Press release

Western Oregon University Board of Trustees approves presidential search prospectus, legislative request

Posted on December 16, 2021 1059 views
The Western Oregon University (WOU) Board of Trustees on Tuesday approved the presidential prospectus presented by search firm Anthem Executive and agreed that WOU should request $16 million in emergency funds from the Oregon Legislature to pay for an extensive steam pipe repair project. During fall term, Anthem Executive engaged groups from across campus, including [more…]
Press release

Western Oregon University Board of Trustees Approves Proposed FY22 Budget, New Data Analytics Program

Posted on November 18, 2021 841 views
The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees on Wednesday approved the proposed fiscal year 2022 budget and moved forward on the addition of a new degree program in data analytics. The meeting also included an extensive presentation from Interim President Jay Kenton about increasing enrollment at WOU. The proposed FY22 Budget was updated based on [more…]
Arts & culture

Mario and Alma Pastega Award for Excellence in Scholarship: Dr. Cornelia Paraskevas

Posted on November 3, 2021 1892 views 1 comment
A photo of the Western Oregon University sign on campus.
The Mario and Alma Pastega Awards of Excellence were given in June 2021, but because of timing issues, three faculty profiles were not included in the Commencement program. They are offered here instead and on the Pastega Award web page. —- The Mario and Alma Pastega Award for Excellence in Scholarship honors a full-time faculty member [more…]
Arts & culture | Press release

Western Oregon University’s Smith Fine Arts Series opens season with international jazz singer Halie Loren

Posted on September 29, 2021 3232 views
The Smith Fine Arts Series at Western Oregon University (WOU) is pleased to celebrate its 44th season returning to live, in-person performances at Rice Auditorium on the WOU campus. The 2021-22 season includes six events, and each begin at 7:30 p.m.   The season opens on Friday, Oct. 8 with international jazz singer/songwriter Halie Loren. [more…]
Education

Western Oregon University receives $2.1 million to increase support for DeafBlind individuals

Posted on September 29, 2021 2038 views
The DeafBlind Interpreting National Training & Resource Center (DBI) in Western Oregon University’s Research & Resource Center with Deaf* Communities received a $2.1 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). The grant supports the DBI’s work to increase the number of qualified Protactile language interpreters with the expertise to [more…]
Press release

Western Oregon University receives $2.1 million to increase support for DeafBlind individuals

Posted on September 28, 2021 2023 views
The DeafBlind Interpreting National Training & Resource Center (DBI) in Western Oregon University’s Research & Resource Center with Deaf* Communities received a $2.1 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). The grant supports the DBI’s work to increase the number of qualified Protactile language interpreters with the expertise to [more…]
Campus & community

WOU:Salem Campus

Posted on September 21, 2021 3725 views 1 comment
One person cutting a ribbon held up by two others. Three additional people in the background
Western Oregon University opened the doors to its new Salem campus in the Vick building, at 525 Trade St, after a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, Sept. 20. The ceremony included remarks from Chuck Bennett (mayor of Salem), Jay Kenton (WOU’s interim president), Rex Fuller (former WOU president), Logan Jackson (Associated Students of Western Oregon University [more…]
Sports & recreation

Rodrigues Named First Men’s Soccer Coach In Program History

Posted on September 2, 2021 5489 views 1 comment
Stanley Rodrigues, having spent multiple years coaching throughout the Western Region, returns back to the Pacific Northwest to become the first-ever head Men’s Soccer coach at Western Oregon University as announced by director of athletics Randi Lydum on Wednesday. “We are excited to have Stan Rodrigues join our staff and begin building our men’s soccer [more…]
Campus & community

Live Q&A Wrap-up: August 19

Posted on August 19, 2021 2805 views
Werner University Center exterior with blue skies in background
Every other Thursday during the summer (and weekly during the rest of the academic year), we hold a live Q&A from 10-11 a.m. on WOU’s Instagram and Facebook accounts. In case you missed it, here are some questions that came up during today’s Q&A.   When do textbooks go on sale for fall term? Monday, [more…]
Campus & community

Spotted on Campus: Filming for TV Segment

Posted on August 18, 2021 2527 views
Someone crouching to take a photo of two people in chairs with a tall wooden wall behind them.
CWhat’s on-air personality Nicole DeCosta sat down with ASWOU President Logan Jackson ’22 in the new Welcome Center on Wednesday to film a short television segment. The pair chatted about WOU’s rolling admissions and how it’s not too late for people to apply and enroll at Western for fall term, which begins Sept. 27. DeCosta said [more…]
Press release

Western Oregon University and Willamette University develop program for WOU students to seek a graduate law degree

Posted on July 21, 2021 2014 views 1 comment
Screenshot of a Zoom meeting with six people; three across the top and three across the bototm
Western Oregon University (WOU) and Willamette University signed an agreement yesterday to make it easier for WOU students interested in law to pursue a graduate degree at Willamette University College of Law (Willamette Law).   This program admits WOU undergraduate students and alumni who meet certain academic credentials to Willamette Law and gives each student [more…]
Press release

Valley Shakespeare Company to Present Shakespeare’s Classic Comedy, Twelfth Night

Posted on July 19, 2021 1387 views
The Valley Shakespeare Company at Western Oregon University (WOU) will present Twelfth Night (or What You Will), one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, on the Leinwand outdoor stage at WOU for a limited live audience. Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. nightly July 22-24 and July 29-31. The Friday performances will be interpreted in American [more…]
Arts & culture | Class of 2021

Grad Profile: Cheyan Swan

Posted on June 25, 2021 388 views
Student in a red graduation robe crouching down and smiling in front of WOU sign
Cheyan Swan is a 2021 graduate from Las Vegas, Nevada. They are a Writing major with a minor in Sociology.    What has your experience been like as a student in the Honors Program?  I’ve spent four years in the Honors Program. Although it’s admittedly a lot of work, this program has offered me so [more…]
Press release

Western Oregon University Celebrates Passage of Bill Allowing Professional Doctoral Degrees

Posted on June 15, 2021 763 views
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown’s recent signature on SB 230 allows the state’s three regional public universities to offer professional doctoral degrees and aids Western Oregon University’s goal of offering doctoral degrees in high-demand, high-paying fields. The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2022.   Since 1997, when the three regional colleges were redefined as comprehensive universities, [more…]
Press release

Western Oregon University Board of Trustees Appoints Interim President, Approves Standing Diversity Committee

Posted on June 9, 2021 1032 views
The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees on Wednesday approved the appointment of Jay Kenton as interim president for 2021-22. It also  approved the creation of a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, the first standing committee of its kind at an Oregon public university.   Kenton’s nomination for interim president had been reviewed June 1 [more…]
Campus & community

WOU Board Selects Dr. Jay Kenton as Interim President

Posted on June 9, 2021 2114 views
aerial view of campus
Western Oregon University welcomes Dr. Jay Kenton as its interim president, beginning July 1 and is expected to stay in the position until a national search for a president concludes at the end of the 2021-22 academic year. Kenton is an experienced higher education leader in Oregon who has supported several public universities during his [more…]
Campus & community

WOU Board Adds Permanent Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Posted on June 9, 2021 1002 views
A photo of the Western Oregon University sign on campus.
Western Oregon University’s Board of Trustees voted to create a new board committee called the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (DEIC). WOU’s board is the first among Oregon’s public universities to create a permanent committee on diversity, equity and inclusion. The creation of this committee supports the ongoing and long-term proactive work that has been [more…]
Campus & community | Sports & recreation

Lydum Named Director of Athletics

Posted on June 3, 2021 1591 views
Western Oregon Wolves logo painted on a street
Having served as the interim Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics for Western Oregon University for the past year, Randi Lydum has been named to the permanent role following a national search. Lydum, a graduate of Western Oregon State College, returned to her alma mater in 2012 to take on the role of Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance/SWA. [more…]
Campus & community

The Why I Love WOU Grand Prize Winner is…

Posted on May 19, 2021 2218 views
Why I Love WOU grand prize winner. Graphic of a squirrel holding a megaphone
We’re thrilled to announce that the 2021 Why I Love WOU video contest grand prize winner is Amanda Anderson! Anderson, an incoming international student from Jamaica, will join WOU in the fall and plans to major in Art & Design.   When asked how the $4,000 scholarship will help with Anderson’s educational goals, she said, [more…]
Press release

Western Oregon University announces plan to require COVID-19 vaccine for fall 2020

Posted on May 10, 2021 2915 views
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University (WOU) announced today that in preparation for a predominantly in-person fall 2021, COVID-19 vaccinations will be required for students and employees who study or work in person at either the Monmouth or Salem campuses.   The vaccine requirement, among other efforts, was announced earlier today to current students in [more…]
Campus & community

Why I Love WOU Finalists Announced; Grand Prize Voting Now Open

Posted on May 7, 2021 1564 views
Vote now in the Why I Love WOU video contest
In recent weeks, students worked hard to create videos sharing stories of why they love WOU. Those videos were submitted and scored by volunteer judges. We’ve tabulated those scores and identified the 10 finalists. Congratulations to Alexis Praudins, Amanda Anderson, Angel Cruz, Cheyanne Bumgardner, Jayda Crawford, Kayley Arpaia, Kenzie Moore, Kourtney Branchfield, Piper Matson, and [more…]
Campus & community

COVID-19 Vaccines Available on Campus

Posted on April 29, 2021 3793 views 2 comments
Close up image of upper body from the side. Someone with gloved hands is putting a bandage on someone else's bicep
It’s Go Time! We’ve received notification from Polk County Health that the vaccination clinic in the Pacific Room of the WUC has lots of vaccines available to anyone 18 and older who wants one. They currently are giving Pfizer vaccines, but if you’ve already gotten a first Moderna shot, they can get you that second [more…]
Press release

Western Oregon University Board of Trustees approves 2.17% tuition increase, diversity statement, new certificates

Posted on April 21, 2021 1200 views
Exterior of Peter Courtney Health and Wellness Center
The Western Oregon University (WOU) Board of Trustees on Wednesday approved a 2.17% increase in resident undergraduate tuition for the 2021-22 academic year, a decision that confirms WOU’s commitment to affordability for Oregon students.   The 2.17% increase is the smallest among all seven public Oregon universities with the exception of Easter Oregon University. The [more…]
Campus & community

A Message of Support

Posted on April 20, 2021 2311 views 2 comments
George Floyd mural
Dear campus community, George Floyd’s senseless death last summer shook communities, including WOU, to their core. And this week, many of us are anxious about the impending trial verdict. Regardless of the outcome, we want to confirm WOU’s values will not waiver. Black lives matter. They always have mattered and always will. George Floyd’s life mattered. [more…]
Academics

Commencement 2021 Update

Posted on March 30, 2021 2641 views
A student in a red graduation cap and gown giving a peace sign
Dear 2021 grads, We appreciate your patience as we’ve worked hard to make plans for our Commencement celebration in June. Thank you to all 2021 grads who responded to our survey about Commencement. From the survey results, it was very clear that an overwhelming majority of grads want three things from the Commencement celebration: 1) [more…]
Campus & community

Statement from Provost Winningham on Violence Against Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities

Posted on March 26, 2021 1399 views
A photo of the Western Oregon University sign on campus.
Sent from Provost Rob Winningham to employees on March 18   Dear Colleagues, Academic Affairs leadership unequivocally condemns the violence perpetrated against the Asian American community in Atlanta. We recognize that this recent violence is not isolated, but rather another example of the violence and aggression perpetrated regularly, and increasingly in the past year, against [more…]
Campus & community

An Announcement from President Fuller about Fall Term

Posted on March 4, 2021 2228 views
Aerial view of campus. Todd Hall in the foreground.
Dear campus community, I am pleased to announce that Western Oregon University looks forward to having the campus community Together Again for an in-person fall term. We expect to offer an expanded range of course delivery options so that students, faculty, and staff can make the best choices. Masks and social distancing will likely still be necessary, [more…]
Campus & community

It’s Giving Day!

