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THE 6 HOUR COMMUTE
r a g u o C Van TEAM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Bailley Simms
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@thevancougar
ADVERTISING MANAGER Will Nylund
MANAGING EDITOR WEB MANAGER Kassidy Young Austin Cari LAYOUT EDITOR PHOTOGRAPHER Marco Morales Sydnie Kobza ADVISER Raul Moreno
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REPORTER Cameron Kast
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Letter s
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The VanCougar, a student-run newsmagazine, informs and engages the WSU Vancouver community while practicing the highest standards of timely, ethical journalism.
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The VanCougar welcomes letters and commentary from members of the WSU Vancouver community on current issues. Letters must include the author’s full name, contact information and WSU affiliation: year and major for students, department for faculty and staff, degree and year graduated for alumni. The VanCougar does not publish anonymous letters. Send letters and commentary to van.vancouged@wsu.edu. Once received, letters become property of The VanCougar and are subject to editing for length, clarity and style.
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on the
Cover
Maureen Mullins, a junior strategic communication major at WSU Vancouver. She commutes nearly 6 hours every day to the Vancouver campus. (Sydnie Kobza/The VanCougar)
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Vancoug redefines commuter campus Single mom earns degree while raising a 9-year-old Black People United club members feel WSU Vancouver could better publicize Black History Month
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Women’s History Month Q&A
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WSU Vancouver professor reimagines radio
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unpopular opinion: not so marvelous movies
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On the Quad: Dorms on campus?
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What would happen if a WSU Vancouver student was exposed to measles?
Advice to new cougs from WSU Vancouver seniors
Kiggins Theatre sign showcasing reimagined radio. (Kassidy Young/The VanCougar, Edited by Sydnie Kobza/ The VanCougar )
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VanCoug redefines commuter campus Student commutes 290 miles every day to avoid being a Husky Cameron Kast
Reporter
-Bzzt-Bzzt-Bzzt- Your alarm is going off at 7 a.m. for your first class of the day. For most students, a 7 a.m. wake up call means an early morning 8 or 9 a.m. class. For Maureen Mullins, 7 a.m. is the latest she can wake up in order to make it to her 11 a.m. lecture at WSU Vancouver. Mullins began communication classes at WSU Vancouver during the 2018 summer semester and has commuted to and from the campus at least two days a week since. This semester, Mullins makes the trek from Kent, Washington to the Vancouver campus every school day. Mullins grew up in Kent, 19 miles south of Seattle, where she has lived for about 22 years. “We love Seattle,” Mullins said. “We’re looking for the perfect place [near Vancouver] and that just doesn’t exist.” Mullins’ father, a retired Seattle construction worker, drives the family the roughly three hours south Monday through Friday. While Mullins is in classes, her parents visit her sister and on Monday and Wednesday, take care of their granddaughter (Mullins’ niece). “They [Mullins parents] wanted me to have a good education,” Mullins said. “They also want to be close to my sister, which is why I chose here.” When asked why she chooses not to stay with her sister during the week, Mullins said she does not like to drive and her sister does not have the time to drive her
march 2019
Maureen Mullins, WSU Vancouver integrated strategic communications major. (Sydnie Kobza/The VanCougar)
[Mullins] to school. Along with this, Mullins said her sister has a small apartment with little to no extra room. Mullins said the commute has not directly impacted her education, but that she does miss the extra activities she used to do. “There’s a lot of downfalls to driving,” Mullins said. “I used to play the piano, I don’t have time to do that. I’m an artist, I don’t have time to draw.” Before WSU Vancouver, Mullins studied at Green River College in Auburn, Washington, a city just five miles south of Kent. While there, Mullins took an interpersonal communication class and loved the content of the class and the professor who taught it. She decided to pursue a communications degree, but with one stipulation: not at the University of Washington. Her desire for a smaller school is one reason Mullins decided against the University of Washington. She said during her UW campus tour she felt the campus and faculty had less of a connection with the students. “I don’t want to go to UDUB [University of Washington]. It’s a big school and zero camaraderie,” Mullins said. “You’re just another face in the crowd.” “My teacher [at Green River], she mastered at WSU and she went to UW for communications,
and she said WSU is the better communication [school]. If you want to do communication, go to WSU,” Mullins said. “And I didn’t want to go to Pullman, so I chose Vancouver.” Mullins said she likes smaller schools. This is why she decided to commute the long three hours to Vancouver every day rather than live on campus in Pullman or attend University of Washington. Plus, she said, “My sister lives in Portland, so Vancouver seemed like the best choice.” When asked why she chooses to commute rather than taking classes online or attending a different school closer to home, she expressed her adoration of the WSU Vancouver community. “When I first came here, everyone was super-duper nice,” Mullins said. “I like how [the community] is small and I literally know everyone.” On top of her classes, Mullins is a member of the Public Relations Society of America club at WSU Vancouver. She plans to continue being active in the club and in classes until she graduates, whether or not her family decides to move to the area. From commute to classroom, every student has a different story. Mullins’ story of being a Vancoug means a 290 mile drive, nearly every day.
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Single mom earns degree while raising a 9-year-old
Ana Betancourt WSU Vancouver junior sociology major. (Sydnie Kobza/The VanCougar)
With the help of family, Ana Betancourt juggles school and motherhood
Anna Nelson
Reporter
For the average college student juggling school, classes and a job can be a difficult feat in itself. However, WSU Vancouver is not a campus filled with traditional students. It is a commuter campus and sees everything from parents to long-distance commuters attending classes (see p. 4). Ana Betancourt is a WSU Vancouver junior majoring in sociology and minoring in history. Off campus, her primary job is photography. On campus, she is the Associated Students of Washington State University Vancouver director of legislative affairs and currently running for ASWSUV vice president. All while being a single mother to her 9-yearold son, Hector. She manages her jobs, child and education in ways that may seem impossible to others. Raising Hector is a family effort, Betancourt said. “He’s a community kid.”
“I have amazing parents and I live with my parents because I couldn’t do it without my parents, period,” Betancourt explained. “I also have a sister that is in the nursing program at Clark College.” She described how at the beginning of every semester, she, her parents and her sister sit down to arrange a schedule to ensure Hector’s care for the next few months. As the director of legislative affairs, she has an internship stationed in Olympia. “I’m here [in Vancouver] Monday, Friday and I leave [Tuesday] morning [for Olympia] and I come back Thursday night. I’m always either working or in meetings and I’m always looking at the clock because at 3 o’clock I have to leave to get [Hector from school],” Betancourt said. When Betancourt is in Olympia for her internship from Tuesday through Thursday, her mother takes Hector to
march 2019 school before work and then her sister picks him up once she is finished with her classes. “We’re always making sure we’re set up so were not struggling,” Betancourt said. “Even though I’m a single mother, I do have a lot of support and they love him just as much as I do. And then my dad acts like [Hector’s] dad — there’s nobody else for him, it’s just my dad,” Betancourt said when detailing her biggest struggle of being a single mom. “Just explaining to him [Hector] that his dad is not with him is the hardest challenge.” Betancourt’s day starts early; getting herself ready and prepared for the day, then waking up Hector, making their breakfast and helping him get ready for his day. She drives to Hector’s elementary school and then drives herself across town to WSU Vancouver. If someone needs an additional meeting with Betancourt, she must schedule them after 4 p.m. and bring Hector along with her. “If that’s going to happen, I have to make sure I have food for him, water, things to entertain him — which he’s pretty good when I have to stay in meetings,” