THE WESTERN
OURNAL
WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2016 VOLUME 17 ISSUE 1
INSIDE THIS ISSUE... Clubs on campus Page 2
“Blair Witch” review Page 7
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Sports update Page 3
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NEWS
The Western Journal Wednesday, September 28, 2016
THE JOURNAL 345 N. Monmouth Ave. Monmouth, OR 97361 Student Media Department TERRY HOUSE NEWSROOM 503-838-8347
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF STEPHANIE BLAIR
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MANAGING EDITOR ZOË STRICKLAND
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NEWS EDITOR TBD
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CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR PAIGE SCOFIELD
journalcampuslife@wou.edu
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR ASHTON NEWTON journalentertainment@wou.edu
SPORTS EDITOR BURKE DE DOER
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PHOTO EDITOR KEITH MATHEW
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DESIGNERS DARIEN CAMPO ELISSA SORENSON
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COPY EDITOR KRISTIN ECK
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ADVERTISING MANAGER BRIAN TESCH
Didn’t Watch the Olympics? No Problem! By Paige Scofield | Campus Life Editor If you didn’t have time to watch the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio, we’ve got you covered. So, just how many medals did team USA win this year? NBC News reported: 46 gold, 37 silver and 38 bronze medals, for a total of 121 medals. American swimmers won a total 33 of those medals, our track and field athletes won 32 and our gymnasts won 12. The USA won a few medals in every other sport, but the majority of medals were in these events. Team USA has always done well in the Olympics, but this year we had a few record breaking wins in the mix. The amazing Simone Biles from the women’s gymnastics team, a member of, “The Final Five,” was the first gymnast ever to win four gold medals. She placed first in vault, team all-around, floor exercise and individual all-around. Biles even has a move named after her, aptly named, “The Biles,” because she was the first to successfully execute it in competition. Biles is currently the only gymnast in the world able to do this. Simone Manuel of the women’s swimming team was the first African-American women to win a gold medal in an individual swimming event. Katie Ledecky (also of the women’s swimming team), beat four world records, two of which were her own from the previous Olympic Games. Overall, the 2016 Summer Olympic Games was a good year for team USA. Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu
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DISTRIBUTION MANAGER SAMANTHA DUNAWAY STUDENT MEDIA ADVISER RHYS FINCH finchr@wou.edu 503-838-9697
SUBMISSIONS THE JOURNAL 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 JOURNAL does not guarantee the publication of all letters or columns. THE JOURNAL reserves the right to edit for punctuation, grammar, and spelling, but never for content. Please bring submissions to THE JOURNAL at Terry House or email to journaleditor@wou.edu. Submissions must be received by Wednesday 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 necessarily reflect those of THE JOURNAL or Western Oregon University.
Team USA has always done well in the Olympics, but this year we had a few record breaking wins in the mix.
