Today at WOU

Admissions | Campus & community

Admissions Application Fee Waived for Freshmen and Transfer Students

Lisa Catto Posted on October 22, 2020 233 views

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…]

Campus & community | Press release

WOU announces new trustees confirmed to the board

Lisa Catto Posted on October 16, 2020 653 views

 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

Lisa Catto Posted on October 14, 2020 375 views

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 | Press release

WOU President Rex Fuller Announces Retirement Plans

Lisa Catto Posted on October 8, 2020 877 views

Western Oregon University (WOU) President Rex Fuller has announced his retirement, effective at the end of his current four-year contract on Sept. 30, 2021. A national search will be conducted for WOU’s next president, and details about that process will be announced once they are finalized.   “It has been an honor and a privilege [more…]

Campus & community

Live Q&A Summary: Oct. 1

Lisa Catto Posted on October 2, 2020 258 views

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

Lisa Catto Posted on September 28, 2020 487 views

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

Lisa Catto Posted on September 17, 2020 478 views

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

A Letter from ASWOU President N.J. Johnson to Students

Lisa Catto Posted on September 10, 2020 520 views

Hello, My name is N.J. Johnson, and I have been working as your student body president since I was inaugurated in June. I wanted to reach out in case you were still on the fence about registering for classes in fall 2020.   Last spring, our entire campus had to unexpectedly shift the way we do [more…]

Campus & community

Live Q&A Summary: Aug. 27

Lisa Catto Posted on September 3, 2020 541 views

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

Lisa Catto Posted on August 25, 2020 889 views

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…]

Campus & community

Five Reasons to Enroll This Fall

Cheyan Swan Posted on August 24, 2020 510 views

Enrollment requires important decisions for every student–which courses to pursue, how to shape your schedule, and how many credits per term is right for you. As students, we have to be particularly thoughtful about enrollment this upcoming school year. COVID-19 has swept the world, and Oregon, in turn, causing changes to our academic environment, workplace [more…]

Campus & community

#MaskUp to Help Keep Our Community Safe

Lisa Catto Posted on August 24, 2020 496 views

Please join us and #MaskUp to help keep our community safe during the pandemic. This public service announcement is courtesy of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.  

Campus & community

Live Q&A Summary: July 30

Lisa Catto Posted on August 6, 2020 667 views

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…]

Campus & community

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

Lisa Catto Posted on August 3, 2020 591 views 2 comments

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

Lisa Catto Posted on July 23, 2020 674 views

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…]

Campus & community

Live Q&A Summary: July 2

Lisa Catto Posted on July 9, 2020 471 views

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…]

Campus & community

History Of Western Oregon University’s Bell

Kristine Thomas Posted on July 7, 2020 866 views

Ever wonder about the history of the bell at Western Oregon University’s Werner University Center? Here are six fun facts: In 1886, the bell was cast in Cincinnati, Ohio and placed in the Campbell Hall belfry. The bell was rung to indicate the time of day along with being an emergency alert system, and announcing [more…]

Campus & community

Live Q&A Summary: June 18

Lisa Catto Posted on June 25, 2020 795 views

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…]

Campus & community

Eleven Ideas to Celebrate your Graduation from Western Oregon University

Kristine Thomas Posted on June 8, 2020 840 views

Although COVID-19 has changed many traditions and ways of life, it hasn’t hampered people’s ingenuity. There are plenty of safe ways to celebrate your Western Oregon University graduation on June 13. Keep in mind the current state of Oregon guidelines limits no more than 25 people at a gathering. Attendees must stay at least 6 [more…]

Campus & community

Statement on George Floyd from President Fuller

Lisa Catto Posted on June 4, 2020 825 views 1 comment

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…]

Campus & community

Howl from Home to support WOU students

Kristine Thomas Posted on May 5, 2020 1039 views

Josh Salsbury ’20 has been frequently asked “How many of those do you have?” by customers at Western Oregon University’s Food Pantry. If you think people are asking to see if they can have more of an item, Salsbury said it’s the opposite. Even as the demand for the services have increased, he has seen [more…]

Campus & community

WOU Department Feature: Disability Services Office

Cheyan Swan Posted on May 3, 2020 1023 views

Although the office is currently closed to in-person visits, ODS staff are still available to students during their usual hours through phone, email, and Google Hangouts. For a complete list of where/how to contact ODS, visit their website. We’re continuing our department feature series with the Disability Services Office (ODS). We talked to Assistant Director [more…]

Campus & community

Abby’s House Seeks Photos of People Wearing Denim for Denim Day on April 29

Kristine Thomas Posted on April 29, 2020 1066 views 2 comments

While yoga tights, sweatpants and pajama bottoms may be the trending work-at-home pandemic fashion, Dawn Warmbrand invites the Western Oregon University community to wear jeans April 29 for Denim Day, an international campaign to honor Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The violence prevention coordinator for Abby’s House at Western Oregon University, Warmbrand said Denim Day is an international event [more…]

Campus & community

Student Profile: Jose Andres Hernandes-Galvin

Cheyan Swan Posted on April 27, 2020 1025 views

Jose Andres Hernandes-Galvin (who goes by Andres), is an Interdisciplinary Studies Major with a concentration in Social Studies, Humanities, and Education, as well as a minor in Chicano/Latinx studies. When first considering colleges to attend, “I originally had to choose between WOU and PSU. I got a scholarship to come to WOU, but was skeptical [more…]

Campus & community

WOU Department Feature: Cashier’s Office

Erin Worley Posted on April 22, 2020 1050 views

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…]

Campus & community

Connect with Friends While Physical Distancing

Erin Worley Posted on April 16, 2020 996 views

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…]

Campus & community

A Stitch of Kindness by WOU Community Members

Kristine Thomas Posted on April 12, 2020 1576 views

The crooked stitches, uneven pleats and other minor imperfections almost prevented Heather Holmes from continuing to sew fabric face masks. But the co-director of Western Oregon University’s DeafBlind Interpreting National Training and Resource Center thought about her wife who has asthma, their aging parents, their friends with underlying health conditions, and their friends who are pregnant. [more…]

Campus & community

Go on a Virtual Tour of WOU

Lisa Catto Posted on March 31, 2020 906 views

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 | Sports & recreation

WOU Offers At-Home Workout Options

Kristine Thomas Posted on March 25, 2020 1946 views

Western Oregon University students and community members now have an option to take at-home fitness classes through the Peter Courtney Health and Wellness Center. Campus Recreation Assistant Director Zachary Hammerle used a little innovation to be able to provide FOD or Fitness on Demand workouts. Live classes on Instagram will begin two weeks into spring [more…]

Campus & community

Next Week at WOU (March 23 to 29)

Kristine Thomas Posted on March 22, 2020 2441 views

Happy Spring Self-Isolation Break! Or Spring Couch Potato Break 2020? Whatever you want to call it, let’s all agree this is not the spring break any of us planned. However, it’s the smartest thing we can to do to protect ourselves and others from spreading the coronavirus. We can either be bitter about the way [more…]

Campus & community

5 Places to Look for Summer Jobs and Internships

Erin Worley Posted on March 21, 2020 2532 views

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…]

Campus & community

Q&A with Campus Public Safety Director Rebecca Chiles

Cheyan Swan Posted on March 20, 2020 2947 views

We had the opportunity to talk with Rebecca Chiles, director of WOU’s Campus Public Safety (CPS) department, about her role on campus and what she enjoys about working on campus. Can you describe your current position?  I’m director of Campus Public Safety, which encompasses environmental and occupational health and safety, parking services and emergency management. [more…]

Campus & community

Tips to stay healthy mentally and physically

Kristine Thomas Posted on March 19, 2020 2597 views

Two Western Oregon University health professionals have suggestions on how you can stay healthy both mentally and physically, especially with many people having concerns about the coronavirus (COVID-19). Craig Wimmer, assistant director of Wellness Education, and Jennifer King, a family nurse practitioner and medical services director, both work at the Student Health and Counseling Center (SHCC). [more…]

Campus & community

March 19: Update from President Rex Fuller

Lisa Catto Posted on March 19, 2020 2438 views

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

Lisa Catto Posted on March 13, 2020 1361 views

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

Next Week at WOU (March 16 to March 22)

Kristine Thomas Posted on March 13, 2020 1183 views

Looking for things to do at Western Oregon University and nearby this next week? We’ve got you covered with a selection of upcoming events. See the full calendar here or on your MyWOU app. If you are hosting a campus event, be sure to add it to the calendar by visiting calendar.wou.edu and click “submit [more…]

Campus & community

COVID-19 Update from President Rex Fuller

Lisa Catto Posted on March 12, 2020 1647 views

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

Lisa Catto Posted on March 11, 2020 637 views

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 | Student life

Next Week at WOU (March 9 to 15)

Kristine Thomas Posted on March 6, 2020 1419 views

Looking for things to do at Western Oregon University this next week? We’ve got you covered with a selection of upcoming events. See the full calendar here or on your MyWOU app. If you are hosting a campus event, be sure to add it to the calendar by visiting calendar.wou.edu and click “submit event.” Important [more…]

Campus & community

Western Oregon University Has Record-Breaking Giving Day

Kristine Thomas Posted on March 5, 2020 729 views

Unprecedented is how Western Oregon University Annual Giving Coordinator Emily Swart described Giving Day on March 3. “Because we have a great team of alumni, friends, students and employees who truly love WOU, we had a record-breaking day,” Swart said. “I’m grateful to everyone who helped make a difference for WOU students and the university.” [more…]

Campus & community

Western Oregon University Takes a Proactive Approach to Potential Coronavirus Threat

Kristine Thomas Posted on March 4, 2020 756 views

Benjamin Franklin’s advice that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” describes Western Oregon University’s diligent approach to preparing and planning if there is a case of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on campus or a nearby community. “As with any potential threat to our campus, we are monitoring the situation very closely, and [more…]

Campus & community | Student life

Women of Culture Celebration 2020

Cheyan Swan Posted on March 3, 2020 468 views

[Co-written by Cheyan Swan and Erin Worley] This Wednesday, March 4, WOU’s Multicultural Student Union (MSU) is hosting their Women of Culture Celebration in the WUC’s Columbia Room. There is no cost to attend, but registration is necessary. Interested individuals can head to MSSP Office during their weekday hours of 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. [more…]

Campus & community

Letter from WOU President Rex Fuller about Coronavirus

Lisa Catto Posted on March 3, 2020 517 views

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…]

Campus & community

Celebrate Growing Western Oregon University on Giving Day

Kristine Thomas Posted on March 2, 2020 747 views

Question: How do you raise $100,000 in 24 hours to benefit Western Oregon University students and programs? Answer: Enlist the power of a pack of WOU alumni, friends, students and employees to participate in Giving Day today. Annual Giving Coordinator Emily Swart said Giving Day is an annual event with the goal to create a [more…]

Campus & community | Student life

Bullet Journals: A Creative Way to Stay Organized

Erin Worley Posted on March 2, 2020 595 views 1 comment

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…]

Campus & community

Next Week At WOU (March 2 to 9)

Kristine Thomas Posted on February 27, 2020 624 views

Looking for things to do at Western Oregon University this next week? We’ve got you covered with a selection of upcoming events. See the full calendar here or on your MyWOU app. If you are hosting a campus event, be sure to add it to the calendar by visiting calendar.wou.edu and click “submit event.” Important [more…]

Campus & community | Student life

Club Spotlight: Black Student Union

Erin Worley Posted on February 24, 2020 480 views

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…]

Campus & community

WOU’s Business Office: What You Need to Know

Erin Worley Posted on February 24, 2020 426 views

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…]

Campus & community

Next Week at WOU (Feb. 25 to March 1)

Kristine Thomas Posted on February 21, 2020 547 views

Looking for things to do at WOU this next week? We’ve got you covered with a selection of upcoming events. See the full calendar here or on your MyWOU app. Important Notices SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE: There is still time to apply for WOU scholarships. You can apply for more than 70 scholarships with one form, due [more…]

Campus & community | Student life

What’s Happening Around WOU? Here’s How to Find Out

Erin Worley Posted on February 18, 2020 398 views

With all the events that happen on campus, it can be pretty easy to miss events. You might get an abundance of emails, or maybe there’s just too much happening around campus to keep track of it all. Here are some ways you can make sure you’re getting all the information you need.  At WOU, [more…]

Campus & community

Get to Know WOU’s President: Rex Fuller

Erin Worley Posted on February 17, 2020 613 views 2 comments

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…]

Campus & community | Student life

WOU Club Feature: Acapella

Erin Worley Posted on February 15, 2020 537 views 1 comment

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…]

Campus & community

Next Week at WOU (Feb. 17 to 23)

Kristine Thomas Posted on February 14, 2020 332 views

Looking for things to do at WOU this next week? We’ve got you covered with a selection of upcoming events. See the full calendar here or on your MyWOU app. Important Notices SHARE YOUR EVENT NEWS: If you are hosting a campus event, be sure to add it to the calendar by visiting calendar.wou.edu and [more…]

Campus & community

Western Oregon University Invites Concordia University-Portland Students to Transfer to WOU

Kristine Thomas Posted on February 14, 2020 699 views

Students and employees invite Concordia University-Portland students to discover why they should transfer to Western Oregon University. “WOU is a good fit for Concordia students because of our many similarities, from our academic programs to our average class size,” WOU President Rex Fuller said. Concordia students have several factors to consider in deciding where to [more…]

Campus & community

Chemistry Added to Multiple Interests Equals Romance

Kristine Thomas Posted on February 14, 2020 527 views

There are countless stories of how alumni of various eras met their spouses at Western Oregon University. A high school friendship that grew into a romance. A glance in a classroom that eventually led to a marriage proposal. Instant chemistry when meeting at an athletics event. In celebration of Valentine’s Day, Today at WOU interviewed [more…]

Campus & community | Student life

Valentines from WOU to You

Lisa Catto Posted on February 14, 2020 854 views 2 comments

Campus & community

5 Tips for a Stress-Free Registration Week

Erin Worley Posted on February 13, 2020 324 views

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…]

Campus & community

Make Your Scholarship Applications Shine

Kristine Thomas Posted on February 12, 2020 617 views

Dedicating time and paying attention to the details are two essential requirements when applying for college scholarships. Unfortunately, too many college-bound students lower their chance to earn a scholarship by procrastinating, often resulting in sloppy applications with typos and mistakes. If the idea of earning free money for college interests you, it’s time to get [more…]

