Volume V: Issue 1

TERM,

TECH

345 N. Monmouth Ave. Monmouth, OR 97361

Student Media Department

TERRY HOUSE

NEWSROOM 503-838-8347

Managing Editor

MIKAYLA COLEMAN howlmanagingeditor@wou.edu

Managing Editor

DAKOTA GANGE howlmanagingeditor@wou.edu

Copy Editor

CAMI ANSLEY howlcopyeditor@wou.edu

N ews Editor

MIRELLA

BARRERA-BETANCOURT howlnews@wou.edu

Lifestyle Editor

JUDE BOKOVOY howllifestyle@wou.edu

Entertainment Editor

GRETCHEN SIMS howlentertainment@wou.edu

Designer

JULIANNA TINKER howldesigner@wou.edu

Designer

ADDIE FLOYD howldesigner@wou.edu

Digital Media Manager

CATHERINE MACHORRO howldigitalmediamanager@wou.edu

Photo Editor

CAITLIN QUIRK howlphoto@wou.edu

SUBMISSIONS

THE WESTERN HOWL encourages readers to share their opinion through letters to the editor and guest columns. Submissions must be typed and include the writer’s name. Contact information will not be published unless requested. Unsigned submissions will not be printed and original copies will not be returned.

Letters to the editor may be up to 300 words and guest columns should not exceed 500 words.

THE WESTERN HOWL does not guarantee the publication of all letters or columns. THE WESTERN HOWL reserves the right to edit for punctuation, grammar, and spelling, but never for content.

Please bring submissions to THE WESTERN HOWL at Terry House or email to howleditor@ wou.edu. Submissions must be received by Monday at 5 p.m. to be considered for print.

All opinions expressed in columns, letters to the editor or advertisements are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of THE WESTERN HOWL or Western Oregon University.

GET INVOLVED

Here are some of Western’s many clubs and organizations

Gretchen Sims | Entertainment Editor | howlentertainment@wou.edu

Looking for a way to make new friends, get involved on campus or find a group of like-minded individuals? Clubs and organizations help increase student engagement with peers, which can lead to a sense of belonging and can help tighten the Western community. Joining a club can help new students feel as though they have a place to belong — which can help lessen the blow of this period of transition.

MUSIC:

West of Us Acapella Club

The West of Us is a student-led, auditiononly co-ed acapella group. Although they have previously been a low-commitment group, the acapella group is ramping things up this year by meeting twice a week and beginning to compete again for the first time in five years. Auditions will be held on October 1 in Smith Hall room 121 — the auditorium — from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m..

To find out more, contact President Erin Mackey at 206.552.6066.

SPORTS:

WOU Swim Club

This club is a collection of students whose skills range from beginner to collegiate level, who get together to practice and share their love of swimming. While competitions are optional, this group focuses more on building a community and making all levels of swimmers feel welcome and included.

To find out more, contact club President

Sharon Mann at smann18@wou.edu or find them on Instagram at @wou_swim_club

Women’s Rugby Club

“Rugby is like a combination between soccer and football where basically, at some point, a bunch of drunk dudes picked up a soccer ball and started tackling each other — and then the sport was born. Join Rugby!” said President Clair Rickis.

To find out more, contact Rickis at crickis18@wou.edu

GREEK LIFE:

Omega Delta Phi

Omega Delta Phi is currently the only fraternity at Western. First established in 2012, O-D-Phi’s main goal is to see its members graduate and succeed. In order to promote the betterment of its members, the fraternity strives to serve and therefore better the community around them.

To find out more, contact fraternity President Moshe Martinez at recruitment. betacapa@omegadeltaphi.org

Kappa Delta Chi

Kappa Delta Chi is one of two sororities at Western. Their main focus surrounds community service and academics. Kappa Delta Chi is a latina-founded organization, and though they are not a latina-exclusive sorority, their history does drive many of their service projects in the community. Joining a sorority is a good way to meet other women on campus and build lasting friendships.