Obama implements new FAFSA New changes allow students to apply for financial By Zoë Strickland | Managing Editor Last year, President Barack Obama announced that there would be changes made to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. According to the FAFSA website, there are two changes that students should be aware of. Starting this year, the FAFSA will be available to fill out starting Oct. 1. However, the completion deadline of June 30 has remained the same. In addition to the new opening date, President Obama has announced that students and families will report earlier income information. In the past, students have been required to report their tax information for the current school year as a part of the FAFSA application process. Starting this year, students will report their tax information from the previous year. This means that for the 2017-18 FAFSA application, applicants use their tax information from 2015. According to the FAFSA website, these changes have been implemented so that “more students and families will be able to complete their FAFSA using income information imported electronically from the IRS […] rather than submitting applications with income estimates that may need correcting, or […] waiting until the previous year’s tax return has been filed.” Western will be hosting FAFSA completion workshops in room 108 of Hamersly Library from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Oct. 3-6. If you’re interested in attending one of the workshops, bring your FAFSA username and password, as well as your 2015 tax information. To begin your FAFSA application independently, visit fafsa.ed.gov. More information about the changes to the FAFSA can be found at studentaid.ed.gov/sa. Contact the author at journalmanaging@wou.edu WOU.EDU/WESTERNJOURNAL
SPORTS
The Western Journal Wednesday, September 28, 2016
High-scoring Higa leads the Wolves’ attack
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By Burke De Boer | Sports Editor There is more to the “beautiful game” than just goal scoring. Passes, dribbles and tackles paint a moving picture from one touchline to the other. And yet, at the end of 90 minutes, goals are what it all comes down to. Coming into her senior year, Taylor Higa felt driven to make her goals count. Hailing from Manoa, Hawaii, Higa said, “I knew that my previous years weren’t as successful, scoring wise, and didn’t want to end my competitive college career like that.” She scored two goals a season in each of her past three years. This year it only took the first two games to match that number. She now boasts four goals and two assists on the season. To put her contributions into perspective, the team holds a 4-4 record, but if you removed the points Higa’s been involved in, the record would only be 0-4-4. “I just want to make sure I do everything I can to be as successful as I can be for my team and then also for myself,” said Higa. She is also enjoying being positioned in the center of the field. “I feel like I’m more comfortable there. I’ve been feeling a lot more confident lately.” In the 3-1 victory over Oregon Tech, Higa netted the first goal of gameplay and at the 87th Photo by KEITH MATHEW minute linked junior Meli Cortez with a lobbing pass for an exclamation point ending. Mariah Konyn also scored an electrifying goal from outside of the box into the top corner. Conference play opened with a home loss to Western Washington State University. The GNAC continued to stifle as MSU-Billings slowed the pace of the visiting Wolves. “It’s still really early in the season so we’re not too worried. But we do know that we need to start getting some wins,” Higa said after the match. They capitalized on their next chance for a win, 2-1 at home over Northwest Nazarene. Phoebe Hendry scored her first goal of the year off a Higa assist, and Konyn hit the game winner over the goalie. Your next chance to cheer on the Wolves is on Oct. 9 against Central Washington on the soccer field. The match will kick off at 12 p.m. Contact the author at journalsports@wou.edu
The New Year By Burke De Boer | Sports Editor
V O LLE Y BALL Volleyball opened with a rough showing at the Concordia Labor Day Tournament, losing three matches in three days. To look at this sweeping on face value would be a disservice, as most sets within these losses were kept very tight. Notably, the 0-3 loss to EmbryRiddle came with sets of 22-25, 23-25, 23-25. Since regrouping, the Wolves have fared much better. At the D2 West Regional Volleyball Showcase, going 3-1, including two 3-0 sets, shutting out Hawaii Pacific and Chico State. GNAC competition has followed the showcase, and after falling to ranked Northwest Nazarene, the Wolves again brushed themselves off and went on to win two of their next three, rising to a 5-6 record. Catch them in action this week, hosting Simon Fraser on Sept. 29, and be sure to wear red to the Red Out against Western Washington on Oct. 1. Both events held at the New PE Building with a 7 p.m. tipoff.
CROSS COUNTRY With three cross country meets down, Western’s runners have found their pace with some impressive outings. David Ribich in particular has proven himself to be cut from the cloth of Philippides, as he has led the men’s team to two second-place showings. The Junior Ribich opened the season with back-toback first place finishes, at the John Frank Invitational and in Western’s hosted Ash Creek Invitational #1. These finishes lead the men’s team to second place finishes at both invitationals. The women’s team finished third at John Frank and second at Ash Creek #1, with senior Nicole Maurmann finishing in the top 10 in both. The Sundodger Invitational in Seattle hosted stiffer competition for the Wolves, as the men finished in seventh place and women finished 14th. Ribich came in second in Seattle, while senior runner Kennedy Rufener headed the women’s team finishing 37th. Rufener previously turned in good results at John Frank and Ash Creek, finishing in 15th and sixth place, respectively. Ash Creek Invitational #2 will be hosted by Western on Oct. 7. The starting gun fires at 5 p.m.