Posted on March 1, 2021 1816 views
Today we Howl from Heart
Today is our annual Giving Day, and we hope you’ll join us by Howling from the Heart wherever you are. Giving Day is Western Oregon University’s most impactful annual tradition that celebrates the power of the Wolves community and what we can do when we come together. We invite you to join alumni, friends, family, [more…]
Press release

Western Oregon University Board of Trustees Lauds Affordability, Accessibility Advancement in Quarterly Meeting

Posted on February 17, 2021 2132 views
Aerial view of campus. Todd Hall in the foreground.
The Western Oregon University (WOU) Board of Trustees on Wednesday  learned of a number of new academic offerings and heard a report from President Rex Fuller about accessibility and affordability at WOU.   Since 2017, the university has made strategic changes to offer to become the most affordable public university in Oregon for resident undergraduates. [more…]
Campus & community

Howl from the Heart: Isaiah Abraham

Posted on February 16, 2021 2598 views
Aerial view of McArthur Stadium and the track
Giving Day 2021 is just around the corner (March 2!), and we’re hoping you’ll join us in supporting WOU students’ success. During 2020, each of us has adapted, adjusted and created new realities for ourselves; Western Oregon University was no different. As we plan for the future, we look to the Wolves family to help [more…]
Campus & community

Howl from the Heart: Nichole Hernandez

Posted on February 16, 2021 2326 views
Aerial view of campus with Campbell Hall in the center
Giving Day 2021 is just around the corner (March 2!), and we’re hoping you’ll join us in supporting WOU students’ success. During 2020, each of us has adapted, adjusted and created new realities for ourselves; Western Oregon University was no different. As we plan for the future, we look to the Wolves family to help [more…]
Campus & community

Howl from the Heart: Dr. Patricia Flatt

Posted on February 16, 2021 2000 views
Aerial view of campus. Todd Hall in the foreground.
Giving Day 2021 is just around the corner (March 2!), and we’re hoping you’ll join us in supporting WOU students’ success. During 2020, each of us has adapted, adjusted and created new realities for ourselves; Western Oregon University was no different. As we plan for the future, we look to the Wolves family to help [more…]
Campus & community

Susan Castillo’s Thoughts On WOU

Posted on February 3, 2021 2854 views
Aerial view of Western Oregon University campus with the tops of several brick buildings, lots of trees, a track, and rolling hills in the background
We had the opportunity to talk with Susan Castillo about WOU. She’s a retired vice president of Project Lead The Way, the first Hispanic woman to serve in the Oregon Legislature and a current member of our Board of Trustees. As the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants and the daughter of a mother with only an [more…]
Campus & community

A Message from President Fuller About Spring Term

Posted on January 21, 2021 2821 views
Trees blooming on campus
Dear campus community, In our continued effort to keep you updated on the university’s plans for course delivery, we are sharing that spring term courses will also be delivered mainly remotely in a manner similar to fall and winter terms. We had hoped to be able to offer more in-person classes for spring, but the COVID-19 metrics [more…]
Press release

Western Oregon University Board of Trustees Committee Takes Steps Toward Search for Interim President

Posted on January 15, 2021 2313 views
The Western Oregon University (WOU) Board of Trustees Executive, Governance and Trusteeship Committee (EGTC) on Thursday met to consider language for a new presidential search policy. As part of the discussion, the group affirmed its intention, pending full board approval, to search for an interim president to replace retiring President Rex Fuller.   The committee [more…]
Campus & community

WOU Students and Employees Doing COVID-19 Outreach

Posted on January 5, 2021 1951 views
Three WOU people wearing masks, shields and safety vests at a COVID-19 testing event
The WOU Community Health + Polk County COVID-19 Project members were busy in December. They participated in several outreach activities to promote COVID-19 prevention and health and wellbeing for families in Polk County.   They supported COVID-19 testing events at the Polk County Fair Grounds and packed 800 family COVID-19 thrive kits that were delivered [more…]
Campus & community

Celebrating the First Day of Winter Term

Posted on January 4, 2021 2855 views
Painted WOU logo on a street with brick buildings and trees in fall in the background
Welcome to new Wolves joining us for fall term, and congratulations to all the Wolves entering your last term before graduating. Join us in celebrating the first day of winter term by sharing one of our “1st day of school” signs. We have a variety of printable signs for selfies or square social media graphics [more…]
Campus & community

Wolfie Emoji Now Available

Posted on December 23, 2020 3182 views
Are you looking for a way to add a bit more WOU spirit to your social media and texting? We have a brand new set of Wolfie emoji for you! You can download the emoji as images or GIFs to add to your texts and more. They’re also available for use on Instagram stories. Just [more…]
Campus & community | Sports & recreation

Anderson’s Message: “What You Tolerate, You Encourage”

Posted on December 3, 2020 2363 views
Football player in red jersey uniform holding ball with left leg out behind him
Story by Blake Timm, Great Northwest Athletic Conference MONMOUTH, Ore. – On that morning in early June, Curtis Anderson couldn’t contain his emotions. Anderson called his mother and just started yelling. Normally an even-tempered person, the emotions that morning were raw and racing. Like water through a breached dam, he couldn’t hold back. “I was so angry [more…]
Campus & community

Weekly Live Q&A Summary: November 19, 2020

Posted on November 20, 2020 1391 views
Here is a round-up of some of the questions and answers from our November 19 live Q&A. We hold the weekly live Q&A every Thursday from 10-11 a.m. on WOU’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.   Will WOU be offering COVID tests for students going home for break? For students who live on campus, Housing is [more…]
Press release

Western Oregon University board approves revised FY21 budget

Posted on November 18, 2020 2029 views
Picture of a "Western Oregon University" sign with flowers in front and trees behind
The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees on Wednesday approved the adjusted fiscal year 2021 budget, which required an update based on actual enrollment numbers for fall 2020.   The previous FY21 budget, initially adopted at the board’s June meeting, had been based on a projected enrollment decrease of 2.5%. However, because of the COVID-19 [more…]
Campus & community | Sports & recreation

GNAC Announces Plans For 2021 Basketball Season

Posted on November 13, 2020 1999 views
Graphic with Great Northwest Athletic Conference logo
Originally posted on WOUwolves.com. The Great Northwest Athletic Conference announced Friday that it plans to move forward with modified conference-only men’s and women’s basketball schedules beginning in January. Four teams – Alaska Fairbanks, Northwest Nazarene, Saint Martin’s and Seattle Pacific – have indicated that they will participate in the 2021 season. Six institutions have decided [more…]
Academics

WOU Supports Students Studying in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling with $2 Million in Grants

Posted on November 5, 2020 3158 views
Aerial view of Western Oregon University campus with the tops of several brick buildings, lots of trees, a track, and rolling hills in the background
As a child of Afghanistan immigrants and the only Deaf person in her family, Durkhanai Haque knew she wanted to work with diverse Deaf or hard of hearing international communities. It was her father’s work as a respected radiologist in their small Georgia town, and the community’s acceptance of him, that inspired her to seek [more…]
Press release

Western Oregon University receives $1 million grant to support rehabilitation and mental health counseling

Posted on November 5, 2020 1824 views
Western Oregon University’s (WOU) Research and Resource Center with Deaf* communities (RRCD) has received a $1 million grant from the federal Rehabilitation Service Administration (RSA). This grant supports WOU’s Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling (RMHC) program, which trains people to facilitate employment, independent living, community integration and more for individuals who are Deaf or have [more…]
Admissions | Campus & community

Admissions Application Fee Waived for Freshmen and Transfer Students

Posted on October 22, 2020 2950 views
Aerial view of WOU campus and Monmouth in fall
Applying to Western Oregon University is now easier than ever with new admissions policy changes. There is no application fee for freshman and transfer students until Sept. 1, 2021. Also, high school seniors and transfer students can self-report their cumulative grade point average when completing their admissions application.   “Western Oregon University recognizes that students [more…]
Press release

Western Oregon University waives admission application fee for freshmen and transfer students

Posted on October 22, 2020 1855 views
Western Oregon University (WOU) has announced several admissions policy changes, effective immediately. There is no application fee for freshman and transfer students until Sept. 1, 2021. Also, high school seniors and transfer students can self-report their cumulative grade point average when completing their admissions application.   “Western Oregon University recognizes that students are facing challenges [more…]
Academics | Social & behavioral sciences

Juvenile Justice Week Begins October 19

Posted on October 18, 2020 2459 views
The Criminal Justices Sciences Division is sponsoring Juvenile Justice Week, beginning October 19, with three events happening online. Lived Experiences in the Juvenile Justice System panel discussion Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020 from 6-8pm Register to reserve your space. The panelists: Catherine Jones is an advocate with the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth. She [more…]
Campus & community | Press release

WOU announces new trustees confirmed to the board

Posted on October 16, 2020 2909 views
Werner University Center exterior with blue skies in background
 The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees welcomes new members Susan Castillo, Leah Mitchell, Dr. David Foster (faculty) and Danielle Campbell (student), as well as a second term for Malissa Larson (staff).   “The board is excited to work with our new members and looks forward to having their voices join our important conversations as [more…]
Campus & community

Nearly All Winter Term Courses to be Online

Posted on October 14, 2020 2354 views
WOU sign at the front of campus, glossy black with gold lettering, greenery behind it. Campus appears wet from rain.
With advising for winter term beginning and looking at the community health statistics related to COVID-19, WOU will continue with mostly remote and online course delivery for winter term. This decision comes after multiple conversations at the WOU Reopening Taskforce and utilizing a dashboard of epidemiological trends that we have been tracking since summer. We [more…]
Campus & community

Live Q&A Summary: Oct. 1

Posted on October 2, 2020 2108 views
Western Oregon University entrance sign with flowers along the front. Trees and a brick building in the background
This is a summary of our Oct. 1, 2020 live Q&A session. We host these live Q&A’s for current students, incoming students and family members on WOU’s Instagram and Facebook accounts every Thursday at 10 a.m. The next session is Thursday, Oct. 8.   How soon will a decision be made on winter term being online? Will it affect [more…]
Campus & community

Celebrating the First Day of School

Posted on September 28, 2020 2007 views
Painted WOU logo on a street with brick buildings and trees in fall in the background
Join us in celebrating the first day of fall term by sharing one of our “1st day of school” signs. We have a variety of printable signs for selfies or square social media graphics for you to share. Whether it’s your last first day, first day of your sophomore/junior/senior/grad year, or first day at WOU [more…]
Campus & community

Live Q&A Summary: Sept. 10

Posted on September 17, 2020 2075 views
WOU sign at the front of campus, glossy black with gold lettering, greenery behind it. Campus appears wet from rain.
This is a summary of our Sept. 10, 2020 live Q&A session. We host these live Q&A’s for current students, incoming students and family members on WOU’s Instagram and Facebook accounts every other Thursday at 10 a.m. The next session is Thursday, Sept. 24.   When will tuition and fees be in Wolfweb? The tuition and fee [more…]
Campus & community

Live Q&A Summary: Aug. 27

Posted on September 3, 2020 2113 views
A photo of the Western Oregon University sign on campus.
This is a summary of our Aug. 27, 2020 live Q&A session and the Sept. 1 town hall. We host these live Q&A’s for current students, incoming students and family members on WOU’s Instagram and Facebook accounts every other Thursday at 10 a.m. The next session is Thursday, Sept. 10.   What facilities and student services will [more…]
Campus & community

WOU’s Updated Plans for Fall 2020

Posted on August 25, 2020 3378 views
We've updated our plans for fall 2020
Dear Wolves, Throughout our communications about what WOU will look like this fall, we’ve promised to update you with changes. After holding out hope that the status around COVID-19 would improve to a level that would allow us to safely hold many in-person courses, we’ve decided to “embrace the now,” and move forward according to [more…]
Press release

Western Oregon University Board of Trustees Hears COVID-19 Response Plan for Fall 2020

Posted on August 19, 2020 2725 views
Western Oregon University entrance sign with flowers along the front. Trees and a brick building in the background
The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees approved the university’s Fall 2020 Safe Operation and Instruction Plan, a requirement from the governor’s office as part of Executive Order 20-28. The approved plan will now be submitted to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission. The university’s strategy is built on the guidance the Oregon Health Authority provided [more…]
Campus & community

Live Q&A Summary: July 30

Posted on August 6, 2020 2196 views
The Cottage, an older, rustic-looking building on the WOU campus. It is surrounded by green bushes and bathed in sunlight.
This is a summary of our July 30, 2020 live Q&A session. We host these live Q&A’s for current students, incoming students and family members on WOU’s Instagram and Facebook accounts every other Thursday at 10 a.m. The next session is Thursday, Aug. 13.   Will there be classes this fall? Absolutely! Our class schedule shows the delivery method [more…]
Press release

Western Oregon University one of 10 institutions selected for national program focused on learner success

Posted on August 3, 2020 2680 views
WOU sign at the front of campus, glossy black with gold lettering, greenery behind it. Campus appears wet from rain.
Western Oregon University (WOU) is one of 10 institutions selected to participate in the American Council on Education’s (ACE) inaugural Learner Success Laboratory (LSL). LSL is part of a suite of Transformation Labs offered by ACE to guide colleges and universities through a structured strategic planning process to advance critical institutional priorities. Participants will work [more…]
Campus & community

WOU Selected as One of 10 Institutions for National Program Focused on Learner Success

Posted on August 3, 2020 2287 views 2 comments
WOU sign at the front of campus, glossy black with gold lettering, greenery behind it. Campus appears wet from rain.
The American Council on Education (ACE) has selected Western Oregon University as one of 10 higher education institutions to participate in the inaugural Learner Success Laboratory (LSL), which is a program that will support WOU in its strategic planning. LSL is part of a suite of Transformation Labs offered by ACE to guide colleges and [more…]
Campus & community

