Sept 21 2015

Vol. 31 #2 9.21.15

Vol. 30 #10 11.24.14

2 • as.wwu.edu/asreview

Cover photo by Alexandra Bartick // AS Review

MAKING YOUR LIFE BETTER, ONE PAGE AT A TIME Viking Union 411 516 High St. Bellingham, WA 98225 Phone: 360.650.6126 Fax: 360.650.6507 Email: as.review@wwu.edu as.wwu.edu/asreview @TheASReview facebook.com/theasreview © 2014. Published most Mondays during the school year by the Associated Students of Western Washington University.

The AS Review is an alternative weekly that provides coverage of student interests such as the AS government, activities and student life. The Review seeks to enhance the student experience by shedding light on underrepresented issues, inclusive coverage, informing readers and promoting dialogue.

IN THIS ISSUE NEWS 6-7 Western alterna-

tive transportation update

While you were away this summer, Western Student Transportation were making some changes around campus.

11 Eric Alexander An introduction to the man behind the new Viking Union repurposing plan.

STUDENT LIFE 10

VU Late night: Neon Desert

This year’s late night theme is Neon Desert. Some of the events include Reptile Man and UV face painting.

FEATURES 4-5

AS 101 A run down of what the AS has to offer.

12 Crossword Puzzle

8-9 Connection Day

Complete this AS crossword puzzle for a chance to win a free t-shirt!

A run down of the events taking place on Connection Day, complete with a schedule.

We welcome reader submissions, including news articles, literary pieces, photography, artwork or anything else physically printable. Email submissions to as.review@wwu.edu.

We welcome letters to the editor. Please limit your letter to 300 words, include your name, phone number and year in school, if you’re a student.

Send them to as.review@wwu.edu. Published letters may have minor edits made to their length or grammar.

Marina Price Alexandra Bartick Trevor Grimm Alexandra Bartick Marina Price Adviser Jeff Bates

Editor in Chief Assistant Editor Lead Photographer Writers

On Thursday, Sept 10. the chemistry building was under construction due to fire and water damage. On August 25 a chemical fire erupted in the building, while students were working. Photo by: Trevor Grimm // AS Review

9.21.2015 • 3

EVENTS Red Square Info Fair

Mad Max

Sept. 21 -22 // 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. // Red Square and Old Main Lawn // FREE

Sept. 22 // 7 - 11 p.m. // Fraser Hall // Free

Come visit the largest information fair of the year. The fair will feature 200+ clubs, departments, local business and organization. Music by KUGS 89.3 FM and free food and giveaways.

This is a perfect chance to see what clubs Western and the AS has to offer and to find out how to become involved.

Mad Max.

Inside Out Sept. 22 // Dusk // Comm Lawn // Free

Join AS Productions for a free showing of

Connection Day Sept. 23 // all day // FREE The day before classes start will be FULL of fun events including hikes with the Outdoor Center, a massive ice cream bar giveaway and a free rap concert by mostafa supergroup. See pages 8 - 9 for more information on all the events offered.

Come see a free outdoor showing of Inside Out, put on by AS Productions.

Queer Resource Center Ice Cream Social Sept. 24 // 6 - 8 p.m. // FREE The QRC’s first event of the year is a safe and fun space to meet other queer identified students. Free ice cream will be provided at the event. The event will be held in the VU Multi Purpose Room.

Neon Desert

Sept. 25 // 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. // FREE Neon Desert is an annual VU late night event put on by AS Productions. This year’s event will feature Washington’s Reptile Man, ultra violet facepainting, Kandi braclet making stations, the Burrito King and a black light dance. This event is a perfect opportunity to have fun with your new friends.

Dear Readers, Welcome to the AS Review. We are an alternatively weekly that covers areas of student interest and clubs and events that are hosted by the Associated Students. While there are many other great publications on campus, we seek to fill a niche that the other publications don’t by serving as a voice for the powerless, and providing news and information that is relevant to student interests.

We also think the AS is a really great and cool organization on campus that puts on amazing events throughout the year. Your student dollars help fund these events (and our paper) so we hope that this publication can serve as a resource to help you become more involved.