Campus & community

Where Should I Go to College? Tips to Help Students Decide

Kristine Thomas Posted on February 11, 2020 370 views

Your late nights of writing essays and completing applications has resulted in acceptance letters from more than one university. Now with choices on the table, it’s time to decide what college fits best for you and your goals. Western Oregon University sophomore Tori Cook recommends prospective students first look at the programs and majors offered [more…]

Campus & community

Resident Halls: Barnum

Cheyan Swan Posted on February 8, 2020 103 views

Of all the housing options at WOU, Barnum Hall differs most. Jojo McGee, a Barnum RA from this past academic year, characterizes the residence hall by its layout, as it is very similar in feel and practicality to an apartment. Because Barnum is not comprised of halls that share bathrooms and other gathering spaces, residents [more…]

Campus & community

Resident Halls: Landers

Cheyan Swan Posted on February 7, 2020 105 views

Landers Hall is comprised of three floors and four pods per floor that are open to residents. Traditionally, pods were organized by pairs with one RA overlooking each pair per floor. In the new system, beginning in Fall 2019, each pod is overlooked by their own RA. Jaqcueline Cach Briceno, the RA of Pods 3 [more…]

Campus & community | Student life

Next Week at WOU (Feb. 10 to 16)

Kristine Thomas Posted on February 6, 2020 442 views

Looking for things to do at WOU next week? We’ve got you covered with a selection of upcoming events. See the full calendar here or on your MyWOU app. Important Notices Community members are welcome to attend public lectures, athletic events and more. Come explore what’s happening at Western Oregon University. Tuesday, Feb. 11 COFFEE [more…]

Campus & community

Residence Halls: Heritage

Cheyan Swan Posted on February 6, 2020 106 views

Heritage Hall is a four-story, stand-alone building that houses first-year students. The RA of Fourth Christensen, Leah Coyle, defines Heritage and its community as overall welcoming. The programs, environment, and atmosphere are interesting, safe, and inclusive. One of the notable benefits is the halls’ layout, shaped in a T formation with a community area in [more…]

Campus & community | Student life

Residence Halls: Ackerman

Cheyan Swan Posted on February 5, 2020 443 views

Ackerman Hall is the newest amongst WOU’s first-year housing options. It is comprised of three coed wings per floor, spanning up through three full residence floors. Zac Cole, the RA for Third Taylor this academic year, characterized Ackerman’s community experience by its mixed class nature. Ackerman is the only residence hall that fills each hall [more…]

Campus & community

Tips for Finding, Applying and Interviewing for Campus Jobs

Kristine Thomas Posted on February 4, 2020 284 views

Classes plus homework is about the same as a full-time job for many students at Western Oregon University. For students looking for a job to help pay for tuition, living expenses, transportation or other things, the best option is an on-campus job because the work hours are arranged to meet the students’ class schedules. On-campus [more…]

Campus & community

Admitted to Western Oregon University? Take the next steps!

Kristine Thomas Posted on February 3, 2020 700 views

RSVP to WOU If a friend invited you to a movie, you would accept, decline or defer the offer to another time? The same is true with your acceptance letter. It’s important for planning purposes that you let us know your decision. You can indicate your choice by completing WOU’s Intent to Enroll form, which [more…]

Campus & community

Next Week at WOU (Feb. 3 to 9)

Kristine Thomas Posted on January 31, 2020 722 views

Looking for things to do at WOU next week? We’ve got you covered with a selection of upcoming events. See the full calendar here or on your MyWOU app. Important Notices CANCELED: CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION: The Chinese New Year event on Friday, Jan. 31 has been postponed. It will be held in conjunction with [more…]

Campus & community

Western Oregon University Hosts Winter Preview Day on Feb. 1

Kristine Thomas Posted on January 28, 2020 538 views

When she was a senior in high school in 2017, Cheyanne Bumgardner said Western Oregon University caught her attention because of what she had read about it. But she knew she needed to learn more. WOU stood out to her for many reasons, including the mid-sized campus, the small classes and the many specialized programs. [more…]

Campus & community | Student life

WOU’s Handshake May Lead to a Handshake

Kristine Thomas Posted on January 27, 2020 538 views

Western Oregon University students and alumni seeking employment opportunities should start with Handshake. And, hopefully that leads to a congratulatory handshake. Handshake is a job and information site used by employers and recruiters to post jobs, internships and events available for WOU students and alumni. The site is accessed through the WolfLink program in students’ [more…]

Campus & community

Next Week at WOU (Jan. 27 to Feb. 2)

Kristine Thomas Posted on January 24, 2020 443 views

Looking for things to do at WOU this next week? We’ve got you covered with a selection of upcoming events. See the full calendar here or on your MyWOU app. Important Dates NEED TO DROP A COURSE?: Friday, Jan. 31 is the last day to drop a course without a grade responsibility.   Monday, Jan. [more…]

Campus & community | Student life

Western Oregon University students find inspiration in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s work and words

Kristine Thomas Posted on January 24, 2020 814 views

The words and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. have provided inspiration and guidance to Western Oregon University students Chanrithy Fuller-Avalos, Priscila España and Jake Sutherby. The three students’ paths recently merged when they were chosen as the top three contestants in WOU’s MLK Jr. Student Essay Competition. The students wrote essays based on [more…]

Campus & community

Nine Reasons Squirrels Are the Best

Kristine Thomas Posted on January 21, 2020 393 views

What animal has the reputation as an acrobat, bandit, gardener and trickster? That can be seen zigzagging across roads, parks and backyards? And is celebrated on Jan. 21? Yes, it’s the squirrel! In honor of National Squirrel Appreciation Day, Western Oregon University has compiled some fun facts about squirrels, WOU’s unofficial mascot. Christy Hargrove, a [more…]

Campus & community

WOU Transfer Day is Friday, Jan. 24

Kristine Thomas Posted on January 21, 2020 282 views

Western Oregon University has created a simple and advantageous process to help transfer students join the Wolves family. The first step students interested in transferring to WOU should make is to attend WOU Transfer Student Day on Friday, Jan. 24. The free event for students and their guests begins at 8:30 a.m. and goes until [more…]

Campus & community | Student life

National Student Exchange Allows WOU Students to Explore New Cultures

Erin Worley Posted on January 18, 2020 698 views

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…]

Campus & community

WOU WEEKLY ROUND-UP

Kristine Thomas Posted on January 17, 2020 341 views

Notices WUC CLOSED FOR THREE-DAY WEEKEND: The Werner University Center’s (WUC) hours for the three-day weekend are: closes at 5 p.m. Jan. 17 and is closed Jan. 19 to Jan. 20. The regular hours resume Jan. 21. LAST DAY TO ADD A CLASS: The deadline to add a course is Friday, Jan. 17. If you [more…]

Campus & community | Sports & recreation

Outdoor Adventures to Explore Near WOU

Kristine Thomas Posted on January 16, 2020 277 views

Growing up in southern Oregon, Western Oregon University senior Maddy Olson had heard of Silver Falls State Park, Opal Creek Scenic Recreation and Opal Creek Wilderness and Cascade Head Trail. Thanks to WOU’s Outdoor Program, a part of Campus Recreation, she has had the opportunity to hike all three places, discovering stunning waterfalls, magnificent ocean [more…]

Campus & community | Student life

WOU Welcomes Family and Friends

Kristine Thomas Posted on January 15, 2020 423 views

There are the many reasons Western Oregon University students Hailey Silberfarb and McKenzie Wolfe-Webb are eager to have their families visit during WOU Family Weekend later this month “Family weekend is filled with entertainment while also having much-needed breaks that allow your parents to help stock your fridge,” junior Wolfe-Webb said. “It’s nice to have [more…]

Campus & community | Sports & recreation

Here’s to a happier and healthier you in 2020

Kristine Thomas Posted on January 10, 2020 375 views

Achieve your goals to be happier and healthier in 2020 by discovering an activity at Western Oregon University’s Peter Courtney Health and Wellness Center, also known as the Courtney Center. “Exercise and physical activities can increase energy, reduce depression, anxiety and stress, create a positive mood, increase self-esteem and confidence, improve sleep, and support cognitive processes,” [more…]

Campus & community | Top News

Just apply – tips for scholarship applications

Kristine Thomas Posted on December 22, 2019 529 views

Western Oregon University Scholarship and Financial Aid Officer Travis Heide encourages students to apply for as many scholarships as they can throughout their college career. While there are more scholarships geared towards incoming freshmen students at WOU, Heide said there are plenty of scholarship opportunities for transfer and returning students. Heide recommends students to spend [more…]

Campus & community | Top News

Spend winter break applying to college

Kristine Thomas Posted on December 21, 2019 309 views

Dear high school senior, You’ve visited universities and narrowed your choices. Now, it’s time to start applying. Western Oregon University recommends high school seniors work on college applications during winter break. Here are some tips to complete your applications: Know the deadlines. Visit universities’ websites to find deadline information. Many colleges have multiple deadline options. [more…]

Campus & community | Top News

Winter Break: Organize your college game plan

Kristine Thomas Posted on December 20, 2019 341 views

High school seniors should take advantage of their winter break to invest in their future. While it’s a time to relax and have fun, it’s also an opportunity to organize materials for college applications and scholarships to avoid stressful late nights and looming deadlines. Here are a few tips recommended by advisers at Western Oregon [more…]

Alumni | Campus & community

Leadership at WOU: An Alum’s Impact on Campus

Erin Worley Posted on December 18, 2019 112 views

“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…]

Campus & community | Top News

Weekly 5: Ways to Visit WOU

Lisa Catto Posted on December 13, 2019 426 views

Winter break is a great time to tour colleges you may be considering for next fall. Though the leaves may be sparse and rain may be in the forecast, the gap in classes gives extra time to explore and narrow down your list of dream schools. Whether you’re near Monmouth, or states (or even an [more…]

Campus & community | Top News

Holiday Events Around WOU

Erin Worley Posted on December 5, 2019 237 views

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…]

Campus & community | Fall/Winter 2019-20 | Western Edge magazine

New Faces on Campus

Tori Cook Posted on November 26, 2019 334 views

This summer, Western Oregon University welcomed the new Dean of Library and Academic Innovation Michelle “Chelle” Batchelor. Her work at WOU will be focused on innovative academic resources that meet the demands of current and future students as well as support for faculty members who teach online courses. Batchelor had most recently been the interim [more…]

Academics | Campus & community | Fall/Winter 2019-20

Big News: Western Oregon University in Salem

Tori Cook Posted on November 26, 2019 257 views

In the last edition of Western Edge, we told you about WOU’s expansion into Salem, where the university was leasing classroom space from the Willamette Education Service District. In September, WOU purchased a permanent space in downtown Salem: the historical Vick building on the corner of High and Trade streets. The building will get a [more…]

Alumni | Fall/Winter 2019-20 | Sports & recreation

Former WOU Track Standout Still Breaking Records

Tori Cook Posted on November 26, 2019 279 views

Instead of hanging up her track spikes after college graduation, high jumper Alison Wood ’95 is carving out a successful career as a masters track athlete. Last spring at the World Championships in Poland, Wood set the women’s 45-49 age group indoor world record of 1.67 meters; earlier in the season, Wood broke the American [more…]

Campus & community | Weekly 5

WOU 5: Celebrate Thanksgiving Weekend

Kristine Thomas Posted on November 20, 2019 307 views

Will you be sticking around Monmouth for Thanksgiving? A game plan is the secret ingredient to celebrating Thanksgiving weekend at Western Oregon University and nearby towns. The first rule of the weekend is to make it your own and do what you want to do. You have been working hard with school and this is [more…]

Campus & community | Weekly 5

Weekly 5: Meet Five WOU Veterans

Lisa Catto Posted on November 13, 2019 357 views

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…]

Campus & community

Mission to serve others

Kristine Thomas Posted on November 11, 2019 462 views

Colin Haines is now a different kind of warrior. “When I was in the military, I was taking care of some blatantly obvious physical wounds,” Haines, 35, said. “Now, I am caring for the invisible wounds.” The director of Western Oregon University’s Veterans Resource Center (VRC), Haines served 10 years as a U.S. Army airborne [more…]

Campus & community

Paranormal Tales of Todd Hall

Cheyan Swan Posted on October 31, 2019 350 views

Written by Natalie Dean Todd Hall rests at Western Oregon University, built as the first dorm in 1912 and was named in honor of Jessica Todd, who was the first Dean of Women. Her legacy lingers in the building’s halls due to her well-known discipline, even after her retirement in 1931. She made sure the [more…]

Campus & community | Top News

The Haunting of Todd Hall: An Interview with Natalie Dean

Cheyan Swan Posted on October 31, 2019 497 views

During October, there is an abundance of ghostly, paranormal, and spiritual content to consume. The afterlife and the make-believe take center stage during America’s preparation for the frightful and fun-filled night of All Hallows’ Eve. Humans have displayed an interest in the afterlife since the early days of society, ranging from the lore-based traditions of [more…]

Campus & community | Top News

Fun Fall and Halloween Activities in the Area

Cheyan Swan Posted on October 25, 2019 420 views

Story by Cheyan Swan All around campus, temperatures are dropping, the leaves overhead are changing colors, and Halloween decorations are popping up in town. Fall has arrived, and with it are the many exciting and fun harvest activities in the greater Monmouth area. Local farms and businesses offer affordable activities for WOU students and beyond, [more…]

Campus & community | Weekly 5

Weekly 5: Hamersly Library

Kristine Thomas Posted on October 9, 2019 286 views

Five things to know about the Hamersly Library It’s a friendly and supportive place for students, faculty and staff members to receive assistance from librarians who are passionate about their work and serving students. With art to historic displays, the Hamersly Library also is a good place to go for inspiration. Pick a floor and [more…]

Campus & community

Preview of Homecoming 2019

Kristine Thomas Posted on October 8, 2019 353 views

Whether it is strolling down memory lane, discovering traditions or cheering at the football game, Western Oregon University’s 2019 Homecoming is an opportunity for creates a camaraderie for community members, alumni and students. Western Oregon University’s 2019 Homecoming theme “Wild, Wild Western,” provides plenty of opportunities for students, alumni and community members to celebrate their school [more…]

