WOU Student and Sociology Professor Co-Write Peer Reviewed Paper

Aerial view of campus. Todd Hall in the foreground.
Recently, we had the opportunity to speak with student Quentin Kanta ‘23 about a peer-reviewed paper he co-wrote with visiting assistant professor in the Sociology Department, Dr. Evan Shenkin. Soon, the paper will be published in the United Nations Encyclopedia of Sustainable Development. Kanta, a Political Science major and Social Science minor from Grants Pass, [more…]

How to Set Up a Great Virtual Interview Space

Street view of the large Hamersly Library, a three-story building with many windows.
As a continuation of our grad series, we wanted to offer some tips to soon-to-be grads who might have upcoming interviews. With the COVID-19 pandemic, you might end up having virtual interviews, which look a little different than in-person ones. Here’s what you need for a phenomenal virtual interview.  Good lighting  One of the most [more…]

WOU’s Giving Day Raises Over $175,000

WOU Giving Day Thank You graphic, with an aerial image of WOU in the background, and "Howl from the Heart" written in the middle. Students, faculty, and staff are featured in five hearts along the bottom.
On March 2, 2021, WOU celebrated its annual Giving Day, a day dedicated to raising funds for student scholarships and programs. Students, faculty and staff, and the larger WOU community gathered together to show their support of WOU students and programs. This year, the university was able to raise over $175,000, far exceeding the original [more…]

What’s the Big Deal with Résumés and Cover Letters?

A crowded desk with a coffee cup, a laptop, a cell phone, and various paperwork
As a continuation of our graduate series, we’re compiling tips, tricks, and advice on drafting the perfect résumé and cover letter. We’ll discuss what they’re for, why they’re important, and how to impress any employer with your resume and cover letter design.  What’s the difference between a résumé and a cover letter? A résumé and [more…]

How to Use LinkedIn

White background with bolded black text that reads "Linked", and white text in a blue box that reads "in."
Article photograph courtesy of LinkedIn As we begin to approach the end of the school year, soon-to-be graduates might be starting to fret over what comes after college. What does life look like after graduation? How do you get a job? How to polish a résumé? What’s the deal with cover letters? As part of [more…]

Giving Day from Students’ Perspectives

Today, WOU is celebrating our annual Giving Day, a day dedicated to raising funds for the university. On this day, the WOU community gathers together to support WOU students, staff, and faculty in the form of financial contributions. I have been lucky enough to participate in the past two Giving Days, and I will be [more…]

Why I Chose WOU: Jessica Garibay Ochoa

Werner University Center exterior with blue skies in background
We spoke with Jessica Garibay Ochoa ’24, from Salem, Oregon, about why she chose WOU. She’s currently a Pre-Nursing student, but is considering majoring in Community Health and minoring in Psychology. Garibay Ochoa shared her journey to WOU, and how her first year has been so far.   What was your college selection process like? [more…]

WOU Secures Grant to Advance Computer Science Education

WOU’s Dr. Lucas Cordova, assistant professor of Computer Science, has acquired a phenomenal grant that benefits WOU employees and students. The grant, a Tier 2 NSF grant that runs to October 2023, is titled “Collaborative Research: Testing Tutor – An Inquiry-Based Pedagogy and Supporting Tool to Improve Student Learning of Software Testing Concepts.” The grant’s [more…]

Why I Chose WOU: Students Share Their Journeys to WOU

WOU sign at the front of campus, glossy black with gold lettering, greenery behind it. Campus appears wet from rain.
The college selection process can be pretty daunting, especially during this time. It’s a difficult decision to make, but thankfully there’s always individuals who are happy to share their experiences. We spoke to WOU students about their college selection process, and their experience at WOU, so far. One Student featured is Hannah Young, a Public [more…]

Choir Changes Due to COVID-19

WOU Concert Choir performs in McArthur Field stadium. Approximately 20 students are spread out along the red bleachers, wearing masks and face shields.
COVID-19 has, unfortunately, affected the way many of us go about our daily lives. From the switch to online distance learning to the avoidance of social gatherings, the pandemic has changed the world. However, one thing the pandemic has been unable to change is the indomitable spirit of WOU. WOU faculty, staff, and students are [more…]