If you’d like to suggest story ideas, write a guest piece, submit a photo, or contribute in any other way, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We want to publish peices that are relevant to you, and we can’t do that without your input.

Thank you for picking up our paper, we look forward to a great year serving you as the editors of the AS Review.

Sincerely, Alex Bartick and Marina Price, AS Review editors

Follow us on:

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Everything you need to know

BY ALEXANDRA BARTICK The Associated Students at Western includes many different clubs, programs and offices. Students who are interested in learning about living sustainably, organizing concerts and events, getting a job, forming a club, or making a difference in public policy will all find resources – as well as meet friends, in the AS. Here are some of the great programs and resources in which the AS can help students get involved at Western:

around campus or visit the AS website to find out about the current exhibition.

Underground Coffeehouse

tion at Western. This fee includes a WTA bus pass, and access to the Western Student Shuttle, which runs at night after the WTA bus services ends.

Located on the 3rd floor of the Viking Union, the Underground Coffeehouse serves coffee and light meals, with plenty of comfortable couches and chairs and a small stage for specialty performances including open mic nights, trivia and jam sessions.

Sexual Awareness Center

Environmental Center Pop Music AS Pop Music is known to impress with the musical acts they bring to campus each year. At a discounted price for Western students, student ID required, you can enjoy popular acts from all different genres, from hip-hop to indie rock. Some of the more popular past performances have included Death Cab for Cutie, The Olivia Tremor Control, Macklemore and Modest Mouse.

Special Events As the name suggests, special events hosts the more unique entertainment events on campus. From petting zoos to hydraulic car shows, Special Events always brings the excitement to campus.

Films While most of us today opt to Netflix and streaming movies online, watching movies on a large screen with other people can be a nice change. Four times a quarter, AS Films puts on low-cost and free films. Last years’ outdoor showing of Jurassic Park was a huge hit.

VU Gallery The Viking Union gallery exhibits work from Western students and community artists. Look for posters

The Environmental Center puts on events throughout the year related to sustainability and the environment.

They also house several clubs, such as Students for Sustainable Food. You can stop by the Environmental Center to find out about upcoming events or peruse their resource library.

The Outback The Outback is a 5-acre student-operated farm located between Fairhaven College and Buchanan Towers. The Outback farm is an experiential learning site where students can get their hands in the dirt and learn about gardening in the Pacific Northwest. During summer, much of their produce goes to the Bellingham Food Bank.

Sustainable Action Fund The SAF is a student-initiated, quarterly fee that provides funding for sustainable student-driven projects. Projects in the past have included installing solar panels on the Environmental Science building and putting water bottle refill stations around campus.

Most recently, three bike fix-it stations were installed around campus as part of a grant.

Alternative Transportation Each quarter students pay a small fee for transporta-

The Sexual Awareness Center serves as a resource to promote safer-sex knowledge on campus, through events and their library. Throughout the year they will host various events related to topics such as sexuality, sexual health, relationships and GLBTQ issues. Students can also stop by their office in VU 518 to grab free safer sex supplies.

Social Issues Resource Center The SIRC provides resources and hosts events to encourage the sharing of diverse perspectives. Past events have included bringing the former chair of Seattle’s Black Panther Party to talk to students on campus.

Veterans Outreach Center The VOC helps veterans with information about educational opportunities, counseling, employment and benefit information. Their office is located in VU 530.

Women’s Center The Women’s Center is dedicated to empowering and supporting people on campus on gender related issues around campus. The WC hosts events throughout the year, and each year puts out their literary and fine arts magazine, Labyrinth.

Queer Resource Center The QRC provides a safe space for students who identify as Queer and allies, through events and resources in the QRC. Some of the events put on by the QRC last year included Pride Prom and the Queer Experience showcase.

9.21.2015 • 5

about the Associated Students Legal Information Center The LIC is a resource for students for learn their rights, understand their options and find solutions when they are dealing with legal issues. Located in VU 517, the LIC is also a great resource to learn your rights as a house-renter.

