WHAT’S INSIDE:
SUMMERSTART 2011 EDITION
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A letter from the president
Summerstart 2011 Edition
What’s Inside
2 A letter from the president
Anna Ellermeier, your 2011-2012 AS president.
3 Summer events calendar
Get out while you still can!
4 On the hunt for Sasquatch...
Contributer Kyle Wavra searches for the elusive beast and finds a music festival instead.
5 No car? No problem
How to get around without a car
6 This is what the AS is
Offices and programs in the AS.
COVER
Bottles hang from a tree near the Fine Arts Building. Photo by Graham Cooper/ The AS Review.
Making your life better, one page at a time.
S
ummerstart and Transitions are whirlwinds of activity, with lots of excitement and information rolled up into just a couple of days. So, I’ll keep my message short. There was a reason you chose Western, and perhaps there are already things you know you really like about Western. But now that you are a student, you have the chance to discover what you truly love about Western, whether that’s your major, a club, a sports team or a group of friends. For me personally, I found what I love about Western when I first became involved in the Associated Students (or “the AS”). The AS is an organization that every student at Western (that means you!) is a part of. The AS hosts concerts, cultural nights and speakers; we show films and design posters; we collect recycling and promote sustainability; we lead outdoor excursions and provide recreation spaces for students; we create programming surrounding critical issues and we provide resources for students of all backgrounds and identities. What is most exceptional about the AS is students do the majority of the work and there are always opportunities to participate in what we do. I would like to invite you to explore the AS and the ways you Photo: Daniel Berman / The AS Review could be involved, whether that be talking with one Anna Ellermeier is your 2011-2012 AS president. of our representatives at the info fairs, attending an event in the fall or coming down to our offices in the Viking Union to see what we are up to. This is your organization and we want you to be a part of it. Summerstart is likely your first glimpse of what it will be like to be a student here at Western. As you get to know the campus and learn more about the school you’re now a part of, make sure you get to know the people around you as well. Your experience here will be defined by your fellow students more than anything else on this campus. As president of the AS, it is my job to support you, to empower you and to represent you to the very best of my ability. This is a large task, but luckily I am not alone. Six other vice presidents serve on the AS board along with me. The seven of us are here for you, so please use us as resources and representatives during your time here. We work on the fifth floor of the VU and our doors are always open. Enjoy your time at Summerstart and Transitions, and welcome to Western. We are so excited you are here. ■ Anna Ellermeier Associated Students President as.president@wwu.edu VU 504
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Summerstart 2011
Summerstart is Western’s advising, registration and orientation program for fall 2011 freshmen and families. Each two-day session is designed to help new students begin their Western experience with confidence and success.
June 18-Aug. 13
Aug. 20
Boulevard Park Concert Series
Bite of Bellingham
7-9 p.m., Boulevard Park Free
Paperboys kick off the series of summer concerts. Also don’t miss performances by Locarno (Aug. 13).
June 23-Aug. 25 Elizabeth Park Concert Series 6-8 p.m., Elizabeth Park Free
12-4 p.m., 1300 block of Cornwall Avenue (The corner of Cornwall and Holly). Check www.downtownbellingham.com/bite/ for ticket prices Sample a delicious variety of foods from local restaurants and vote for your favorites.
Sept. 3-5 Bumbershoot
Lineup includes Beatlebilly on Aug. 25.
11 a.m., Seattle Center $29-$475
Aug. 6-27
Performances by Hall & Oates, Loan Russell, The Lonely Forest and much more.
International Concert Series
2 p.m., Peace Arch State Park in Blaine Free Dance and song performances by artists from around the world.
Aug. 12-14
Sept. 17 Bellingham Traverse
12:30 p.m., race begins at the Bellingham Farmers Market on Railroad Avenue
Flomotion Summer Meltdown
Whitehorse Mountain Amphitheater in Darrington Check summermeltdown.com for ticket prices
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the Bellingham Traverse is a 40-mile multi-sport challenge, beginning and ending in downtown Bellingham.
Performances by bands such as New Monsoon, Black Cherry Crush and Keaton Collective.
Sept. 21 Fall quarter begins
Aug. 20 Big Rock Garden Series
3:30-5 p.m., Big Rock Garden Park Free The Robert Sarazin Blake Trio performs.
