $150 fee students saw on their bill this term due to lower budgetary requests, explained Waikiki in an open hearing on Jan. 27. 

Under the current proposed fee options, the IFC anticipates collecting either $462,500 or $502,750, depending on the fee option that is chosen. During fall term, the operating expenses from the 15 areas funded by the IFC totaled around $580,000 ⏤ about $400,000 less than last term’s operating budget. For the money allocation, the committee supplied two areas with additional funding: Student Media received $2,750; the Creative Arts department, $1,500.

At this time, the IFC is projected to finalize budgetary evaluations for spring term by Feb. 5. 

For students that are interested in the IFC’s process, the committee holds their meetings via Zoom every Friday starting at 9 a.m. All committee meetings are open to the public and the link to the meeting can be found at their website wou.edu/ifc/. For all other inquiries regarding the IFC, students can email the IFC Chair at ifcchair@mail.wou.edu.

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

 

Western launches new study group app

Western has expanded its online academic support network through an app called CircleIn

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

Western has announced their new partnership with an established educational support app known as CircleIn.

Founded in 2017 by Chief Executive Officer Gerald Meggett Jr., CircleIn was originally created to address the discrepancies in college graduation statistics for African American males and minorities across the country. However, the app is useful to all students pursuing higher education, according to an article written by Meggett.

Last spring, Western surveyed students about the challenges they are facing in online school.  Following up, Western reached out to CircleIn after original contact had been established in 2019.

“CircleIn automatically connects students with their classmates so they can form study groups, share useful materials and ask questions,” said Dean of Library and Academic Innovation Chelle Batchelor.

The app provides students with study tools to manage their workload, prioritize assignments and keep organized. After students log in to the app, they are provided with four color coded rectangles labeled “overdue,” “upcoming,” “in progress” and “done.”

“To help with motivation, CircleIn is gamified,” said Batchelor, “which means that as students complete various tasks and activities in CircleIn, they can earn points for rewards such as gift cards and scholarships.”

In the app, students can select from 26 major brands to earn rewards for, including Target, Spotify, Taco Bell and Starbucks.

“I already made $10,” said junior education major Elijah Thompson.

Prior to CircleIn, Thompson used to write assignments down as a reminder, and now the app CircleIn rewards the behavior.

“My printer just ran out of ink and now I might be able to afford more,” said Thompson.

In addition to a virtual planner, CircleIn automatically syncs to a student’s schedule to form study groups for all who are in the class. Batchelor stated that Western is currently exploring the idea of adding tutors within the group to provide additional support for online learning. 

Students interested in the CircleIn app can download it on their phones or go to the website circleinapp.com and access the services with no paid membership required.

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

West Valley Hospital moves second vaccine distribution site to WOU

Western’s Pacific Room is being used to allocate COVD-19 vaccine during Phase 1A 

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

Last week, West Valley Hospital relocated their second distribution site for the COVID-19 vaccine from the Polk County fairgrounds to Western’s campus.

 “We were able to put up our first week there,” said Pathway Program and Community Outreach Administrator Jenny Von Derahe. “We moved here because it’s a central location and the technology is adequate for our needs.”

According to Von Derahe, the clinic was furnished in a day with the help of hospital facility workers, the environmental services team and kitchen staff.

“It feels safer and more comfortable than the fairgrounds,” said Polk County resident Wendy Brockhouse. “It just seemed weird in the big old barns … this just seems more a part of the community and safer.”

At this time Western is not charging West Valley to rent out the Pacific Room. According to Von Derahe, Western is not funding employment for the workers or volunteers of the clinic, however there are discussions of potentially allowing Western students interested in the medical field to volunteer at the clinic. Additionally, the clinic is not administering vaccines to administrators, faculty, staff or students unless they qualify within Phase 1A.

“One positive that’s come out is the collaborations that have taken place,” said Western Alumnus and District 1 Polk County Fire Chief Ben Stange.

Stange explained that Western has worked extensively with the community to facilitate a functional clinic on its campus.

“The Pacific Room would normally be used for this or that … but we (Western) can’t have events so it’s available. So what can we do to help the larger cause,”said Stange.

According to the Oregon Health Authority, Polk County has partially vaccinated 8.5% of its population and fully vaccinated less than 1% of the population. 

“It’s been such a huge deal to our people,” said Stange. “We were transporting positive patients every couple days, and it’s been difficult to see. The opportunity to actually hands on start to fix a problem that we’ve really felt we’ve had zero control over has been nice.”

Stange explained that, just like other health care professionals, their focus is to take care of people during emergency situations.

“There hasn’t been anything really till this moment that we’ve felt like we can do to make a large impact,” said Stange.

At this time, West Valley is charging a $60 administration fee for the vaccine that will be billed to the patient’s insurance. If uninsured, the hospital waives the fee. Due to the unpredictability of vaccine dose delivery, clinics are not open daily. To learn about hours and vaccination qualifications, visit their website at salemhealth.org.