Disability Outreach Center The DOC provides information and events related to disability topics for students with disabilities and community allies. Last year the DOC put on various events for Disability Awareness Week. Their office is located in VU 513.

students to hangout, work on homework and talk to staff members.

Clubs The Ethnic Student Center has 17 different clubs to join. Some of these clubs include the Korean Student Association and the Latino Student Union. To see the full list of clubs, visit their website or stop by their office.

Rentals They OC has basically everything you could need to have fun outdoors. They offer rentals for the day and the weekend. You can visit their website or stop by their office at the bottom of the VU to find out what rentals they offer.

Representation and Engagement Programs The REP includes Western Votes, Committees, AS Elections, AS Legislative Liaison, AS Local Liaison and Student Senate Reform. If you are interested in participating in student government, the REP office is in VU 435.

Committees Committees allow student voices to be heard on issues affecting them around campus. There are about 200 seats on AS and University Committees that students can join. Some committees include the AS Structural Review committee and the Academic Technology Committee.

Ethnic Student Center The goal of the ESC is to help students affirm their identities and create a sense of community on campus. Located in VU 420, the ESC offers space for

Bike Shop The bike shop at the OC functions as a place to learn how to fix your bike. Staff members are around to help and tools are available to use for a $2 tool fee.

Excursions Over the course of the school year, the OC offers various excursions around Western Washington. Some of the courses offered include Full Moon Hikes and Sunset Kayaking on the Bay.

KVIK KVIK produces videos showcasing the work of WWU students. If you are interested in filmmaking and want to become involved, you can visit their office in VU 423.

KUGS KUGS is the school’s student run radio station.

If you are interested in volunteering as a DJ you can pick up an application from their station on the 7th floor of the VU. KUGS has speciality music programs, Music for the Masses and plays Democracy Now! every day at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Lakewood Located on Lake Whatcom, the Lakewood Boathouse offers canoe, kayak and sailboat rentals for $8-$10 for the whole day. Spending the day out on the waters of Lake Whatcom is always a great way to enjoy some of Bellingham’s natural beauty.

Located on Sinclair Island, students can rent out the Viqueen Lodge. The cabin is approximately 800 square feet and includes a living space, large common area, kitchen and three bedrooms. It can sleep up to 10 people.

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Western Sustainable Transportation brings new services to campus this year

BY ALEXANDRA BARTICK

While you were away enjoying your summer vacation, and trying your best to not think about school, Western Student Transportation was busy working away to make it even easier to travel around Bellingham and get to campus without using a car.

Late night shuttle The Late Night shuttle is a service that is provided to all Western students, and is funded by the Alternative Transportation fee, which was originally approved in 2007. A $26.25 fee is paid each quarter by students taking more than six credits. The fee pays for access to the Western Student Shuttle and to a WTA bus pass, which is encoded onto your student ID card. Last year the Late Night shuttle added an additional route to service students living in the Happy Valley neighborhood on the south end of campus. In addition to the new route, the shuttle no longer stopped at the downtown WTA bus station, but instead serviced students downtown at the bus stop in front of the co-op before heading back up to campus.

Just this month, student transportation decided to switch the downtown stop back to the bus station.

Many students were walking from downtown to catch the bus at stops in residential locations. Associated Students Alternative Transportation Coordinator Ethan Wise said this was one of the reasons for the switch.

By having the bus stop in the core of downtown, Wise is hoping students will catch the bus downtown and alleviate some of the extra noise that they were causing in the neighborhoods.

The shuttle starts its service at 11 p.m.

9.21.2015 • 7

Monday to Saturday and 9 p.m. on Sunday.

It runs until 3 a.m. Show your student ID to the bus driver to board the bus. Each student is also allowed to bring one guest onto the shuttle with them. Schedules and maps of the routes can be found posted at WTA bus stops around town and on the Western Student Transportation website.

Duro Bike-Fix It stations and the new Campus Bike Educator position New to campus this year are three bikefix it stations and a bike educator position to teach students about bike maintenance. The fix-it stations are located behind Haggard Hall by the bus stop, on the north side of Artzen Hall and on the north side of the Recreation Center next to the soccer fields.