Contact the author at journalsports@wou.edu WOU.EDU/WESTERNJOURNAL
FO O T B A LL
The football season began like popping a clutch. After surging forward with an upset win over Division I Sacramento State, the team stalled for two games. The second of these losses came at the hands of FCS Montana State. Playing at an elevation 4,000 feet higher than Monmouth, against a school used to Big Sky Conference competition, the Wolves had the deck stacked against them. “Being faced with that much adversity early in the season is great for us,” said Bo Highburger, the redshirtsophomore linebacker who has notched 50 tackles. “It brought us closer together, but also adjusted us to compete at that higher level.” This adjustment was evi dent as the Wolves came together to upset #24 Humboldt State. At quarterback, Phillip Fenumiami and Nick Duckworth shared snaps and put up generally even passing numbers over the first three games. Both found reliable targets in wideouts Paul Revis and Wesley Gray. Fenumiami additionally rushed for 110 yards. He went solo under center in the win over Humboldt State. Azusa Pacific comes to Monmouth on Saturday, Oct. 1. The Wolves won last year’s matchup thanks to a rushing touchdown from Fenumiami, a receiving touchdown from Revis, and a strong defensive showing. Kickoff time against the old foe is 1 p.m. at McArthur Field.
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CAMPUS LIFE
The Western Journal Wednesday September 28, 2016
New Student Week Starting College
By Paige Scofield | Campus Life Editor On Wednesday, Sept. 21, during the Student Organization Fair, the Werner University Center was buzzing with first-years. Greenhorns were eager to see the many clubs and activities Western has to offer. If you weren’t able to attend the Student Organization Fair, here’s a list of some of the clubs that attended:
Acappella Club African Friends & Student Association Club Anime Club ASWOU AXO Sorority Business & Economics Club Byte Club Campus Crusade for Christ Hawaii Club International Students’ Club M.E.Ch.A WOU Men’s Rugby
Men’s Soccer Natural Science Club Student Media Triangle Alliance University League of Legends WOU Food Pantry Women’s Soccer Student Activities Board Wolfpack Dance Team Western Lacrosse Women’s Rugby Women’s Soccer
Not all clubs at Western were present, but if you are interested in or have questions about any of these clubs, search on www.wou.edu and go to Student Organization List for more information. Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu
Western Clubs eagerly await first years at their booths. Clockwise from the top: Wolf Pack Dance Team, Hawaii Club, Triangle Alliance, Black Student Union Photos by Keith Mathew
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CAMPUS LIFE Direct From Me to You Tips for First Years
By Paige Scofield | Campus Life Editor
The Western Journal Wednesday, September 28, 2016
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...understand that you have been able to partake in an experience that so many wish they could be a part of.
You’ve finally made it to college. Welcome! The beautiful campus of Western Oregon University will be your home for the next few years. Be prepared to enjoy the late night studying, sleeping in the library, endless amounts of coffee and the wonderful friends that you’ll make. But, in all seriousness, beginning a new life in college can be incredibly daunting. Just know that it is for everyone. You’re on the first step to adulthood which is one of the most stress-inducing steps you’ll take in your life. Although college takes a lot of work, the payoff of being a more educated human is worth it and not something you should take for granted. A lot of people who want to be educated and better their minds aren’t able to afford college. So, understand that you have been able to partake in an experience that so many wish they could be a part of. Throughout my years at Western, I’ve accumulated some wisdom and advice from my peers, my professors and my own experience. That wisdom should be shared, so you don’t have to learn everything the, “hard way.”
1) Always Know Where Your Keys Are! This is one of the most important tips for living in the dorms. When you leave your room, do the three spot check. This includes: wallet (with your student ID), keys and phone. When you get back to your room, don’t throw your keys just anywhere. Put them on your doorknob, so every time you leave your room you have to grab your keys. Trust me, you’ll get locked out a lot, so heed this warning. (The RSC will only help you out a few times!)
2) Make Your Own Rules!
