Holocaust Remembrance Day

Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) - April 28th Monmouth Ave.
Holocaust Remembrance Day begins Wednesday, April 27th and ends the evening of Friday, April 29th. Each year, Western Oregon University puts on an event to commemorate the lives lost during the Holocaust. The Holocaust encylopedia defines, “The Holocaust was the systematic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million European Jews by the Nazi German regime [more…]

Willamette Promise Student Leadership Institute Brings Students to Campus

In partnership with the Willamette Education Service District, WOU hosted the Willamette Promise Student Leadership Institute in August. I interviewed Addie Howell, the Accelerated Learning Manager at Willamette Promise, about the program, and what it aims to do for students. Ok, big picture: What is the Willamette Promise? What is its mission? The Willamette Promise [more…]

MLK Celebration Week at WOU Promotes Black Excellence Through Storytelling

MLK week banner
Western Oregon University’s week of activities celebrating the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is Jan. 17-21. I interviewed Alexis Larson, a member of the 2022 MLK Jr. Celebration Week Planning Committee, about the inspiration of the events of the week. The overarching theme of this year’s celebration is promoting Black excellence [more…]

National Student Exchange Program Creates Opportunities for Students

Student in front of palm trees
The National Student Exchange (NSE) program is hosting several informational sessions this January for all who are interested! In anticipation of these sessions, I had the pleasure of interviewing NSE coordinator Emmanuel Macías and Liam Birr, a NSE participant, about the wonderful opportunities made possible through the program. NSE is a domestic collegiate study-away program, [more…]

WOU Men’s Rugby Team to Compete in National Championship

picture of WOU Men's rugby team celebrating
The WOU Men’s Rugby team has gone undefeated in all of its conference matches this year!  As conference and regional champions, the team has qualified for the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) championships in Houston, Texas. There they will compete with the champions from the other three regions for the title of national champions.  I had [more…]

New Destination Western Program Succeeds in Preparing Students

Destination Western Participants
Destination Western (DW) is an all-new two-week residential program that wrapped up prior to the start of the 2021-22 academic year. I had the dual pleasure of not only participating in the program itself, but also interviewing some of the brilliant minds behind it. Megan Habermann is the director of new student and family programs [more…]

WOU:Salem Campus

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

Rodrigues Named First Men’s Soccer Coach In Program History

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

Live Q&A Wrap-up: August 19

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

Spotted on Campus: Filming for TV Segment

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

WOU Board Selects Dr. Jay Kenton as Interim President

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

WOU Board Adds Permanent Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

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

Lydum Named Director of Athletics

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

The Why I Love WOU Grand Prize Winner is…

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

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

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

Fall 2021 Admissions are Still Open: Is WOU Right for You?

It’s not too late to apply for WOU! Unlike many other colleges, Western Oregon University is open to applications and registration up until the start of Fall Term every year. WOU strives to make higher education accessible, and part of that process is allowing leeway in regard to students’ individual struggles and obstacles.   WOU [more…]

COVID-19 Vaccines Available on Campus

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

A Message of Support

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

Dana Schowalter: Falls City Pop-Up Soup Kitchen

During the February ice storm and subsequent power outages in local areas, Dr. Dana Schowalter helped create a pop-up soup kitchen in the Falls City Community Center. Her collaborators were WOU alumni Lynn Bailey and TJ Bailey, WOU student parent Amy Houghtaling, as well as Jami Kidd and Donna Creekmore. For two days while serving [more…]

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

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

How to Set Up a Great Virtual Interview Space

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

WOU’s Giving Day Raises Over $175,000

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

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

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

How to Use LinkedIn

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

MLK Video Contest: Aiyanna Suazo

Aiyanna Suazo is the first place winner of this year’s MLK Video Contest at WOU. She is a first year student and is majoring in Higher/Middle Education.    Why do you see Dr. King as an important leader, even today? He’s influential to people all over the world. He led a huge civil rights movement. [more…]

An Announcement from President Fuller about Fall Term

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

Giving Day from Students’ Perspectives

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

It’s Giving Day!