During the summer, biochemistry ma-

jor and bike enthusiast Josh Kirsch was hired as the Bike Educator for campus.

“The goal of my position is to educate the Western population about bicycling opportunities in our community, especially relating to the Fix-it stations,” said Kirsch. “A more grounded goal for my position, and maybe a more personal goal, is to get more people using their bikes more regularly.”

This position and the fix-it stations were created as part of a Sustainable Action Fund large grant called the Viking Cycling Fixit Stations. The grant contained an education component in addition to the fix-it stations, so that students would be able to fully utilize the stations, said Rachael Morris program assistant at WWU Sustainable Transportation.

“It’s important to have a position like this because the Bike Educator can give

students the tools and knowledge they need to be more confident cyclists,” said Morris. “If students have more bike maintenance knowledge, they will be more confident and safe overall.”

Kirsch said he thinks bringing bike fix it stations to campus is a great because it promotes sustainability on campus and helps reduce our CO2 emissions as a whole. “Bicycling can also create really strong interpersonal bonds and bring people together in a really meaningful way,” Kirsch said.

Starting this fall Kirsch will be holding bicycle maintenance clinics, group rides and other bike related events.

If you want to find out more about these events you can follow them online at WWUBike.

The Duro bike-fix it station located behind Haggard Hall, pictured with the Outdoor Center’s Yellow Trike . Touring bikes can be rented for low prices from the Outdoor Center, located at the bottom floor of the VU. Photo by: Trevor Grimm // AS Review

Are you interested in photography?

Do you qualify for work study?

Do you want to work on campus?

Come work with us at the AS Review!

Apply online at https://jobs.wwu.edu/JobPosting.aspx?JPID=6599

On Sept. 20, 2014 Sol performed at WWU in the MPR. Photo by: Trevor Grimm // AS Review

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Your day to connect

BY MARINA PRICE

A new event is joining the ranks of the traditional welcome week ensemble of Red Square Info Fair and Viking Union Late Night this year. On Wednesday, September 23, students will have the chance to take part in Western’s first-ever Connection Day, an event organized by the Associated Students Coordinator of Student Activities, Casey Hayden.

“The idea is to give students ways to connect- whether that be connecting with nature, community, or people who share your passions or hobbies,” Hayden said.

“Grab some friends, pick two or three things, and make it a day of choices. It’s a choose your own adventure.”

The day is packed with activities that specialize in specific interests, allowing participants to connect with individuals on a smaller scale than at Info Fair or VU Late Night. Here is a breakdown of some of the activities open for participation.

AS Outdoor Center Excursions The Associated Students Outdoor Center is hosting a number of group hikes and other excursions throughout the day. Sign-ups will be available at the Outdoor Center table at Red Square Info Fair on Tuesday, Sept 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Hikes The first hiking group will depart at 9 a.m. for a 6.5 mile round-trip hike to explore the Interurban Trail system and ultimately come to the infamous Teddy Bear Cove. Hikers will have the opportunity to see sea stars, anemones, and other marine

life at the cove. This hike is an easy on the difficulty scale, and will not require any motorized vehicle transportation.

The second long hike during the day is the Raptor Ridge Hike, which is a 12 mile round-trip hike that will be the most challenging of the Connection Day hikes. The hike will finish with breathtaking views of Raptor Ridge. The hike will also not require any motorized vehicle transportation.

There will also be multiple short, hour long hikes through the Seahome Hill Arboretum, located directly behind Western’s campus. The hike will take students through the Outdoor Learning Center, as well as passing by historical landmarks such as the site of the 1935 landslide. The hike is repeated four times intermittently through Connection Day. Biking, Swimming, Kayaking and More There will be two more groups of adventurers leaving the Outdoor Center at 9:00 a.m., one on a trip to kayak through the beautiful Bellingham Bay and another on a cycling trip to Clayton Beach in Larabee State Park, where participants will have the opportunity to learn the ropes of bouldering and climbing. This excursion earns a moderate on the difficulty scale, and will be a 14 mile round-trip averaging out at about 4 hours.