Live Q&A Summary: July 16

Posted on July 23, 2020 2260 views
Student sitting in a seating cubby area with a purple background. Student is smiling with laptop on lap
This is a summary of our July 16, 2020 live Q&A session. We host these live Q&A’s for current students, incoming students and family members on WOU’s Instagram and Facebook accounts every other Thursday at 10 a.m. The next session is Thursday, July 30. When will the next announcement be regarding whether or not WOU is continuing [more…]
WOU in the news

WOU Women’s Soccer Adds Assistant Coach

Posted on July 15, 2020 21163 views
Graphic with a woman smiling on the left and the eyes of a wolf on the right with the text "Welcome to WOU Maryn Beutler"
By the Polk County Itemizer-Observer MONMOUTH — Western Oregon University’s women’s soccer team will import an assistant coach from the University of Oregon for the new season this fall. Maryn Beutler, most recently a University of Oregon graduate assistant coach, will join the Wolves. Head coach Kacey Bingham said she’s eager to have Beutler to [more…]
WOU in the news

Hailey Verhaalen: Someday When This Is Over

Posted on July 13, 2020 20198 views
Hailey Verhaalen in a white coat, smiling at the camera
By Bren Swogger at Vortex Oregon native Hailey Verhaalen has seen a lot change in the past year. A singer-songwriter from Oregon City and graduate of Western Oregon University, Verhaalen made her way to Nashville in 2016 to pursue her dreams in country music. Since then, she’s spent the years avidly pursuing her passions, writing three songs [more…]
WOU in the news

Isle Royale National Park Has New Superintendent

Posted on July 13, 2020 19859 views
By the Keweenaw Report Isle Royale National Park has a new superintendent. This from a press release from Bert Frost, Regional Director of the National Park Service. Denice Swanke, will take over, effective August 16th. Frost said this about Swanke. “Her honesty and integrity will help continue and develop strong relationships that will position her [more…]
WOU in the news

Mike Krantz is Next Bend Chief of Police

Posted on July 9, 2020 2536 views
Man in a police uniform is smiling
By MyCentralOregon.com The City of Bend has selected Portland Police Bureau Assistant Chief Michael Krantz as Bend’s next Police Chief. Krantz will serve the 115-year-old Bend Police Department in the position previously held by Chief Jim Porter, who retires today. He will begin his service in Bend on August 10, 2020. “Mike has a reputation for being [more…]
WOU in the news

Local Driver-Ed Teacher Honored

Posted on July 9, 2020 2304 views
Man wearing a black t-shirt, smiling with his hands in his pockets
By Kristen Wohlers at the Molalla Pioneer Molalla resident and driver-education teacher Timothy Beckham was selected by his peers as a national winner of the Teacher of Excellence award. Beckham, vice president of the Oregon Driver Education Center and a driving instructor at Western Oregon University, is one of five driver-education teachers from throughout the [more…]
Campus & community

Live Q&A Summary: July 2

Posted on July 9, 2020 1940 views
A group of five students gathered around and looking at a computer
WOU has been hosting weekly live Q&A sessions for current and incoming students on our Instagram and Facebook accounts every Thursday at 10 a.m. since March. For summer, we’ve shifting to every other week and will be posting summaries of common questions during our off weeks. These questions are from the Q&A session on July 2, 2020. Are students [more…]
WOU in the news

Rick Bartow Artwork in Online Show

Posted on July 2, 2020 2756 views
Lithograph by artist Rick Bartow of a four-legged white animal with other colors around it
By the Newport News Times The creative work of Rick Bartow (1946-2016) — one of Oregon’s most well-known artists — is now included in the Oregon Coast Online Art Show, presented by the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts and the Newport Visual Arts Center.  Bartow’s limited-edition lithograph, “Segyp, Kos Ket Saw Temp,” can be [more…]
Campus & community

Live Q&A Summary: June 18

Posted on June 25, 2020 2284 views
Werner University Center exterior with blue skies in background
WOU has been hosting weekly live Q&A sessions for current and incoming students on our Instagram and Facebook accounts every Thursday at 10 a.m. since March. For summer, we’re shifting to every other week and will be posting summaries of common questions during our off weeks.   Will classes be online in fall? The majority [more…]
WOU in the news

WOU athletes still pursuing Olympic dreams

Posted on June 17, 2020 2492 views
Person running on a track with a WOU uniform on
By Jennifer Biberston at the Polk County Itemizer-Observer MONMOUTH — Derek Holdsworth looks at the postponement of the Olympic track and field trials as another chance to get better. Originally the trials, which Holdsworth hopes to qualify for in the 800-meters, were set for late June of this year, but have been delayed until June [more…]
WOU in the news

Lefties’ Alum Mechals Drafted by White Sox in Fourth Round

Posted on June 14, 2020 2296 views
Kade Mechals in a baseball unicorn and mid-pitch
By Pierre LaBossiere at the Peninsula Daily News PORTLAND, Ore. — Kade Mechals, who pitched for the Port Angeles Lefties in 2018, was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the fourth round of the Major League Baseball draft. Mechals, a McMinnville, Ore., high school graduate, has pitched for Skagit Valley College and Western Oregon University [more…]
Campus & community

Statement on George Floyd from President Fuller

Posted on June 4, 2020 2464 views 1 comment
WOU sign at the front of campus, glossy black with gold lettering, greenery behind it. Campus appears wet from rain.
A statement from WOU President Rex Fuller: Dear campus community, George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis police was an abhorrent act of racism. I have been struggling, like many of you, with these senseless acts of violence against Black people in our country. George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and many countless others [more…]
WOU in the news

McIntyre learns life lessons through baseball

Posted on June 3, 2020 2243 views
Man in a Wolves baseball uniform wearing a helmet and holding a bat
By Jennifer Biberston at the Polk County Itemizer-Observer MONMOUTH — To Josh McIntyre, baseball is an indicator of life. “Baseball, it’s not always a fair game,” he said. “You could have one plan in place going into the game, but you might have to adapt to what the other team is doing or how the [more…]
WOU in the news
Posted on May 29, 2020 1521 views
By the Idaho Business Review Sally Guyer, MSW, is the newest member of A New Beginning Adoption Agency’s team as clinical social work director. She has a master’s degree in social work from Portland State University and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Western Oregon University. Guyer has spent her professional life dedicated to helping [more…]
WOU in the news

State Loosens Cougar Hunting Restrictions

Posted on May 26, 2020 1588 views
By Aaron Kunkler at the Issaquah Reporter Hunters in some areas of Washington state will be able to hunt more cougars after Washington Fish and Wildlife commissioners voted last month to increase limits in 19 areas. The new guidelines will allow more cougars to be hunted in several areas of the state. The goal of the changes was [more…]
Academics | Education

Late WOU Professor Recognized for ‘Historic’ Contributions to the Field of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Posted on May 10, 2020 1882 views
A red bike rack that spells the name "Hank"
The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities announced in early April that it was honoring the late College of Education Professor Hank Bersani in its National Historic Recognition Project 2000-2020. Bersani, a professor of special education who passed in 2012, was named a National Honoree in the project, which seeks to recognize the key [more…]
Press release

Western Oregon University Professor and Advisor Receives International Recognition

Posted on May 8, 2020 3244 views
Person smiling at the camera
Western Oregon University Assistant Professor and Advisor Brooke Dolenc Nott’s compassionate and thoughtful approach to empower students has earned her international recognition. Nott is the recipient of the 2020 Outstanding New Advisor in the Faculty Advising category from the NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising, an organization with more than 14,000 international members promoting and supporting [more…]
Academics | Arts & culture

Peter Sears Poetry Prize Winners Announced

Posted on April 30, 2020 2121 views
An open notebook with "poetry" written on the corner of a page
To close out National Poetry Month with a celebration, winners of the 4th annual Peter Sears Poetry Prize were announced today. Congratulations to the these student winners: First Prize: To Bear Arms by Cylinda Neidenbach Second Prize: a spell for revenge by Cheyan Swan Third Prize: Flower Crowns by Katherine Sutton The poems (included below) will be [more…]
Academics | Alumni | Education

Recent InfoTech Graduate Helps Educators Navigate Emergency Shift to Online Learning

Posted on April 20, 2020 2280 views 1 comment
Person in a WOU sweatshirt standing outside in front of tall rocks
By Anthony Rimel Kaitlin Lucas graduated from WOU’s Information Technology M.S.Ed. program in December 2019. And just a few months later she would be on the frontlines of one of the biggest moments in the history of educational technology: the unprecedented shift to online learning following the global outbreak of COVID-19. Lucas, who also earned a certificate [more…]
Press release

Western Oregon University Board of Trustees Approves Undergrad Resident Tuition Increase of 4.55%

Posted on April 15, 2020 3252 views
Sunny day with a photo of several kinds of trees and one with pink blossoms
MONMOUTH, Ore. – The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees approved a tuition increase of 4.55%, or $8 per credit, for Oregon resident undergraduate students in the 2020-21 academic year at its meeting Wednesday. The 10 WOU students, two administrators and two faculty members who make up the Tuition and Fee Advisory Committee (TFAC) recommended [more…]
Campus & community

Go on a Virtual Tour of WOU

Posted on March 31, 2020 2740 views
Student standing in front of Werner University Center on a sunny day
With our tours temporarily suspended, we’ve filmed the daily tour (both in English and Spanish) so you can participate from the social distance of your home. We’d love to hear about your favorite part of campus and your favorite WOU fact – comment below or let us know on social media (we’re @WOUnews) on Instagram, [more…]
Campus & community

March 19: Update from President Rex Fuller

Posted on March 19, 2020 3826 views
Exterior of Todd Hall and campus greenery with a blue sky
Dear campus community, After many conversations and deep reflection, we have decided to extend remote course delivery through the entire spring term to combat the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). We feel this is the best solution for our campus because it allows us to keep resources–including residence halls–available as well continue to provide opportunities for a high-quality [more…]
Campus & community

March 13 COVID-19 Update from President Fuller

Posted on March 13, 2020 2817 views
Back entrance of the Werner University Center. Many stair lead up to the glass entrance. Tables with chairs and a red trashcan sit near the entrance.
Dear campus community, In the past 24 hours, there has been a significant development that affects our planning. Late last night, Gov. Brown announced a statewide closure of Oregon K-12 schools from March 16 through March 31. This decision affects many students, faculty and staff who have children attending Oregon schools. We continue to take a [more…]
Campus & community

COVID-19 Update from President Rex Fuller

Posted on March 12, 2020 3120 views
WOU sign at the front of campus, glossy black with gold lettering, greenery behind it. Campus appears wet from rain.
Dear campus community, As promised, I am writing with additional information about our response to COVID-19, particularly in light of Governor Brown’s executive directives released late last night and this morning. First, and most importantly, consistent with the Governor’s executive action informed by guidance from Oregon Health Authority experts, we are not closing campus at this time.   You [more…]
Campus & community

The Impact of Giving Day 2020

Posted on March 11, 2020 2063 views
Map of the United States
You did it! You made history! As we close the book on Giving Day 2020, we are grateful for your incredible generosity. Together, more than $140,000 was raised March 3 to support the students and programs at WOU! Thank you for helping GROW WOU! We are eager to see what your kindness will do for [more…]
Campus & community

Letter from WOU President Rex Fuller about Coronavirus

Posted on March 3, 2020 1939 views
Werner University Center exterior with blue skies in background
Dear campus community, I understand that many of you are feeling concerned about coronavirus (COVID-19) and the possible impact on our campus. A core group of emergency planners have been meeting on this issue since late January and continue to do so regularly, including a meeting with my cabinet and members of the Emergency Planning [more…]
Press release

Western Oregon University Board of Trustees pledges to keep tuition rates affordable

Posted on February 19, 2020 3238 views
Group of four students sitting at a table outdoors and smiling
The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees discussed on Wednesday updates concerning a budget shortfall for the 2019-20 fiscal year and strategies for the 2020-21 university budget that address several universal higher education hurdles. President Rex Fuller reiterated his intention that the university remain affordable to Oregonians seeking a four-year degree. “WOU is not immune [more…]
Academics | Alumni | Education

WOU Alum named National Superintendent of the Year

Posted on February 14, 2020 1988 views
Man standing at podium and speaking
Congratulations to WOU alum Gustavo Balderas ’90 was just named the 2020 National Superintendent of the Year! This significant recognition speaks to his dedication to Oregon’s youth. Balderas is the son of a migrant family from Mexico who settled in Oregon. Balderas works for the Eugene School District and he’s the second WOU alum to [more…]
Press release

Western Oregon University activates dedicated resources to help Concordia students finish their degrees