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

Howl from the Heart: Isaiah Abraham

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

Howl from the Heart: Nichole Hernandez

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

Howl from the Heart: Dr. Patricia Flatt

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

Why I Chose WOU: Jessica Garibay Ochoa

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

Student Q&A: Kayley Arpaia

Kayley Arpaia is an active and notable member of WOU’s campus community. She’s a third year Biology major with an emphasis in Zoology, and she is working toward a double minor in ASL and Social Sciences.   Why did you choose WOU? I originally chose WOU because I wanted to become an ASL/English Interpreter. I [more…]

Hamersly Library Amenities

Hamersly Library is packed full of amenities to help students study, research, and create projects. There are a multitude of books to check out, shelved on all three floors, ranging from fiction to textbooks. If a student requires aid searching for resources, they can ask friendly staff, typically at the front desk. Citation guides and [more…]

Susan Castillo’s Thoughts On WOU

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

Why I Chose WOU: Students Share Their Journeys to WOU

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

A Message from President Fuller About Spring Term

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

Get Moving! How to Safely Exercise During Winter Term

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

2021 MLK Celebration Week

On January 18, WOU will kick off its 14th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration week, packed with panels and activities. This year, our celebration is inspired by Dr. King’s speech at the Southern Methodist University on March 17th, 1966. As he stated then, “We have come a long, long way but we still [more…]

WOU Students and Employees Doing COVID-19 Outreach

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

Celebrating the First Day of Winter Term

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

Western Oregon University Has The Oldest Building Among Oregon’s Public Universities

Storm destroyed bell tower
Campbell Hall stands squarely in the center of Western Oregon University’s campus. It’s endured a fierce storm, economic downturns, overcrowding and more. It stands as a symbol of the commitment of pioneers past and present to provide a high-quality education for students. Timeline: The university’s second president, Thomas Franklin Campbell raised the funds for the [more…]

Wolfie Emoji Now Available

Are you looking for a way to add a bit more WOU spirit to your social media and texting? We have a brand new set of Wolfie emoji for you! You can download the emoji as images or GIFs to add to your texts and more. They’re also available for use on Instagram stories. Just [more…]

What’s Open Over Winter Break?

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

Finding and Applying for On-Campus Jobs

[Co-written by Cheyan Swan and Erin Worley]   WOU offers many opportunities for student employment on-campus within a variety of different organizations. There are a multitude of options even during quarantine, as many departments have temporarily moved online. Whatever your qualifications and preferences are, there’s sure to be a job for you. Here’s some helpful [more…]

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

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

Alfred P. Maurice Online Art Sale

This is a companion piece to “Art for Innovation.”   The Alfred P. Maurice Art Sale is conducted by Western Oregon University in honor of the late Alfred Maurice, an avid art collector, an artist in his own right, and a friend and benefactor to our campus community.    Since 2011, WOU students have participated [more…]

Headed Home? How to Safely Travel This Week

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

Weekly Live Q&A Summary: November 19, 2020

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

WOU’s 53rd Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Goes Virtual

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

GNAC Announces Plans For 2021 Basketball Season

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

Upcoming Fall 2020 Admissions Events

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

5 Ways to Celebrate Halloween Virtually

Everything looks different this academic year, including the holidays. If you’re a huge Halloween fan such as myself, you may be lost on how to celebrate safely. Luckily, through WOU and some outside sources, having a fun, virtual Halloween is possible!   Our first option is for students currently living in the residence halls: Res [more…]

Admissions Application Fee Waived for Freshmen and Transfer Students

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

WOU announces new trustees confirmed to the board

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

Nearly All Winter Term Courses to be Online

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

Live Q&A Summary: Oct. 1

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

Celebrating the First Day of School

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

Live Q&A Summary: Sept. 10

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

Live Q&A Summary: Aug. 27

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

Connecting with Professors and Classmates Online

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

WOU’s Updated Plans for Fall 2020

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

Five Reasons to Enroll This Fall

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…]