The kayaking trip will give students an introduction on safety and paddling, and then head out on an exploration of the Bellingham coast by sea. This excursion also has a moderate on the difficulty scale, and will take 4 hours round trip. This event will

AS OUTDOOR CENTER- sign-up at the Info Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 22 Time

Arboretum Hike

Teddy Bear Cove Hike

Raptor Ridge Hike

Bike and Boulder

Bike and Swim

Various Programs of the Associated Students Kayaking the Bay

Outback Garden Tours

Games

89.3 KUGS Radio

9:00 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

Leave from

10:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

Leave from the Outdoor Center, 1st floor of the VU, 150

OC

Leave from OC

Leave from the Outdoor Center, 1st floor of the VU, 150

Leave from the Outdoor Center, 1st floor of the VU, 150

At the Outback Garden

12:30 p.m.

In Red Square, or VU MPR in case of rain

1:00 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

Leave from OC

2:30 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Leave from OC

Leave from the Outdoor Center, 1st floor of the VU, 150

Leave from Outdoor Center, 1st floor of VU, 150

Leave from the Outdoor Center, 1st floor of the VU, 150

5:00 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

New Students Convocation- doors at 6:30 p.m./ starts at 7:00 p.m. in Performing Arts Center Returning students, staff, faculty line up to welcome new students at 7:30 p.m. outside Performing Arts Center

In Red Square

9.21.2015 • 9

also be repeated later in the day at 1:30 p.m.

Also later on Wednesday will be the Bike and Swim Lake Padden trip. Beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the entrance to the Outdoor Center, the group will complete a short bike ride to Lake Padden, one of Bellingham’s prime swimming spots. This journey will take about two and a half hours, and earns an easy on the difficulty scale.

Bikes at the outdoor center will be free to rent for this event if participants do not own a bike already.

Creating Safe Spaces for Social Justice Conversations The AS Social Issues Resource Center will be hosting a workshop session on how to talk about social justice in the context of understanding privilege.

SIRC Coordinator Aleyda Cervantes Gutierrez said, “sometimes when we have discussions in social justice spaces we feel uncomfortable because we feel a type of privilege. We want to discuss what we can do with that feeling, and why it’s okay to feel that way.”

The aim of the workshop is to work with anyone interested in social justice, but particularly incoming students who want to be prepared when entering social justice spaces.

“People tend to feel uncomfortable and get offend-

ed, as if they’re being targeted. But it’s not about that.

It’s about opening up to new ideas. I hope that when we have these conversations, people understand why we’re talking about this, why it’s important to check our privilege, and why feeling uncomfortable is a positive step, because it means you’re learning,” said Cervantes Gutierrez.

The group will meet up at 10:00 a.m. in Viking Union 552. It will start with a presentation from SIRC staff, followed by using games to create conversations in small group settings, and ending with a group conversation.

Art, Music and Games Red Square will host a number of events throughout the day. AS Resource and Outreach Programs will be hosting a community art project from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Art supplies will be provided to anyone who wants to contribute, and the art will hopefully be displayed on campus after the event, said Hayden.

Starting at 11:00 a.m., Associated Students staff will be facilitating a water balloon toss, a free button-making station, and a photobooth with props.

Hip-hop artist Mostafa Supergroup will be performing a free show at 2:00 p.m. Known for his artful

Various Areas of the Associated Students Bookstore Bash

Social Justice Conversations

Community Art Project

Geeky Gameroom

Scavenger Hunt From 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., participants have the chance to compete in an open scavenger hunt.

Participants will be provided with clues, and winners will have the chance to win prizes from the AS Bookstore.

Garden Tours at the Outback Western’s own 5-acre Outback Farm, which allows students to maintain their own garden plot and teaches students about agriculture and habitat restoration, will be giving tours and will be open for self-exploration between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m..

MISC

Environmental and Political Rally

Meditation

Aerial Photo

PWS Best Self Scavenger Hunt

In the VU MPR

In VU 552

In Red Square, or under Library Skybridge in case of rain Outside and inside the AS Bookstore

lyrics, this artist has played numerous shows around Bellingham as a native to the Pacific Northwest.