Welcome to Western!
taoofjournalism.com
Editor in Chief Kirsten O’Brien
Assistant Editor Adrienne Woods
Lead Photographer Graham Cooper
Photographer Joe Rudko
Contributers Matt Crowley Anna Ellermeier Evan Marczynski Kyle Wavra
Adviser Jeff Bates
Viking Union 411 516 High St. Bellingham, Wash. 98225 Phone: 360.650.6126 Fax: 360.650.6507 Email: as.review@wwu.edu Online:as.wwu.edu/asreview @theasreview facebook.com/theasreview ©2011. Published most Mondays during the school year by the Associated Students of Western Washington University. We are a student-produced, alternative campus weekly covering news and events that are of interest to the Western community. We support all programs, offices and clubs affiliated with the AS. We have a direct connection to the AS Board of Directors, and although we report on board actions objectively, our relationship should be made clear. Submissions: We welcome reader submissions, including news articles, literary pieces, photography, artwork or anything else physically printable. Email submissions, or send them to the mailing address above. They will be returned as long as you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Letters: We also welcome letters to the editor. Please limit your letter to 300 words and include your name and phone number. Published letters may have minor edits made to their length or grammar, if necessary. Calendar/Ads: We don’t sell ad space. Sorry. Email as.review@wwu.edu to have an event listed in the calendar.
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On the hunt for Sasquatch... The AS Review went to the Sasquatch! Music Festival, an annual four-day concert held Memorial Day weekend. Western student Kyle Wavra submitted these photos taken over the course of the weekend as proof of the elusive beast and a weekend of fantastic music.
(Clockwise starting in top left corner) The Flaming Lips kick off the beginning of their set on day three, Sunday, May 29. Sasquatch! campers make their way to the opening gate to begin the second day of the festival, Saturday, May 28. Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters performs during their headlining spot for the opening night of the festival, Friday, May 27. Singer for !!! (pronounced chk chk chk), Nic Offer, gets into it with the crowd at the Bigfoot stage, Monday, May 30. Skrillex keeps the crowd moving in the Banana Shack dance tent on the last day, Monday, May 30. All photos by Kyle Wavra.
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Western’s Sustainable Transportation Office created the “Picture My Commute” photo contest in March 2011 to reward those who use alternative forms of transportation. Second-place winner Crista Dougherty is pictured in the center, and first-place winner Morwenna Probert-Baker is pictured right. Photos courtesy of the Sustainable Transportation Office.
No car? No problem. Matt Crowley/The AS Review Editor’s note: This story previously ran in the Feb. 21, 2011 issue of the Review. With the myriad of alternative transportation options available to Western students, it’s hard to believe so many students use cars on a daily basis. According to data gathered by the Office of Survey Research, in 2010 two-thirds of students had a car available for use in Bellingham, while 17 percent of students said they drove alone to school at least three times a week. For students who own vehicles, the benefits seem obvious: less hassle and more freedom to go where you want, when you want. As for the drawbacks, Alternative Transportation Coordinator Emily Kraft said having a car can really hurt your wallet. “Mainly I would say for students it’s cost. I think students probably don’t even realize how much money it takes to maintain and drive a car,” Kraft said. “You also have to take into consideration things like insurance, parking tickets, tolls, all that different stuff. It’s really expensive for students and
the second your car breaks down you’re looking at a ton of money and a lot of hassle.” Kraft, along with Western’s Sustainable Transportation Office, believes students shouldn’t have cars unless a vehicle is absolutely necessary. “I think it’s important for freshmen to try being at Western without a car because I think a big part of going to college is living away from home, and having a car means you’re going home a lot and it impedes your ability to really feel comfortable at school and make friends and all that important stuff,” Kraft said. For students taking more than six credits, the $25 Alternative Transportation Fee is included in tuition, meaning whether you use it or not, you are paying for it. “For the amount we pay I think it’s very valuable,” said Western sophomore Marcus Amundson. “Plus, if we’re being forced to pay for it we might as well get our money’s worth, right?” The STO provides a number of guides to get
you from Bellingham to places such as Seattle and Tacoma for about $5, all using public transportation. The office provides regional trip planning, a useful and free resource that may not be known to most students. “We try to get as much info out to students as possible, and make sure that bus passes and schedules are always available,” said Sustainable Transportation Program Assistant Wendy Crandall. By choosing to utilize the alternative transportation resources available, students can impact the community in even more positive ways than they might think. “When you look at the bigger picture, you can talk about how alternative transportation is good for the planet, but everybody knows that. It’s also really beneficial to the community as a whole,” Kraft said. “Having a campus that encourages alternative transportation also encourages students to live closer to campus if there’s a good transit system. It helps maintain Western as a community.” ■
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This is what the AS is An overview of the Associated Students
With a budget of more than $3 million, dozens of student-run offices and hundreds of events, programs, productions and services all tied together under one mysterious two-letter acronym, the entirety of the Associated Students can be difficult to wrap your head around. This AS Review guide will hopefully give you the basics you need to find out more about the elements of the AS that interest you. There are plenty of ways to get involved, either by attending events, volunteering or interning. In addition, there are a wide variety of paid positions open to current students. More information on job openings can be found at as.wwu.edu/personnel.