Live Q&A Summary: July 30

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

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

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

Live Q&A Summary: July 16

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

Live Q&A Summary: July 2

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

History Of Western Oregon University’s Bell

History of the bell
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…]

Live Q&A Summary: June 18

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

Statement on George Floyd from President Fuller

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

Howl from Home to support WOU students

Wolfie
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…]

WOU Department Feature: Disability Services Office

Hello Spring with a bicycle
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…]

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

Torn jeans and sneakers
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…]

Student Health and Counseling Center Q&A

Due to Spring Term campus closures, the SHCC is not currently available for in-person visits. Students can still book appointments with doctors and counselors and conduct their meetings through phone calls. The office also offers COVID testing to students, given that students have called beforehand and meet the requirements. The SHCC’s hours remain the same. [more…]

Student Profile: Jose Andres Hernandes-Galvin

Person smiling as he stands in front of a layout of WOU logos. He is holding a hat with the symbols of his fraternity, shaded from the bright sun beyond him.
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…]

WOU Department Feature: Cashier’s Office

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

Club Feature: Model UN

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

Connect with Friends While Physical Distancing

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

6 Tips to Say Goodbye to Procrastination

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

A Stitch of Kindness by WOU Community Members

Three cloth masks
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…]

A WOU Student’s Adventures in Scotland

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

Go on a Virtual Tour of WOU

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

WOU Offers At-Home Workout Options

Peter Courtney Health and Wellness Center.
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…]

Next Week at WOU (March 23 to 29)

A coffee mug and a book
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…]

5 Places to Look for Summer Jobs and Internships

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

Q&A with Campus Public Safety Director Rebecca Chiles

Black SUV with words "public safety" painted on it
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…]

Tips to stay healthy mentally and physically

Quote about hope
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…]

March 19: Update from President Rex Fuller

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

March 13 COVID-19 Update from President Fuller

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

Next Week at WOU (March 16 to March 22)

Pictures of tulips
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…]

3 Steps to Commencement

Are you a WOU senior anticipating commencement? Or even a junior planning ahead for that big day? Before you order your cap and gown and walk across that stage, there are a few steps to keep in mind to prepare for graduation. Firstly, you do not need to be graduating that spring term to attend [more…]

COVID-19 Update from President Rex Fuller

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

The Impact of Giving Day 2020

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

Next Week at WOU (March 9 to 15)

Pink cherry blossoms
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…]

5 Places to Volunteer Near WOU

Back entrance of the Werner University Center. Many stair lead up to the glass entrance. Tables with chairs and a red trashcan sit near the entrance.
Volunteering can offer students both the fulfillment that accompanies assisting the community around them and the opportunity to expand their resume skills. Here’s some opportunities on or around campus that you can pursue.  Alternative Break:  Alternative Break is a program on campus that sends students to other locations, both domestic and international, to serve communities [more…]

Western Oregon University Has Record-Breaking Giving Day

Coffee cup with words thanks
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…]

Western Oregon University Takes a Proactive Approach to Potential Coronavirus Threat

The picture includes the backside of the Werner University Center and the backside of Todd Hall. Red flowers are seen alongside the bottom of the photograph, surrounded by green grass.
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…]

Women of Culture Celebration 2020

[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…]

Letter from WOU President Rex Fuller about Coronavirus

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

Bullet Journals: A Creative Way to Stay Organized

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

Next Week At WOU (March 2 to 9)

Leaves of a plant in a garden.
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…]

4 Things to Do Over Spring Break

Spring Break is approaching quickly, and after the chaotic bustle of prep week and finals, we can find ourselves at a loss for how to spend this free week before jumping back into the hustle.  Although Alternative Break applications are closed for this year (they close October 20th, if you would like to sign up [more…]

4 Ways to Save Money as a College Student

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

Club Spotlight: Black Student Union

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

WOU’s Business Office: What You Need to Know

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

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

Yellow flowers
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…]

Get to Know WOU’s President: Rex Fuller

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

WOU Club Feature: Acapella

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

Next Week at WOU (Feb. 17 to 23)

Mount Rushmore
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…]

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

Students walking on a sidewalk next to trees and brick buildings
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…]