Campus & community | Education | WOU in the news

Oregon’s Public Universities Contemplate Tuition Increases

Caitlyn Nakatsukasa Posted on May 7, 2019 401 views

Oregon’s public universities are looking at one major way to stay solvent next year – tuition increases. Some universities are contemplating double digit increases or waiting until May to make their decisions, hoping they may receive more state support. Portland State University is considering tuition increases of at least 14%. Eastern Oregon University in La Grande is among [more…]

Alumni | Sports & recreation

WOU in the News: Oakland’s Dominique Harrison Among Sugar Skulls Newbies Hoping to Make Instant Impact

Caitlyn Nakatsukasa Posted on April 17, 2019 333 views

Roster turnover happens often in any nonmajor professional sport. One week a player could be the best for a franchise and by the following week, they can find a new opportunity in a different league. It’s “the nature of the business” as Sugar Skulls coach Marcus Coleman puts it. When the Sugar Skulls (3-2) host [more…]

Campus & community | Sports & recreation | WOU in the news

WOU in the News: Stephenson Joins Volleyball Staff at WOU

Caitlyn Nakatsukasa Posted on April 10, 2019 400 views

MONMOUTH — Western Oregon head volleyball coach Stacy Metro announced the addition of Traci Stephenson to her staff on Monday. Stephenson will join the Wolves as an assistant coach for the 2019 season, the first under Metro’s leadership. Stephenson joins the Wolves’ staff after eight seasons as the head coach at Chemeketa Community College in [more…]

Sports & recreation | Student life | WOU in the news

WOU in the News: Outdoor Track & Field Preview

Caitlyn Nakatsukasa Posted on April 10, 2019 400 views

MONMOUTH — There’s nothing like coming back to the roots from which you came. Samuel Cole, a sophomore on Western Oregon University’s track and field team, knows that to be true. After spending a year at Clackamas Community College, he came back to Independence, where he was born and raised, to attend classes at WOU [more…]

Sports & recreation | Student life | WOU in the news

WOU in the News: Spearing the Competition

Caitlyn Nakatsukasa Posted on April 9, 2019 442 views

MONMOUTH — Darian Wilson had an impressive start to her collegiate athletic career on the Western Oregon University track and field team last year, when she competed in the NCAA Division II National Championship for javelin, came in seventh, and picked up an All-American accolade along the way. A freshman then, Wilson said she had [more…]

Arts & culture | Campus & community | WOU in the news

WOU in the News: Slippery Nature of ‘Sensual Fish’

Caitlyn Nakatsukasa Posted on April 4, 2019 651 views 2 comments

“It’s kind of a slippery topic,” Henry Hughes told me Tuesday, in a conversation about his upcoming lecture “The Sensual Fish.” At its heart, the April 2 lecture is about fish. It’s part of the Montana State University Library Trout and Salmonid Lecture Series. But it’s also about sex. “The wet, dark, mysterious, fishy and primal [more…]

Alumni | Sports & recreation | WOU in the news

WOU in the News: Athlete Quietly Clears Hurdles

Caitlyn Nakatsukasa Posted on April 3, 2019 265 views

In one sense, Janna Vander Meulen is an accidental hurdler. Throughout high school in Puyallup, Washington, and into college at Western Oregon, soccer was her passion and focus. Racing over hurdles was fun, but just something that helped her stay in shape and hang out with friends. A decade later, Vander Meulen is an American [more…]

Campus & community | Sports & recreation

Western Oregon University Hosting Regional Rugby Championships this Weekend

Lisa Catto Posted on March 25, 2019 323 views

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…]

Alumni | Campus & community | Press release | Sports & recreation | WOU in the news

WOU in the News: Oakland Raiders Sign Wide Receiver Tyrell Williams

Caitlyn Nakatsukasa Posted on March 14, 2019 436 views

ALAMEDA, Calif. – The Oakland Raiders have signed unrestricted free agent WR Tyrell Williams, the club announced Wednesday. Originally an undrafted free agent following the 2015 NFL Draft, Williams signed with the San Diego Chargers and spent the first four seasons (2015-18) of his career with the club. Over his four-year career, Williams has appeared [more…]

Campus & community | WOU in the news

WOU in the News: New Owner for Iconic Downtown Albany Barbershop

Caitlyn Nakatsukasa Posted on March 13, 2019 251 views

Debbie George remembers riding her bike into downtown Albany and seeing a barber pole spinning outside Parnell Person’s shop like a beacon, visible from blocks away. Person died Dec. 6 at age 85, but his barbershop survives. And George is the new owner and clipping hair at the Personal Barber Shop, 335 Second Ave. SW. [more…]

Sports & recreation | Student life | WOU in the news

WOU in the News: Race to Redemption: Taft grad Arce-Torres Puts Future Ahead of Past

Caitlyn Nakatsukasa Posted on March 6, 2019 233 views

Few people understand the importance of getting from here to there the fastest than 2018 Taft High graduate Gabe Arce-Torres. Among the state’s speediest sprinters on last spring’s Tigers track and field team, Arce-Torres was virtually unstoppable in bursting from starting block to finishing tape in Oregon’s small-school ranks. Then, somebody threw a roadblock in [more…]

Campus & community

Top 5 Tips for Strong Scholarship Applications

Lisa Catto Posted on February 25, 2019 237 views

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

Lisa Catto Posted on February 24, 2019 310 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

Lisa Catto Posted on February 11, 2019 349 views 1 comment

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

Lisa Catto Posted on February 4, 2019 367 views

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…]

Campus & community | Sports & recreation

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

Lisa Catto Posted on January 11, 2019 312 views

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…]

Campus & community

Top 5 College-Related Things to do During Winter Break

Lisa Catto Posted on December 27, 2018 241 views

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

Lisa Catto Posted on December 1, 2018 264 views

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…]

Campus & community

Q&A with Retiring Kevin Hughes, Landscape Maintenance Supervisor

Lisa Catto Posted on July 2, 2018 322 views

Kevin Hughes could regularly be spotted out and about on campus as he took care of our beautiful grounds (or dressed in a suit using our school colors on Commencement day). He always offered a hello and warm smile to those he passed and has been a fixture on campus for decades. Hughes is among [more…]

Student life

Decorating Your Dorm

Rachael Sawyer Posted on May 25, 2018 136 views

You’re in your dorm, fresh and ready for the year that’s coming. But there’s something missing from the room. The dorm is bland, grey, and you’ve got to figure out exactly how to live with your new roommate while bringing some pizzaz to your dorm. So, why not hit two birds with one stone and [more…]

Campus & community

A WOU Student’s Experience Helping Organize the Independence-Monmouth Community Clean-Up

Byron Kimball Posted on May 25, 2018 407 views

The Independence-Monmouth Community Clean-Up, held annually, is an opportunity for local residents to clear their homes of debris. It’s also a chance for the community to come together and help beautify Independence and Monmouth by picking up trash and clearing park trails. For my class, it was something of a trial by fire. As part [more…]

Student life

What Is a Bullet Journal

Rachael Sawyer Posted on May 9, 2018 347 views

As someone who is nearing completion of my fourth year of college, I have to say that the bullet journal (bujo) has been an vital addition to my life. A bullet journal, in its essence, is a way to manage life’s tasks and organize everything that you need to get done. The original bullet journal [more…]

Student life

Reading for Fun in College

Rachael Sawyer Posted on May 3, 2018 125 views

When the term starts and the wave of reading for classes comes, it is hard to pick up a book to read for fun. Between time management, personal motivation, and prioritizing, reading for personal benefit typically takes the back burner. After taking Young Adult Literature during Winter 2018, I’ve collected some ideas and tips for [more…]

Campus & community | Student life

A Swarm of Bikes-for-Rent Join Campus Just in Time for Spring

Lisa Catto Posted on April 3, 2018 402 views

Starting this week, the Western Oregon University campus community will being seeing orange and wheels. About 100 orange, dockless bikes will appear on campus streets, available for use by anyone who has downloaded the app provided by Spin (search “Spin bike” in your app store), the company that supplies the bikes. With an .edu email [more…]

Campus & community

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

Lisa Catto Posted on January 10, 2018 280 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…]

Features | Student life

Feature: WOU Students Explore Globe with Study Abroad Program

Lisa Catto Posted on December 27, 2017 1912 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…]

Features | Student life

Feature: WUE Program a Boon for WOU Student Population

Lisa Catto Posted on December 13, 2017 410 views

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…]

Campus & community

Fall 2017: Dead Week and Finals Week Events

Emily Carlston Posted on November 25, 2017 335 views

Don’t go stir-crazy from studying. A little fun goes a long way. Check out these campus events happening next week and finals week to unwind and de-stress. Monday, Nov. 27 Dead Week Carne Asada WUC Willamette Room at 12:00 p.m. Free Vent Stations WUC Summit at 12:00 p.m. Free Orquestra Brasil Farewell Concert with the [more…]

Campus & community | Press release

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

Lisa Catto Posted on November 20, 2017 240 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

Lisa Catto Posted on November 15, 2017 268 views

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

Lisa Catto Posted on November 9, 2017 258 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

Lisa Catto Posted on November 4, 2017 272 views

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

Wolves Go Hunting for Some Fun: Community Events in Independence and Monmouth

Emily Carlston Posted on October 30, 2017 269 views

Wanting to get involved in your community? Need to get out of the house? Don’t want to miss out on opportunities? Here are some events in the local community to get you started. Volunteer Rotary Club Weekly on Thursdays 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM First Baptist Church 1505 Monmouth Street Independence, OR 97351 Lions Club [more…]

Campus & community

Halloween at WOU: Your Guide to Campus Frights

Byron Kimball Posted on October 29, 2017 317 views

In just a matter of days, the night air will be thick with the screeches of sugar-hyped kids and freshmen high-tailing it down Monmouth Avenue. Even now, jack-o-lanterns perch on porches, where they’ll sit until mid-November. It’s Halloween, y’all. The big question is, how do we celebrate Hallows’ Eve here at WOU? Consider this your [more…]

Campus & community

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

Lisa Catto Posted on October 26, 2017 213 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…]

Features | Sports & recreation

Feature: Outdoor Program Connects Students with Oregon’s Beauty

Lisa Catto Posted on October 26, 2017 253 views

It’s no secret that one of the biggest Western Oregon University selling points is its location. From its vantage point in the Mid-Willamette Valley, WOU is primed to dispatch students to day trips on the sandy beach shore, up snow-capped mountains or into lush forests with minimal travel time. The WOU Outdoors Program, as part [more…]

Campus & community | Features

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

Lisa Catto Posted on October 13, 2017 304 views

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

Lisa Catto Posted on October 5, 2017 230 views

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

Lisa Catto Posted on September 28, 2017 210 views

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

Lisa Catto Posted on September 20, 2017 229 views

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

Lisa Catto Posted on September 13, 2017 260 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

Lisa Catto Posted on September 6, 2017 259 views

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

Lisa Catto Posted on August 23, 2017 208 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

Lisa Catto Posted on August 16, 2017 417 views

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…]

Sports & recreation | WOU in the news

WOU in the News: Wolves Ready For Trial By Fire

Lisa Catto Posted on August 9, 2017 248 views

MONMOUTH — The 2016 season was always going to be a transitional one for Western Oregon’s volleyball team. A new coach, Tommy Gott, meant learning a new system and new expectations. The result was a 10-17 record overall. With a year under his belt as head coach, Gott and the Wolves are ready to take [more…]

Campus & community | WOU in the news

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

Lisa Catto Posted on August 4, 2017 283 views

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…]

Campus & community

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

Lisa Catto Posted on July 31, 2017 310 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

Lisa Catto Posted on July 27, 2017 302 views

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…]

Alumni | Campus & community | Features

Feature: Gentle Family Matriarch and OCE Alumna Defines Dedication to University

Lisa Catto Posted on July 20, 2017 258 views

When your last name is Gentle and you live on a farm at the edge of campus, there’s little question which college you will attend. And in 1939, that was just fine with Margaret Gentle. “I knew I was going to go there,” she said with a laugh. “It couldn’t be anything else, in this [more…]

Sports & recreation

Repeat! Women’s Basketball Earns Academic Honor

Lisa Catto Posted on July 19, 2017 208 views

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…]

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

Lisa Catto Posted on July 13, 2017 241 views

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

Lisa Catto Posted on July 12, 2017 241 views

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

Lisa Catto Posted on July 12, 2017 205 views

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…]

Alumni | Sports & recreation | WOU in the news

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

Lisa Catto Posted on June 29, 2017 276 views

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…]

Campus & community

Maurice Undergraduate Initiative Continues to Inspire Innovative Solutions

Lisa Catto Posted on June 21, 2017 300 views

Each year, Western Oregon University undergraduate students have the opportunity to win an unrestricted cash award of $5,000 in a contest known as the Maurice Prize. All they have to do is define a problem, then create and execute an innovative solution. The goal of the program, from the founders’ point of view, is to [more…]

Campus & community | Class of 2017

Mario and Alma Pastega Staff Excellence Award: Bruce Tuma

Lisa Catto Posted on June 16, 2017 248 views

Bruce Tuma, winner of this year’s Mario and Alma Pastega Staff Excellence Award, has completed hundreds projects on the Western Oregon University campus during his lengthy tenure. In fact, as he’s walking around the grounds, it is like a little trip down memory lane because he is reminded of all the work he has accomplished [more…]

Campus & community | Class of 2017

Commencement Speaker: Matt Utterback ’89

Lisa Catto Posted on June 16, 2017 252 views

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…]

Campus & community | Class of 2017

Grad Profile: Ivan Acosta

Emily Carlston Posted on June 16, 2017 383 views

As a first-generation student, Ivan Acosta has let nothing stand in his way from getting involved and pursuing a double degree. His first degree is in social sciences and his second is in Spanish. The Spanish degree started off as only his minor, but he soon felt it was necessary for him to pursue. By [more…]

Campus & community | Class of 2017

Commencement Announcer Taking Final Bow This Week

Lisa Catto Posted on June 14, 2017 252 views

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…]

Campus & community

WOU Archivist Valuable for University Knowledge, Student Focus

Lisa Catto Posted on June 6, 2017 238 views

Western Oregon University has many treasures among its faculty and staff, but Archivist and Exhibit Coordinator Jerrie Lee Parpart is a rare gem, one that shines brighter for her in-depth knowledge of the university’s history and for wanting to share that story wide and far. Parpart joined the Western Oregon University staff in 1990, when [more…]