Western’s student-run radio station KUGS 89.3 will be dj-ing in Red Square before and after the show, There will also be thousands of free ice cream bars distributed at 2:00 p.m, courtesy of Dining Services and University Residences.

Finally, there will be an aerial photo of Red Square at 2:30, for anyone who would like to participate.

In In the Plaza VU MPR

the

BRAVE

Res Life/ RHA

Kognito Coffee

Ice Cream/Hip Hop Concert

in

VU

In

VU

567 Starts in Red Square, or outside Bond Hall in case of rain

PAC In VU 714

567

Rd Sq.

New Students Convocation- doors at 6:30 p.m./ starts at 7:00 p.m. in Performing Arts Center Returning students, staff, faculty line up to welcome new students at 7:30 p.m. outside Performing Arts Center

In Red Square

10 • as.wwu.edu/asreview

Neon Desert: burritos, black lights and bearded dragons

BY ALEX BARTICK

T

his year’s Viking Union late night event, Neon Desert, is packed full of events, ensuring there’s something of interest for everyone. VU Late night is an annual event that is held at the beginning of fall quarter to celebrate the start of the school year. This year’s event will be held on Friday, September 25 from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. in the VU. “It’s the first big late night event of the year. It’s a way to cap off Welcome Week at Western and it’s just a huge late night event with a lot of performances, activities and resources for students. It’s a lot of fun,” said Alex LaVallee, Associated Students Productions special events coordinator.

This year, one of Neon Desert’s main attractions is Washington’s own Reptile Man. Due to Reptile Man’s popularity on campus last year, LaVallee decided to bring him to campus again this year.

Reptile Man is bringing reptiles for students to interact with. All the reptiles he’s bringing have been defanged and devonomized, so they are not dangerous.

The late night event will also include a photo booth with volunteers dressed up in authentic Star Wars character costumes and an hour long performance from Western’s two A’capella groups Major Treble and Rebel Clef. Headlining at midnight is the Dead Parrots Society, Western’s improvcomedy troupe.

The main event of Neon Desert is the black light dance. There will be stations set up around the VU

“

[Neon Desert] is the first big late night event of the year. It’s a huge late night event with a lot of performances, activities and resources for students.

-Alex LaVallee AS Productions Special Events Coordinator

where students can make buttons, Kandi bracelets and get their faces painted with ultra violet face paint. The face painting will be done by a local company called Chelle Beautiful, who are usually down at the Saturday farmers market.

While the black light dance is happening, the Outdoor Center will be setting up an obstacle course on the 6th floor of the VU behind the café. LaVallee describes the course as a laser obstacle course like the scene in Oceans Twelve where Vincent Cassel uses the art of Capoeira (a Brazilian martial art) to break into a museum.

Students can traverse through the obstacle course in teams. “There will be 2-3 teams competing against each other to complete an obstacle course that includes laser, balance beams and more,” said Alzata Davis AS Outdoor Center challenge program coordinator.

“This event is open to everyone on campus but it is a great opportunity for new students, transfer and freshmen students, to come into the VU and explore and enjoy some fun activities and hopefully get connected with the Viking Union,” LaValle said. He also said the event is a great chance for students to see what type of awesome events their student dollars are going towards.

Burrito King will be set up outside of the VU during the event. While people are waiting in line for burritos and taco bowls, Western’s Society of Magicians will be performing magic tricks throughout the evening to entertain the students outside.

“I am also a huge fan of magic so I’m pretty interested in seeing what this new club, Western’s Society of Magicians, will be bringing to the event,” LaVallee said. “I’ve been talking with their president Dominique about what their involvement will be like and he definitely has surprised me with the amount of thought that he has put into it and so I’m

pretty stoked to see what is going on with them.”

LaVallee has been working all summer to make sure this event is fun and successful. He hopes students have fun and enjoy the event and that they also use the event as an opportunity to explore and become familiar with the VU and the AS. “It’s going to be a whole lot of fun and there’s not going to be an event that’s similar to this scale with this amount of planning until next year’s VU late night,” he said.