Chemistry Added to Multiple Interests Equals Romance

Roses next to books
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…]

5 Tips for a Stress-Free Registration Week

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

Make Your Scholarship Applications Shine

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…]

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

Three arrows going left, middle and right next to green sneakers.
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…]

Resident Halls: Barnum

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…]

Resident Halls: Landers

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…]

Next Week at WOU (Feb. 10 to 16)

Paper pink and red hearts in a row.
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…]

Residence Halls: Heritage

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…]

Residence Halls: Ackerman

Students studying in a hallway in Ackerman Hall
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…]

Next Week at WOU (Feb. 3 to 9)

Student smiling and wearing WOU gear
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…]

WOU’s Handshake May Lead to a Handshake

Picture of a computer screen
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…]

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

A chalkboard with positive words about carrers
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…]

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

Standing ovation in front of a stage where three people are standing
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…]

Nine Reasons Squirrels Are the Best

A squirrel sits on the grass.
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…]

WOU Transfer Day is Friday, Jan. 24

Three people talking and studying.
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…]

National Student Exchange Allows WOU Students to Explore New Cultures

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

WOU WEEKLY ROUND-UP

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…]

Outdoor Adventures to Explore Near WOU

snowshoes in snow bank
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…]

WOU Welcomes Family and Friends

People sitting around the table enjoying a meal with Wolfie.
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…]

Here’s to a happier and healthier you in 2020

Row of students on bikes in a spin class
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…]

Just apply – tips for scholarship applications

Peter Courtney Health and Wellness Center.
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…]

Spend winter break applying to college

DeVolder Family Science Center
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…]

Winter Break: Organize your college game plan

The Peter Courtney Health and Wellnes Center.
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…]

Leadership at WOU: An Alum’s Impact on Campus

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

Holiday Events Around WOU

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

New Faces on Campus

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…]

Big News: Western Oregon University in Salem

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…]

WOU 5: Celebrate Thanksgiving Weekend

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…]

Weekly 5: Meet Five WOU Veterans

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

Mission to serve others

Wolfie with paw over his heart in front of an American flag outside our ITC building
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…]

Paranormal Tales of Todd Hall

An old photograph of Todd Hall, a brick building pictured through sepia.
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…]

The Haunting of Todd Hall: An Interview with Natalie Dean

The side of historic Todd Hall, a brick building, bathed in late afternoon sunlight.
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…]

Fun Fall and Halloween Activities in the Area

A green field with lots of pumpkins
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…]

Weekly 5: Hamersly Library

Outside of Hamersly Library, a brick building, with trees framing the image
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…]

Preview of Homecoming 2019

Red rocks with text that says "Wild Wild Western, Homecoming 2019" and an image of wolfie riding a unicorn
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…]

Oregon’s Public Universities Contemplate Tuition Increases

A photo of the Western Oregon University sign on campus.
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…]

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

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…]

WOU in the News: Stephenson Joins Volleyball Staff at WOU

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…]

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

“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…]

Western Oregon University Hosting Regional Rugby Championships this Weekend

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

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

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…]

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

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…]

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

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…]

Top 5 Tips for Strong Scholarship Applications

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

Top 5 Tips for College Scholarship Application Essays

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…]

Top 5 Ways You Will Change in College

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

Top 5 Tips for Finding College Scholarships

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

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

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

Top 5 College-Related Things to do During Winter Break

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

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

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

Decorating Your Dorm

decorating your dorm takes two
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…]

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

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…]

What Is a Bullet Journal

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…]

Reading for Fun in College

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…]

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

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…]

Feature: WOU Students Explore Globe with Study Abroad Program

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…]

Feature: WUE Program a Boon for WOU Student Population

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

Fall 2017: Dead Week and Finals Week Events

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…]

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

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…]

Feature: Focus on Transfer Students a Reflection of Goals

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

Feature: WOU Services for Veterans Indicate University Support

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…]

Feature: WOU Services Provide Support for Non-Traditional Students

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

Halloween at WOU: Your Guide to Campus Frights

halloween at wou
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…]