To find out more, contact sorority President Priscila Espama at betadelta. nme@kappadelta.org

Alpha Chi Omega

Alpha Chi Omega is a group of women on campus that firmly believe in women supporting women. They promote leadership, supporting one another and giving back to the community by raising awareness about domestic violence.

To find out more, contact sorority President Samantha Braukman at wouaxo. prez@gmail.com

SPECIAL INTERESTS:

Model United Nations Club

The Model United Nations Club not only educates about international politics and diplomacy, but also allows its members to experience these things first hand via its international travel program. This club can be very beneficial to political science majors/minors.

To find out more, contact club President Makenna Helseth at woumun@wou.edu or directly at mhelseth20@wou.edu

Criminal Justice Club

The Criminal Justice Club is relevant and important to people of all majors because it gives its members an inside look at the law — which can be tied to any occupation. During their meetings, they engage with the law by discussing media coverage of current events. They meet

The Criminal Justice club can not wait to meet you.

Photos by Gretchen Sims

Who feeds the wolf pack?

Valsetz welcomes back new and returning wolves to their dining hall

Valsetz dining hall has been feeding Western students for over 50 years, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner — Valsetz cuisine is a staple in campus residents’ diets. With locally sourced ingredients and a variety of meal options catering to different dietary needs, their menus are always evolving. With online ordering, students are able to browse the menu for the day while having their meal

ready for pick up within 20 minutes.

Western’s CJ Barlow, a long time chef at Valsetz , believes what makes his job special is “Not having to take any of my work home with me and the people I work with.”

Naomi Ojeda, a student worker of three years, said that a perk of working at campus dining is “Meeting everyone in general. Getting to know everyone individually, from first

Jude Bokovoy

Editor

generation students to helping out with school. I like talking to people as I check them out as well.”

“We need student workers, we are ready to open Allegro, Valsetz, the press and catering but we are struggling to find student workers,” stated Albert Worotikan, Western’s Food Service Director of seven years.

Valsetz Dining Hall offers a variety of jobs ranging in hourly wages,

hours, duties — and most of all — they don’t require transportation. Campus dining is very understanding when it comes to class schedules by happily working around their student workers’ needs.

Student favorites include Valsetz acai bowls, thai curry, fusion bowls, and their delicious mini doughnuts. What will be yours?

Timberline Trail Triumph

What Jude learned from her first backpacking trip

Mt. Hood’s Timberline Trail #600 is no joke. Although the signs can lead one to believe that the full exhibition is 41.5 miles, obstacles and reroutes can make it much longer. The trail wraps around Mt. Hood, giving hikers a complete view of the mountain’s beauty from every angle. My dad and I have been hiking partners ever since I was in a baby carrier, but we have never undertaken a task such as this one.

Being that this was my first backpacking trip, there are many aspects that I would’ve done differently to prepare. For starters, training on a treadmill can only do so much. The hours I spent wearing my packed backpack changing incline levels to get my body used to constant elevation changes

and keeping in the swing of cheer practices, kept me fit. Since I wasn’t out on trails regularly, I barely broke in my hiking boots and did not use my poles. This led to me coming back from the experience with open blisters on each of my fingers, a sensitive ankle and four toes that are still numb to this day.

Despite all this, the timing couldn’t have been better. Because we undertook this trip in early September, it wasn’t too hot during the day and went below freezing only one of the two nights. The river crossings were achievable because they weren’t overflowing from rapid snow melt — but that does not mean they weren’t intimidating. There were still plenty of flowers, plants and water features to pass by. Because we traveled

around the entire mountain, we went through at least three scenery changes consisting of sand, snow and forest each day.