Get Moving! How to Safely Exercise During Winter Term

Peter Courtney Health and Wellness Center.
With the dreary weather and online classes of winter term, it can be easy to forgo exercise, fresh air, and moving around. However, WOU has some phenomenal resources available for students, including Campus Recreation. Here’s some information regarding the HWC, fitness classes, and how to get moving on your own.  While the HWC’s facilities are [more…]

Explore Graduate Oppurtunites at Western Oregon University

WOU sign at the front of campus, glossy black with gold lettering, greenery behind it. Campus appears wet from rain.
As we get closer to 2021 commencement, some students might be considering pursuing their education further, and, thankfully, WOU offers some phenomenal graduate programs. From MAT programs to a Masters in Contemporary Music, WOU has something for everyone. It is important to note that some graduate programs only specify the necessity of a bachelor’s degree, [more…]

What’s Open Over Winter Break?

Werner University Center exterior with blue skies in background
Are you looking to get some campus business done over winter break? Here’s a quick guide for what is open, what’s closed, and what students need to do if they plan to stay on campus. Please note that some departments’ hours and availability may change based on government restrictions. Check the websites of each department [more…]

WOU Students Brighten Residents’ Days at Emerald Pointe Senior Living Community

Bright yellow, pink, and orange flowers stand out against dark green foliage
WOU students are dedicated to making a difference in their communities. This summer, as part of a community service project, four students committed to brightening the days of residents of Emerald Pointe Senior Living Community in Keizer. The four students, Hannah Childress, Derek Holdsworth, Keyna Hurd, and Sheyenne White, sent letters and flowers to the residents, [more…]

Tips for Creating a Productive Testing Environment at Home

Street view of the large Hamersly Library, a three-story building with many windows.
Even though it seems impossible, the end of the term is quickly approaching. With fall term being 95% online, it’s highly likely that you’ll have at least a couple tests to take from home throughout the term. We’ve compiled a few tips and tricks to help create a productive testing environment within your own space. [more…]

How to Stay Motivated as the Days Get Darker

A dark gray sky with clouds and a silhouette of many trees along the bottom of the photograph
With the fall time change, the sun sets considerably earlier, and we have lost a lot of daytime brightness. Unfortunately, as we head into winter, the days will only get shorter, and these dark, gloomy skies will stick around. For a lot of students, this darkness can lead them to feel unmotivated, unproductive, and unenthusiastic. [more…]

Headed Home? How to Safely Travel This Week

Large multi-lane highway with many cars
After Thanksgiving, all in-person WOU classes will be changed to an online format. Because of this, many students may be traveling home this week, for both Thanksgiving and winter break. Obviously, the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected this year’s traveling plans, especially now, around the holidays. Here are some things to know if you must [more…]

WOU’s 53rd Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Goes Virtual

Multiple people gather around the Giant Sequoia Tree in front of Campbell Hall, lit up with holiday lights.
A WOU tradition goes virtual! WOU’s 53rd annual Holiday Tree Lighting will be live broadcast this year on Friday, Nov. 20, at 6 p.m. Festivities include remarks from mayors of both Monmouth and Independence, words from WOU President Rex Fuller, an essay read by a winning local elementary student, and appearances by Santa and Mrs. [more…]

Winter Registration: What Students Need to Know

WOU sign at the front of campus, glossy black with gold lettering, greenery behind it. Campus appears wet from rain.
Registration for winter term opens today! With WOU classes continuing to be conducted primarily online through winter term, registration looks different than years past. There are some important things that students need to be aware of. Here’s what you need to know:  All students should have received an email with their registration date and time.  [more…]

Upcoming Fall 2020 Admissions Events

The back of Werner University Center, which is comprised of large windows. A large green tree is to the left, and students are walking on the sidewalk in front of the WUC.
For the latest schedule of Admissions events, visit their website.  Although the 2020-21 school year looks a little different than those of the past, prospective WOU students and their parents can still attend a plethora of great events hosted by WOU’s Admissions Office. All events will be held virtually over Zoom, and registration is required [more…]