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

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…]

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

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

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

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

Feature: Financial Aid Counselors Help Students Understand Assistance

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

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

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

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

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…]

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

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

Feature: Eclipse Brings Hundreds of Visitors to Campus

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…]

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

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

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

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

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

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…]

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

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

Repeat! Women’s Basketball Earns Academic Honor

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

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

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

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

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

WOU in the News: New AD Learns on the Fly

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

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

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

Commencement Speaker: Matt Utterback ’89

Matt Utterback
North Clackamas School District Superintendent and WOU alum Matt Utterback is this year’s Commencement speaker; it will be the second time that he has had the opportunity to address the audience at a WOU graduation ceremony. Utterback, a 1989 Western Oregon State College – as it was named then – graduate, was that year’s Delmer [more…]

Grad Profile: Ivan Acosta

Ivan Acosta posing for a picture
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…]

Commencement Announcer Taking Final Bow This Week

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

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

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

Track Star Ribich Sets Sights on World of Elite Runners

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…]

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

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

Social Media Manager Devotes Days to Outreach

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

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

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…]

You made 2017 Giving Day a huge success

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…]

Ryan Kingsella strives for MICC-WOU cooperation

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

Out & Proud to be celebrated with three February events

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

Changes seen through Campus Dining

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

Western Accessibility Awareness Month returns in February

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

Best toy drive in campus history

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

Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Barbara Dearing to retire

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

Letter from President Fuller

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

Voter registration drive surpasses goal

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…]

WOU stops requiring the ACT or SAT

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

WOU enrolls its most diverse class of new students

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…]

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

Western Oregon University's quarterback Phillip Fenumiai and kickoff runner Torreahno Sweet are both shown running the ball
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…]

WOU hosts Humboldt on Homecoming, Senior Day

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

Homecoming 2016 Preview

Full Stadium at homecoming game
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…]

Western Oregon University to make early financial aid awards

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

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

Western Oregon University's Sign
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…]

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

Veterans Resource Center
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…]

Fall sports tickets now on sale

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…]

Women’s Basketball named to WBCA Academic Top 25

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…]

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

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…]

WOU in the news: WOU Breaks Ground On Health Center

Tribal elder Bob Tom blesses the ground during Western Oregon University’s groundbreaking ceremony on Friday.
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…]

WOU in the news: Globe Trotter

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…]

Wolves football game vs. HSU to be aired on ASN

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…]

Julia McCullough Smith Award: Han Vu Gia Nguyen

Han Vu Gia Nguyen
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…]

Grad profile: Conner Williams

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…]

Grad profile: Shay Guyton

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…]

Grad profile: Tuyen Bolton

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…]

Grad profile: Emmi Collier

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…]

Grad profile: Stephanie Stuckey

Stephanie Stuckey
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…]

Grad profile: Madison Malot

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…]

Grad profile: Elani Elkins

Elani Elkins
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…]

¡La Nuestra Fiesta Latina fue increíble!

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…]

Academic Excellence Showcase

Blond student presenting work to another woman
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…]

Using art to make a change in the world

Nawwal Moustafa
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…]

Child Development Center Summer Camp: enroll now

The children of the TRI-CDC going to donate food for the Governor's Food Drive
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…]

Western Oregon University Hosts: SPEAK LIKE A GIRL

Left: Megan Falley, Right: Olivia Gatwood. Speak Like A Girl Slam Poetry feminist duo
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…]

WOU Diversity Week!

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…]

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Abby's House Logo
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…]

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

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…]

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

WOU Men's Basketball Day
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…]

NCAA West to converge in Monmouth

WOU men's basketball
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…]

A.L.I.C.E. Training

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…]

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

WOU logo
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…]

Grad Student Profile: Carlee Nelson

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…]

Campus Recreation Upcoming Events

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…]

The Battle for Equality

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…]

Veteran Success Center makes a campus comeback

Veterans Resource Center
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…]

Preview: Perspectives on Peace

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…]

Preview: MLK Week Events

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…]

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Western Acapella

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…]