Sports & recreation

New Executive Director Brings Experience, Excitement to WOU Athletics

Lisa Catto Posted on May 24, 2017 314 views

Western Oregon University hired Curtis Campbell as its new athletic director on May 15, concluding a nationwide search that brought a handful of diverse candidates to campus for individual presentations. It was Campbell’s unique mix of work experiences that vaulted him above the rest of the field, said WOU President Rex Fuller. “Curtis is the [more…]

Sports & recreation

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

Lisa Catto Posted on May 15, 2017 234 views

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

Lisa Catto Posted on May 11, 2017 350 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

Lisa Catto Posted on May 3, 2017 264 views

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…]

Alumni | Campus & community

Social Media Manager Devotes Days to Outreach

Lisa Catto Posted on April 20, 2017 259 views

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

Lisa Catto Posted on April 13, 2017 242 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…]

Campus & community

You made 2017 Giving Day a huge success

Lisa Catto Posted on March 10, 2017 255 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…]

Campus & community

WOU student creates tool for deaf and hard of hearing drivers

Lisa Catto Posted on March 8, 2017 289 views

Allison Kingsella ’17 came to Western Oregon University with a plan. The California native had fallen in love with American Sign Language while working on a senior project in high school, and she wanted to train for a career as an interpreter. However, it didn’t take long for Kingsella to realize that standing at the [more…]

Alumni | Campus & community

Ryan Kingsella strives for MICC-WOU cooperation

Lisa Catto Posted on February 7, 2017 309 views

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

Lisa Catto Posted on February 6, 2017 248 views

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…]

Campus & community

Changes seen through Campus Dining

Lisa Catto Posted on February 2, 2017 304 views

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…]

Campus & community

Western Accessibility Awareness Month returns in February

Lisa Catto Posted on January 30, 2017 239 views

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…]

Sports & recreation | WOU in the news

WOU in the news: Two Tigerwolves, one Tiger–together

Sarah Ratto Posted on January 19, 2017 227 views

MONMOUTH — Two Timberwolves. Add in a Tiger. Put them together on the same team. Heck, put them all on the court at the same time. What do you get? A renewed rivalry? Nope, you get those rivals working together, having fun and providing a spark. And the Western Oregon University women’s basketball team is [more…]

Campus & community

MLK Jr. Celebration Annual Dinner headlines week of commemoration events

Lisa Catto Posted on January 6, 2017 230 views

Each year, the days following the observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday are full of events designed to honor the civil rights leader’s vision. For the 2017 celebration at Western Oregon University, there are five activities planned for students, faculty, staff and the community that aim to do just that. The main event [more…]

Alumni | Sports & recreation | WOU in the news

WOU in the news: Chargers wide receiver Williams finalist for NFL award

Sarah Ratto Posted on January 4, 2017 220 views

When it comes to NFL bargains, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who provides more bang for the buck than San Diego Chargers wide receiver Tyrell Williams. The second-year pro from Western Oregon University is a finalist for the 10th annual VIZIO Top Value Performer trophy, an award given to the the NFL player [more…]

Student life

WOU scholarship program adjusted to support reservists denied G.I. Bill

Lisa Catto Posted on January 4, 2017 371 views

Last month, WOU President Rex Fuller learned that 36 Oregon members of the Marine Corps Reserves had been denied G.I Bill education benefits during a six-month deployment to Honduras. Despite their time spent renovating a hospital, building a school and completing other aid projects, the reservists learned when they arrived home that they had not [more…]

Campus & community

Best toy drive in campus history

Lisa Catto Posted on December 21, 2016 246 views

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

Lisa Catto Posted on December 8, 2016 279 views

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…]

Campus & community

Letter from President Fuller

Lisa Catto Posted on November 30, 2016 226 views

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

Voter registration drive surpasses goal

Kyle Kern Posted on November 8, 2016 233 views

The voting process is one that takes place predominately on a local level. It is a chance for everyone’s voice to be heard, and their opinions to be brought forward. In recent years the effort has reached even further to include college students by the masses. It involves getting students registered in advance, keeping them [more…]

Campus & community

WOU stops requiring the ACT or SAT

Lisa Catto Posted on November 7, 2016 287 views

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

Everything you need to know about voting in the election

Kyle Kern Posted on November 4, 2016 266 views

There is less than one week before the 2016 general election and whether you like the politics of the season or not, it’s important to know the logistics of voting and who is involved. Polk county ballot drop-offs With vote-by-mail in Oregon, we are fortunate to not have to wait in lines to return our votes, [more…]

Campus & community

WOU enrolls its most diverse class of new students

Lisa Catto Posted on October 31, 2016 215 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 in the news

WOU in the news: Former JDHS QB racks up 445 yards, 4 TDs for Western Oregon

Sarah Ratto Posted on October 26, 2016 227 views

No matter the situation, Western Oregon University quarterback Phillip Fenumiai of Juneau goes all out on the football field. His effort isn’t dictated by the scoreboard. So when the Wolves trailed Humboldt State by three touchdowns in the second half he just kept playing. In the end, Fenumiai didn’t get the win. But he gained [more…]

Sports & recreation | WOU in the news

WOU in the news: DII football – meet the Wes Welker of Western Oregon – Paul Revis

Sarah Ratto Posted on October 21, 2016 225 views

Even now, two-plus years into a career that sets records and defies convention, Paul Revis feels the doubts. He lines up against defenders who he knows dismiss the numbers and question the scouting report, because they see a guy just shy of 5-9 and who weighs 165 pounds only with rocks in his pockets. But [more…]

Sports & recreation

WOU hosts Humboldt on Homecoming, Senior Day

Lisa Catto Posted on October 20, 2016 214 views

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…]

Alumni | Campus & community

Homecoming 2016 Preview

Kyle Kern Posted on October 11, 2016 216 views

Homecoming week is a great time to celebrate what it means to be a Wolf, for students and alumni alike. Here is a run down of what you can find around campus the week of October 17! Student Schedule: Monday October 17 Fifth Annual Fundie Run – Starts at 5: 30pm the Stadium and ends at the [more…]

Campus & community

Western Oregon University to make early financial aid awards

Lisa Catto Posted on October 3, 2016 201 views

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…]

Sports & recreation

WOU Athletics celebrates the life of Hall of Fame track coach Don Spinas

Lisa Catto Posted on September 26, 2016 231 views

Don Spinas, the long-time head track and field coach at Western Oregon University, passed away Thursday, Sept. 22 at the age of 83.   Spinas is one of the most decorated coaches in the history of WOU track and field. During his tenure at Western Oregon (then Oregon College of Education and Western Oregon State [more…]

Alumni | Sports & recreation | WOU in the news

WOU in the news: Tyrell Williams looks to go on attack mode

Lisa Catto Posted on September 15, 2016 270 views

A football floated toward Tyrell Williams in the back-right corner of the end zone Sunday, the type of ball made for a man of his measure. The 6-foot-4 Chargers wide receiver had a good 4 inches on Ron Parker in coverage. Not only that but Parker’s back was to the ball, the Chiefs safety not tracking its [more…]

Campus & community

WOU ranked highest among Oregon public universities in 2017 U.S. News & World Report college listings

Lisa Catto Posted on September 13, 2016 460 views

U.S. News & World Report ranked Western Oregon University highest of Oregon’s regional public universities in the 2017 annual higher education rankings released today. WOU was named 19th among “top public schools” in the regional universities (west) category and 67th overall in regional universities (west) category (10 spots up from last year’s 77th ranking). These [more…]

Campus & community

Western Oregon University waives application fees for members of the Armed Forces

Lisa Catto Posted on September 7, 2016 286 views

Western Oregon University has continued its expansion of services for members of the military and their families. Effective August 1, 2016, WOU will waive the $60 undergraduate and graduate application fees for current members of the armed services and former members who were honorably discharged. “Western Oregon University appreciates the service and sacrifices that members [more…]

Sports & recreation

Fall sports tickets now on sale

Lisa Catto Posted on August 18, 2016 217 views

Season ticket packages and single-game tickets for the 2016 Western Oregon Athletics fall season are now available for purchase online or at the WOU Ticket Office. Various ticket packages are available for football, volleyball and women’s soccer. For more information on purchasing tickets, click here.   Women’s soccer opens the season at home on Thursday, [more…]

Sports & recreation

Women’s Basketball named to WBCA Academic Top 25

Lisa Catto Posted on August 4, 2016 312 views

The Western Oregon women’s basketball team was honored Tuesday by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) after the announcement of the 2015-16 Academic Top-25 Team Honor Roll. With a team grade point average of 3.566, the Wolves ranked 21st in NCAA Division II and topped all Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) women’s hoops teams.   [more…]

Alumni | Campus & community

WOU honored most dedicated donors at annual President’s Club Dinner

Lisa Catto Posted on July 15, 2016 276 views

On July 8, 2016, Western Oregon University’s most dedicated financial supporters were honored at the annual President’s Club Dinner. The event was held at Illahe Hills Country Club and featured toasts by Paul Kyllo, WOU Foundation Board chair, recent alumna Dominique Figueroa, President Rex Fuller, and Jim Baumgartner, chair of WOU’s Board of Trustees. Music [more…]

Campus & community | WOU in the news

WOU in the news: WOU Breaks Ground On Health Center

Nicole Larsen Posted on July 13, 2016 196 views

MONMOUTH — Western Oregon University will soon have a new facility for the Student Health and Counseling Center, scheduled for opening in spring 2017. Campus officials held a groundbreaking ceremony Friday, which included a blessing from tribal elder Bob Tom. The center will be built with increased student tuition fees, but associated student body president [more…]

Sports & recreation | WOU in the news

WOU in the news: Globe Trotter

Nicole Larsen Posted on July 13, 2016 231 views

Published by: Polk County Itemizer-Observer  Written by: Lukas Eggen MONMOUTH — Las Vegas has long been a city where people go to bet big with the hope of hitting the jackpot. It seems fitting that the city would serve as the setting where former Western Oregon men’s basketball player Devon Alexander will go all-in as he [more…]

Campus & community | WOU in the news

WOU in the news: Western Oregon University’s unique role

Lisa Catto Posted on July 2, 2016 209 views

On a hot Willamette Valley morning last month, in the middle of the black robes and snapping cameras of graduation season, more than 800 brand new alumni collected bachelor’s degrees at Western Oregon University in Monmouth. It wasn’t the largest class among the state universities, and nobody occupied the stage in protest, but the occasion [more…]

Sports & recreation

Wolves football game vs. HSU to be aired on ASN

Lisa Catto Posted on June 23, 2016 258 views

The Western Oregon football team’s Homecoming and Senior Day game against Humboldt State (Oct. 22) has been picked up for a national television broadcast on the American Sports Network as part of the 2016 Division II Football Showcase, the NCAA announced Thursday.                          The WOU-HSU game will kick off at 12:30 p.m. at McArthur Field [more…]

Class of 2016 | Student life

Julia McCullough Smith Award: Han Vu Gia Nguyen

Lisa Catto Posted on June 11, 2016 411 views

The year before she came to Western as a freshman, Han Vu Gia Nguyen had moved to the United States from Vietnam with her parents. Now, just five years later, this year’s Julia McCulloch Smith award recipient for outstanding senior female is fluent in a new language, achieved significant academic and extracurricular success, and is [more…]

Class of 2016 | Student life

Grad profile: Conner Williams

Nicole Larsen Posted on June 10, 2016 273 views

Name:  Conner Williams Age: 22 Major/minor: Humanities/economics Hometown: Molalla, Ore. Favorite campus event: New Student Week Best study spot: Terry House Advice to incoming freshman: “Get involved a little earlier. As a freshman, you can easily get caught up in the mindset of having a college experience as it’s shown in movies, but there’s much more to your time in college.” For [more…]

Class of 2016 | Student life

Grad profile: Shay Guyton

Nicole Larsen Posted on June 10, 2016 346 views

Name:  Shay Guyton Age: 21 Major/Minor: Community health education/psychology Hometown: Hillsboro, Ore. Favorite campus event: New Student Week Best study spot: Floor of residence halls, or study rooms in Hamersly Library Advice to incoming freshman: “Keep doing the things you love. Don’t let other people tell you not to do them. I was hesitant to join things as a freshman, but [more…]

Class of 2016 | Student life

Grad profile: Tuyen Bolton

Nicole Larsen Posted on June 10, 2016 231 views

Name:  Tuyen Bolton Age: 22 Major/Minor:  Interdisciplinary studies with focuses in humanities, social science and health/physical education Hometown: Raised in Eugene / born in Soc Trang, Vietnam Advice to incoming freshman: “Remember that it’s important to maintain a solid GPA throughout college to graduate and get into graduate school and beyond, but they are not [more…]

Class of 2016 | Sports & recreation

Grad profile: Emmi Collier

Nicole Larsen Posted on June 10, 2016 229 views

Name:  Emmi Collier Age: 22 Major/Minor: Exercise science/focus in physical education Hometown: Warrenton, Ore. Favorite campus event(s): Home Track & Field meets, WOUMania, and New Student Week Best study spot: Third floor of Hamersly Advice to incoming freshman: “Make friends with new people while at Western! You may come here with friends from high school, but make sure you get out [more…]

Class of 2016 | Sports & recreation

Grad profile: Stephanie Stuckey

Kelsie Johnson Posted on June 9, 2016 238 views

Stephanie Stuckey is a dedicated, hardworking student who has worked very hard to get where she is today. She exceeds the expectations of others despite the circumstances she has overcome. She took the time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions for us while she was in Florida for the NCAA Outdoor Track & [more…]

Class of 2016 | Student life

Grad profile: Madison Malot

Nicole Larsen Posted on June 9, 2016 272 views

Name:  Madison Malot Age: 21 Major/Minor: English literature/American Sign Language Hometown: Central Point, Ore.  Favorite campus event: Performance by Dip-Hop rapper WAWA, part of Western Accessibility Awareness Month (WAAM) Best study spot: Rick’s Place or the second floor of Hamersly Library Advice to incoming freshman: “Be more confident and don’t freak out if you make changes [more…]

Campus & community | Class of 2016

Grad profile: Elani Elkins

Kelsie Johnson Posted on June 9, 2016 256 views

Elani Elkins is a 2016 Western Oregon University graduate, graduating with a degree in business. Coming from Albany, Ore., Elkins originally chose WOU because it was close to home and she was interested in the education program. Like many other college students, after taking a few college classes she decided that she was more interested in [more…]

Arts & culture | Campus & community

¡La Nuestra Fiesta Latina fue increíble!