Board of Directors
VU 504 (360) 650-3460 These are your elected student representatives. In addition to a myriad of other duties, the members of the board oversee the operations of the AS and represent Western students to university administrators and state and federal lawmakers. The board consists of a president and six vice presidents who each have different responsibilities and areas of management. Members are elected to oneyear terms by a direct vote from current Western students during spring quarter.
Resource and Outreach Programs VU 517 (360) 650-6127 as.rop.director@wwu.edu
Sexual Awareness Center (VU 518)
A non-judgmental resource for people seeking information about sexuality and sex-related issues. The SAC organizes annual events, including the Condom Fashion Show, and maintains a library with resources on a variety of topics including birth control, sexually transmitted diseases, relationships, abstinence education and sexual alternatives.
Queer Resource Center (VU 515)
The QRC provides a safe space for queer students and allies, and maintains a variety of resources including books and movies. The office also organizes a number of events throughout the year, including an annual drag show to support education and research into HIV and AIDS and Pride Month every May.
Social Issues Resource Center (VU 512)
The SIRC aims to create meaning political and personal dialogue between students, staff, faculty and other members of the Bellingham community. The office organizes events, advises students who run programs or campaigns involving social issues, and connects students with each other and other community organizations.
Veterans Outreach Center (VU 530)
The VOC is dedicated to providing veterans who attend Western, and their families, with the best possible college experience, whether that means helping them find jobs, providing information of benefits they deserve or just being a safe haven for veterans to hang out. It also organizes events, including an annual Veterans Day ceremony, to bring speakers who can give students first-hand knowledge of what it is like to serve in the military.
Women’s Center (VU 514)
The Women’s Center strives to emphasize the ways in which race, class, age, gender identity, ability, sexual orientation, religion and national origin make every woman’s life different. It is a confidential, safe and inclusive space for people to support and challenge each other. The center also produces the annual, internationally-acclaimed production of the “Vagina Memoirs,” an adaptation of Eve Ensler’s popular “Vagina Monologues.”
Legal Information Center (VU 512)
The LIC helps students understand their rights, explore available options and find solutions to any legal questions they are faced with. The center has extensive legal resources on local, county and state laws, as well as information of legal organizations and local attorneys.
Disability Outreach Center (VU 528)
The DOC is a student organization that serves people with disabilities and community allies. The DOC provides a safe space for all people and promotes community pride for students with disabilities. It also organizes the annual Disability Awareness Week.
Ethnic Student Center
VU 420 (360) 650-7271 as.esc.programs@wwu.edu The ESC maintains a safe and supportive environment for historically underrepresented groups and allies while providing cultural and educational programs. The center, which is open to
all students, also provides a safe environment with study spaces, computer access and informational resources. Clubs sponsored by the ESC include: African Caribbean Club, Baile Folclorico de WWU, Black Student Union, Capoeira Club, Chinese Student Association, Filipino American Student Association, German Club, Hui ‘O Hawaii, Japanese Conversation Club, Japanese Student Association, Korean Students Association, La Mesa Espanola, La Table Francaise, Latino Student Union, MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano/a de Aztlan), Native American Student Union, Queer People of Color, South Asian Students Association,Vietnamese Student Association, Vikings’ Community for Israel Awareness, Western Jewish Gals and the Khmer Student Association.
AS Productions
VU 422 (360) 650-6803 as.productions@wwu.edu
Pop Music
ASP Pop Music brings musicians of local and national fame to Western’s campus. Last year’s performers included Macklemore, The Lonely Forest, Portugal. The Man, Kimya Dawson and The Head and the Heart.