New Faculty Q & A: Jay Schwartz

Assistant Professor of Psychological Science Jay Schwartz smiles for a photograph. He is wearing a white printed shirt and is standing in the woods.
This is the first in a series featuring new WOU faculty members. We spoke with Jay Schwartz, assistant professor of psychological science. We asked him about his road to WOU, information about the classes he’s teaching this term, and what he likes to do when he’s not working. Check out his answers below. Why did [more…]

Considering Interdisciplinary Studies? Here’s What You Need to Know

WOU sign at the front of campus, glossy black with gold lettering, greenery behind it. Campus appears wet from rain.
For some students, their desired career path or interests don’t fit in a specific major. Because of this, students may end up taking classes that they do not necessarily need or enjoy. Luckily, WOU has the answer. Students searching to customize their major can look into the Interdisciplinary Studies program, which allows more personalization to [more…]

Creating a Schedule (and Sticking to It!)

A sample student Google calendar for October 2020 is shown. There are multiple weekly Zoom meetings listed, as well as study group sessions. The calendar is white, and events are color-coded with red, blue, green, and pink.
As you now know, WOU will be conducting classes 95% online for the upcoming fall term. Some creative arts classes and lab portions of some courses will be meeting in person, with appropriate physical distancing and safety measures in place. What this means is that, for the majority of students, fall term will be entirely [more…]

Connecting with Professors and Classmates Online

Werner University Center exterior with blue skies in background
With classes being conducted online this upcoming fall term, it can be difficult to build relationships with professors and peers. Without face-to-face, weekly interaction, it’s so easy to forgo making connections, and just work on your own. However, solid relationships with professors and peers are the foundation of a successful college experience. Having a rapport [more…]

Alumni Profile: Jordawn Jones

WOU alum Jordawn Jones smiles for a photograph. Jones is wearing a black shirt, and has long brown hair.
As part of our ongoing alumni feature series, we spoke with 2014 graduate, Jordawn Jones, who majored in Exercise Science with a minor in Human Biology. Jones is now working as the Head Athletic Trainer and adjunct faculty at Sierra Nevada University. Why did you choose WOU? I planned to attend WOU to play basketball [more…]

Alumni Profile: Casey Brown

WOU alum Casey Brown smiles in his red graduation cap. He is wearing a black WOU shirt with red lettering, and a tan tassel hangs from his cap, displaying his graduation year (2020)
As part of a new feature series, we are catching up with WOU alumni to see where life has led them after graduation. Next up is Casey Brown ’20, from Independence, Oregon. Since graduation, Casey has been working as a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual, and as a supervisor at Little Caesars on the weekends. [more…]

Two WOU Ensembles Named Finalists for Prestigious Awards

Western Oregon Chamber Singers pose in front of a large sign that reads "WOU" in red font. The 25 members are wearing black dresses or black dress shirts with red ties. They are standing outside, and there are multiple trees with bright green leaves in the background.
The above photograph is of Western Oregon University Chamber Singers.  Western Oregon University is home to many talented musicians. With 14 different ensembles, WOU is bursting with musical performers from many different backgrounds, all showcasing their unique talents. Recently, two of these ensembles were awarded as finalists in prestigious categories: Western Oregon University Chamber Singers [more…]

Prospective Students: Check Out WOU’s Campus

The side of historic Todd Hall, a brick building, bathed in late afternoon sunlight.
One of the best things about visiting WOU is getting to see the beautiful campus in different seasons. In fall, the leaves start to change and drape the streets in rich orange, gold, and brown tones. In winter, if we’re lucky, the streets will get a dusting of snow, blanketing the roofs of WOU’s buildings, [more…]

Alumni Profile: Karen Edwards

WOU alum Karen Edwards smiles for a photograph. She is wearing a red sweater and is leaning against a white pole.
As part of our ongoing alumni profile series, we spoke with Karen Edwards, ‘16, an Interdisciplinary Studies grad who specialized in Early Childhood Studies and Communication Studies. At WOU, Edwards participated in multiple extracurriculars, including student government, on-campus jobs, and leadership activities. She mentioned that when she was not in class, she would attend various [more…]