What really helped me learn along the way was watching my dad. He packed an informative list of campsites, accessible water, and potential bail out spots for each day’s journey. By doing this, we knew when the next spot was to filter water into our bottles, set up camp if needed, and how far the next bail out spot was in case of emergency. My dad also woke me up at 6:30am both days so we could be packed up with full stomachs by 8am. The biggest lesson

I learned was to be friendly with passing hikers. This way we got plenty of tips for river crossings from people who just crossed earlier that day, which was extremely

useful because cairns can only do so much. For those who don’t know, a cairn is a stack of rocks made by hikers to lead fellow hikers back to the trail. Typically these can be found by river crossings or by obstacles that force people to go off of the hiking path.

After reflecting on our journey I would only change a few things. First, I would give ourselves more time overall. Undertaking the Timberline Trail in three days is very uncommon and we found out why during our final day — we hit 7,400’ in elevation then declined to complete our journey of over 18 miles. Another thing I would do is pack less clothes. I also wish that we had taken more short breaks, even if they were only a minute long — it really helps with endurance.

Jude

Apply

Backpacking is a great way to reset your mind while being immersed in nature.

Photos by Jude Bokovoy

Photos by Eric Bokovoy

WELCOME TO THE PACK

Mirella Barrera-Betancourt News Editor | howlnews@wou.edu

The Associated Students of Western Oregon University 2022-2023 elections came to a halting conclusion during the final weeks of May.

Despite being extended to May 7 due to a lack of student votes, ASWOU elections closed to the student body nearly three weeks after its initial closing date of April 29. The long wait finally concluded with the certification of the ASWOU 2022-2023 Elections by the Elections Committee on May 21.

The final results elected Kodee Harwood as ASWOU President for the 2022-2023 academic year. With a total of 193 votes, Harwood surpassed ASWOU Presidential Candidate Gheraldy Bobadilla-Cruz by 25 votes.

Harwood is currently serving her last year at Western as a communication studies major. During her presidential candidate interview session, Harwood stated that it has been in her interests to join ASWOU since 2019 when she first began her enrollment at Western as a first-year.

In regards to her running, Harwood said in a statement, “I absolutely love this school but what I know is there’s always room for improvement. If I were elected as the 2022-2023 ASWOU President, I would help to ensure that all students have the resources to live and learn comfortably. I would first meet with campus dining to restructure what eating on campus looks like for our students. I believe there should be more vegan (or) gluten free and lactose free options within Valsetz and (at) Caffe Allegro.”

Among the plethora of changes Harwood promises in her career as ASWOU President, including the reopening of Western’s long since closed but beloved eatery, “The Grill,” she advocates for greater safety and accessibility on

the Western campus, an objective she shares with newly appointed Vice President Hunter Hall.

“I also plan to meet with Campus Public Safety with Vice President Hunter Hall to discuss safety on campus and what we could do to make students feel safer on campus. We’d also like to add more blue light emergency towers around campus and make sure people know where to access the blue buttons and how to access (them) in the correct manner,” said Harwood.

Students have chosen Hunter Hall as their ASWOU Vice President. Hall outdistanced Vice Presidential Candidate Owen Hubers with a total

of 256-99 votes.

Hall is a mathematics major in his senior year at Western, with four years of student government experience well under his wing.

“My primary goal is to not only ensure that every student’s voice is heard, but I also want to make sure I address their student needs in any way that I can and whatever capacity that takes,” said Hunter Hall during his interview session. “I would want to create an environment where every student feels connected, as well as every student understands that their voice is necessary and heard, no matter what their diverse background can be.”

Meanwhile, the positions of Chief of Staff, Senate President and Judicial Administrator were filled by Daizy Hernandez Soriano, Connor Goehring and Coral Davis. Samy Reyes and Dennis Long were elected as senator and incidental fee committee member, respectively.

As for newly elected ASWOU President Harwood, she has now begun assisting in ASWOU presidential duties for the start of the 2022-2023 academic year. Harwood said, “… My office will always be open to any student(s) that have concerns or questions and I will try my best to make change happen and try to support you as best I can.”