Being in college is great, because you can finally make your own rules. You don’t have to tell your parents when you’re going out or if you have homework, and that’s awesome! But, it can also be strange not having restrictions. No restrictions can cause a multitude of things to happen. You can become: lazy, irresponsible, more of a procrastinator than you already are and stuck in a endless loop of naps. Create your own rules or borrow some rules from your parents. Make sure you try to do some homework before you binge watch something on Netflix, only nap twice a week, try to motivate yourself! Believe me, you’ll feel a lot better about yourself and you’ll start to create your own college routine.
3) Give Yourself a Break!
College can be incredibly difficult. Homework, studying, midterms, finals and life can really start to pile the stress on. Try to remember that your health is more important than what’s going on in school. Don’t skip class all the time, but if you really need some time for yourself, take it. Mental health and physical health need to be at tip top shape in order for you to function happily! Treat yourself! If you feel that you need to talk to someone, go to the Student Health and Counseling Center!
4) Keep an Open Mind!
During your time in college, you’ll be meeting people who are 100 percent different than you are. College is not only a time to learn about academics, but to learn about others. You may be set in your ways now, but you will grow, change and learn so much in your college career. Listen to others, debate and discuss. Your way of thinking isn’t the only way of thinking. When you graduate, you won’t be the you that you were in 2016. Learn how to grow and listen.
Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu
Western’s Got Talent Variety Show Auditions
By Paige Scofield | Campus Life Editor Many first years eagerly awaited their turn to show the variety show judges what they had to offer. The door the contestants entered through had a heartwarming note wishing each auditioner good luck. Julia Miller, a first year psychology major, auditioned with an original song titled, “Get Bent” while accompanying herself on the guitar. She described her song as a rhythm heavy, doo-wop styled song. “I’ve been performing forever, and I’m interested in getting involved with the music program,” said Miller. Western has plenty to offer for all of its students. Though New Student Week has passed, you can still join clubs and activities at any point in the year! Contact the author at journalcampuslife@wou.edu
Western has plenty to offer for all of its students.
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HUMOR
The Western Journal Wednesday, September 28, 2016
This week in completely made up horoscopes Compiled by Zoë Strickland | Managing Editor NASA recently reminded all of us that they truly hold power over the stars. NASA scientists came forth with the information that there are actually 13 zodiac symbols, rather than 12. The ‘new’ zodiac, Ophiuchus, sits nestled in the winter months. Some of you may be freaking out right now, but this (completely fake) astrologer is here to tell you to chill out. Ophiuchus has been around for centuries! Constellations don’t just randomly appear in the sky, and not all constellations are zodiac symbols. When Babylonians were creating the zodiac calendar, they decided to pick 12 of the constellations that the sun passed through to represent the 12 different parts of the zodiac. Ophiuchus was always there, the Babylonians just didn’t want it in their calendar. As NASA pointed out on their Tumblr page: they’re in the business of studying astronomy, not astrology. So, take a deep breath, you don’t have to update your Tinder bio just yet. Contact the author at journalmanaging@wou.edu Cancer 6/21-7/22 The next bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos you buy will be completely empty. Inhale that Cheeto-flavored air, Cancer. It very well may be the highlight of your week.
Gemini 5/21-6/20 That person you’ve been crushing on all week? Just ask them out. New school year, new beginnings. (Maybe some new rejection.) Taurus 4/20-5/20 You most definitely need more office supplies. If you can’t fully stock an Office Depot, how do you expect to survive this year?
Leo 7/23-8/22 Your week is looking bright, Leo. On Friday morning you will be gifted with one and a half Pumpkin Spice Lattes. The missing half was consumed by a ravenous squirrel. Virgo 8/23-9/22 You’re going to have a wild weekend, Virgo. I’m talkin’ tequila, board games, and making homemade bath bombs. Go crazy.
Aries 3/21-4/19 Yes, that professor doesn’t like you. No, another class won’t fit with your schedule. It’s time to buckle up and face that this year might just not be your year.
Libra 9/23-10/22 Double check your bank account, Libra. I have a strong suspicion that someone is going to take your credit card and go crazy at Michaels. It’s almost Halloween; identity thieves need decorations, too.