Posted on February 12, 2020 3505 views 1 comment
Students walking on a sidewalk next to trees and brick buildings
Western Oregon University (WOU) has created a dedicated team to support Concordia students with WOU employees from areas including Graduate Programs, Admissions, Academic Advising, Financial Aid, Housing and more. WOU is striving to be the most affordable transfer opportunity for Concordia students and offers personalized support to help students find pathways to graduation. Any current [more…]
Press release

Western Oregon University Welcomes Two Former U.S. Reps. to Share the Value and Impact of Public Service

Posted on January 31, 2020 3062 views
U.S. Capitol building with colorful sunset behind it
Former Congress members Nick Lampson (Democrat; Texas 9th district) and Rod Chandler (Republican; Washington 45th district) will visit Western Oregon University (WOU) for a series of events Feb. 10-12 focused on sharing how the U.S. Congress functions, promoting bipartisanship and discussing the value of careers in public service. A Congress to Campus Public Forum will [more…]
WOU in the news

CWU hosting free West African dance and drumming workshop

Posted on January 27, 2020 1742 views
Man jumping in the air with arms spread wide in front of a background of brick walls and graffiti
Published by The Daily Record Master teacher Darryl Thomas will teach West African dance and drumming at Central Washington University during a two-day workshop on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, according to a news release. The free workshops will be held in Nicholson Pavilion Dance Studio 106 and are open to the public. According to [more…]
WOU in the news

Bandon Runner Signs with Western Oregon

Posted on January 23, 2020 1671 views
Student signing a document with family around her. She's wearing a Western sweatshirt
By John Gunther, The World BANDON — Shannon Smith’s parents weren’t surprised she became successful at running even though she came to the sport relatively late — she didn’t start until the track season of her sophomore year. “Shannon has always been the person if she’s going to do something, she’s going to do it [more…]
WOU in the news
Posted on January 21, 2020 1620 views
Man standing next to a box of food
By Carol Rosen, Canby Herald Most of us love to travel, visiting states in our homeland and occasionally taking a look at the countries that make up the world. But few of us ever get a chance to work abroad, meet and live with the people in their culture and see what they think of [more…]
WOU in the news

She and He Build ‘She-sheds’ in Sherwood

Posted on January 21, 2020 1626 views
Two people sitting on the floor in the corner of a decorated room
By Ray Pitz, Portland Tribune When Anthony and Jamie Taylor-Weber were looking for a work space to run Anthony’s home inspection business, they initially thought that a small space on a kitchen table in the family’s Tualatin home would work just fine. It didn’t. “Even if we had a room in (our) home, it’s still [more…]
WOU in the news

Coos Bay Police Department Welcomes New Officer

Posted on January 17, 2020 1758 views
By Nicholas A. Johnson, The World Last week the Coos Bay Police Department held a swearing in ceremony where Coos Bay Police Chief Gary McCullough welcomed the department’s new officer Chris Rule. Rule comes to the Coos Bay Police Department with about 10 years of experience working law enforcement, having spent eight of those years [more…]
Press release

Western Oregon University Announces New American Sign Language Assessment Service

Posted on January 6, 2020 3106 views
Group of students in an American Sign Language class
Western Oregon University’s (WOU) Regional Resource Center on Deafness (RRCD) is the first to offer a nationwide American Sign Language assessment service (RSLA) in the western United States. The service uses Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) conducted in American Sign Language (ASL) model to assess the individuals’ ASL skills. The service has widespread value to [more…]
Press release

Western Oregon University Board of Trustees Welcomes New Members Jerry Ambris and Linda Herrera

Posted on November 26, 2019 3250 views
Western Oregon University welcomes Jerry Ambris of Habitat for Humanity of Mid-Willamette Valley and Linda Herrera of Atala Consulting, LLC to its Board of Trustees. The Oregon Senate confirmed Ambris and Herrera on Nov. 20. Ambris has worked a decade for Habitat for Humanity, most recently as the executive director for the Mid-Willamette Valley affiliate. [more…]
Press release

Western Oregon University Board of Trustees approves Aquarium Science program

Posted on November 21, 2019 3029 views
A photo of the Western Oregon University sign on campus.
During its quarterly meeting Wednesday, the Western Oregon University Board of Trustees approved a new Bachelor of Science in Aquarium Science that encompasses a partnership with Oregon Coast Community College. In the new academic program, WOU students will study three years in Monmouth followed by a final year at OCCC where they will take their [more…]
Campus & community | Weekly 5

Weekly 5: Meet Five WOU Veterans

Posted on November 13, 2019 1927 views
American flags waving in the wind, lining a street with autum leaves
In honor of Veterans Day and the activities hosted by our Veterans Resource Center throughout this week, we wanted to introduce you to five veterans who are part of our WOU community. Thank you to these students and staff for talking with us, and to all veterans for your service. Brian Ulbricht Brian Ulbricht, a [more…]
Press release

Western Oregon University receives $1 million grant to support rehabilitation and mental health counseling

Posted on October 7, 2019 3725 views
Person standing and signing in American Sign Language. Several others sitting and looking up at them.
Western Oregon University’s (WOU) Regional Resource Center on Deafness (RRCD) has received a $1 million grant from the federal Rehabilitation Service Administration to support its Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling (RMHC) Program. The grant begins immediately and runs through Sept. 30, 2024. RRCD will receive $200,000 annually for the grant, which supports RMHC students with [more…]
Press release

Western Oregon University buys Vick building in downtown Salem to expand its Salem presence

Posted on September 13, 2019 2744 views
Photo of Vick Building in Salem with WOU:Salem logo and text reading "permanent home, opening fall 2020"
Western Oregon University (WOU) finalized today the purchase of the historical Vick building in downtown Salem at 525 Trade St. WOU’s Board of Trustees voted Wednesday to approve the purchase. The Vick building will be WOU’s Salem home for several programs, including the brand new Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership. “We’re thrilled to be [more…]
Uncategorized

30 Days to WOU: Countdown for Incoming Students

Posted on September 4, 2019 1830 views
Are you about to start your first term at Western Oregon University? We want to help prepare you for move-in day, New Student Week, and the rest of your time at WOU with a 30-day countdown to move-in day. We’re talking all about living on campus, getting involved, places to eat on campus, and much [more…]
Academics | Arts & culture

Hamlet performed on campus in outdoor production

Posted on July 24, 2019 1906 views
Several actors in costume of n an outdoor stage.
Looking for something fun to do over summer weekends? You’re in luck! The Valley Shakespeare Company (VSC) is performing their rendition of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet during the last weekend of July and the first weekend of August. The VSC’s goal is to “[encourage] students, families and community members, young and old, to join in the [more…]
Press release

Western Oregon University Trustees Approve Strategic Tapping of Reserves as Legislature Mulls Funding

Posted on June 12, 2019 2383 views
Sunny day on the WOU campus with someone riding a bike
The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees on Wednesday approved a deficit budget for 2019-2020, which reflects a previously approved 2.33% increase in resident undergraduate tuition. The budget passed even as the Oregon Legislature has yet to release its Public University Support Fund. WOU was one of the first state universities to finalize its new [more…]
Press release

Western Oregon University and Linn-Benton Community College to Announce Degree Partnership Program

Posted on May 3, 2019 2084 views
WOU and LBCC logos
Western Oregon University and Linn-Benton Community College on May 10 will finalize a partnership that makes it easier for LBCC students to transfer to WOU, a four-year university, and earn a bachelor’s degree in the expected timeline. The Degree Partnership Program (DPP) between the two institutions marks a collaboration that ensures students who begin at [more…]
Uncategorized

Congratulations to the 2019 Peter Sears Poetry Prize Winners

Posted on April 30, 2019 1840 views
Open book with the word "poetry" written on a page
The English Studies Department announced the winners of the 2019 Peter Sears Poetry Prize. The first prize went to Nicole Caldwell, second prize to Tricia Manzano and third prize to Laura Wildfang. The three winning poems are below. The competition received over 60 poems from students. An English Studies committee selected 10 poems that were [more…]
Press release

Western Oregon University Board of Trustees Approves Undergrad Resident Tuition Increase of 2.33%

Posted on April 19, 2019 2150 views
Western Oregon University campus sign with flowers around it
The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees approved an increase of 2.33%, or $4 per credit, for Oregon resident undergraduate students in the 2019-20 academic year at its quarterly meeting Wednesday. WOU is one of the first state public universities to finalize its new tuition rate in advance of the Oregon Legislature’s budget decision for [more…]
Spring/Summer 2019 | Western Edge magazine

Dance program takes leap into future

Posted on April 9, 2019 1906 views
Group of dancers rehearsing in casual clothes
The Western Oregon University Dance program has graduated hundreds of students into careers such as studio owner, dance instructor, professional dancer and choreographer. Starting with the 2019-20 academic year, however, students in the program will have two new emphases to consider, each with its own important path to a job in dance. “We always had [more…]
Campus & community | Sports & recreation

Western Oregon University Hosting Regional Rugby Championships this Weekend

Posted on March 25, 2019 1945 views
WOU men's rugby players huddling together
Western Oregon University (WOU) is hosting a weekend of men’s rugby on campus for the National Small College Rugby Organization’s (NSCRO) 2019 Challenge Cup Pacific Coast Region Championship on Saturday, March 30 and Sunday, March 31. The four teams competing at the championship are WOU, Central Oregon Community College, Humboldt State University, and Azusa Pacific [more…]
Academics

20 Questions with New Provost Dr. Rob Winningham

Posted on March 1, 2019 2558 views 1 comment
Dr. Rob Winningham, provost, is smiling
We’re thrilled that Dr. Rob Winningham is now serving as Western Oregon University’s provost. Winningham joined WOU in 2000 as an assistant professor of psychology. Over the years, this homegrown leader moved up the ranks to full professor, chair of the Behavioral Sciences Division, then interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, [more…]
Videos

A Tour of WOU: Salem

Posted on March 1, 2019 1696 views
WOU comes to YOU! Learn more about Western Oregon University offering classes in Salem. To enroll, visit wou.edu/salem.
Videos

Giving Day: March 5, 2019

Posted on March 1, 2019 1631 views
Save the date for Western Oregon University’s annual Giving Day on Tuesday, March 5, 2019. Learn more at wou.edu/givingday. Check out our toolkit on that site for resources you can use to help spread the word.
Videos

Preview for SOAR 2019

Posted on March 1, 2019 1525 views
Welcome to SOAR: Summer Orientation Advising & Registration at Western Oregon University. This event helps get you ready for fall term. Are you ready to become a Wolf? Visit our Admissions page and apply today.
Videos

An evening with Ayad Akhtar

Posted on March 1, 2019 1650 views
A preview for the 2019 Jensen Lecture featuring Pulitzer prize-winning playwright Ayad Akhtar on Tuesday, April 9 at 7 p.m. in Rice Auditorium at WOU. Visit wou.edu/jensenlecture to learn more.
Campus & community

Top 5 Tips for Strong Scholarship Applications

Posted on February 25, 2019 2276 views
Outside of a brick residence hall in spring with blooming trees.
March 1 is major deadline for many scholarship applications (including at WOU), so this week can be a stressful time for lots of incoming freshmen–and returning students as well. Although there are plenty of scholarships geared to specific majors, backgrounds and schools, every college student should be able to ferret out a few that pertain [more…]
Campus & community

Top 5 Tips for College Scholarship Application Essays

Posted on February 24, 2019 2144 views
Right now, scholarship applicants everywhere are tempted to tax their brains and wring out the perfect essay, which they will then show to 10 people who will transform the words into poetic prose that not only won’t resemble the original, but probably won’t resemble the writer. Don’t do it. Yes, it helps to have proofreaders, [more…]
Campus & community

Top 5 Ways You Will Change in College

Posted on February 11, 2019 2486 views 1 comment
Two bicyclists riding in front of the Richard Woodcock Education Center
Most high school graduates believe they have a pretty good grasp on who they are, what’s important to them and what beliefs they hold dear. But ask any college graduate, and he or she will tell you how much they changed while in school. In this case, change is a good thing! Here are some [more…]
Campus & community

Top 5 Tips for Finding College Scholarships

Posted on February 4, 2019 2119 views
Outdoor photo of the Peter Courtney Health and Wellness Center
The struggle is real: Most students heading into the world of higher education are seriously worried about building up a bunch of debt while earning their degrees. It’s a well-founded fear for many people, as tuitions continue to rise across the nation. Fortunately, there are more resources than ever for students who are looking for [more…]
Uncategorized

Top 5 Reasons a Four-Year University is the Ideal Place to Earn a Degree

Posted on January 27, 2019 2723 views
Students studying in a hallway in Ackerman Hall
Students graduating high school have many choices for seeking a college degree. They can go to a traditional four-year university to earn a bachelor’s degree; start at a community college and then transfer to a four-year university; get a two-year associate’s degree; seek vocational training or take courses entirely online. Only students and their families [more…]
Campus & community | Sports & recreation