To learn more about ASWOU and their elected positions, visit their website at wou.edu/aswou/.

Kodee Harwood is the 2022-2023 academic year’s ASWOU President.

Photo courtesy of Instagram, @aswou

WOLF-E OR DAX-E?

Western’s delivery robot, Dax, began operations on the first day of the fall 2022 academic semester.

Back in the summer of 2022, Western announced to students that it would be partnering with DaxBot — a robotics company with a pension in bringing the robotic experience to urban cities and higher education.

Dax is currently providing food delivery services to the Oregon State University campus — the first university in Oregon to join hands with DaxBot. Albert Worotikan, director of campus dining at Western, was formally appointed as the general manager of OSU’s dining hall. Upon hearing the news of their robotic delivery service,

Western equity

Worotikan considered the benefits it would bring to Western.

“Because of the man-power, it is not easy to start a delivery program. And then depending so much on student workers to do that piece,” said Worotikan. “By utilizing the robots, it helps us to capture the opportunities that students and faculty want (for) delivery, but it also helps us in terms of labor costs.”

In addition, having Dax take the place of student workers will cut down on time and labor, as it has the capabilities of traveling in rough weather and terrain, a feat that their human counterparts find less than appealing.

In order to complete his mission

of delivery, Dax has been equipped with a number of functions, including a camera, live video feed and smart chips that tell him when to stop and look both ways before crossing an intersection. Dax is also able to travel a radius of up to two and a half miles from the assigned pick up point, with a maximum speed of four miles per hour, all while keeping food hot or cold in his delivery drawer.

Ordering for delivery via Dax will be done through the Nutrislice mobile app. Much like they would if students placed a standard pick up order, all food items go through the online shopping cart for check out. However, instead of the pickup option, students will choose the

Gretchen Sims

Editor | howlentertainment@wou.edu

Monmouth, along with Western Oregon University, is located on the traditional homelands of the Luckiamute Band of Kalapuya. The Kalapuya people were forcibly removed from their lands to the Grand Ronde Indian Reservation after the Willamette Valley Treaty in 1855 (1). Western has, for a long time, recognized this devastating travesty.

In part, recognizing its past has pushed Western to adopt a new program known as the NAT-WOU initiative.

The NAT-WOU Initiative (Native American

Tuition Initiative) makes it possible for all Native American and Indigenous persons to qualify for in-state tuition. Instead of paying an approximate $28,000 a year, Native American and Indigenous students are now eligible for a tuition reduction of almost $20,000.

Interim Vice President/Dean of Students, Tina Fuchs, states why this initiative can have a lasting positive impact,

“We adopted the NAT-WOU initiative to assist Native American students with enrollment and graduation. Nationwide, approximately 24% of

Native American students are enrolled in college (National Center of Education Statistics). In Oregon, that number is 48%, about 15% less than the rate for all high school graduates in the state. Financial barriers significantly limit access to college. The NAT-WOU initiative allows for out-of-state members from federally recognized tribes to attend WOU at a more affordable rate. Furthermore, we are supporting and encouraging our students from Oregon-based tribes to apply for the HECC’s Oregon Tribal Student grant which will offset the cost of attendance at WOU.”

Western is taking initiative to support its Native American and Indigenous Communities.

the robot picks up his very first delivery order of the term.

Photo by Gretchen Sims

Photo by Albert Worotikan

Western welcomes partnership with DaxBot, Inc. robotic food delivery

Initiative is a trailblazing act set on reforming equality

IN COMPLETELY MADE UP

HOROSCOPES THIS

Compiled by The Western Howl staff

3/21–4/19

Get a scrub daddy.

TAURUS

ARIES CANCER

4/20–5/20

Why are online only classes still a thing?