McKenzie McClure Posted on May 23, 2016 212 views

On Friday, May 20, Western Oregon University’s Multicultural Student Union hosted Nuestra Fiesta Latina, and word on the street is that this 14 hour party was quite a success! Starting at 11 a.m. there were tons of free activities for the campus community. Events like face painting, airbrush tattoos, and a jalapeño eating contest made this afternoon [more…]

Campus & community

Academic Excellence Showcase

Grace Salud Posted on May 23, 2016 322 views

This year on Thursday, May 26 is the 11th annual Academic Excellence Showcase. This event makes it possible for students of any disciplinary focus to share what they have been working on over the year. The day is dedicated to the presentation of student scholarly activities, including original research papers, projects, artwork, performances, and upper-division course projects, [more…]

Campus & community

Using art to make a change in the world

Lisa Catto Posted on May 9, 2016 257 views

Two young alums – and former roommates – put their passion for the arts to good use A lot can be accomplished in the few years following graduation. For two Western Oregon University graduates – friends and former roommates of the class of 2012 – it has been an eventful four years. Love, loss, cross-country [more…]

Campus & community

Child Development Center Summer Camp: enroll now

Kelsie Johnson Posted on May 5, 2016 270 views

For the third year, the TRI-CDC will be holding their annual summer program. It will begin in June and continue through August. The theme this year is STEM adventure, featuring activities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Children will have the opportunity to engage in both indoor and outdoor activities. This will be a fun [more…]

Campus & community

How to be a better ally for trans and gender nonconforming individuals

McKenzie McClure Posted on May 3, 2016 300 views

The Associated Students of Western Oregon University (ASWOU) put on a successful week of events for Western Oregon University’s Diversity Week. On Tuesday, April 26, speaker Rhodes Perry came to campus to workshop the event In Solidarity With: Trans Allies as Agents of Social Change. During this workshop he discussed ways to be a better ally [more…]

Campus & community

Western Oregon University Hosts: SPEAK LIKE A GIRL

McKenzie McClure Posted on April 22, 2016 310 views

On Wednesday, April 20, Western Oregon University welcomed Megan Falley and Olivia Gatwood, otherwise known as the feminist slam poetry duo: SPEAK LIKE A GIRL. These women have been on a tour around the country, making stops at college campuses to share their fresh and inspiring spoken word on feminism and gender inequality. Issues like street [more…]

Campus & community

WOU Diversity Week!

McKenzie McClure Posted on April 20, 2016 222 views

April 25 through April 28 is Western Oregon University’s Diversity Week! Monday through Thursday ASWOU will be hosting a few different events that students, staff, and community members are encouraged to participate in. Tabling On the 25th stop by the WUC from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to see the ASWOU table for activities, information, [more…]

Campus & community

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

McKenzie McClure Posted on April 18, 2016 278 views

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Western Oregon University is proud to participate in the national effort to bring awareness to sexual violence, and to promote prevention education in our communities on campus. Abby’s House has multiple events going on around campus this month for this exact cause. Here are some activities to help [more…]

Campus & community

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities to visit campus

Lisa Catto Posted on April 5, 2016 201 views

The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) will be on campus April 11 to 13 to engage in the seven year review of the university’s accreditation. The university had successfully completed its mid-cycle NWCCU accreditation review in 2013 and had submitted a self-study report in preparation for this site visit. The NWCCU team is [more…]

Campus & community

WOU announces “WOU Affordability Grant” to increase access to college

Lisa Catto Posted on April 4, 2016 299 views

Western Oregon University President Rex Fuller announced today that the university was taking another bold step in keeping its high quality education affordable for Oregon students. With the support of the Board of Trustees, WOU limited its tuition increase for undergraduate residents to less than three percent for next year. This will further protect many [more…]

Sports & recreation

Monmouth and Independence declare April 8 “WOU Men’s Basketball Day”

Lisa Catto Posted on April 2, 2016 258 views

In recognition of the astounding achievements of this year’s Western Oregon University men’s basketball team, Monmouth and Independence will issue a proclamation at the next Monmouth City Council that Friday, April 8 will be WOU Men’s Basketball Day. The City Council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5 in Monmouth’s Volunteer [more…]

Sports & recreation

Epic season ends for No. 3 WOU in NCAA Division II Final Four

Lisa Catto Posted on March 25, 2016 255 views

FRISCO, Texas – The season-long ride with the most prolific Wolves men’s basketball squad in school history is over.   The Western Oregon University men’s basketball team saw it season come to an end with a 74-55 loss Thursday night in the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball national semifinals against Augustana (SD) at the Elite [more…]

Sports & recreation

WOU in the news: Hungry like the Wolves: Western Oregon makes 1st Elite 8

Lisa Catto Posted on March 21, 2016 222 views

Hungry Like the Wolves: Western Oregon Wolves are headed to the Division-II Elite 8 in Frisco, TX behind West Region Player of the Year Andy Avgi & 1st year head coach (WOU Class of ’85) Jim Shaw. Fox 12’s Nick Krupke reports. Watch the video by KPTV Fox 12.

Sports & recreation

NCAA West to converge in Monmouth

Lisa Catto Posted on March 7, 2016 239 views

The GNAC regular-season and tournament champion Western Oregon men’s basketball team has been selected as the No. 1 seed and host for the 2016 NCAA Division II West Regional Tournament, which will be held March 11-14 at the New P.E. Building.   The Wolves (27-3) will play their opening round game on Friday, March 11 [more…]

Campus & community

A.L.I.C.E. Training

Kyle Kern Posted on February 25, 2016 525 views

It’s an uncomfortable topic to cover, but in recent years school shootings have been on the rise while preparedness hasn’t changed. The method still taught at many elementary and high school level of “lockdown” where children gather at a side of the room, or under their desks has become outdated and there must be a [more…]

Campus & community

Joint statement between WOU and the WOU Federation of Teachers regarding the 2015-17 contract

Lisa Catto Posted on February 24, 2016 238 views

A message from WOU President Rex Fuller: The University and WOUFT are pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached and the leadership of the WOUFT will be recommending ratification of the contract by its members. Mark Perlman, president of the WOUFT said “WOUFT is elated to conclude bargaining. We are very grateful to [more…]

Education | Student life

Grad Student Profile: Carlee Nelson

Erin Westfall Posted on February 19, 2016 276 views

Carlee Nelson, an honors graduate and current M.S. in Education (Information Technology) student, is sitting at her desk in the honors office in APSC. Currently serving as the Honors Program Specialist, Nelson works with her advisor Dr. Gavin Keulks in assisting the current honors students as they make their way through the program. “As a [more…]

Sports & recreation

DII basketball: Western Oregon captures first No. 1 in school history

Lisa Catto Posted on February 12, 2016 273 views

The Western Oregon Wolves saw a year of firsts in the 2014-2015. Not only did head coach Brady Bergeson and star forward Andy Avgi lead WOU to its first 20-win season since 1996-97 (and its first as a DII basketball program), the team also won its first ever Great Northwest Athletic Conference title, made its [more…]

Campus & community | Sports & recreation

Campus Recreation Upcoming Events

Kyle Kern Posted on February 10, 2016 194 views

These coming months will have several events, mostly FREE and a great way to learn and stay involved with Campus Recreation February 16: Avalanche Awareness, Know Before You Go!, HWC 105 from 5:15-7:00pm This event is free and teaches on safety precautions that can be taken when it comes to avalanches, if you’re one who enjoys [more…]

Campus & community

The Battle for Equality

Kyle Kern Posted on February 8, 2016 234 views

On Friday February 5 Senator Jeff Merkley visited Western Oregon University to discuss the Equality Act. The Equality Act is a bill that was proposed in 2015 that would help protect the LGBT community. Although the Supreme Court legalized same sex marriage in the United States in 2015, there is a struggle still very evident [more…]

Student life

Veteran Success Center makes a campus comeback

Lisa Catto Posted on February 2, 2016 254 views

Passion, drive and enthusiasm. These are three words that best describe Andrew Holbert, the new coordinator of the Veteran Success Center. Holbert started working at Western in December 2015 and in just six short weeks he has transformed the Veteran Success Center into an inviting, calm, well-appointed and welcoming lounge for student veterans. He has worked feverishly alongside Cody Knight, [more…]

Campus & community | Social & behavioral sciences

Preview: Perspectives on Peace

Kyle Kern Posted on January 21, 2016 249 views

The social science division has a tradition of selecting a speaker series that reflects on major classroom discussions revolving around challenges that the world faces today. Winter term 2016 will focus on Peace. “In Winter 2016, the Social Science Division is integrating the topic of peace in our classes in diverse ways: considering what it means, what [more…]

Campus & community

Preview: MLK Week Events

Kyle Kern Posted on January 15, 2016 266 views

There’s no school on Monday in remembrance of Martin Luther King Jr. but there are plenty of events throughout the week to help us remember what King stood for. Monday (MLK Day) January 18  “MLK Service Project, Make it a day on, not a day off” Why not spend the day off helping the community [more…]

Alumni | Sports & recreation

WOU in the news: Prep girls basketball: Archambault is one well-traveled coach

Lisa Catto Posted on January 12, 2016 236 views

WINSTON — To every stop along the way, Kipp Archambault brings a similar approach to basketball. Star players mean less than the sum of the entire team. Archambault has coached all over western Oregon in a career spanning more than 25 years. Stops in Gilchrist, Klamath Falls and Salem go along with stints in Glide, [more…]

Student life | Uncategorized

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Western Acapella

Deborah Rezell Posted on December 15, 2015 259 views

Western Oregon University’s campus acapella clubs, 15 Miles West & Suspended, have released a music video for the holidays.  “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” is now available for viewing on YouTube. The video was a creative collaboration between the WOU men’s and women’s acapella clubs, led by Grant Harris.  “We wanted to get more [more…]

Campus & community | Uncategorized

Hamersly is getting a facelift

Hailey Fields Posted on December 3, 2015 238 views

Our very own Hamersly Library is getting a facelift beginning over Winter Break! The absolute best part about said facelift you ask? THE CAFE. Thats right, guys, there will be a Cafe Allegro satellite cafe in the library next term ( hopefully by February). It will be located in the alcove at the north end [more…]

Campus & community | Uncategorized

Tree Campus USA

Hailey Fields Posted on December 1, 2015 218 views

Dr. Bryan Dutton here at WOU wants to start taking the steps to make our university the next addition to the long list of schools recognized as “Tree Campuses”. The Arbor Day Foundation has a program entitled : Tree Campus USA. To be a part of the Universities involved in Tree Campus USA, your school [more…]

Campus & community

Preview: Holiday Tree Lighting 2015

Erin Westfall Posted on November 30, 2015 275 views

Western Oregon University will be hosting the 48th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Friday, December 4, 2015. The activities kick off at 6:00 pm with a holiday parade, which leaves from the Monmouth Library. At 7:00 pm, attendees can enjoy a local school choir concert, drink wine and listen to music at the historic Gentle [more…]

Campus & community | Uncategorized

2015 Abby’s House Silent Auction

Hailey Fields Posted on November 23, 2015 231 views

As  you all know already, Abby’s House is an amazing resource on campus that is there to help students and community members who are in need. They help women and families who have suffered from abuse or sexual violence along with people who struggle in areas such as depression, homelessness, stress, LGBTQ, and sexual health. They [more…]

Campus & community | WOU in the news

WOU in the news: Hungry Like The Wolf

Nicole Larsen Posted on November 18, 2015 236 views

Published in: Polk County Itemizer-Observer by: Emily Mentzer MONMOUTH — More than half of the students at Western Oregon University don’t know where their next meal is coming from. One in four classified staff members need help getting food. “We’re not talking about students who are eating ramen,” said Jackson Stalley, chairman of Friends of the [more…]

Campus & community

Safety first in Monmouth

Kyle Kern Posted on November 4, 2015 199 views

After attending a city of Monmouth council meeting on Tuesday November 3, one thing was made clear, safety is the main priority of the council members especially when it comes to Western Oregon University. After a unanimous vote by the committee additional stop signs will be placed on the corner of Stadium Drive and Jackson [more…]

Campus & community

The ghosts of WOU

Kyle Kern Posted on October 26, 2015 248 views

Last Saturday, October 24 students gathered in the Werner University Center Pacific room to further set the mood for Halloween. After a short background on the history of ghosts, hauntings and the truth behind poltergeists and possessions, Ross Allison led a group of students on an actual ghost hunt taking place in WOU’s own Todd [more…]

Campus & community

A fight for equality close to home

Kyle Kern Posted on October 7, 2015 192 views

Furthering the ideology of equality for everyone is no easy task, but Western Oregon University’s own CM Hall isn’t one to back down from a challenge. Actively participating on and off campus for LGBTQQIA as well as deaf rights, we are proud to have her here as she teaches LGBTQ studies as well as Deaf [more…]

Campus & community | WOU in the news

WOU in the news: TEDx Salem inspires fearlessness

Nicole Larsen Posted on October 5, 2015 228 views

Published by: Statesman Journal by: Conner Williams What does it mean to be fearless? That was the theme of the third annual TEDx Salem at the Convention Center on Saturday. Maya Kaup, a junior biology major at Willamette University and founder of the university’s Food Recovery Network, said fearlessness is “not letting anything stop you from [more…]

Student life | WOU in the news

“I Go To W-O-U” Music Video

Deborah Rezell Posted on September 15, 2015 424 views

Western Oregon University’s Digital Production Services (DPS) has released the university’s first official music video.  The video features original lyrics composed and performed by 15 Miles West, a campus student organization and men’s acapella group.  Titled “I Go To W-O-U” the song is based on the 1982 hit “Hungry Like The Wolf” recorded by Duran [more…]