Grad Profile: Jennifer Romadka

WOU graduate Jennifer Romadka smiles in her red cap and gown in front of bright pink flowers.
Jennifer Romadka is a graduating Public Policy and Administration student from Beaverton. During her time at WOU, Jennifer has participated in the Honors Program and multiple student leadership positions. What has your experience been like as an Honors Program student? My experience in honors has pushed me academically, personally, and professionally in all the ways [more…]

Grad Profile: Taylor Dowler

WOU graduate Taylor Dowler smiles in her red graduation cap and gown, and proudly shows off her diploma.
Taylor Dowler is a graduating Political Science student from Portland. She transferred to WOU from Mount Hood Community College, and has actively been involved with numerous extracurricular activities on campus, including Model United Nations and ASWOU. What has your experience as a transfer student been like? I originally obtained my Associates Degree from Mount Hood [more…]

Grad Profile: Kranti Budhathoki

Man wearing sunglasses and smiling with blue sky in background
Kranti Budhathoki is a graduating student from Kathmandu, Nepal. He is completing a degree in Business, and has been involved with many campus activities, including PLUS team, Associated Students of Western Oregon University, and working for WOU’s Strategic Communications and Marketing. What has your experience been like as an international student? I loved being here [more…]

Grad Profile: Gabriela Acevedo-Solis

WOU graduate Gabriela Acevedo-Solis poses in her red graduation gown. She is wearing multiple cords and stoles, representing the numerous organizations she has been involved throughout her time at WOU.
Gabriela Acevedo-Solis is a graduating student, who will be receiving a degree in Middle/High School Social Science Education student with a minor in Spanish. She is from Independence, and has been involved in numerous extracurriculars during her time at WOU, including the Multicultural Student Union, Student Engagement, and multiple volunteer organizations.   How has being [more…]

Grad Profile: Erin Ritchie

WOU grad Erin Ritchie smiles in front of red flowers. She is wearing a white floral dress and a brown jacket with matching boots.
Graduating student Erin Ritchie will be completing a degree in Sociology this spring, with a minor in Psychology. Originally from Newport, she transferred to WOU from Linn-Benton Community College, and has been involved with CIP, Abby’s House, and Student Success and Advising during her time at WOU.   Where did you transfer from and what [more…]

Grad Profile: April Bradley

WOU grad April Bradley smiles in front of her computer. She is wearing glasses and a dark blue shirt.
April Bradley is a graduating student from Aumsville, Ore., and she is completing a degree in Information Systems. While at WOU, Bradley has served as the family housing apartment manager for Alderview.   Are you a transfer student? If so, where did you transfer from and what has the experience been like? Yes, however I [more…]

Grad Profile: Susiele Koga Truong

WOU graduate Susiele Koga Truong smiles in front of a railing.She is wearing a blue striped jumpsuit and a light wash denim jacket. She is holding an iced coffee and there is lush greenery behind her.
Susiele Koga Truong is a first-generation graduating student from Wailuku, Maui. She is a Community Health Education major, with a minor in Human Biology.   Are you a first-generation student? What has your experience been like? Yes, I’m a first-generation student and my experience through college has been eye opening and not only an experience [more…]

Grad Profile: Natalie Legras

WOU graduate Natalie Legras smiles in front of a brick wall with green plants below. She is wearing a striped shirt, blue jeans, and a WOU graduation cap.
Natalie Legras is a graduating student who is completing a double major in Information Systems and Humanities, with a minor in Business. She is from Scio, Ore., and has participated in the Honors program while at WOU.    Are you a first-generation student? What has your experience been like? Neither of my parents graduated from [more…]

Grad Profile: Zoe Chan-Tuyub

WOU graduate Zoe Chan-Tuyub stands in front of the Natural Science building on campus. She is wearing a white shirt, black pants, a red graduation cap, and a white stole with multiple cords.
Zoe Chan-Tuyub is a graduating Business student from Sherwood, Ore. Throughout her time at WOU, Chan-Tuyub has participated in many extracurriculars, including PLUS Team, Kappa Delta Chi sorority, and Alternative Break.   Are you a first-generation student? What has your experience been like? My experience as a first-generation student has been amazing. Since I started [more…]