Western Oregon University Selected to Host 2019 Men’s PacCoast Region Rugby Championship

Posted on January 11, 2019 1778 views
The 2018-19 WOU men's rugby team standing in a circle with arms around each other
The National Small College Rugby Organization (NSCRO) announced that Western Oregon University, located in Monmouth, OR, has been selected as the host of NSCRO’s 2019 Challenge Cup Pacific Coast Region Championship. The men’s 15s competition is scheduled for Saturday, March 30 and Sunday, March 31, and will feature four teams including Western Oregon and Central [more…]
Academics | Alumni | Social & behavioral sciences

WOU in the News: Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union CEO Retires After 43 Years of Service

Posted on January 1, 2019 2114 views 1 comment
Al Strawn with his wife Gretchen.
PALMER— Al Strawn stepped down from his position as CEO of the Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union in October. He is still figuring out what his retirement is going to look like in the coming years but he does know one thing — he enjoys having more time on his hands. “I’m discovering that I [more…]
Campus & community

Top 5 College-Related Things to do During Winter Break

Posted on December 27, 2018 1663 views
Female student using laptop in a purple-walled cubby.
The weeks from mid-December to New Years Day are a terrific time to knock out some of the tasks related to preparing for your college years. We’ve compiled this handy list of steps you can get done between sipping cocoa and watching movies, no matter where you are in the college-prep process.  Just getting started [more…]
Campus & community | Sports & recreation

Jones named Elite 90 Award winner for NCAA Men’s Cross Country

Posted on December 1, 2018 1709 views
Tyler Jones running
PITTSBURGH, Pa.—Tyler Jones, a senior at Western Oregon University, is the recipient of the Elite 90 award for the 2018 NCAA Division II Men’s Cross Country Championship. Jones, majoring in mathematics, currently carries a 4.00 GPA. Jones was presented with the award during the championship festivities on Saturday. Jones qualified for the NCAA DII National [more…]
Press release

Western Oregon University Announces New Salem Presence in Partnership with WESD

Posted on November 14, 2018 1861 views
WOU in Salem logo and Willamette Education Service District logo
Western Oregon University will begin offering classes in Salem beginning January 2019 at the Willamette Education Service District building on Pringle Road. The number of WOU offerings in Salem will increase gradually, with a much larger range of classes available starting fall term 2019. WOU:Salem courses are designed to help working adults get the higher [more…]
WOU in the news

WOU in the News: Sirens sound change for ‘widows’

Posted on November 1, 2018 1961 views
Five women rehearsing for the play "5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche," wearing colorful clothes.
By Audrey Caro, Polk County Itemizer-Observer MONMOUTH — The Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein is meeting for their annual quiche breakfast at Western Oregon University — for the next couple of weeks. Set in 1956, “5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche” captures a moment in time between five women, who refer [more…]
Press release

WOU Honors Major University Benefactors at Annual Event

Posted on September 29, 2018 2158 views
Don Duncan and Richard Woodcock
Western Oregon University celebrated scores of donors Sept. 21 at its annual President’s Club Dinner on the university campus. More than 125 people attended the event, which highlights donors who generously supported WOU with significant financial gifts in 2017-2018. Dr. Richard Woodcock, who made the largest single gift of $1 million, attended the dinner, which [more…]
Features

Peace Corps Offers Life Skills, First Job After Graduation

Posted on September 17, 2018 3864 views
Amy Watkins
Many Western Oregon University graduates have jobs lined up before they even leave campus. Others plan to go on to grad school or otherwise further their educations. A small group, however, chooses a different route; they enroll in the Peace Corps. The Peace Corps was created in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, and the [more…]
WOU in the news

WOU in the News: Newland Retires from Smith Fine Arts Series

Posted on August 29, 2018 1901 views
Sandy Newland stands outside The Cottage at WOU
By Audrey Caro Polk County Itemizer-Observer MONMOUTH — Sandy Newland is retiring from Western Oregon University at the end of August, again. The first time was about four years ago. “I was manager of donor relations when I retired,” Newland said. “They asked me whether I would just consider doing part time in the Smith [more…]
Features

Baumgartner Relinquishes Board Chair but Continues to Serve WOU

Posted on August 29, 2018 3873 views
Rex Fuller and Jim Baumgartner toast donors at the President's Club dinner.
Jim Baumgartner ‘81, an attorney and Western Oregon University alum, just finished up a four-year stint as chairman of the Board of Trustees. His time on the board is not over, though, as he was also appointed to another four-year term as an at-large trustee. Baumgartner is proud of what the board has accomplished in [more…]
Features

Supporting Students through Leadership Training and Advising

Posted on August 15, 2018 3793 views
Megan Habermann-Guthrie
Associate Director of Student Engagement Megan Habermann was honored to win the 2018 Frank Harris Outstanding Student Government Advisor Award earlier this year from the National Association Campus Activities, and the kind words shared by her nominators went straight to her heart, she said. Former ASWOU Presidents Cynthia Olivares and Jessica Freeman wrote warm recommendations [more…]
Class of 2018

Staff Excellence Award: Jeanie Stuntzner

Posted on June 18, 2018 1792 views
Jeanie Stuntzner
The Mario and Alma Pastega Sta Excellence Award honors a classified or administrative staff member who demonstrates exceptional service to the university. Once nominees are received, a screening committee submits a list of finalists to the president, who then chooses the recipient. Creative Arts Facilities and Program Coordinator Jeanie Stuntzner insists that she uses her [more…]
Class of 2018

Excellence in Scholarship Award: Dr. Marie LeJeune

Posted on June 18, 2018 1817 views
marie lejeune
The Mario and Alma Pastega Award for Excellence in Scholarship honors a full-time faculty member who demonstrates outstanding creative or scholarly accomplishments. Once nominees are received, the Honors Committee votes by secret ballot on whether there will be a recipient that year, and if so, who the recipient will be. The bookshelves, tables and chairs [more…]
Class of 2018

Excellence in Teaching Award: Dr. Peter Callero

Posted on June 18, 2018 1823 views
Peter Callero
The Mario and Alma Pastega Award for Excellence in Teaching honors a full-time faculty member who demonstrates excellence in teaching and relationships with students, both in and out of the classroom. Once nominees are received, a screening committee submits a list of finalists to the president, who then chooses the recipient. When sociology Professor Peter [more…]
Class of 2018

Golden Lamp Award: Janine Egan ’18

Posted on June 18, 2018 1916 views
Janine Egan
From the OHSU School of Nursing, Monmouth Campus, the Golden Lamp Award is based on the American Nurses Association Code for Professional Nurses and the Florence Nightingale Pledge. It is given in recognition of exemplary demonstration of scholarship, leadership, professional commitment, innovative contributions and humanitarian ideals. OHSU School of Nursing’s Golden Lamp Award winner Janine [more…]
Class of 2018

Outstanding Graduate Student Award: Alissa McAlpine ’18

Posted on June 18, 2018 1631 views
Alissa McAlpine
The Outstanding Graduate Student Award honors a student who has demonstrated superior achievements in scholarship and academics, character, leadership and initiative during graduate studies. Last year at this time, Alissa McAlpine was in this same place: at Western Oregon University’s Commencement on a June afternoon. Then, she was gathering her undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of [more…]
Class of 2018

Julia McCulloch Smith Award: Sara A. Madden ’18

Posted on June 18, 2018 1677 views
Sarah Madden
The Julia McCulloch Smith Award is presented to the outstanding female student of the year in the memory of Smith, alumna of the class of 1895, who died in 1930. e award was first presented in 1931. When this year’s Julia McCulloch Smith Award winner for outstanding female graduate, Sara Madden ’18, says she “didn’t [more…]
Class of 2018

Delmer Dewey Award: Carter Craig ’18

Posted on June 18, 2018 1609 views
Carter Craig
The Delmer Dewey Award, presented each year to the outstanding male student, is named for former Dean of Men Delmer Dewey, who died in 1953. The award was first presented in 1954. Like many Western Oregon University graduates, Delmer Dewey Award winner Carter Craig ’18 touts the university’s welcoming nature. For the outstanding male graduate [more…]
Class of 2018

Alumni Award of Excellence: Lynn Hamersly ’64

Posted on June 18, 2018 1695 views
Wayne and Lynn Hamersly
The Alumni Award of Excellence is awarded each year to an alum (living or deceased) for his or her contributions and services to the university and community as well as for his or her distinguished professional work. Lynn Hamersly’s dedication to Western Oregon University—known as Oregon College of Education when she attended—was a positive in [more…]
Class of 2018

Grad Profile: Roger Deleon

Posted on June 17, 2018 1588 views
Roger Deleon
Graduating senior Roger Deleon, from Beaverton, book-ended his college experience at WOU. He started out at WOU in 2010 for two years, then transitioned to community college where he earned two associate’s from Portland Community College, before returning to WOU in fall 2016. Why did you choose WOU? It was cheaper than other schools I [more…]
Class of 2018

Grad Profile: Javier Garcia

Posted on June 17, 2018 2440 views
Javier Garcia
First-generation student Javier Garcia, from Newberg, plans to work in sports marketing now that he’s completed his bachelor’s in Business with a minor in Sports Leadership. Why did you choose WOU? I lost my little brother in a car accident during my senior year of high school. I really didn’t think about college after that [more…]
Class of 2018

Grad Profile: Brittany Johnson

Posted on June 17, 2018 1838 views
Portland native Brittany Johnson, a first-generation Math major with a Math Education minor, is making a big leap after graduation – she’s heading to Nebraska for a Ph.D.! Why did you choose WOU? I was originally an education major, and I knew that WOU was the best placed to be for that. I also wanted [more…]
Class of 2018

Grad Profile: Louann Casares

Posted on June 17, 2018 1942 views
If you asked first-generation student Louann Casares how long it took to complete her bachelor’s in Business Administration and minor in Humanities, she would tell you her freshman year took 24 years and the rest took three. She transferred to WOU from Linn-Benton Community College with credits she earned between 1991 and 2015 and completed [more…]
Class of 2018

Grad Profile: Efrain Quevedo-Ramos

Posted on June 17, 2018 1645 views
First-generation student Efrain Quevedo-Ramos tried a couple of colleges, but found his best fit was close to his home of Dallas, Ore. He’s graduating with a bachelor’s in Business and a minor in Communications. Congratulations, Efrain! Why did you choose WOU? Smaller campus, great atmosphere, and closer to home. What do you love most about [more…]
Class of 2018

Grad Profile: Barbara Ettenauer

Posted on June 16, 2018 1634 views
Not only has Barbara Ettenauer, from Vienna, Austria, completed a master’s in Special Education – she did so in her second language. What do you love most about WOU? I love the beautiful green lawns on campus, the very old sequoia and the library. Why did you choose WOU? My husband is a professor of [more…]
Class of 2018

Grad Profile: Brenda Flores

Posted on June 16, 2018 1953 views
Brenda Flores
First-generation student Brenda Flores, from Stanfield, Ore., developed her interest in advocacy and social change during her time on campus. She earned a double degree in Spanish and Public Policy and Administration, with a minor in Communications. What a combination! What do you love most about WOU? I love how small the classes are because [more…]
Class of 2018

Grad Profile: Sophia Dykast

Posted on June 16, 2018 1765 views
First-generation student Sophia Dykast, from Albany, managed to complete her bachelor’s  in Public Policy and Administration (with a minor in History) in only three years. What an accomplishment! Why did you choose WOU? WOU has a beautiful campus, small class sizes, offered scholarships, and most importantly, had the exact major I wanted. What do you [more…]
Class of 2018

Grad Profile: Whitney Gilman

Posted on June 16, 2018 2414 views
Whitney Gilman
Congratulations to Whitney Gilman, of Salem, for completing her bachelor’s degree in Business with a minor in American Sign Language! Gilman transferred to WOU from Chemeketa Community College and is the first in her family to graduate from college.  Why did you choose WOU? I chose to attend WOU because it is close to home [more…]
Class of 2018

Grad Profile: Cody Welty

Posted on June 15, 2018 1693 views
Cody Welty
Cody Welty, from Boring, Ore. (yup, he says it’s a real place), is graduating with a bachelor’s in psychology and a minor in biology. He’s found a great balance of activities and coursework to set him up for an exciting future. Why did you choose WOU? The moment I stepped on the campus, I knew [more…]
Class of 2018

161st Commencement Address by Senator Jackie Winters

Posted on June 12, 2018 1592 views
Senator Jackie Winters
This year’s Commencement speaker has been a strong advocate in the state Legislature for Western Oregon University as well as for the surrounding the communities of Monmouth and Independence. Senator Jackie Winters represents Senate District 10, an area that includes Monmouth and Independence as well as a large portion of Salem. She was rst elected [more…]
Features