5/21–6/20

GEMINI VIRGO

i wish i was a lady bug so i could fly far far away

6/21–7/22

affirm ur intrusive thoughts and go through your sister’s closet

LIBRA

7/23–8/22 8/23–9/22

yung gravy pls date kris jenner

9/23–10/22

Go to this saturdays football game date me pls

10/23–11/21

$200 dollars spent on textbooks this semester …. yay

LEO SCORPIO AQUARIUS

CAPRICORN

SAGITTARIUS PISCES

11/22–12/21 12/22–1/19

someone should get me a blizzard pls

89 days until christmas! Do your shopping now!

WOUrd

1/20–2/18 2/19–3/20

i’m tired of buying textbooks Go see Don’t Worry Darling

Words compiled from the stories featured in issue one of The Western Howl

Presidential

Habebah

Western Curry Club

Freshman

Spirit

Trail Recharge

Duties

Drama Grill Perk Cozy Pita

Friendly advice for incoming freshman

The Western Howl staff share their freshman advice

The Western Howl Collective

Entering freshman year of college can be overwhelming. There are so many decisions to make including classes, friends and figuring out who you want to be. Let us lend a hand.

You will only find yourself wrapped up in drama if you go searching for it — As long as you are kind to others and surround yourself with good people, drama should not be minimal headed your way. Although Western is a small university, everyone is doing their own thing and making the most of their own personal experiences.

It is okay to let some people go — if a certain person or a whole group of friends are creating a negative impact on your life it may be time to leave. Whether it is friends from high school or ones you met here at Western, know your boundaries.

Make time for yourself — In the midst of classes, going out with friends, practices, work or

whatever else, it is important to spend some alone time. By doing this you will be able to recharge, relax and even do some self reflection. Remember to take care of yourself just as you would another person.

Go to Western games — A great way to gain some school spirit is by supporting your classmates at their sporting events. There are typically tailgates, halftime shows and food at each of Western’ss sporting events along with the game itself.

Find your ideal study space — Studying can be difficult enough as it is without the ideal study space. Western’s campus has a multitude of study spots for everyone and has a variety of volume levels and populations to choose from. It can even be your own bedroom. Find the spot that is right for you.

Do not get too wrapped up in school — Sometimes it is easy to forget that you are no longer in high school. It is easy to push yourself to your

wits end trying to live up to your dreams. Take this time for yourself. You are beginning a new chapter in your life and now have the time and space to figure out who you are. Make friends to share the college experience with — try not to spend all your time wrapped up in your classwork.

Study what you want to study, not what you think you have to study - Once you’ve graduated, at the end of the day it’s who you are and what you bring to the table that matters. I have had countless professors and advisors reiterate this.

GOOD FOOD REVIEWED

Habebah Mediterranean Cuisine Review

Gretchen Sims | Entertainment Editor | howlentertainment@wou.edu

Broke college student? Don’t want the responsibility of making healthy choices at a grocery store? Tired of greasy food and unproportionate American servings? Me too. As someone who values a home-style meal that fits their budget, yet can not cook for themself, I am constantly searching for a quick and healthy, yet inexpensive, place to eat.

Unfortunately, Monmouth does not have many options that fit that description. That is why I was so excited when Habebah Mediterranean Cuisine opened up only a block from campus.

I had really high hopes for this restaurant and they did not disappoint. The wait staff were really friendly and the environment was exceptionally clean and airy

it was the perfect combination of ample space to be comfortable and enough decorations to be cozy.

The food was absolutely amazing. I had the Gyro Plate with warm pita bread and grape leaves. The warm pita bread melted in my mouth, the rice was some of the best I have ever had and the meat was perfectly cooked. The option of either getting a plate or a wrap made things very cost-efficient, and every option on their menu is under eleven dollars — although you could have a full meal for around eight.

The service was exceptionally fast; we were able to order, get our food and finish eating in less than thirty minutes. Another upside of this restaurant is its consistent hours. Most restaurants in Monmouth have inconsistent or inopportune hours.