Grad Profile: Faith Van Putten

WOU graduate Faith Van Putten smiles in her red graduation cap. She is leaning against a brick wall, and has a white tassel hanging from her cap.
Faith Van Putten is a graduating Early Childhood Studies student, with a minor in English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). She is from Sacramento, California, and has participated in Peer Mentors, D.R.E.A.M., and Family Building Blocks while at WOU. Why did you choose WOU? I chose WOU because of the small class sizes, their [more…]

Grad Profile: Eva Batenhorst

WOU student Eva Batenhorst poses for a photograph outside, against a weathered white wall. She is wearing a cream colored sweater.
Eva Batenhorst will be graduating this spring, with a double major in Biology and Dance, and a minor in Physical Science. Eva is from Eugene, Oregon, and has participated in many extracurriculars during her time at WOU, including the Honors program, RHA, and PLUS team. Are you an honors student? What has your experience been [more…]

Grad Profile: Jon Montero

WOU senior Jon Montero is standing in front of large rock structures. Jon is wearing a black Adidas shirt and glasses.
Jon Montero is a graduating student from Seattle, Wash., who is completing a degree in Exercise Science. Why did you choose WOU? I chose WOU because I was excited about the hands-on experience you receive when taking the courses. In the first year you practice teaching to your peers and in the second year you [more…]

Grad Profile: Megan McAllister

WOU student Megan McAllister smiles in front of an outdoor stairwell. Megan is wearing a bright red shirt.
Megan McAllister will be graduating with a degree in Business. McAllister is from Klamath Falls, Ore., and has participated in the Alpha Chi Omega sorority, as well as the Student Veterans of America club. Are you a transfer student? What has the experience been like? Yes, I transferred from Klamath Community College as a junior. [more…]

Grad Profile: Maddie Hannah

Graduate student Maddie Hannah smiles in front of bright pink flowers, with a pink flower in her hair. She is wearing a light gray WOU sweatshirt.
Maddie Hannah will be graduating from WOU’s Master of Arts in Teaching program. Originally from Rome, Georgia, she graduated from WOU with a major in Humanities and a minor in Linguistics, and has worked as a graduate assistant for the Writing Center. Are you a transfer student? What has the experience been like? I transferred [more…]

Grad Profile: Heidi Benham

WOU student Heidi Benham smiles in front of a wooden wall. She is wearing a gray shirt, red lipstick, and glasses, and there is a green flower in her hair.
Heidi Benham is a graduating student from Dayton, Ore. She is completing a degree in Mathematics, with a minor in Linguistics. After graduation, Heidi is headed to the University of Connecticut. Are you a transfer student? What has the experience been like? I transferred from the Yamhill Valley Campus of Chemeketa Community College. The faculty [more…]

Grad Profile: Camryn Skari

Camryn Skari smiles for a photograph. Her hair is up, she is wearing red lipstick, and she is wearing and off-the-shoulder white shirt.
Camryn Skari will be graduating with a Masters in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling this June. In addition to being a graduate student, Camryn has worked with the WOU Foundation Phonathon team for the past three years, and has been the lead caller for two years.     What has it been like working for the [more…]

WOU Department Feature: Cashier’s Office

WOU cashiers, Katie Rupp and Megan Blankenship pose in two cashier's windows. Above them is a sign which reads "Cashiers."
As part of our department feature series, we spoke with the Cashier’s Office to better understand what the department does and how they assist the WOU community. Head Cashier Katie Rupp let us know more about the department and how they strive to meet the needs of students, staff and faculty, and the larger campus [more…]

Club Feature: Model UN

17 members of WOU's Model UN club pose in Model UN sweatshirts in the airport.
WOU’s Model United Nations, or Model UN, is an extracurricular activity that allows students to learn about international relations and diplomacy in a scholarly setting. The club includes “[discussions of] Model UN events, conferences, and current events. We sometimes do workshops to help learn the process and improve our speaking and writing skills.” Recently, we [more…]