Spanish Professor Supports WOU Near and Far

Posted on May 26, 2018 3911 views
Western Oregon University Professor Patricia Giménez-Eguíbar
Associate Professor of Spanish Linguistics Patricia Giménez-Eguíbar does a decent amount of traveling for work and pleasure, and two of her trips in the past year have been to conferences where she was representing Western Oregon University as keynote speaker. Giménez-Eguíbar teaches Introduction to Spanish Linguistics, Spanish Pronunciation and Phonetics, Spanish for Heritage Speakers and [more…]
Academics | Education

T.H. Gentle Professorship Goes to Dr. Gay Timken

Posted on May 23, 2018 2114 views
Gay Timken with past winners of the award and members of the Gentle family
On Thursday, May 17, Physical Education Teacher Education Professor Gay Timken was announced as the 2018-2019 T.H. Gentle Professor. Timken, who has been on the faculty at Western Oregon University for 15 years, will take over the professorship from Deaf Studies and Professional Studies Professor Elisa Maroney, who held the post during the previous academic [more…]
Features

Sustainable Building Practices a Priority on WOU Campus

Posted on April 26, 2018 3975 views
Peter Courtney Health and Wellness Center.
Among the priorities listed in the Western Oregon University strategic plan is a section on sustainability and stewardship. Not only does the university carefully manage its natural resources on a daily basis, it also ensures that buildings on campus meet high standards for eco-friendly construction and operation. When Ackerman Hall was built on campus in [more…]
We are WOU

Q&A with Early Childhood Education Student Miaja Lopez

Posted on April 8, 2018 3745 views
Miaja Lopez
Miaja Lopez ’18, from Lakeport, Calif., just finished her Early Childhood Education degree this past winter term and is already teaching in Willamina. We had the chance to chat with her recently about her time at WOU. Why did you choose WOU? I chose WOU after looking at many different schools. I loved how close [more…]
We are WOU

Q&A with Early Childhood Education Student Yadira Diaz-Rodriguez

Posted on April 4, 2018 3962 views
Yadira Diaz-Rodriguez
Senior Yadira Diaz-Rodriguez, from Independence, is a mere two months from completing her Early Childhood Education degree. She took some time to tell us about her experience in the program. Why did you choose WOU? I chose to attend Western Oregon University after finishing a transfer degree from Chemeketa Community College and deciding I wanted [more…]
We are WOU

Q&A with History Student Andrew Dobrowolski

Posted on March 15, 2018 3693 views
Andrew Dobrowolski
Where are you from? I am originally from Layton, Utah but I currently live in Hillsboro, Oregon. Why did you choose WOU? I chose Western because it was recommend to me bey several of my dad’s employees who graduated from Western as well. I also took a tour before I decided to come to Western [more…]
We are WOU

Q&A with History Student Brant Cheeley

Posted on March 14, 2018 3796 views
Brant Cheeley
Student Brant Cheeley talks about his experience in our History program for this week in We are WOU: Academics. This Donald (now Salem) resident hopes to graduate in spring 2019. Why did you choose WOU? WOU felt like home when I visited for the first time during the SOAR program for new students. I liked [more…]
Academics | Social & behavioral sciences

Southern California Police Department Seeks Recruits at WOU

Posted on March 9, 2018 2123 views
John Deer and Ed Villarreal
Representatives from the El Segundo Police Department in Southern California visited campus this week in their first out-of-state recruiting trip. They have high hopes for the outcome after taking with Western Oregon University students, many of whom are in the criminal justice program. “We’ve had a great experience,” said Sergeant Ed Villarreal. “We’re meeting a [more…]
We are WOU

Q&A with Criminal Justice Student Ryan Painter

Posted on March 9, 2018 3885 views
Criminal Justice graduate student Ryan Painter ’17, from Roseburg, Ore., talked to us about his experience at WOU and in our Criminal Justice graduate program. Painter is focused on law enforcement and is particularly interested in working at the federal level. Why did you choose WOU? I chose WOU because of its incredible reputation for [more…]
Press release

Western Oregon University’s Cannon Gallery of Art Showcases Salem Artist David George Andersen

Posted on February 21, 2018 2129 views
Maid in China by David Anderson
Western Oregon University’s Cannon Gallery of Art in Campbell Hall will present David George Andersen’s Wish You Were Here beginning Feb. 21. The exhibit opens to the public with a reception from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 21 and will be on display through March 23. Andersen (1960-2017) was a Salem artist known for creating politically [more…]
Alumni | Features

WOU Alum Travels the World but Comes Full Circle

Posted on February 17, 2018 3881 views
Dwight and Maggie Triplett
Oregon College of Education (OCE) alum Dwight Triplett ’66 is the embodiment of what can happen when you take life’s opportunities as they come. Even today, Triplett embraces the idea that taking chances and saying “yes” can lead you to places you never imagined. For him, that place was Asia, which was a long way [more…]
Academics | Arts & culture

English Faculty Garner Literary Award, Recognition

Posted on February 12, 2018 2120 views
Bellamy Hall
Two members of Western Oregon University’s English department faculty have recently earned national recognition from prestigious literary journals. Professor Henry Hughes won the 2017 Oberon Poetry Prize from the journal Oberon Poetry. The New York-based journal runs the annual contest to highlight the best unpublished poem from among hundreds of submissions. Hughes’ winning poem, Fish [more…]
Arts & culture

Theatre Department to Stage The Watson Intelligence

Posted on February 7, 2018 1770 views
Two actors from The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence
The time-jumping play The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence by Madeleine George will come to Western Oregon University’s Black Box Studio stage Feb. 8-10. The piece, which was a finalist for the 2014 Pulitzer Prize in Drama, will be directed by student Matthew Miller ’18. The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence takes a [more…]
Education | We are WOU

Q&A with information technology student Benjamin Kahn

Posted on January 24, 2018 4353 views 1 comment
Ben Kahn
This week, we’re featuring the Information Technology (“info tech”) master’s program for We are WOU: Academics. We’d had a chat with a current student in the program about his experience. Meet Benjamin Kahn ’19 from Seattle who’s currently living and working in Portland as an instructional technologist at the University of Portland. Kahn Why did [more…]
Arts & culture | Features

iLumiDance Tour Melds Dance, Computer Science to Benefit Children

Posted on January 17, 2018 4239 views
Western Oregon University Dance Professor Darryl Thomas’ latest touring project, in addition to his well-known Rainbow Dance Theatre, has an innovative and ambitious mission: inspiring young children to explore computer coding. Since 2013, Thomas and a troupe have been presenting iLumiDance to schoolchildren visiting WOU. The program focuses on dancers who are wearing black suits [more…]
Campus & community

Four Days of Events Honor MLK Jr.’s Memory, Mission

Posted on January 10, 2018 1809 views
Several of Western Oregon University’s diversity-related groups will present activities surrounding the observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day from Jan. 15 to Jan. 18. The biggest event of the 10th annual Celebration Week will be the dinner Wednesday, which will feature keynote speaker Walidah Imarisha, an educator, writer, public scholar and spoken-word artist. [more…]
Press release

Western Oregon University Chapter Named National Student Veteran Chapter of the Year

Posted on January 10, 2018 1881 views
WOU student veterans of america accepting national chapter of the year award
Western Oregon University’s Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter won the Chapter of the Year award Jan. 6, 2018, at the organization’s national conference in San Antonio. Student Veterans of America is a national organization based in Washington, D.C., that is committed to veteran welfare and ensuring that today’s and tomorrow’s veterans are supported in [more…]
Education

WOU Students Support TEDx Salem Event, Mission

Posted on January 5, 2018 1810 views
TEDxSalem ASL interpretation
The TED Conference motto is “Ideas Worth Spreading,” and Saturday at the Salem Convention Center, more than a dozen Western Oregon University students will help advance that mission. For the second year, seniors in WOU’s Interpreting Studies program will get valuable, real-world American Sign Language interpreting experience as they share the stage with presenters at [more…]
Features | Student life

Feature: WOU Students Explore Globe with Study Abroad Program

Posted on December 27, 2017 3749 views
When Study Abroad Advisor Akaanchya Pradhan first meets with a student to discuss options for studying in another country, she usually doesn’t know what to expect. Some students have used the program’s online tool to narrow down their options, while others don’t know anything about studying abroad and all its ramifications. Pradhan said she generally [more…]
Alumni | Education | Features

WOU Master’s Degree from Home? Yes, Please!

Posted on December 20, 2017 4117 views
Amber Deets
If the idea of attending grad school classes at home while wearing pajamas is appealing, read on. Western Oregon University offers several online master’s degree programs that can completed on students’ own timeline and in the comfort of their own home. The dress code is up to them. One of WOU’s most popular online grad [more…]
Features | Student life

Feature: WUE Program a Boon for WOU Student Population

Posted on December 13, 2017 2278 views
WUE map
Western Oregon University has been an active member of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) for more than a decade, but Director of Admissions Rob Findtner still meets students who are unfamiliar with WICHE’s most popular program, the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE). “You can never assume that people know,” said Findtner, who, like [more…]
Features | Social & behavioral sciences

Feature: Student Projects Demonstrate Change Is Possible

Posted on November 29, 2017 1981 views
Politics, Policy and Administration Professor Mary Pettenger wants students to know they can make a difference in their worlds. That’s why she considers her Political Science 355 course to be one of her favorites. The class, Civic Literacy and Engagement, has several components, from proposal writing and project management to media literacy and effective communication. [more…]
Features

Feature: Board Member a Staunch Advocate for University

Posted on November 22, 2017 2051 views
Jaime and Aracely Arredondo
Western Oregon University Board of Trustees member Jaime Arredondo is not a WOU alumnus, but you’d never know that from talking to him. His advocacy for the university is strong enough to qualify him as an honorary Wolf, and besides, he’s surrounded by family members who walked across the stage at McArthur Field. Arredondo actually [more…]
Campus & community | Press release

News Release: Western Oregon University Enrollment Shows Uptick in Transfers, Strong Diversity

Posted on November 20, 2017 1711 views
Western Oregon University has released official enrollment figures for fall 2017, and highlights include a higher-than modeled enrollment number and a strong showing in diverse populations. As a reflection of consistent declines in the number of high school graduates in Oregon, WOU’s spring enrollment projections had modeled a drop in enrollment of up to 5 [more…]
Campus & community | Features

Feature: Focus on Transfer Students a Reflection of Goals

Posted on November 15, 2017 2031 views
Kristin Mauro
We are currently highlighting services that are tailored to three specific audiences: nontraditional students (Nov. 4), veterans (Nov. 9) and transfer students (today). There is a lot of overlap within these three groups, of course, so readers may qualify for multiple resources. In cooperation with several area community colleges and in accordance with the new [more…]
Campus & community | Features

Feature: WOU Services for Veterans Indicate University Support

Posted on November 9, 2017 2010 views
We are currently highlighting services that are tailored to three specific audiences: nontraditional students (Nov. 1), veterans (today) and transfer students (Nov. 15). There is a lot of overlap within these three groups, of course, so readers may qualify for multiple resources. According to Veterans Services Coordinator Andrew Holbert, student-veterans constitute about 4 percent of [more…]
Campus & community | Features

Feature: WOU Services Provide Support for Non-Traditional Students

Posted on November 4, 2017 2042 views
non-traditional student peer adviser Jami Collar
For the next three weeks, we will be highlighting services that are tailored to three specific audiences: nontraditional students (today), veterans (Nov. 9) and transfer students (Nov. 15). There is a lot of overlap within these three groups, of course, so readers may qualify for multiple resources. The official Western Oregon University definition of a [more…]
Campus & community

NEWS RELEASE: Western Oregon University Board of Trustees Approves Academic Programs, Considers Master Plan

Posted on October 26, 2017 1817 views
MONMOUTH, Ore. – The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees on Wednesday addressed multiple agenda items, including proposed changes to academic programs and a master plan presented by university President Rex Fuller. Two academic program changes were approved by the board and now move to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission and the Northwest Commission for [more…]
Business & global affairs | Features

Feature: Entrepreneurship Minor a Popular Resource for Innovative Students

Posted on October 19, 2017 1954 views
Marty Schulz quote
As the work force moves farther way from the traditional format—think employees who spend 10+ years at a company—to the modern affinity for a new job every few years, Western Oregon University’s Business program is ready for the change. Case in point: the entrepreneurship minor, which allows students, both current and incoming, to chart a [more…]
Campus & community | Features

Feature: Academic Advising and Learning Center Tutors Poised for Fall Term

Posted on October 13, 2017 2013 views
Academic Advising and Learning Center
Western Oregon University is highly invested in student success, and as such, it offers a wide variety of free tutoring assistance for enrollees. However, many students aren’t familiar with the full breadth of options for getting help with different subjects, and that’s something the Academic Advising and Learning Center (soon to be Student Success and [more…]
Features | Student life