Alumni | Campus & community | Student life | WOU in the news

Wolfie’s got a new look

Emily Swart Posted on September 10, 2015 274 views

Western Oregon University is thrilled to welcome its incoming student class. This year is particularly special as the class includes a “new face” for Waldo “Wolfie” Wolfe, the beloved WOU mascot. The old costume officially graduated with the class of 2015. You have five opportunities this fall to check-out Wolfie’s new look. First is at [more…]

Alumni | Campus & community | Education | WOU in the news

WOU in the news: Seidel Excited To Make Her Return To Monmouth

Emily Swart Posted on September 10, 2015 204 views

Published by: Polk County Itemizer-Observer By: Emily Mentzer Kim Seidel is thrilled to return to Monmouth to work as the principal at Monmouth Elementary School. “I went to Western Oregon University,” she said. “My husband and I met here. We both said if we ever have the opportunity to live back in Monmouth, we’d do [more…]

Sports & recreation | WOU in the news

WOU in the news: College Football: Picking Up The Slack

Emily Swart Posted on September 3, 2015 224 views

Published by: Itemizer-Observer By: Lukas Eggen MONMOUTH — At first glance, Western Oregon appears set up for a run at the Great Northwest Athletic Conference title. The Wolves return a majority of the starters from a year ago when WOU finished in a three-way tie for second. If head coach Arne Ferguson is to help [more…]

Sports & recreation | WOU in the news

WOU in the news: Western Oregon football hopes to build momentum

Emily Swart Posted on August 31, 2015 207 views

Posted by: Statesmanjournal.com By: Luis Ramirez   MONMOUTH – When the season begins Saturday at Humboldt State, the Western Oregon football team will be looking to keep its positive momentum going after finishing 6-5 last season and posting the 10th consecutive winning season. The Woloves will have to win without some key contributors from last [more…]

Sports & recreation | WOU in the news

WOU in the news: WOU’s Revis Named Preseason All-American

Emily Swart Posted on August 28, 2015 230 views

Story published on OregonLive.com By: Great Northwest Athletic Conference   PORTLAND, Ore. – Central Washington defensive back Cedrique Chaney and Western Oregon wide receiver/return specialist Paul Revis have been selected to the D2Football.com Preseason All-America First Team. Chaney, of Kelso, Wash., is a three-time All-GNAC selection. He earned first team honors for the Wildcats in [more…]

Sports & recreation | WOU in the news

WOU in the news: Coaches, Players Battle The Heat

Lisa Catto Posted on August 19, 2015 234 views

Story published in the Polk County Itemizer-Observer By Lukas Eggen POLK COUNTY — The fall sports season officially kicked off on Monday. As players and coaches gathered to prepare, they were greeted by an unwelcome, and dangerous, guest — the heat. Temperatures reached into the 90s on Monday and Tuesday and a heat advisory went [more…]

Campus & community

Celebrating academic achievement: Honor Roll and graduates

Lisa Catto Posted on August 5, 2015 265 views

In the hustle and bustle of campus life, let’s pause for a moment to recognize those who have reached important collegiate milestones. Students who earn a 4.0 grade point average in a term are placed on the prestigious President’s List and those who earn a 3.5-3.99 GPA are listed in the Honor Roll. In the spring, [more…]

Alumni | Sports & recreation | WOU in the news

WOU in the news: Q & A with Hillsboro athletic director Steve Drake: ‘Our kids now believe we’re going to win.’

Lisa Catto Posted on July 30, 2015 218 views

Story published in the Oregonian By Jeff Smith Hillsboro High School athletic director Steve Drake arrived at the school as a coach in 1984 and was promoted to his current position in 1997. Drake, 57, said the success of his athletic programs over the past couple of years has rejuvenated him and he can’t wait [more…]

Campus & community | WOU in the news

WOU in the news: WOU good; Medicare and Social Security finances bad

Lisa Catto Posted on July 24, 2015 203 views

Story published in the Statesman Journal By the Statesman Journal Editorial Board WINNER: Western Oregon University. Oregon’s oldest public university began a new era this month, with new autonomy and a new president. WOU’s own governing board took over as the state disbanded its centralized administration of public universities. The Oregon University System had operated [more…]

Campus & community

Historic day as WOU transitions to independent board of trustees, new president

Lisa Catto Posted on July 23, 2015 237 views

MONMOUTH, Ore. – The inaugural Western Oregon University (WOU) Board of Trustees held its first meeting since taking on governance responsibility for the university on Wednesday, July 22. The board began by welcoming new President Rex Fuller.  Both Fuller and the board began their roles on July 1. This historic event is the culmination of [more…]

Campus & community

Donors honored at annual President’s Club dinner

Lisa Catto Posted on July 23, 2015 201 views

Those who financially support Western Oregon University through gifts make an immeasurable impact on campus. Their generosity supports our students, programs and the physical campus itself. Each year, a dinner is held to thank and honor the donors who are members of the President’s Club. This exclusive group consists of donors who gave $1,000 or more [more…]

Campus & community | WOU in the news

WOU in the news: Cycle Oregon To Visit Polk County During Ride

Lisa Catto Posted on July 9, 2015 232 views

Story published in the Polk County Itemizer-Observer By Lukas Eggen POLK COUNTY — Thousands of cyclists are about to hit the road in and around Polk County. Cycle Oregon will hold its weekend ride, dubbed Camp Cycle Oregonnadogood, this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The group will set up camp at Western Oregon University, where cyclists will [more…]

Campus & community

Third time’s a charm

Lisa Catto Posted on June 30, 2015 224 views

President Mark Weiss reflects on his time at the helm, and offers sage advice to the new president. As President Mark Weiss nears retirement, he offers advice for the new president and for the Western community as he reflects on the “the best job I’ve ever had.” Yet, this isn’t the first time Weiss has [more…]

Sports & recreation

Western Oregon University’s director of sports performance named Master Strength & Conditioning Coach

Lisa Catto Posted on June 28, 2015 211 views

At the beginning of May, Western Oregon University’s Director of Sports Performance Cori Metzgar was named a Master Strength and Conditioning Coach by the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches association (CSCCa). Metzgar was presented with the blue MSCC jacket on May 7 by her mentor Master Strength and Conditioning Coach Anthony Glass from The Ohio State [more…]

Student life

Cheyenne Standing-Elk, named for her tribe

Sarah Funk Posted on June 26, 2015 233 views

Cheyenne Standing-Elk was raised by the Caucasian side of her family, but she bears the name of her Native American ancestors: the Cheyenne tribe. As the director of the Student Activities Board (SAB), she is one of few Native American students to hold a position of leadership on campus. At Western Oregon University, “You don’t [more…]

Campus & community

WOU celebrated its largest graduating class to date

Lisa Catto Posted on June 17, 2015 262 views

June 13 was a pretty hot day, for Oregon in June at least. More than a thousand graduates packed into the New Physical Education gym to line up for the processional of the largest Commencement in Western Oregon University’s history. The graduates had to be pretty warm in their robes, but you wouldn’t have guessed it by [more…]

Campus & community | WOU in the news

WOU in the news: WOU Public Safety Gets New Badges

Nicole Larsen Posted on June 17, 2015 226 views

MONMOUTH — Campbell Hall and Mount Hood will soon grace the shoulders of public safety officers at Western Oregon University, thanks to a new badge designed by senior Jeff Collet. “The problem that was presented was how can we describe the region and the campus in a simple way,” said Collet, a visual communication design [more…]

Campus & community

Pastega Award for Staff Excellence: Kellen Hendrickson ’05

Lisa Catto Posted on June 16, 2015 223 views

It is not unusual for a graduate of Western Oregon University to find his or her way back to campus in one form or another. Be it as a parent of a student, volunteer, or employee, WOU holds a special place in people’s hearts. Kellen Hendrickson ’05, this year’s Mario and Alma Pastega Award for [more…]

Campus & community

Pastega Award for Excellence in Scholarship: Dr. Kevin Walczyk

Lisa Catto Posted on June 16, 2015 241 views

Everyone has a different path to discovering what he or she is passionate about. For Dr. Kevin Walczyk, this year’s Mario and Alma Pastega Excellence in Scholarship Award recipient, he discovered his passion early in his life: music and composition. He began playing the trumpet in 5th grade then added piano in 6th grade. At [more…]

Campus & community

Pastega Award for Excellence in Teaching: Dr. Maureen Dolan

Lisa Catto Posted on June 16, 2015 307 views

Dr. Maureen Dolan deeply believes in the benefits of applied sociology and stepping outside of the traditional classroom setting. This has been her mission since joining WOU in 1993. Dolan, this year’s Mario and Alma Pastega Excellence in Teaching Award recipient, taught a Chicano studies sociology course where her students studied how a “culture of [more…]

Campus & community

Outstanding Graduate Student: Erica West Oyedele ’15

Lisa Catto Posted on June 15, 2015 247 views

A challenge faced by many in online academic programs is the difficulty in forming deep connections with classmates and faculty. Erica West Oyedele, this year’s Outstanding Graduate Student, said that problem was minimized with Western Oregon University’s master’s in Interpreting Studies. Although students were only on campus during two summers, West Oyedele said they found [more…]

Campus & community

Golden Lamp Award: Kacie Svesko ’15

Lisa Catto Posted on June 15, 2015 239 views

For as long as Kacie Svesko can remember, she has wanted to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. One of her earliest memories of elementary school was a rainy day in Oregon. The worms were out and stranded on the sidewalk. “I couldn’t stand the thought of all those poor little guys frying in [more…]

Campus & community

Delmer Dewey Award: Eli D. Zachary ’15

Lisa Catto Posted on June 14, 2015 289 views

Not many students can say they graduated with a 4.0 grade point average in their major and a 3.94 overall GPA. Eli Zachary, this year’s Delmer Dewey Award recipient for Outstanding Senior Male, can claim that honor. Not only does he have an incredible academic record – he majored in biology (with an emphasis in [more…]

Campus & community

Julia McCulloch Smith Award: Kylie M. Roth ’15

Lisa Catto Posted on June 14, 2015 286 views

Some students who grow up near a university feel the urge to spend their college years further away from home – no matter how good of a fit that college may be. Kylie Roth, this year’s Julia McCulloch Smith recipient never felt that way. Despite growing up close to Western Oregon University as a native [more…]

Campus & community | WOU in the news

WOU in the news: Western Oregon University names rec center after Senate President Peter Courtney

Nicole Larsen Posted on June 13, 2015 197 views

Western Oregon University announced Saturday that the Health and Wellness Center would be renamed after state Senate President Peter Courtney, who worked at the university for 30 years. The naming ceremony took place just before the university’s commencement ceremony, at which Courtney was the keynote speaker. Other speakers included Gov. Kate Brown, former Gov. Ted Kulongoski, [more…]

Campus & community

Alumni Award of Excellence: Dr. Lance Marr ’93

Lisa Catto Posted on June 13, 2015 307 views

Dr. Lance Marr ‘93, this year’s Alumni Award of Excellence recipient, sees the benefits of his collegiate experience at Western Oregon University on a daily basis. “When I look back at any personal, professional, or family success that I’ve had, I can trace a portion of that success to my time at Western,” he said. [more…]

Campus & community

Commencement speaker: Peter Courtney

Lisa Catto Posted on June 13, 2015 302 views

Oregon State Senate President Peter Courtney, this year’s speaker for Western Oregon University’s Commencement, has had many things to be proud of in his 41-year public service career. In fact, after this term he’ll have the longest legislative career in the state’s history. When asked what stands out to him among his accomplishments, he said, [more…]

Student life

The Prayer and Meditation Room

Sarah Funk Posted on June 8, 2015 251 views

In Western Oregon University’s Maaske Hall is a quiet room for prayer and meditation. It is open to anyone on campus seeking a peaceful place to pray or reflect. During most of the week, only a few people use it each day, but the international club occasionally reserves it for meetings, and Muslim students gather [more…]

Campus & community

WOU Programs: the Student Enrichment Program

Sarah Funk Posted on June 8, 2015 195 views

The Student Enrichment Program (SEP) of Western Oregon University serves first-generation, low-income, and disabled students. These students are in the minority in many colleges and universities, but at WOU, they make up 65 percent of the student body. Thanks to SEP, they have the opportunity to overcome their challenges and perform as well as their [more…]

Campus & community

WOU Programs: Tutoring

Sarah Funk Posted on June 7, 2015 190 views

One of the many services that the Academic Advising and Learning Center (AALC) of Western Oregon University provides is free one-on-one tutoring. Not every student takes advantage of tutoring, but those who do understand the value of studying with a knowledgeable peer who can give them a new perspective. All of AALC’s tutors are WOU [more…]

Student life

Gabriel McKay, Criminal Justice Major and Bronco Rider

Sarah Funk Posted on June 5, 2015 240 views

At Western Oregon University, Gabriel McKay is a senior in criminal justice; at home in eastern Oregon, he is a rancher and a bucking bronco rider. After graduating, he plans to return to his family’s ranch and apply to police departments near his home or join the National Guard. Whichever path he chooses, he will [more…]

Campus & community

WOU programs: Non-Traditional Student Services

Sarah Funk Posted on May 19, 2015 191 views

Non-Traditional Student Services at Western Oregon University, managed by Student Leadership and Activities, benefit students who are older than average, have dependents, or have returned to school after an extended break. The services help to minimize the challenging aspects of being a non-traditional student, primarily through advising and social and educational events. The Non-Traditional Student [more…]

Campus & community

WOU programs: Service Learning and Career Development

Sarah Funk Posted on May 12, 2015 228 views

In February, the Western Oregon University Service Learning and Career Development office (SLCD) hosted an internship and volunteer fair. The fair’s slogan, “Experience the difference…experience can make,” emphasized one of SLCD’s primary goals: helping students gain work experience. The mission of SLCD, according to the office’s website, is “to provide access to transformative experiences, education [more…]

Campus & community | Education

Gentle Endowment Professor To Restart Book Club

Nicole Larsen Posted on May 6, 2015 187 views

MONMOUTH — Marie LeJeune, associate professor of teacher education, finds it crucial to keep her pulse on what is going on in public K-12 education. “It’s important in my work to continually be connected to what teachers are doing in K-12 schools,” she said. A new endowment for education professors at Western Oregon University, the [more…]