Connect with Friends While Physical Distancing

WOU sign at the front of campus, glossy black with gold lettering, greenery behind it. Campus appears wet from rain.
During this time of physical distancing, it can be difficult to feel connected with your friends. Without the option to connect in person, friendships can feel particularly strained. However, we have many options to stay connected with friends while still adhering to physical distancing guidelines. Here’s some of the best options:  Video Chatting This method [more…]

6 Tips to Say Goodbye to Procrastination

Street view of the large Hamersly Library, a three-story building with many windows.
With the switch to remote classes for spring term, it can be easy for students to feel overwhelmed with the amount of work that needs to be done. Unfortunately, with this comes every college student’s greatest enemy: procrastination. However, with a few key tricks, it’s easy to overcome the temptation of putting off work. Here’s [more…]

A WOU Student’s Adventures in Scotland

Chloe Miller stands in front of a bright red door in Stirling, Scotland.
We spoke with Miller in fall of 2019, before she returned from Scotland.  WOU student Chloe Miller studied abroad at Stirling University in Stirling, Scotland during fall term. A Bend, Oregon native, she is a History major with a Dance minor, and started her junior year at WOU this fall. We had the opportunity to [more…]

5 Places to Look for Summer Jobs and Internships

The picture includes the backside of the Werner University Center and the backside of Todd Hall. Red flowers are seen alongside the bottom of the photograph, surrounded by green grass.
With spring break quickly upon us, it might be time to start looking for summer jobs and internships. With the amount of information on the internet surrounding job hunting, it can be difficult to figure out where to start. Thankfully, there are some great resources to make the process a little bit easier (including some [more…]

5 Places to Volunteer Near WOU

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.
Volunteering can offer students both the fulfillment that accompanies assisting the community around them and the opportunity to expand their resume skills. Here’s some opportunities on or around campus that you can pursue.  Alternative Break:  Alternative Break is a program on campus that sends students to other locations, both domestic and international, to serve communities [more…]

Interested in Volunteering at AES? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re interested in participating in AES, but are unsure about presenting, volunteering is a great option to get involved with the event. As part of our ongoing feature series on the Academic Excellence Showcase, we spoke with AES Student Representative Chloe Miller about the need for volunteers to ensure the event runs smoothly.  Miller, [more…]

Bullet Journals: A Creative Way to Stay Organized

Weekly bullet journal page decorated with leaves
College can be an incredibly busy time in a student’s life, and that is no different for Ellen Moore, an Education Studies major from Portland, Oregon. Currently, Ellen is involved with the National Residence Hall Honorary, Ambassadors, PLUS Team, the Housing and Dining Advisory Committee, and is a student office assistant for the Vice President [more…]

4 Ways to Save Money as a College Student

Various American currency, in amounts of $5, $10, $20, and $100.
As a hard-working student, you probably want to enjoy the finer things in life, but could do without the hefty price tag. Luckily, many businesses, both big and small, offer student discounts on a variety of products and services. Here are some of the best ones.  Entertainment If you’re looking for deals on entertainment, you [more…]

Upcoming Lecture Explores the Effects of Spanish Colonization

This Thursday, February 27, the WOU community is invited to attend a lecture by Dr. Sonia Kania titled From Southwest Spain to Southwestern United States: Spanish in the Age of Exploration.  Kania is an associate professor at the University of Texas at Arlington who currently serves as the chair of the Department of Modern Languages. [more…]

Club Spotlight: Black Student Union

WOU's Black Student Union gathers for a picture. 10 individuals stand in front of a white board with smiles on their faces and arms wrapped around one another.
WOU’s Black Student Union (BSU) is one of several student organizations on campus focused on supporting our students and creating an inclusive space for them to thrive. On the organization’s Engage page, it mentions that “The Black Student Union exists to promote cultural awareness, political awareness, and to provide support for all the students and [more…]

WOU’s Business Office: What You Need to Know

A sign in front of WOU's Lieuallen Administration Building. Behind the sign, which tells the name of the building, is a brick wall. Underneath the sign is bright green grass
WOU is comprised of many departments, all working together to ensure that students are well supported and the university continues to run smoothly. One of these departments is the university’s Business Office, located in room 101 in the Lieuallen Administration Building (next to ITC).   One of the biggest misunderstandings about the Business Office is that [more…]