Feature: ASWOU President Believes It’s Never too Late to Get Involved

Posted on October 5, 2017 1929 views
ASWOU President Jessica Freeman
A student’s first few terms at a four-year university can get a little hectic. Jessica Freeman ’18 gets it. But the Associated Students of Western Oregon University (ASWOU) president said that getting involved in a club or organization can make a world of difference for students acclimating to their new environment. While students may worry [more…]
Features | Student life

Feature: Financial Aid Counselors Help Students Understand Assistance

Posted on September 28, 2017 1886 views
Financial aid office staff
Financial Aid is the most popular office in the Western Oregon University Lieuallen Administration building this week, with students lining up to talk with counselors about their aid packets and to hammer out lingering details. The office staff is primed to help students as efficiently as possible. On Monday alone, the group served 104 students [more…]
Campus & community | Features

Feature: New Dean Brings Vision of Collaboration to College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Posted on September 20, 2017 1891 views
Kathy Cassity
The new dean of the Western Oregon University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Kathleen Cassity, arrived on campus Aug. 15, and while the move into her office in Bellamy Hall went pretty smoothly, the same cannot be said for the transition into her new home in south Salem. Cassity most recently was the assistant [more…]
Campus & community | Features

Feature: Service Learning and Career Development Helps Students Prepare for Future

Posted on September 13, 2017 1913 views
For Western Oregon University students looking for an on-campus job, a work study position, a spring break adventure or a professional mentor, all the answers can be found in a single place: The Service Learning and Career Development (SLCD) office in the Werner University Center. The office, led by Director Adry Clark along with Assistant [more…]
Campus & community | Features

Feature: New Director Wrangles Data in Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness

Posted on September 6, 2017 2218 views
Abdus Shahid
The concept of institutional research (IR) is by no means a new one. But the creation of the Institutional Research and Effectiveness office is a first for Western Oregon University, which until independence in 2015 had relied on the Oregon University System (OUS) for help with statistical reporting. Abdus Shahid was the OUS analyst who [more…]
Campus & community | Features

Feature: Eclipse Brings Hundreds of Visitors to Campus

Posted on August 23, 2017 1886 views
Last weekend, Western Oregon University hosted well more than 1,500 visitors to campus, a mix of alumni, community members, first-time visitors and groups from around the Pacific Northwest. They were all here to observe the total solar eclipse on Monday morning, but weekend organizers also embraced the opportunity to highlight WOU’s outstanding features. Judging from [more…]
Campus & community | Features

Feature: WOU’s Digital Production Services Focuses on Training, Outreach

Posted on August 16, 2017 2118 views
Deborah Rezell
The corner of the University Computing Services department in the Instructional Technology Center where digital media producer/director Deborah Rezell has her office is windowless, dark and awash in a constant background buzz. She’s got no complaints, though. The office, studio and control room are tidy and efficient—cozy even. It’s a much different scene than the [more…]
Alumni | Business & global affairs | Features

Feature: Alum Turns Hobby into Career, then Cruises into International Market

Posted on August 9, 2017 1943 views
Longboard Larry
Larry Peterson ’05 doesn’t seem like a celebrity from the outset. The Western Oregon University alum is in his mid-40s, works in Independence and has a wife and four sons. But if you ask anyone who’s a fan of longboards—skateboards with extra length and interesting shapes—“Longboard Larry” is a well-known figure. He’s not convinced, though. [more…]
Campus & community | WOU in the news

WOU in the News: Oregon Promise Students Offered Incentives to Attend Western Oregon

Posted on August 4, 2017 2305 views
Western Oregon University
Oregon Promise students now have more choices when it comes to attending a four-year college. Western Oregon University has created two scholarships available to students who meet the qualifications for Oregon Promise, a state grant program that covers most tuition for recipients at Oregon community colleges. Western’s incentive scholarships are the first of their kind in the state. [more…]
Education | Features

Feature: Silent Weekend’s Success a Testament to WOU Reputation in ASL Community

Posted on August 4, 2017 1976 views
Silent Weekend group 2016
The ninth annual Silent Weekend event took place July 28-30 on campus, and a record number of participants were on hand for the American Sign Language-immersive experience. “(We had) 275 folks signed up from 18 states,” said event director CM Hall. “It’s our biggest year ever.” Hall, who in her regular duties is co-director of [more…]
Campus & community

News Release: Western Oregon University Announces Scholarships for Oregon Promise Qualifiers

Posted on July 31, 2017 2002 views
Western Oregon University has created two new 2017-18 scholarships directed toward students who meet the qualifications for the Oregon Promise program. The first, WOU Jump-Start, is a scholarship for full-time students enrolling for fall 2017 as freshmen who desire the four-year college experience but are considering community college because of financial constraints. There are two [more…]
Campus & community

WOU in the News: Western Oregon Lowers Tuition Hike, Still Faces Increase

Posted on July 27, 2017 1992 views
Western Oregon University
Students at Western Oregon University in Monmouth will still pay more for tuition come this fall, but it won’t be as much as anticipated. Western’s Board of Trustees agreed Wednesday to reduce the Higher Education Coordinating Commission-approved tuition increase of 10 percent to 6.5 percent. Officials attributed the drop to the $70 million added by the Oregon Legislature [more…]
Sports & recreation

Repeat! Women’s Basketball Earns Academic Honor

Posted on July 19, 2017 1864 views
womens basketball
For the second consecutive year, Western Oregon University’s women’s basketball team was recognized by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) on the 2016-17 Academic Top-25 Team Honor Roll. The Wolves posted a team grade point average of 3.539, which ranks 21st in NCAA Division II and topped all Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) women’s hoops [more…]
Arts & culture | WOU in the news

WOU in the News: Outdoor Showings of ‘Much Ado’ Cost Nothing

Posted on July 17, 2017 1680 views
Much Ado About Nothing
At its core, “Much Ado About Nothing” is a story about how one person disrupts the lives of all around him. The troublemaker, Don John — better recognized as the villain in William Shakespeare’s oft-produced play — is the one who has to instigate the action. In the Valley Shakespeare Company’s upcoming production, Western Oregon student [more…]
Sports & recreation | WOU in the news

WOU in the News: More than Xs and Os: Sports Camp Teaches Youth How to Improve Off-Field Training

Posted on July 13, 2017 1747 views
Cori Metzger encouraging Ariana Connally during weight lifting
Five girls hoisted Olympic barbells to the instruction of coach Cori Metzger in the Thunder Mountain High School weight room on Tuesday. The school was empty save for Metzger and her group, each learning the basics of powerlifting. “One more time: down to your knees, up and shrug,” Metzger said. Each girl extended at the [more…]
Campus & community | Features

Feature: Public Safety Officers Go Above and Beyond for Campus Community

Posted on July 12, 2017 1975 views
Public Sfety office Mike Hanson
On some college campuses, the public safety officers just cover the basics; they patrol campus, lock buildings and file reports. Western Oregon University is not one of those campuses. The department’s six officers plus Director Rebecca Chiles are not content to do just the minimum. Their particular brand of flair is specialty training, and they [more…]
Sports & recreation | WOU in the news

WOU in the News: New AD Learns on the Fly

Posted on July 12, 2017 2030 views
Curtis Campbell
Curtis Campbell didn’t know much about Oregon. Born on the East Coast, Campbell had only been as far west as Illinois. Yet, when Western Oregon University began its search for a new director of athletics, Campbell was interested. “My wife and I have always wanted to live on the West Coast because we haven’t before,” [more…]
Arts & culture

Feature: WOU Adjunct’s Adaptation of Arabian Nights Showcases Talent of Local Children

Posted on July 6, 2017 1950 views
Koko Le and Melody Allen play the peacock and peahen in Arabian Nights
The Apple Box Children’s Theater production of Arabian Nights makes its debut tonight in the amphitheater near Rice Auditorium, when more than local 40 children will bring to life playwright Maren Bradley Anderson’s magical vision. Anderson, an adjunct writing and English instructor at Western Oregon University, based the play on the classic tale One Thousand [more…]
Alumni | Sports & recreation | WOU in the news

WOU in the News: Tyrell WIlliams Shares NFL Knowledge During Camp at Western Oregon

Posted on June 29, 2017 1841 views
Tyrell Williams leads football camp
Tyrell Williams’ journey to the NFL is a feel-good story from the Mid-Valley. The former standout at Cascade High School and Western Oregon University went undrafted in 2015, but the San Diego Chargers signed him and gave him a shot, and he made the most of it. Williams led the Chargers with 1,059 receiving yards [more…]
Class of 2017 | Health & wellness

Golden Lamp Award: Stacie Chance

Posted on June 16, 2017 1953 views
Stacie Chance
Stacie Chance, the 2017 Golden Lamp Award winner, took a winding path to get to where she is today, but now that she’s fulfilling her life-long dream, there’s no deterring her from her ultimate goal. The Oregon Health & Science University honoree is focused on supporting the health and wellness of her community. To that [more…]
Class of 2017 | Education

Alumni Award of Excellence: Betty Komp ’90, ’92

Posted on June 16, 2017 1686 views
Betty Komp
The 2017 Alumni Award of Excellence winner, Betty Komp, is the embodiment of Western Oregon University’s mission: providing a transformative education. Komp, now a retired Oregon legislator, came to WOU in the late 80s as a 30-something single mom seeking a significant change in her life. She graduated in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in [more…]
Class of 2017 | Social & behavioral sciences

Mario and Alma Pastega Excellence in Scholarship Award: Dr. Eliot Dickinson

Posted on June 16, 2017 1669 views
Eliot Dickinson
Politics, Policy and Administration Professor Eliot Dickinson is a master of being in the right place at the right time. Opportunities have presented themselves to him throughout his life, and he never hesitated in spotting the opening. Dickinson, a nine-year member of the WOU faculty, is the winner of the 2017 Mario and Alma Pastega [more…]
Class of 2017 | Social & behavioral sciences

Mario and Alma Pastega Excellence in Teaching Award: Dr. Vivian Djokotoe

Posted on June 16, 2017 1761 views
Vivian Djokotoe
Vivian Djokotoe, this year’s recipient of the Mario and Alma Pastega Excellence in Teaching Award, says she has been lucky through every stage of her life. Although she’s certainly been the benefactor of Fortune’s smile many times, however, it’s clear that good ol’ hard work deserves the lion’s share of credit for her success. Djokotoe [more…]
Class of 2017 | Education

Julia McCulloch Smith Award: Aleisha Douthitt

Posted on June 16, 2017 1833 views
Aleisha Douthitt
If the ultimate goal of attaining a degree is to get a job right out of college, Aleisha Douthitt, this year’s Julia McCulloch Smith Award winner for outstanding female graduate, is well ahead of the game. The Honors Program student already is putting her bachelor’s degree in elementary education to work; she landed a job [more…]
Class of 2017 | Science & technology

Delmer Dewey Award: Connor Thompson

Posted on June 16, 2017 1896 views
Connor Thompson
Connor Thompson, the 2017 Delmer Dewey Award honoree, has an incredible résumé. The chemistry major interned for NASA, researched nanotechnology and worked on a computational chemistry project involving cartridge cases from the Battle of the Little Bighorn. But in discussing the most influential experience he’s had while on the Western Oregon University campus, the hyper-organized [more…]
Class of 2017 | Education

Outstanding Graduate Student Award: Jennifer Kepka

Posted on June 16, 2017 1733 views
Jennifer Kepka
Jennifer Kepka has been working for years to make higher education accessible to more people, especially those with barriers to regular classroom attendance. But her work in online educational resources is just one of the reasons this year’s Outstanding Graduate Student Award recipient reaps praise from her advisers and nominators. “Jennifer’s work is more than [more…]
Campus & community | Class of 2017

Commencement Speaker: Matt Utterback ’89

Posted on June 16, 2017 1730 views
Matt Utterback
North Clackamas School District Superintendent and WOU alum Matt Utterback is this year’s Commencement speaker; it will be the second time that he has had the opportunity to address the audience at a WOU graduation ceremony. Utterback, a 1989 Western Oregon State College – as it was named then – graduate, was that year’s Delmer [more…]
Class of 2017 | Social & behavioral sciences

Grad profile: Max Norr

Posted on June 14, 2017 1719 views
Max Norr
This is part of our WOU graduate profile series where we’re featuring students who have been making incredible contributions to the WOU community Senior Max Norr is the creator of “The Record Keeper,” an exhibit and website based on books belonging to Sister Genevieve “Birdie” Lantz. She was a nurse with the American Red Cross [more…]
Campus & community | Class of 2017

Commencement Announcer Taking Final Bow This Week

Posted on June 14, 2017 1683 views
Tom Bergeron reading names at Commencement
Imagine standing on a stage filled with Western Oregon University dignitaries. There are thousands of pairs of eyes watching you, expectant. President Rex Fuller is poised nearby, waiting to congratulate more than a thousand graduates. On the lectern in front of you is an extensive list of strangers’ names, many of which contain a dizzying [more…]
Arts & culture