Campus & community

Donna Litchfield, puppy raiser

Sarah Funk Posted on May 5, 2015 210 views

“When people see me on campus, they look down for the dog,” said Donna Litchfield with a smile for Jaunty, the Golden Retriever puppy sitting at her feet. Litchfield is known all around her office in the Western Oregon University Physical Plant for the guide dog puppies she raises. For the last six years they [more…]

Sports & recreation

Shaw To Lead WOU Men’s Basketball

Nicole Larsen Posted on April 29, 2015 173 views

MONMOUTH — Western Oregon University Athletic Director Barbara Dearing announced the hiring of WOU alumnus Jim Shaw as the men’s basketball head coach on Monday. “We concluded a nationwide search and had more high quality candidates for the position than any other time anyone can remember in school history,” Dearing said. “As the search committee [more…]

Campus & community

Rex Fuller, next president, knows what matters at WOU

Nicole Larsen Posted on April 26, 2015 243 views

The scene: Rex Fuller, a finalist for the Western Oregon University presidency, is having lunch on campus. He spots the student server’s name tag, greets her by name and introduces himself, “Hi, my name is Rex.” That simple anecdote illustrates why Dr. Rex Fuller will be a good fit for Western Oregon University as its [more…]

Campus & community

WOU programs: the Food Pantry

Sarah Funk Posted on April 25, 2015 184 views

While the Governor’s Food Drive took place all over Oregon in February, the Western Oregon University Food Pantry conducted its usual business of providing cooking staples to students and community members. While the pantry received a portion of the food drive donations collected on campus, its services are mainly independent of the food drive. It [more…]

Campus & community | Student life

Culture In Motion

Nicole Larsen Posted on April 22, 2015 214 views

Werner University Center’s Pacific Room was filled with music, color and dance Saturday. Dancers and musicians from across the country attended the event, hosted by the WOU’s Multicultural Student Union. Polk County Itemizer-Observer by Aaron Yost  

Campus & community

Fuller Named Western’s Next President

Nicole Larsen Posted on April 16, 2015 176 views

MONMOUTH – Rex Fuller was officially named the next president for Western Oregon University by the Oregon State Board of Higher Education today during a conference call. Fuller, of Eastern Oregon University, will take the reins on July 1, a day after President Mark Weiss retires. Fuller and his wife Susan are eager to make [more…]

Campus & community

Fuller Tours Western Oregon University

Nicole Larsen Posted on April 8, 2015 173 views

____________________ An Open Forum with Dr. Rex Fuller. Recorded April 4 by WOU Digital Production Services. http://youtu.be/OnZwh9KVbNk ____________________ MONMOUTH – Higher education is vital to a thriving economy and a citizenry capable of thoughtfully communicating with each other, but it needs to be accessible – and affordable. “As we strive to create a more civil [more…]

Student life

This Show’s A Drag

Nicole Larsen Posted on April 8, 2015 197 views

MONMOUTH — The contents of Pandora’s Box have always been trouble. Tell the classic tale in the context of Western Oregon University’s Triangle Alliance’s annual Drag Show, and the chaos released is red hot trouble. Now in its 19th-year, the racy, campy display that is the Drag Show will be producing “Out of Pandora’s Box,” [more…]

Campus & community

Madden Speaks At Western Oregon

Nicole Larsen Posted on April 6, 2015 182 views

____________________ An Open Forum with Dr. Margaret Madden. Recorded April 6 by WOU Digital Production Services. https://youtu.be/RYhNqgOS3pk ____________________ MONMOUTH – Higher education isn’t just about getting someone a job, said Margaret Madden at an open forum at Western Oregon University on Monday. “I’m not saying getting employment after college is not an important thing,” she noted. [more…]

Campus & community

Ames Tours Western Oregon University

Nicole Larsen Posted on April 2, 2015 206 views

____________________ An Open Forum with Dr. Christopher Ames. Recorded April 2 by WOU Digital Production Services. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyO78gEn-_k ____________________ MONMOUTH – An undergraduate degree is more than just an accumulation of enough credits, it’s a holistic experience of emotional, intellectual and personal growth. That was a recurring theme for Christopher Ames at an open forum Thursday [more…]

Campus & community

Fernando At Western Oregon University

Nicole Larsen Posted on April 1, 2015 180 views

____________________ An Open Forum with Dr. Fernando P. Delgado. Recorded April 1 by WOU Digital Production Services. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rCr1Hm1T_Q ____________________ MONMOUTH – Western Oregon University should not be a hidden gem, but rather a revealed one, said Fernando Delgado during an open forum at Rice Auditorium on Wednesday. Delgado, from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, is [more…]

Campus & community

WOU narrows presidential search to four candidates

Nicole Larsen Posted on March 27, 2015 178 views

Western Oregon University’s search for a new president has been narrowed to four candidates. According to a press release from WOU and the Oregon University System, the university’s current president, Mark Weiss, will retire from his post June 30. The four finalists are Fernando Delgado, who has served as provost and vice chancellor for academic [more…]

Student life

Operation Help or Hush spends spring break in Ferguson

Nicole Larsen Posted on March 26, 2015 200 views

It was only the beginning of the third round of Ferguson Alternative Spring Break, and already tears had been shed and beliefs challenged. Alternative spring breaks are far from a new idea. For years, thousands of college students have ventured away from the traditional fun-in-the-sun to dedicate their time to community service. Large non-profit groups [more…]

Campus & community | Science & technology

Kids with autism see big benefits from massage, study says

Nicole Larsen Posted on March 26, 2015 208 views

A massage treatment developed for children who have autism can lessen its severity by a third in the first five months after diagnosis, making the treatment an effective early intervention, according to a newly published report. The treatment, developed by Dr. Louisa Silva, founder of the Oregon-based Qigong Sensory Training Institute and a visiting professor [more…]

Student life

Local college students pass on beach to volunteer, learn

Nicole Larsen Posted on March 25, 2015 187 views

Spring break for many college students means heading home to unwind, jetting off on adventures or flocking south in search of warmer beaches. But dozens of students from local colleges are bypassing that traditional experience this week to volunteer during their time off. Alternative spring break programs draw students who want to help make a [more…]

Campus & community

新年快乐 / 新年快樂 (Happy New Year!)

Nicole Larsen Posted on February 18, 2015 220 views

MONMOUTH — Make sure the house is cleaned, laundry is caught up and hair has been washed before Thursday, which marks the Chinese New Year. Sweeping, cleaning clothes or washing hair on the first few days of the Chinese New Year may bring you and your family bad luck for 2015, the Year of the [more…]

Campus & community | Student life

‘Family Weekend’ Slated At WOU

Nicole Larsen Posted on February 17, 2015 190 views

MONMOUTH — Packs of families will converge on Western Oregon University’s campus Friday through Sunday for WOU’s Family Weekend Getaway. The event, which kicks off Friday with registration at 5 p.m. at the Werner University Center, is not just for students, but open to all in the WOU family: current students, former students, those with [more…]

Campus & community

WOU Grad Rates Up To 46 Percent

Nicole Larsen Posted on February 17, 2015 172 views

MONMOUTH — Western Oregon University’s graduation rates have increased, but remain below a 50 percent completion mark in six years. David McDonald, associate provost, said rates have climbed from 41 percent in 2009-10 to 46 percent in 2013-14. Because of variables each year, McDonald said taking rates five years apart shows a more accurate measurement. [more…]

Campus & community

Willamette Heritage Center hires local as new director

Nicole Larsen Posted on February 12, 2015 167 views

The Willamette Heritage Center has hired Bob H. Reinhardt as its next executive directer. Reinhardt, who is currently a visiting assistant professor of history at Western Oregon University, will teach through the remainder of school year. He will assume part-time responsibilities at the center on March 31 and begin full-time work in June. Reinhardt is [more…]

Campus & community

Monmouth’s Man Of Many Hats

Nicole Larsen Posted on February 11, 2015 179 views

MONMOUTH — Marshall Guthrie rides his bike everywhere. He enjoys taking loops around country roads, stopping in at Rogue Hop Farms for a craft beer — at least when he has time in between his work as director of Western Oregon’s Student Enrichment Program and attending seemingly endless meetings as a Monmouth city councilman. Long [more…]

Student life

Gaming At A New Level

Nicole Larsen Posted on February 4, 2015 171 views

MONMOUTH — Two teams were locked in battle. Shouts of joy, frustration and laughter filled the room. Welcome to “League of Legends.” The Western Oregon eSports club, founded in 2014, is open to any video game, on any gaming console, but the game “League of Legends” has dominated weekly meetings. “It’s the game I’ve played [more…]

Arts & culture | Campus & community

Award-Winning Fiddler Brings High-Energy Show To Western

Nicole Larsen Posted on February 4, 2015 174 views

MONMOUTH — Who says you can’t be a fiddle player, step dancer and singer-songwriter all at the same time? April Verch does a pretty darn good job at all three. This week, she and bandmates Cody Walters and Hayes Griffin will perform a unique blend of roots entertainment in Monmouth as part of Western Oregon [more…]

Campus & community

Past Tense Oregon: Progressive Era played huge role in Oregon history

Nicole Larsen Posted on February 3, 2015 170 views

How significant was the Progressive Era for Oregon’s women? One way to answer that question is note the huge effort put forth by those in power to try to stop it. “Our sense of their struggle can be informed by the backlash against them,” said Kimberly Jensen, professor of history at Western Oregon University, Monday [more…]

Campus & community

Portland-Based Showers Pass Sponsors Bike MS to Fight Multiple Sclerosis

Nicole Larsen Posted on January 27, 2015 217 views

By becoming an annual sponsor of Bike MS, the nation’s premier cycling fundraising series, Showers Pass brings together two of its greatest passions. Showers Pass has announced that it has signed on as an annual sponsor of the nonprofit National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The compelling vision of the National MS Society is easy to get behind: [more…]

Sports & recreation

The Western Oregon home run that won an ESPY and changed college softball forever

Nicole Larsen Posted on December 16, 2014 244 views

Over the years, she’s learned a lot about people from their reaction to her story. College guys, when they meet her, will laugh and say it never should have happened the way it did. She should never have received help. Forget sportsmanship, a game should be about winning. Young girls, when they meet her, say [more…]

Campus & community

WOU succeeds but faces challenges

Nicole Larsen Posted on November 29, 2014 159 views

Western Oregon University can make a strong case for being the state’s best-run public university, but its future will hinge on two significant changes. One is the selection of a new president next year to succeed Mark Weiss, who is retiring. The other is the transition next summer to WOU’s having its own governing board, [more…]

Campus & community | Uncategorized

2014 Election Results: A Suburban Battle

Erin Westfall Posted on November 15, 2014 198 views

On November 12, 2014, guest speaker Dr. Ed Dover presented a lecture, “The 2014 National and State Elections: Results and Meaning,” part of The Social Science Symposium Series. During the lecture, Dover discussed several political themes that are constant in elections on a local and national level. The first of these themes was the division [more…]

Campus & community

The world crisis we’d rather ignore

Nicole Larsen Posted on November 13, 2014 178 views

I well remember my 1971 environmental physics class discussion of the greenhouse effect caused by global CO2 emissions and other gases. The concept is simple: Solar radiation enters the earth’s atmosphere but increasing levels of greenhouse gases hamper adequate cooling of our environment. From the beginning of the Industrial Age, Americans simply neglected to consider [more…]

Arts & culture | Student life

Fight Wolves, Fight!

Nicole Larsen Posted on October 29, 2014 255 views

MONMOUTH — For the first time in roughly 44 years, Western Oregon University once again has lyrics to its fight song, thanks to the efforts of Ike Nail. The lyrics have been on paper but unapproved for a few years, said Nail, associate professor of music and the band and orchestra director at WOU. The [more…]

Campus & community

Salem Police announce new deputy chief

Nicole Larsen Posted on October 16, 2014 193 views

The Salem Police Department announced the promotion of a new deputy chief Thursday. Lt. Skip Miller, who has served at the department for 17 years and has been in law enforcement since 1997, will be the department’s new deputy chief. Starting Nov. 3, Miller will lead the investigation division at the department, according to a [more…]

Campus & community | Student life

City Has New Latino Liaison

Nicole Larsen Posted on September 30, 2014 170 views

INDEPENDENCE — When Kevin Salvador Alejandrez took the reins of Independence’s Latino outreach program on Sept. 2, he wasn’t quite sure where he would take the program. “It’s still kind of iffy I think,” he said. “I think right now what I’m planning on is taking what Elizabeth Calixtro (his predecessor) has left behind and [more…]

Campus & community

Summer School

Lisa Catto Posted on July 10, 2014 185 views

Polk County Itemizer-Observer by Emily Mentzer July 9, 2014   MONMOUTH — It may feel like a ghost town on Western Oregon University’s campus during the lazy days of summer, but don’t be fooled. Plenty is going on, including many students hitting the books — and hitting them hard. Kylen Dix walked with her classmates [more…]

Campus & community

Apple Box Children’s Theater to present ‘The Odyssey’ at WOU

Lisa Catto Posted on July 9, 2014 388 views 2 comments

Polk County Itemizer-Observer By Emily Mentzer July 9, 2014   MONMOUTH — It was a sad day for one of Odysseus’ soldiers, eaten alive by the Cyclops. “Poor Antitheses!” one soldier shouted. “We’re all going to die!” shouted another. But Odysseus’ quick thinking and wit helped save the day, lulling the monster to sleep before [more…]

Sports & recreation

WOU taking Hall of Fame ballots

Lisa Catto Posted on July 2, 2014 151 views

Polk County Itemizer-Observer PC I-O staff report July 2, 2014   MONMOUTH — Western Oregon University’s Athletic Department is accepting nominations for its 2014 Hall of Fame class. Nominations will be taken through July 18. Nominations can be made online at www.wou-wolves.com or by downloading a printable form and mailing to WOU Athletics, Attn.: Barrett [more…]

Education | Student life

Western Oregon University awards Gervais resident highest honor

Lisa Catto Posted on June 18, 2014 171 views

Portland Tribune By Lindsay Keefer June 18, 2014 Graduating at the top of his college class and setting his sights on attending Stanford, Anthony Medina is poised to make a difference in higher education policy. But the path to success hasn’t been easy. The 2010 Gervais High School graduate comes from a broken family. His [more…]