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

United States Capitol hosts the 59th Presidential Inauguration

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are successfully inaugurated into office following the attack on the Capitol

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

On Jan. 20, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris made a peaceful transition to office.

Themed “America United,” the ceremony featured creative talents such as Amanda Gorman, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Garth Brooks.

“This inauguration marks a new chapter for the American people — one of healing, of unifying, of coming together, of an America united,” said Presidential Inaugural Committee CEO Dr. Tony Allen in a Jan. 11 press release. “It is time to turn the page on this era of division. The inaugural activities will reflect our shared values and serve as a reminder that we are stronger together than we are apart, just as our motto ‘e pluribus unum’ reminds us — out of many, one.”

Following tradition, Biden made his presidential vows over a Bible that’s been in the Biden family since 1893. In an interview with Late Show host Stephen Colbert, Biden explained the Bible had all the important dates from being sworn into any government office. Veering from tradition, former President Donald Trump did not make an appearance at the ceremony, and had Vice President Mike Pence stand in his place.

“We have worked hard. We left it all — as the athletes would say — we left it all on the field,” said Trump in his farewell address to Joint Base Andrews. “I wish the new administration great luck and success. I think they’ll have success. They have the foundation to do something really spectacular,” said Trump.

The former president concluded the speech, announcing he would return in some capacity, before flying to Florida on Air Force One for the last time.

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

WOU finalizes purchasing agreement with Wise Education for new proctoring system

Western expands pilot of new online proctoring system Wise Proctor

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

Western’s Academic Innovation Department has launched a broader version of the proctoring system Wise Proctor.

In spring 2020, the transition to remote instruction raised concerns about testing integrity. 

“Academic Innovation investigated different remote proctoring solutions and ultimately selected Wise Proctor for a pilot,” said Academic Innovation Director Michael Reis.

After a summer test trial, Western moved forward with a large-scale pilot currently funded by Library & Academic Innovation. Reis explained that the department rearranged savings from temporary operational changes brought on by COVID-19 in order to fund the program. At this time, Western does not require or intend to require professors to use Wise Proctor; but, in departments like biology, some professors have opted to enter the pilot program.

“It can be difficult to ensure academic integrity and fairness in an online system,” said Assistant Professor Gareth Hopkins, “and so this is a way to try to ensure that in my classes.”

According to Hopkins, there had been a desire for a proctoring system by several biology faculty members for classes that are important prerequisites for programs such as medicine, dentistry and nursing. However, some faculty have opted out of using the system.

“My main reason is to ensure equity in my classes,” said Assistant Professor from the Department of Chemistry Dr. Feier Hou. “What if a student does not have a camera on their computer? What if the student has poor internet connections…? What if the student is not comfortable showing their household to the proctor or me?”

Hou had heard from other universities that their proctoring systems had given false positive results to students with learning disabilities for having different eye movements when they work on an exam.

However, Wise Education President Ian Hartley said the company has researched body movement extensively.

“We’ve got a very advanced AI algorithm,” said Hartley. “We’ve trained on hundreds of thousands of photos and scenarios in the real world. It’s detecting all the things that you’d want while eliminating false positives.” 

Hartley assured that the company was built on prioritising student privacy and students are made fully aware they are being filmed by giving their consent while using the program and Wise Proctor is not downloadable software that has access to your computer at all times

For professors who have chosen not to use the new system, some have altered how they give quizzes and exams entirely.

“I realized that the traditional way of testing … may be testing more on students’ ability to take tests or perform under stress, than on their knowledge in chemistry,” explained Hou. “So I made my big exams open-book, and rewrote the exams so that they contain more open questions where students have to explain and show their … understanding of the materials.”

Additionally, Hou acknowledged that some students might see her as a “push-over” and cheat on exams, but she reported a vast majority of her students are not like that.

“I choose to trust my students, and if someone is going to cheat, they will eventually get the consequences later in their lives,” said Hou.

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

Western Oregon University

Facebook   Instagram   X  YouTube

WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY
345 Monmouth Ave. N.
Monmouth OR 97361

503-838-8000 | 1-877-877-1593

Tools

Campus Maps
Canvas
Find People
Portal
WOU Email
Technical Support

Resources

A-Z Index
Accessibility
Academic Calendar
Class Schedule
Jobs at WOU
News
Explore WOU
Partnerships
Student Services
Freedom of Expression

Western Oregon University’s Land Acknowledgement
Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR is located within the traditional homelands of the Luckiamute Band of Kalapuya. Following the Willamette Valley Treaty of 1855 (Kalapuya etc. Treaty), Kalapuya people were forcibly removed to reservations in Western Oregon. Today, living descendants of these people are a part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.

Accessibility    Public Records    Privacy    Student Consumer Information

WOU prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by WOU.