Play Combines Self-Determination with Slight Hint of Magic

Posted on May 30, 2017 1779 views
"This Girl Laughs, This Girls Cries, This Girl Does Nothing" cast
The Western Oregon University Theatre’s final production of the academic year will be This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing, and although the play by Finegan Kruckemeyer is often described as being “fairy tale-like,” guest director Jen Rowe is quick to indicate her preference for “fable.” “I try not to go down [more…]
Sports & recreation

Western Oregon University Appoints Curtis Campbell as Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics

Posted on May 15, 2017 1688 views
Curtis Campbell
Western Oregon University has hired Curtis Campbell as its new athletic director. Campbell is the current director of Athletics at NCAA Division II institution Tuskegee University in Alabama. Campbell boasts 17 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics at both the D-II and D-III levels and has overseen multiple athletic construction projects. In addition to his [more…]
Sports & recreation

Track Star Ribich Sets Sights on World of Elite Runners

Posted on May 11, 2017 1913 views
David Ribich ’18, the WOU track standout, is what Director of Athletic Compliance Randi Lydum calls “the poster child of a student-athlete.” The junior from Enterprise, Ore. works hard, maintains solid grades and continues to make a huge mark in the track world on behalf of the Wolves. “You couldn’t ask for a better guy,” [more…]
Campus & community

‘Alma’s Project’ Website Offers Resources for DACA Students

Posted on May 3, 2017 1848 views
Alma's Project website screenshot
Students at Western Oregon University on April 17 introduced “Alma’s Project,” a new website that comprises comprehensive resources for students and community members enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The website is packed with information to support the academic, psychological and social lives of DACA students at WOU and beyond. There [more…]
Health & wellness

Food pantry seeks next step in service

Posted on April 28, 2017 1979 views
WOU Food Pantry Director Rebecca Hardgrave being interviewed by KPTV reporters.
The WOU Food Pantry, housed in the Academic Programs and Support Center building, has been getting a lot of press in the past four months. Media attention has come from several newspapers and a television station, all of which is welcome support in the eyes of Director Rebecca Hardgrave ’18. “We appreciate the attention if [more…]
Alumni | Campus & community

Social Media Manager Devotes Days to Outreach

Posted on April 20, 2017 1746 views
Lisa Catto with Wolfie on the 2017 Giving Day
Lisa Catto ’10 has been a fixture on the Western Oregon University campus for 12 years, though her title and office location have changed multiple times. Since the creation of Strategic Communications and Marketing in September, Catto has been the manager of media relations and social media, a title she describes as the most accurate [more…]
Campus & community

Western Oregon University Appoints Kathleen Cassity as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Posted on April 13, 2017 1727 views
Western Oregon University is excited to announce Kathleen Cassity of Honolulu has been selected as the new dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS). Cassity currently is the assistant interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Hawaii Pacific University and also served there as chairperson of the Department of English [more…]
Uncategorized

WOU Alum and WOU Senior Show They Have a Way with Words

Posted on March 22, 2017 1708 views
It is challenging to chart one’s own path in the world of publishing, but a recent Western Oregon University graduate and a current WOU senior have fearlessly entered the fray to share their creative styles. Both women majored in English with a concentration in writing, and they describe their years at the university as transformative [more…]
Education

New Mursion software takes teaching instruction to virtual level

Posted on March 15, 2017 1903 views
Assistant Professor of Education Maria Peterson-Ahmad has been working for months to bring an innovative new education tool to Western Oregon University, and she will unveil the program tomorrow to a group of students, teacher-education partners and anyone who is curious about virtual classrooms. “I’m so excited to show Mursion to everyone,” Peterson-Ahmad said, her [more…]
Alumni | Education

WOU alum wins National Superintendent of the Year Award

Posted on March 13, 2017 1707 views
Western Oregon University alumnus Matt Utterback ’89 has won the National Superintendent of the Year Award from the American Association of School Administrators. The award was announced March 2 in New Orleans. Utterback has been superintendent at North Clackamas School District since 2012, and during that time the district has made major gains in graduation [more…]
Campus & community

You made 2017 Giving Day a huge success

Posted on March 10, 2017 1656 views
We set a goal of 161 donors for our Giving Day (in honor of WOU’s 161 years) and you amazed us with your support! You rallied and we had 223 donors contribute more than $20,000 to support students and programs. Donations were made from at least 16 different states from New York to Hawaii. “I [more…]
Arts & culture

Cesar E. Chavez Leadership Conference brings Hispanic youths to campus

Posted on March 8, 2017 1685 views
On March 3, Western Oregon University welcomed about 2,200 students, school staff and chaperones for the 27th annual César E. Chávez Leadership Conference (CECLC), an all-day event meant to inspire Hispanic students to seek leadership roles. The day’s events started with a welcome and keynote address in the New P.E. building, where the bleachers overflowed [more…]
Health & wellness

National grant extends CASA’s reach

Posted on March 1, 2017 1715 views
Take Back the Night
Last fall, The Research Institute (TRI) and the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women extended their six-year relationship until at least 2019. A $300,000 grant sealed the deal. There was not a lot of fanfare at the time, but the continuation agreement is a significant coup for Western Oregon University. Not only [more…]
Arts & culture

“Shakespeare in Hollywood” melds the Bard with a bad movie

Posted on February 27, 2017 1800 views
Plenty of theatrical works involve a play within a play, but “Shakespeare in Hollywood” takes the concept to a new, hilarious level. Not only is there a movie within a play, but there also are characters from a Shakespearean comedy thrust into roles in a 1930s film. Confused? Don’t worry, said director Ted deChatelet. Just [more…]
Social & behavioral sciences

Senior Allison Yamnitsky charting path for her future

Posted on February 21, 2017 1803 views
Alli Yamnitsky
If you’d asked Alli Yamnitsky ’17 during her freshman year at Western Oregon University what she saw herself doing after graduation, she probably would have said she’d be a history teacher. The Corbett High School grad lists history among her passions, along with environmental studies, her minor. But fate steered Yamnitsky in a different direction [more…]
Education

Child Development Center adds SMART reading program

Posted on February 17, 2017 1712 views
SMART volunteer Claire Woodruff reads to Marshall and Desmond
After a fall term spent organizing, scouting and preparing, the Child Development Center on Jan. 18 started welcoming volunteers with Start Making a Reader Today for weekly visits to Western Oregon University. The seven SMART volunteers read one on one with children for an hour each Wednesday morning, providing personal attention and sharing their enthusiasm [more…]
Alumni | Campus & community

Ryan Kingsella strives for MICC-WOU cooperation

Posted on February 7, 2017 1762 views
Ryan Kingsella
Ryan Kingsella ’16 started as the executive director of the Monmouth and Independence Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center at the beginning of the year. The Western Oregon University alumnus is ready to build a stronger connection between the two towns and the university. A bond already exists, the 28-year-old early childhood education major said. WOU [more…]
Campus & community

Out & Proud to be celebrated with three February events

Posted on February 6, 2017 1644 views
Out & Proud
Out & Proud is an annual celebration at WOU that explores the various cultures and ethnic backgrounds within the LGBTQ community. This year, there are two events planned Feb. 8 and a ball set for Feb. 10. Coordinator Katherine Macias-Torres is spearheading the Feb. 8 events, and the sophomore pre-nursing student said she’s excited to [more…]
Arts & culture

“All in the Timing” – a series of wacky events

Posted on February 6, 2017 1750 views
All in the Timing
Director Kent Neely describes All in the Timing simply as a “ridiculous comedy.” The title, which comprises six short plays, doesn’t lean toward social commentary, parody or satire. It’s just pure fun with a heavy focus on wordplay, absurdity and the examination of personal relationships, all set in a comedy club-type atmosphere. “The interactions and [more…]
Campus & community

Changes seen through Campus Dining

Posted on February 2, 2017 1755 views
Western Deli
To say Albert Worotikan hit the ground running in his new job as director of campus dining would be a serious understatement. He was sharing his ideas for improvements before he even landed the post. “I was showing them plans for my ideas during my job interview,” he said with a chuckle. “I think that’s [more…]
Alumni | Business & global affairs

Laura Gage: anthropology alumna on the go

Posted on January 31, 2017 2347 views
Most of what people need to know about 2010 grad Laura Gage’s world view can be found in the title of her YouTube channel: “Laura the Explorer.” She’s a world traveler, and she attributes her adaptability to her time at Western Oregon University. Gage has taken the knowledge gained during courses for her anthropology major [more…]
Campus & community

Western Accessibility Awareness Month returns in February

Posted on January 30, 2017 1665 views
Dr. Kathleen Bogart
Western Accessibility Awareness Month hits the ground running with the main event on the first day of the month. The annual awareness event is meant to promote, celebrate, and build awareness about disability and accessibility at WOU through a series of presentations. The primary WAAM event on Feb. 1 will be Dr. Kathleen Bogart’s address [more…]
Social & behavioral sciences

Civil Rights Film Series kicks off tonight

Posted on January 18, 2017 1677 views
Citizen King movie poster
It’s winter term at Western Oregon University, and that means the opportunity to learn more about civil rights and the clash of class and race is again upon us. Starting today, the Civil Rights Film Series gets under way on its term-long run, starting with Citizen King, an overview of the life of Dr. Martin [more…]
Campus & community

Best toy drive in campus history

Posted on December 21, 2016 1881 views
2016 WOU toy drive
Each holiday season, Western Oregon University’s community comes together to collect toys and gifts for local foster youth of all ages. We’re excited to announce that this year the community collected the most toys in the drive’s history. Local staff from the Department of Human Services rely on support from our community to help provide [more…]
Sports & recreation

Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Barbara Dearing to retire

Posted on December 8, 2016 1720 views
Barbara Dearing
Barbara Dearing will retire June 30, 2017, as its executive director of intercollegiate athletics at Western Oregon University. “I have been blessed to have been involved with WOU Athletics,” Dearing said. “It’s been an honor to work alongside the coaching and athletics administrative staff whose focus has been about the student-athlete experience, and how that experience [more…]
WOU in the news

WOU in the news: University students face food insecurity

Posted on December 2, 2016 1694 views
Rebecca Hardgrave
Imagine having to decide between paying for a course textbook or your next meal. Situations like that are becoming more common for students in higher education. “I had a student come in … who hadn’t seen vegetables for three years,” said Grecia Garcia, who helps oversee the Chemeketa Community College pantry. “We want students to focus on their studies, [more…]
Campus & community

Letter from President Fuller

Posted on November 30, 2016 1662 views
Western Oregon University sunset
Dear Campus Community: The national discussion following the election has raised many concerns among our most vulnerable groups of students. We gathered on November 11 to remind our students of the support that our university has for all students and to remind ourselves that we have nurtured a caring, inclusive community at Western. Now, more [more…]
Campus & community

WOU stops requiring the ACT or SAT

Posted on November 7, 2016 1688 views
Photo of Western Oregon University campus
Students applying for admission to Western Oregon University will no longer be required to submit an ACT or SAT test score. This change goes into effect for fall 2017 applicants with a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher and who have successfully passed the required college prep high school courses. “Our admission requirements [more…]
Campus & community

WOU enrolls its most diverse class of new students

Posted on October 31, 2016 1624 views
Western Oregon University welcomes the fall 2016 entering class of freshmen and transfer students – its most culturally diverse in the 160-year history of the Oregon’s oldest public university. WOU President Rex Fuller said, “Western Oregon University’s strengths are many, and are all focused around our mission of educating each student in a manner that prepares [more…]
Sports & recreation

WOU hosts Humboldt on Homecoming, Senior Day

Posted on October 20, 2016 1608 views
Homecoming football game info
The 2016 WOU homecoming football game takes place Saturday, Oct. 22 at 12:37 p.m. Details on how to watch, game preview, and more are below. Game No. 8   VS    Western Oregon (3-4, 2-3 GNAC) vs. Humboldt State (3-4, 1-4 GNAC) Oct. 22, 2016 • McArthur Field (2,500) – Monmouth, Ore. / 12:37 p.m. PT [more…]
Campus & community

Western Oregon University to make early financial aid awards

Posted on October 3, 2016 1593 views
Western Oregon University sunset
Western Oregon University announced it will make estimated financial aid awards for the 2017-18 academic year available in December 2016 for prospective freshman and transfer students. This action will allow incoming WOU students significantly more time to receive and understand their financial aid if they choose to attend WOU. The U.S. Department of Education now [more…]
Education | WOU in the news

WOU in the news: Western Oregon opens new education building

Posted on September 23, 2016 1776 views
Richard Woodcock Education Center
The Richard Woodcock Education Center, new home of Western Oregon University’s College of Education, opened this week. The 58,000-square-foot building is the first multi-story building in Oregon constructed with cross-laminated timber. This is the first time the three divisions of the College of Education will be under one roof, including nearly 100 offices and 23 classrooms. [more…]