Student life

RA, ASWOU President, temporary bottle blonde – the many hats of Travis Meuwissen

Lisa Catto Posted on June 14, 2014 193 views

Travis has been an active part of Western’s community for the last four years. From being an RA to ASWOU president—Travis has done it all. He is majoring in Public Policy and Administration, with a concentration in state and federal government, and minoring in Communication Studies. Currently a senior, Travis is preparing for Commencement and [more…]

Student life

Ireland Bound – Kimberlee Bartle

Lisa Catto Posted on June 14, 2014 196 views

Graduating in the coming days, Kimberlee has discovered her passions and is excited for her next chapter. Her time here at WOU has been characterized with many shiftings of her major, but it eventually settled upon English Writing and Humanities Literature and French. While she would have liked to have attained a double degree by [more…]

Education | Student life

Western Oregon University students celebrate graduation

Lisa Catto Posted on June 14, 2014 165 views

Statesman Journal By Laura Fosmire June 14, 2014   At Western Oregon University’s commencement ceremony, President Mark Weiss started things off by snapping a picture of the crowd on his cell phone. “Hang on, I just learned what a hashtag is,” he said, as he proceeded to tweet the picture out, eliciting a ripple of [more…]

Student life

Skyler Edmison – a hardworking and determined student

Lisa Catto Posted on June 13, 2014 201 views

Skyler is a hard-working and determined Western Oregon student. Currently a senior, majoring in Earth Science with a minor in Geography, Skyler is spending his last days at WOU preparing for Commencement. Here are a few highlights from his time at Western. Decisions Skyler comes from Forest Grove, Oregon. He originally came to Western to [more…]

Student life

“Stay on the sunny side” – with Tara Ostrander

Lisa Catto Posted on June 12, 2014 187 views

Tara comes from the small town of Vernonia, Ore. When searching for colleges she wanted a close, affordable school, with a good dance program. At the time, she had not danced since she was a young girl, but the prospect of getting involved with dance team was something she was interested in. Tara found Western [more…]

Student life

ARA, diversity scholar, and honors student – Jose Garcia

Lisa Catto Posted on June 12, 2014 182 views

Jose Garcia is a senior at WOU and comes from Salem, Oregon and enjoys the home-like and community feel of Western’s campus. Jose says he was originally interested in the school because “it was close enough to home that I could still see my family, but far enough that I could distance myself.” He is [more…]

Student life

Honesty and Politics–Ryan McBee

Lisa Catto Posted on June 11, 2014 205 views

Graduating in just a few short days, Ryan McBee is counting down, ready to jump into his future. His passion in politics, he is graduating with a degree in political science and a minor in communications. He aspires to be an United States Senator. “You can sit at home on the couch and want to [more…]

Student life

Mad Hatter – Dana Houston Jackson

Lisa Catto Posted on June 11, 2014 201 views

About to graduate in June, Dana Houston Jackson is very stylish woman who wears many hats. Being a non-traditional college student is only one small hat that she manages to wear. This high achieving woman also home-schools her 9-year-old son, tutors students, runs a website and household, and is managing to take at least 17 [more…]

Education | Student life

Western Oregon University Class of 2014

Lisa Catto Posted on June 10, 2014 151 views

Polk County Itemizer-Observer By Emily Mentzer June 10, 2014   MONMOUTH — Anthony Medina didn’t feel like a minority until he started classes at Western Oregon University. His hometown of Gervais, near Woodburn, has a 70 percent Latino population. “So that’s what I grew up with,” he said. “That’s what I thought was normal. I [more…]

Campus & community

Independence Growing At Oregon’s Small Universities

Lisa Catto Posted on June 6, 2014 161 views

Oregon Public Broadcasting June 6, 2014   Oregon’s universities are going to start operating independently. That’s after almost a century of operating in a centralized system. The larger schools became independent first. Now, the smaller universities are starting to create their own institutional boards. Eight students eat popcorn during a working meeting in Monmouth Oregon. All [more…]

Student life

A friend, a student, and a leader: Jordyn Ducotey’s life as a sophomore at WOU

Lisa Catto Posted on May 31, 2014 189 views

Jordyn Ducotey is currently a sophomore, studying Communication and minoring in ASL studies. She is known throughout Western’s campus for her fun personality and leadership initiative. I recently got the opportunity to sit down with Jordyn and learn more about her life as a Western Oregon student. Jordyn comes from Bothell Washington, a town about [more…]

Campus & community

Green construction gets starring role in Portland design firm’s Western Oregon University project

Lisa Catto Posted on May 23, 2014 167 views

Portland Business Journal By Wendy Culverwell May 23, 2014   Portland’s Mahlum Architects has been selected to design the new Woodcock Education Center at Western Oregon University in Monmouth. The center is a demonstration project that will highlight innovative uses of wood products in green buildings. Gov. John Kitzhaber designated the Woodcock a “demonstration project” [more…]

Student life

Young veteran seeking to assist other veterans

Lisa Catto Posted on May 20, 2014 198 views

Polk County Itemizer-Observer By Emily Mentzer March 20, 2014 MONMOUTH — Veterans have many faces. Their history has been fascinating to study, said Dolan Kasnick, 28. “Vietnam is the most galvanized in our minds,” he said. “World War II had ticker-tape parades, but with Vietnam, that was a most unfortunate situation.” Those returning from the [more…]

Student life

WOU Safe Zone celebrates its eighth birthday

Lisa Catto Posted on May 6, 2014 180 views

Safe Zone is a group here at Western that strives to make everyone feel welcomed and included, no matter what gender, race, sexuality, or personal identification is. Safe Zone works to educate and train faculty, staff, and students to become allies for the LGBTQQIAA community as well as make Western Oregon University a more accepting [more…]

Student life

Chasing His Dream – Andy Fry

Lisa Catto Posted on May 5, 2014 179 views

As summer approaches, students are looking for things to do, whether that be a job, volunteer experience, vacation, or internship. That’s exactly what Andy Fry is meaning to do, just as he did the previous summer. Last summer he participated in 5 week summer internship in Hawaii researching theoretical math. Fry—a junior this year—is majoring [more…]

Campus & community

Weiss will step down at WOU in 2015

Lisa Catto Posted on April 22, 2014 158 views

Statesman Journal By Peter Wong April 22nd, 2014   Mark Weiss is stepping down next year as president of Western Oregon University, where he has been in top positions for a decade. The Oregon Board of Higher Education voted last week to draw up guidelines for a search for Weiss’s successor, and also for the [more…]

Campus & community | Science & technology

WOU fights back to defeat cancer

Lisa Catto Posted on April 8, 2014 154 views

Polk County Itemizer-Observer By Emily Mentzer April 8th, 2014   MONMOUTH — Rebecca Philippi, chairwoman for Western Oregon University’s Relay For Life, lost a good friend to leukemia on Valentine’s Day 2012. “She is one of the main reasons that I got involved in this cause,” she said — but not the only reason. Her [more…]

Campus & community

Western Oregon, Oregon Tech get green light to have own board of trustees by 2015

Lisa Catto Posted on April 4, 2014 136 views

Oregon Live By Betsy Hammond April 4, 2014 Oregon Tech and Western Oregon University both got the green light from the Oregon Board of Higher Education Friday to start operating under the control of their own independent boards in July 2015. Oregon’s two regional universities that have shakier finances, Southern Oregon and Eastern Oregon, also [more…]

Campus & community | Student life

Students brave rain to see future school

Lisa Catto Posted on April 2, 2014 206 views 1 comment

Polk County Itemizer-Observer By Emily Mentzer April 2, 2014 MONMOUTH — Stephanie Milbrodt, 18, was disappointed that she didn’t get to see the housing facilities during her first tour of Western Oregon University. “I wanted to know where I wanted to live,” she said after learning the housing host was not available that day. “But [more…]

Student life

Western senior lands prestigious internship

Lisa Catto Posted on March 25, 2014 143 views

Polk County Itemizer-Observer By Emily Mentzer March 25, 2014   MONMOUTH — Western Oregon University has no journalism program, but that hasn’t stopped it from producing a young journalist worthy of receiving a Charles Snowden Program for Excellence in Journalism paid internship. “I feel like I’m growing more here without a program,” said senior Laura [more…]

Campus & community | Education

Funding In Place For Western Oregon University’s New Education Facility

Lisa Catto Posted on March 17, 2014 160 views

Oregon Public Broadcasting by Rob Manning March 17th, 2014 [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/140100170″ params=”color=ff5500&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] Western Oregon University announced Monday it has the money it needs to build a new College of Education. State lawmakers had already approved more than $17 million for a new College of Education facility in Monmouth, but Western Oregon [more…]

Campus & community | Student life

Veterans center planned for WOU

Lisa Catto Posted on March 5, 2014 156 views

Polk County Itemizer-Observer By Emily Mentzer March 4th, 2014   MONMOUTH — Military veterans have different challenges than someone right out of high school, and Western Oregon University is working to help that group of students. Western already had some resources for veteran students, including a veteran reintegration class, which provides information on how to [more…]

Campus & community | Student life

WOU stands up to violence

Lisa Catto Posted on February 18, 2014 115 views

Polk County Itemizer-Observer By Emily Mentzer February 18th, 2014   MONMOUTH — Students at Western Oregon University spent the holiday of love standing up against violence of all kinds. Abby’s House advocates organized an event to raise awareness and rise against violence in conjunction with the worldwide V Day events. “We’re going to sing out, [more…]

Campus & community | Student life

Food insecurity present on college campuses

Lisa Catto Posted on February 18, 2014 113 views

Statesman Journal By Saerom Yoo February 18th, 2014 Mike Royer, manager of Western Oregon University’s food pantry, which provides sustenance and supplies for students and Monmouth community members in need. / Thomas Patterson / Statesman Journal A study has found that 59 percent of students at Western Oregon University have faced food insecurity at some [more…]

Campus & community

Today’s Young Professional: Slade Thackeray

Lisa Catto Posted on February 15, 2014 129 views

Statesman Journal February 15th, 2014 After the school choir program in Dallas was cut this year, Western Oregon University student Slade Thackeray has volunteered to conduct a choir club. His sister, Malena, volunteers by playing the piano, and the pair puts in dozens of unpaid hours per week to help Dallas High School students. Photographed [more…]

Campus & community

Western eyes help for capital projects

Lisa Catto Posted on February 4, 2014 139 views

Polk County Itemizer-Observer By Emily Mentzer February 4th, 2014 MONMOUTH — Western Oregon University has requested money from the state to help with two capital improvement projects: $1.4 million for the College of Education, and $5 million to $8.1 million for the Oregon Military Academy building. The $1.4 million request for the College of Education [more…]

Campus & community

Video shares the twin histories of Monmouth, university

Lisa Catto Posted on February 1, 2014 112 views

Statesman Journal By Barbara Curtin February 1st, 2014 MONMOUTH — This city and its university have literally grown up together since 1856, when early pioneers included land for a college on the town’s first map. Now residents and students can easily learn that story, thanks to a new video by Western Oregon University University Archives [more…]

Sports & recreation

Former coach, player reunited

Lisa Catto Posted on January 31, 2014 120 views

Polk County Itemizer-Observer By Lukas Eggen January 29th, 2014   INDEPENDENCE — In 16 seasons as the women’s basketball coach at Western Oregon University, Jon Carey won almost 75 percent of his games and compiled a record of 371-127. But as Carey became athletic director at WOU, his yearning for coaching remained. “One of the [more…]

Campus & community | Education

Another Oregon university opts for a local board

Lisa Catto Posted on January 31, 2014 107 views

Portland Business Journal By Matthew Kish January 22nd, 2014   Western Oregon University on Wednesday said it wants to form an independent board of directors. The Oregon Legislature last year passed a bill that OK’d the creation of local boards for the three largest public universities — the University of Oregon, Oregon State University and [more…]

Sports & recreation | Uncategorized

Rugby opening players’ eyes

Lisa Catto Posted on January 22, 2014 110 views

Polk County Itemizer-Observer By Lukas Eggen January 22nd, 2014 MONMOUTH — At first glance, Western Oregon University’s women’s rugby team is filled with mismatched parts. Players participated in different sports and grew up in different parts of the world. Each athlete began playing rugby for different reasons: Sophomore Alana Rudolph was looking to try something [more…]

Campus & community

Exhibit bids adieu to Arctic museum

Lisa Catto Posted on January 22, 2014 110 views

  Statesman Journal By Barbara Curtin January 21st, 2014   MONMOUTH — The Jensen Arctic Museum, a fixture in this community since 1985, is on the move to its new home at the University of Oregon. Western Oregon University’s Hamersly Library is bidding a final farewell to the institution with an exhibit that runs through [more…]

Sports & recreation

Sarhan standing tall for WOU

Lisa Catto Posted on January 8, 2014 117 views

Polk County Itemizer-Observer By Lukas Eggen January 8th, 2014   MONMOUTH — Marwan Sarhan isn’t your typical college basketball player. Junior forward Marwan Sarhan (center) drives to the hoop against Seattle Pacific. Sarhan is second in scoring and third in rebounds per game for Western Oregon. The Western Oregon University junior forward didn’t come as [more…]

Campus & community | Student life

Give your bike a second life

Lisa Catto Posted on December 18, 2013 115 views

Polk County Itemizer-Observer By Emily Mentzer December 18th, 2013 MONMOUTH — Staff at Western Oregon University want your unused bicycles for their Visiting Scholar Program. The program is an exchange between Western and other universities around the world, said Sarah Nagel, international student adviser. “While they are here, they’re treated as faculty,” she said. “Most [more…]

Sports & recreation

WOU lands NCAA West Regionals

Lisa Catto Posted on December 18, 2013 92 views

Polk County Itemizer-Observer MONMOUTH — The NCAA awarded the 2015 and 2017 Division II women’s and men’s cross-country West Regional Championships to Western Oregon University and the cities of Monmouth and Independence. The decision was announced last week on a live video stream on NCAA.com. Western’s Ash Creek Preserve Course is one of a handful [more…]

Campus & community

Making students feel at Home

Lisa Catto Posted on December 18, 2013 155 views

Polk County Itemizer-Observer By Emily Mentzer MONMOUTH — When you first step inside Sing Fay Chinese restaurant, its looks are unassuming. But upon closer examination, you may see more Chinese faces sitting around the tables and hear the Chinese language spoken more. Sing Fay is a gathering place for the more than 150 Chinese international [more…]

Campus & community | Student life

Army veteran assists at crash