Pisces 2/19-3/20 Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you definitely left your stove on this morning.
Scorpio 10/23-11/21 Scorpio, this week would be a good time to start talking to your plants. We had a meeting last night and the succulents are considering going on a strike. I don’t know the logistics.
Aquarius 1/20-2/18 It’s kind of ironic that you don’t like seafood.
Sagittarius 11/22-12/21 Gear up, it is your week in PokemonGO. You’re about to hardcore catch ‘em all. I see a Snorlax in your future, so start hunting.
Capricorn 12/22-1/19 The stars are telling me that there’s only 13 weeks left until Christmas. If I were you, I’d start reminding people about your birthday as soon as possible.
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ENTERTAINMENT
The Western Journal Wednesday September 28, 2016
Pokémon GO takes over mobile gaming
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The augmented reality Pokémon game reached 45 million players in July. By Ashton Newton | Entertainment Editor
Screenshot provided by Ashton Newton
Summer 2016 can easily be described in two words: Pokémon GO. The augmented-reality Pokémon hunting game from Niantic was released in early June and quickly took over the world. It became nearly impossible during its peak to go out in public without seeing people playing. Pokémon GO hit 45 million players during its peak in July. The game uses GPS to place players in an augmented reality where Pokémon spawn and players must walk from point to point to catch them. Players can stop at landmarks, which are denoted as either Pokéstops or Gyms, to get supplies and battle other players. Western has an abundance of these around; walking from one building to another could easily put a player within range of at least one new Pokéstop. Niantic even made a deal with McDonald’s in Japan for a non-obtrusive corporate sponsorship by making Japanese McDonalds’ Pokéstops. This brought in more business for McDonald’s and more sponsorship revenue for Niantic. After its release, Pokémon GO quickly became both the most downloaded and the top grossing section of the App Store. Even now, Pokémon GO is the third grossing app. The financial success for both Niantic and Nintendo gave them the funding for the anticipated “Detective Pikachu” film that is now in the works at Legendary Pictures. Pokémon GO is both a social and active game. It forces players to go out and search for Pokémon around cities and parks meeting other Pokémon trainers as they go. The game features three different teams that players can join: Team Mystic, Team Valor, and Team Instinct. The team Western’s campus is filled with Pokéstops, feature gives users either an instant connection or instant rivalry with other players they meet. as shown above. As for the active side of the game, Pokémon GO features Pokémon eggs that players can hatch by walking two km, five km or 10 km. The incentive behind putting in the miles is the chance to hatch a rare Pokémon that may not be found in your region. The app has players going where they wouldn’t normally go to catch rare Pokémon. A Wyoming teenager climbed down to a river for a better chance of catching a water type Pokémon when she stumbled across a dead body. Luckily now the game has a periodical message telling players not to enter dangerous areas or trespass while playing, as well as messages telling players not to play while driving if their speed is over 20 mph. Contact the author at journalentertainment@wou.edu
“Blair Witch” review “Blair Witch Project” sequel fails to capture the spirit of the original.
