Message from the Vice President for Student Affairs
Welcome to our November Newsletter! Fall is one of my favorite seasons. I love the bright colors of the leaves, the crisp air, watching football games, and that feeling of rain pummeling my face! Take time to enjoy the season. We are over halfway into the term! Stay strong as you finish classes. You got this! And remember to utilize any of our services as you need them.
November is Indigenous People / Native American Heritage Month. Native American history dates back before White explorers, yet the history of Native Americans is all too often presented from the White man’s perspective. When I think of films portraying Indigenous people, this too is generally through the lens of White people. The media is probably one of the largest offenders of utilizing stereotyped characters and situations, however we as individuals also contribute to these stereotypes. With Thanksgiving occurring this month, I challenge you to learn more about Indigenous people and the history of Thanksgiving. Here are a few resources you might want to check out:
Oregon has nine federally recognized tribal communities. However, within these communities are many other tribes and bands from western Oregon, northern California, and southwest Washington. The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde is the nearest community to Western Oregon University. WOU occupies ancestral homelands of the Kalapuya people who are part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. Click here for more information regarding Oregon’s Indigenous Communities. There are many good resources listed to learn more about Oregon’s Indigenous people.
Two other events I would like to briefly highlight.
In November we also celebrate Veterans Day. I would be remiss if I didn’t give a shout out to all of our students, faculty, and staff who are currently or have served in the armed forces. Thank you for your service! WOU has approximately 75 student-veterans on campus and another 70 students who are dependents of veterans. Our Veterans Resource Center has several activities planned around this holiday which are highlighted in this month’s newsletter.
The 33rd Anniversary of World AIDS Day is December 1. Learn more about it in this newsletter and visit the National Memorial AIDS Quilt WOU will be hosting on our campus.
Best,
Gary L. Dukes (He/Him/His)
Vice President for Student Affairs
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By Emmanuel Macías, Asst. to the Vice President for Student Affairs
The Division of Student Affairs Welcomes New Staff!
Katelin Stewart (She/Her/Hers), Coordinator, Student Activities & Inclusion, Student Engagement
Katelin was born in Northern California but calls WOU home. She graduated in 2018 from WOU with my Bachelors of Science in Communication Studies. As an undergrad, she was heavily involved in University Housing as a Resident Assistant. Post-grad, she attended Azusa Pacific University for a Master in College Counseling and Student Development. Katelin is so excited to be back at Western in a role that directly supports students; by programming to their needs while building a sense of belonging on campus!
Student Affairs Fall Term Gathering - #MMIW
The Division of Student Affairs to host Oregon State University Assistant Professor and Center Director for the Kaku-Ixt Mana Ina Haws, Luhui Whitebear, at the Nov. 19th, Student Affairs Gathering. Event open to Division of Student Affairs professional staff.
RSVP and additional details forthcoming.
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By Luanne Carrillo-Avalos, Interim Director of MSSP
Multicultural Student Services and Programs Services (MSSP)
The MSSP Office provides personal guidance, one-on-one advising, and advocacy through the following programs: Diversity Scholars Program, Conexiones Program, peer support & mentorship programs and cultural/social activities and events. Additionally, the office facilitates a successful transition of first-year students, provides referrals to university and campus resources, provides academic advising and one-on-one support to develop an academic progress plan, and organizes student recognition & graduation celebrations.
Diversity Commitment Scholarship Recognition Dinner
The Diversity Scholars Recognition Dinner has been a tradition for over 20 years and it has allowed us to welcome new students and their families to Western Oregon University. The dinner not only serves as a recognition, but also as an opportunity to celebrate the diversity these scholars bring to our campus. MSSP is happy to share that this year, we were once again able to celebrate in-person, the evening of Wednesday Oct. 13th. MSSP awarded 53 Diversity Commitment Scholarships and 2 Brody S. Memorial Scholarships. With over 120 attendees, the scholar recipients were recognized for their achievement along with friends, family, and Student Affairs Directors present. To learn more about the Diversity Scholarship Program, please visit wou.edu/multicultural.
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Diversity Scholars Recognition Highlights 2021
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By Shondra Russell, Director of Upward Bound
TRIO Upward Bound Alumni Contribute to WOU’s Success
Student Affairs is home to several staff members who are alumni of WOU’s very own TRIO Upward Bound Program! Upward Bound (UB) is a college prep program for high school students from low-income and first-generation backgrounds. UB provides participants with academic instruction, advising, tutoring, mentoring, field trips, and internship experience. A cornerstone of UB is the 6-week residential summer school. Students stay in the residence halls, eat meals in the dining hall, and take classes on the WOU campus.