9.21.2015 • 11

Reimagining the Viking Union with Eric Alexander

BY MARINA PRICE

I

n the summer of 2014, two employees of the Viking Union organization retired after 36 years of service. While working side by side as respective Director for Student Activities and Director of the Viking Union, the two worlds they oversaw were always managed separately. When it came the time to find replacements, Dean of Students Ted Pratt made the decision to merge the two jobs into a singal position, in the hope to unify the structural elements of the VU with its core programs.

The result was a new position, and the man who holds it is Eric Alexander. “I think that people do the best, in their work and in their lives, when they are working within their strengths,” he said.

Alexander came to this position in

August of 2014, and arrived with a philosophy that emphasizes shared leadership and playing to people’s

“Sometimes we create these really false divides between students, staff and administrations. Instead the way I look at it is we’re all colleagues. We all have a different set of wisdom.”

- Eric Alexander, Associate Dean of Student Engagemetn and Director of VU Facilities

unique strengths. Alexander said his goal is to help position people

The Ethnic Student Center is one of the areas in the Viking Union that will be updated and expanded in the VU renovations. Photo by: Trevor Grimm // AS Review

in a way where they can use their talents and strengths in the best way possible.

This philosophy has been and will be critical for the Viking Union organization. In the past year alone, Alexander has started the process of re-evaluating the way that the organizations within the VU building function with their relationship to the building itself, with the hope of providing physical changes to better accommodate the organizations within the building.

“It was a year of looking, listening and learning,” he said on his past year holding the position. The time was spent gathering information on how departments operate within the VU space.

The biggest organization, and the one that will benefit the most from these changes, is of course, the Associated Students. Alexander said that the first project will be accommodating the ever-growing Ethnic Student Center, which has grown rapidly since it was first established in 1991.

Alexander believes that student involvement is critical for this process to be fully effective.

“Sometimes we create these really false divides between students, staff and administrations. Instead the way I look at it is we’re all colleagues. We all have a different set of wisdom,” he said.

In order to identify what makes a space work best for the programs that occupy it, Alexander started a group of people called the Welcoming and Engaging Spaces Team, or WEST. “The group will look through the lense of how we can enhance

Photo courtesy of Eric Alexander.

the spaces in the VU and on our other property,” he said. The group is also going to help determine the best ways to facilitate student input on the project. As of now, the groundwork for this project is only just beginning to be laid, but Alexander hopes that construction on the ESC project will begin sometime in the Spring of 2016.

He also remains optimistic about future endeavors to further grow the possibilities of the space, reiterating that the positioning of people in places that they can do the most good is a priority for him.

“I have a values based approach to work. The three core values of family, love and community,” he said. When I start combining my values, I come up with a lot of positive things. If I combine love and family, that’s where I find hope. If I combine love and community, that’s where I find peace. So it’s important to find ways to keep moving them forward.”

12 • as.wwu.edu/asreview

AS REVIEW CROSSWORD PUZZLE Find all the answers to this puzzle in this issue of the AS Review.

Associated Students employees pose for a staff photo on the Stairs to Nowhere sculpture for the 2015-2016 school year. Photo by: Trevor Grimm // AS Review

Across 3. Our student-operated farm.

4. At the _____ you can rent bikes, kayaks and snowboards.

5. The name of this year's VU Late night event.

8. Animation studio that made the outdoor film, showing on campus Tuesday night.

11. ____ 89.3 FM 13. AS office looking for new work study photographer position.

14. Acronym for the fund that supports student-driven sustainability projects.

15. _____ Info Fair.

Post a picture of the complete puzzle to our facebook page for a chance to win an awesome AS Review t-shirt. www.facebook.com/theasreview

Down 1. Acronym of a place to checkout laptops.

2. An office on campus who can help you find jobs 6. The stairs to _______.

7. The name of the building where the Associated Students is located.

9. Name of a performer who has come to Western.

10. The animal in AS Productions logo 12. ____ Lodge is located on Sinclair Island.