By Ashton Newton | Entertainment Editor When “The Blair Witch Project” was released in 1999, it was met with good reviews. The film created an entirely new genre of horror with documentary style filmmaking which is still used in today’s film making industry. The new “Blair Witch” follows the events of the original, as main character Heather Donahue’s brother reenters the forest with three friends to search for his sister after revealing new footage showing her alive 20 years later. At its core, the film is extremely similar to the original; a group of young adults searching the woods with video cameras are haunted by some unknown entity. In plot, it feels like “The Blair Witch Project” 2.0, with fancier cameras and jump scares. “Blair Witch” relies heavily on cheap jump scares while the original didn’t have to. The jump scares were both predictable and never used anything truly terrifying. This cheap tactic was overused and had very few successful payoffs. However, the film shines in its distortion of space-time and isolation horror. Like the original, the group seemed to break free of time and space, going in circles, making five or six days feel like a couple of hours. They were powerless, and that was extremely unnerving and anxiety inducing. “Blair Witch” is a must see for any fan of the original. Not only is the story directly influenced by it, the folklore behind the Blair Witch, herself, is expanded upon. Story wise, “Blair Witch” succeeds at making the “lost in the woods” trope believable. While not a terrible movie, “Blair Witch” fails to capture what made the original so memorable. The film is brought down by its predictable jump scares and familiar plot. “Blair Witch” is at its best when the mainstream jumpy horror is replaced with the isolationist horror of the original. Contact the author at journalentertainment@wou.edu WOU.EDU/WESTERNJOURNAL
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TAIL-END
The Western Journal Thursday, September 29, 2016
A note from the Editor By Stephanie Blair | Editor-in-Chief
As someone who has not only read this publication every week for the last two years, and worked on it for just as long, I can hardly explain the excitement I feel about taking the role of editor-in-chief this year. As I read over the opening statements of the last three editor-in-chiefs before me, I found myself feeling inadequately prepared to write my own. Even more daunting is the fact that my mostly new staff and I are coming in at the height of election season, but I trust in our ability to handle the issues facing each student with grace and care. Our staff will strive to produce a paper that balances entertainment and information. The Western Journal aims to provide the truest form of journalism: a clear delivery of the facts without personal or political agenda. Our duty is first and foremost to our readers. This will be in the forefront of our minds leading up to November, with accusations against ‘The Media’ as a Photo by KEITH MATHEW heartless, faceless conglomerate tied to corporations backing specific candidates. The Western Journal is, and will remain, an independent publication. This ensures that we are not obligated to withhold facts in accordance with the desires of a benefactor or, similarly, to produce propaganda. In the upcoming weeks, there will be opportunities for members of each party to make arguments in our editorial section, but elsewhere we will be delivering the news so that our readers may form their own opinions as well. When writing about news on campus, our section editors and I will strive to not only to highlight more clubs and organizations in spotlight articles, but also to involve them in our conversations. This, along with the decision to continue “Campus Voices”, is in an effort to publish the voices and opinions of as many students as we can each week. In the same vein, because this publication is by students for students, it makes sense that the best improvements will be made by our readers. And so, just as I ask our readers to trust us with the responsibility of reporting unbiased information, I ask our readers to write to us, to give us feedback both positive and negative. For guidelines regarding submissions of letters to the editor, see the masthead on page two. Contact the author at journaleditor@wou.edu
Japan Exchange and Teaching Program Are you interested in living, working and teaching in Japan? The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program provides college graduates a unique opportunity to teach English to students in the Japanese public school system. Graduates help develop foreign language education by serving as Assistant Language Teachers or Coordinators for International Relations. This successful and respected program helps promote international exchange at the local level by fostering ties between Japanese youth and JET Program participants from around the world. The Consular Office of Japan in Portland, Oregon will be at Western Oregon University for an informational orientation on the JET Program on the following day:
Date: Time: Bldg: Room:
October 13th, 2016 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. University Center Columbia Room
APPLICANTS MUST Have U.S. Citizenship Or hold citizenship of one of the other 39 participating countries. Hold a Bachelor’s Degree by July 1, 2017 No Japanese language ability required for the Assistant Language Teacher position. Applications due to the Japanese Embassy in Washington D.C. by November 18th, 2016. Applications are available at: http://jetprogramusa.org For more information, contact Career Services, the Consular Office of Japan at (503) 221-1811 ext 314, or visit us online at the URL above.
The Western Journal is currently hiring!
We are seeking a News Editor for the 2016-2017 school year. Find the application and full job descriptions at wou.edu/studentmedia under the “Jobs” tab.
Photo by RHYS FINCH
Welcome the new staff of The Western Journal! Left to right: Keith Mathew, Paige Scofield, Geanelle Bernardo, Brian Tesch, Stephanie Blair, Elissa Sorenson, Burke De Boer, Darien Campo, Ashton Newton, Zoë Strickland Follow us online @ theWOUJournal and use #WOUnow to stay updated on what’s happening around campus!
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