It’s great to see these Upward Bound alumni -who first started their journey with WOU as 9th or 10th graders- join WOU as staff, particularly in roles that are especially critical to WOU’s enrollment and retention efforts. All six staff members are bilingual, with remarkable skills and lived experiences that we value as we work toward a more diverse and inclusive community at WOU. Click here to learn what UB meant to these alumni.
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By Tina Fuchs, Associate Vice President/Dean of Students, Director of University Housing
World AIDS Day
Wednesday, December 1st marks the 33rd anniversary of World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day was first observed on December 1, 1988 to bring greater awareness to HIV, as well as commemorate those affected by the disease. It is now regarded as the longest-running disease awareness initiative of its kind in the history of public health.
The Monmouth/Independence Pride Planning Committee is organizing a Commemoration for World AIDS Day at 7pm on Wednesday, December 1. Besides acknowledging the tragic loss of loved ones and friends, one of the reasons for the event is to educate community members about AIDS and how it impacts everyone in our communities. The event will be held in the Pacific Room at the Werner University Center, and will include a welcome from representatives from the city and WOU; music provided by the WOU Chamber Singers; a piano performance by WOU Alum, Davy Berra; and a keynote address by Jason Dorsette, Associate Director for Strategic Communication at Oregon State University. The Pride Planning Committee is also sponsoring an essay contest for local Central School District students with a cash prize for the top two entries. The students who win will read their essay at the Commemoration.
In addition to the Commemoration event on December 1, WOU is hosting several panels of the National AIDS Memorial Quilt which will be on display November 29-December 2 in the Willamette Room in the Werner University Center. If you are interested in volunteering to help with the display by serving as a monitor, please sign up HERE (AIDS Memorial Quilt Sign Up Sheet).
If you would like to request disability related accommodation(s) to participate in a WOU activity or event, please notify Disability Services (ODS) at 503-838-8250 or ods@wou.edu at least three (3) business days in advance.
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By Christiana Paradis, Director of Abby's House
Abby's House Silent Auction is Back!
This year Abby’s House will be hosting their yearly silent auction and wine pull on December 1st and 2nd from 10am-6pm in Abby’s House. Stop by to bid on a basket or grab a bottle of wine to go! This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and we’re hoping that you’ll join us! To help make our event a success, we’re asking departments across campus to consider donating a themed basket. If your department is interested, please fill out this form.
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By Emmanuel Macías, Asst. to the Vice President for Student Affairs
National Student Exchange Information Sessions
The National Student Exchange Program (NSE) is a domestic study away program available to WOU students. NSE’s mission inspires academic enrichment, personal exploration, and student development by facilitating accessible collegiate study away to universities throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada. Academically-qualified students are given the opportunity to spend up to one year at another campus, while paying in-state tuition rates, and maintaining academic progress toward degree requirements. Attend an upcoming NSE information session and/or view NSE colleges profiles at nse.org. Follow WOU NSE on Instagram at @wounationalstudentexchange.
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WOU senior Marian Llontop reflects on her NSE experience in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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Veterans Week Events
For event details, visit calendar.wou.edu/month/date/20211101.
Questions? Contact the Veterans Resource center at 503-838-9246 or wouveterans@wou.edu
Did you know the WOU Veterans Resource Center was the featured campus highlighted in the October 2021 Peer Advisors for Veteran Education newsletter? Check it out for yourself!
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César E. Chávez Leadership Conference - Mini Conference 1
The first of two mini conferences will be held Friday, November 12, 2021 (high school seniors only), at Western Oregon University. Conference will include educational sessions, a college fair, and a keynote address by nationally acclaimed poet, Yosimar Reyes. For more information, visit https://wou.edu/ceclc/ceclc-mini-conference.
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Resources & Support Services
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By Sophie Fashana, Founder of Stitch Closet
Stitch Closet
The Stitch Closet is a student run organization that is open to both students and the community. We offer shoes, clothing, and accessories for free to those who need it because everyone has a right to look good. We are in the back of the WOU Food Pantry (WEL 165). Our fall term hours are Monday 3-4pm, Wednesday 5:30-7pm, Thursday 2-4pm, and Friday 10-11 am. Our Instagram handle is @stitchcloset.wou.
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By Malissa Larson, Assistant Vice President / Director of Disability Services
Office of Disability Services Staff Recognition
I want to give a shout-out to the dynamic and hard working team in the Office of Disability Services! You all have worked incredibly hard during this difficult time of a global pandemic, causing you to learn how to deliver accommodation and access remotely and then returning to a combined term of remote AND in-person access. You all continue to amaze me - I feel lucky to get to work alongside all of you! THANK YOU!
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