WOU Student Leo Marquez Interns at Marion County DA’s Office

Leo Marquez standing on the stairs in front of the Marion County Courthouse.
At WOU, many students have participated in internships that correlate to their career goals. One of those students is junior Leo Marquez, a Criminal Justice major who completed an internship last fall with the Marion County District Attorney’s office. As a student intern, Marquez informed victims of their rights, provided assistance to these victims, attended [more…]

Get to Know WOU’s President: Rex Fuller

President Rex Fuller and Wolfie
This is the first in a series of stories highlighting WOU employees. By Cheyan Swan and Erin Worley We all have big aspirations as children, but the careers we follow in our adult lives can be just as important as those we dreamed of. In Western Oregon University’s president’s case, Dr. Rex Fuller aspired to [more…]

WOU Club Feature: Acapella

Eleven members of WOU's Acapella Club stand in front of a projector. They are all smiling.
Did you know WOU has an Acapella Club? We sat down with co-president Olivia Martin to learn more about the club.  What is a typical meeting like at the Acapella Club? A typical meeting for Acapella Club consists of mostly learning and perfecting new music, along with a decent amount of goofing around! We start [more…]

5 Tips for a Stress-Free Registration Week

Street view of the large Hamersly Library, a three-story building with many windows.
Each term at WOU, you will be able to register for the next term during week eight of the current term. This can be a little intimidating at first, especially if you’re still new to the registration process, but there’s no need to worry, as there’s an easy way to ensure smooth registration.  Check registration [more…]

Erik Morgan Jr.: ASWOU President Q & A

ASWOU President Erik Morgan Jr. poses with his family in front of a blackboard in the WUC. Seven people, including Erik, are smiling in the photograph.
WOU boasts a phenomenal student government, aptly named the Associated Students of Western Oregon University (ASWOU). These leaders are dedicated to ensuring students are well-supported, as well as advocating for student rights. We had the opportunity to speak with ASWOU president Erik Morgan Jr., who offered us some insight into his experience with the organization. [more…]

Get to Know WOU Professors: Dr. Ethan McMahan

WOU is home to many phenomenal professors and faculty members. We had the opportunity to learn more about Dr. Ethan McMahan, chair of the Behavioral Sciences division. Check out his answers below!  What is your research/area of focus? What classes are you currently teaching? My research area concerns how contact with natural environments, versus built [more…]

National Student Exchange Allows WOU Students to Explore New Cultures

Emmanuel talking with a student
The National Student Exchange (NSE) is a program that allows college students to study at another university for a partial or full school year. Participating universities are located both domestically in the United States, as well as in Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada. Where NSE differs from traditional study abroad programs [more…]

Leadership at WOU: An Alum’s Impact on Campus

Felicia Dickinson stands in front of the ASWOU emblem in the WUC.
“Leadership isn’t something you go into lightly. It’s a choice. We make a choice to be leaders.” Felicia Dickinson is a WOU alum who exemplifies student leadership. A native Oregonian and a transfer student from Lane Community College, she attended WOU for three years, with a major in Political Science and a minor in Communication [more…]

Holiday Events Around WOU

Red WOU Holiday Tree Lighting banner with green text and white tree silhouette
As the temperature begins to drop, a feeling of celebration spreads across campus. Even though students might be cramming for tests and spending long hours at the library, the campus is alight with the spirit of the season. From festive lights wrapped around the giant Sequoia tree to hot cocoa served in Caffé Allegro, signs [more…]

WOU Alum Volunteers with Peace Corps in Eswatini

Amy Watkins standing in the middle of a group of people, teaching at Grassroots Soccer Camp in Eswatini.
Amy Watkins, a 2017 Community Health Education graduate, is currently serving with the Peace Corps in Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland. In Eswatini, she is participating in the Community HIV/AIDS Mitigation Project (CHAMP), where she works to support individuals living with HIV, as well as implement projects in order to prevent the spread of the [more…]