Special Events
As quite possibly the most eclectic ASP program, Special Events organizes student-funded events of all variety. In the past, the program has organized a fire circus and visits from Ralph Nader and Ice-T.
Films
Going to movie theaters is expensive these days, but ASP Films puts on weekly film screenings ranging in price from 50 cents to $2. Last year, they even held an outdoor screening of “Tron: Legacy” on the lawn outside of the Communications Facility.
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VU Gallery
An exhibition space designed to contribute to the Bellingham artistic community while showcasing the work of Western student-artists. Located in VU 507, the gallery hosts a range of exhibits every year. Last winter, they organized a “Post Secret” exhibition, as well as New York-based artist Dennis McNett, who recruited students to help him construct an actual Viking ship covered with intricate print-work inside the gallery. Underground Coffeehouse Located on the third floor of the VU, the Underground is more than just a coffeehouse. Its intimate stage area also hosts weekly free concerts with a variety of musicians, as well as other types of performances and events.
KUGS 89.3 FM
VU 700 (360) 650-KUGS kugs.org With a staff of student DJs and managers, KUGS jams a wrench in the gears of corporate radio with a diverse selection of music and news. KUGS volunteers are committed to providing programming that encourages greater understanding of the human difference and cultural pluralism within the university community and the world we live in. The station also carries the popular independent national news show “Democracy Now!” with Amy Goodman.
KVIK Television
VU 428 (360) 650-2342 as.kvik@wwu.edu Television fit for Vikings! KVIK produces student-created television shows, many of them filmed live on campus, to broadcast online. Popular shows include: “You Would!” and “VTV.”
Environmental & Sustainability Programs
VU 424 (360) 650-6129 as.earth@wwu.edu As a major center of the campus environmental community, the ESP is made up of the Outback, a student-run farm located behind the dorms in Fairhaven College that allows students to
get hands-on experience in food production, ecological systems and sustainable land use; the Environmental Center, a resource center that keeps the campus community up-to-date on local environmental events and happenings; and Western Student Transportation, which oversees the student shuttle, coordinates the distribution of student bus passes and works to ensure that every student can have a fulfilling college experience without owning a car.
Outdoor Center VU 150 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The OC provides a variety of outdoor-related activities for students, faculty, staff and alumni with an emphasis on developing and refining skills and responsible environmental practices, fostering diversity, enriching the academic experience and promoting life-long learning. The center includes equipment rentals, a bike shop, outdoor excursion programs, educational resources and instructional clinics all coordinated by a knowledgeable staff.
Recycle Center
(360) 650-3088 as.recycle.staff.mgr@wwu.edu\ The Recycle Center handles recycling services on campus, educates the university community on what can be recycling and promotes general waste reduction. The center also provides student employment opportunities and work experience.
Representation and Engagement Programs VU 520 (360) 650-4267 as.rep@wwu.edu
The REP provides resources, service and support to students to ensure their representation in impactful decisions at the university, local, state and federal levels. The office includes the Western Votes program, the AS Elections coordinator, the legislative liaison and the Student Senate. It also coordinates student positions on various committees within the AS and the university.
Student Senate
VU 527 (360) 650-6455 as.senate@wwu.edu Designed to increase student involvement in decisions made by the board of directors, the senate made up of Western students appointed by the senate chairperson and confirmed by the board.
Western Votes
as.wwu.edu/gov/western-votes As a volunteer student group working to get students politically active, Western Votes holds voter registration drives on campus each year, plans trips to Olympia to lobby state lawmakers in support of higher education, and also organizes on-campus political rallies.
Publicity Center
VU 411 (360) 650-7279 as.pc.accounts@wwu.edu Not only is the PC the home of the AS Review, it also is a full-service advertising facility that provides services in graphic design, web design, poster distribution and large-format printing. While it mainly serves the needs of AS clubs, programs and offices, there are also certain services available to individual students.
Western Associated Students Bookstore
(360) 650-3655 Hours: M-F 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Sun. bookstore.wwu.edu Textbooks are expensive, but they are also necessary to get through your college experience. In addition to books for classes, the bookstore sells supplies, merchandise and apparel. Last year, the store began an online textbook rental program as a cheaper way to get the books you need for your classes. At the beginning of each quarter, the bookstore also gives away the Western Blue Book with purchases, which is full of coupons for local restaurants and shops. ■
For more information, visit as.wwu.edu.
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