Habebah is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. weeknights and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekends — closed on Sundays.

Most importantly, Habebah prides itself on the quality of its ingredients. One example of this is that they only serve halal or kosher meats — the height of luxury. This restaurant proves healthy, quick, yet inexpensive meals that perfectly fit every college students’ needs.

Since there is such a variety of food options on their menu, this place is perfect for everyone — from those who prefer just to eat french fries, to those who are culinary critics. It is definitely worth checking out.

Photo by Julianna Tinker

Graphic by Julianna Tinker

CLUB + ORGS

once a week, currently Mondays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., and have an online format available to anyone not able to make it in person — location TBA.

To find out more, contact club President Kira Shelton at kshelton21@wou.edu

Triangle Alliance

The Triangle Alliance is Western’s student-lead LGBTQ+ club. The club is a safe space for students to socialize with allies and other queer students. Meetings are on Fridays at 4 p.m. — location TBA. Everyone is welcome!

To find out more, contact club President Jess Farrenkopf at trianglealliance@wou.edu

Board Game Club

The Board Game Club meets every Friday at 8 p.m. in the Richard Woodcock Education Center, room 106. The club is always looking for new members who are passionate about board games and wanting to make new friends. A great part

about this club is that they are low commitment and anyone can join.

To find out more, contact club President Dennis Long at bgc@wou. edu

Black Student Union

This year BSU is recommitting to the community while also prioritizing fun. They want black students to know that, “you do not have to question your blackness at this club,” said President Maya Hopwood. Everyone is accepted and welcome in this space.

To find out more, contact Hopwood at bsu@wou.edu

CRU Club

CRU, formally known as Campus Crusade for Christ, is a globally-based, non-denominational, church organization that focuses on everyone feeling welcomed as soon as they walk in the door. They offer a community that has a genuine love for Christ and people.

To find out more, contact

DAXBOT

Continued from page 5

delivery option. For each order, a $2.50 dollar delivery fee will be charged to the students meal plan or Wolf bonus account.

According to Worotikan, Western possesses a total of ten Dax robots. Until demand increases, only seven will be utilized.

Moreover, while Dax will eventually be ready for delivery at other participating Western dining areas, campus dining will be focusing on Valsetz Dining Hall, for the time being.

Worotikan adds, “These days,

delivery is a thing. Students are busy … The conveniency of students having (their food) delivered. That’s our goal. To add a service to the university, to students most of all, faculty and staff.”

Delivery for Valsetz will be available Monday through Friday during Valsetz hours of operation. Dax will not be available during the weekends.

club leader Slater Smiens at bschneider19@mail.wou.edu or find them on Instagram @cruatwou.

Student Media

Student media encompasses The Western Howl, the student run newspaper, KWOU Radio, the Northwest Passage Literary and Art Magazine, and the podcast studio. If you want to get involved with student media, stop by Terry House— located between Campus Public Safety and The Welcome Center. All ideas are good ideas. If you want to express yourself with digital art, audio,

music, writing, or just art in general, then come check out Student Media.

Freelancers for the newspaper are always wanted. Come join one of their pitch meetings starting at 4:15 p.m. on Thursdays to get your ideas out there.

To find out more about The Western Howl, contact howleditor@ wou.edu

To find out more about KWOU, contact kwou@wou.edu

To find out more about the Northwest Passage, contact northwestpassage@wou.edu

NAT-WOU

Continued from page 5

Any person with documentation confirming their position in a federally recognized tribe is eligible for NAT-WOU benefits. Western does not accept ancestry documents and requires the applicant to be currently enrolled in a recognized tribal nation. Western accepts Tribal Identification Cards or a letter issued by a Tribe’s Enrollment Office as verification of membership.

For more information, contact Western Oregon’s Office of Admissions at admissions@wou.edu. Or call 503-838-8211 or this toll free number 1-877-877-1593.

Photo by Gretchen Sims

The West of Us acapella group.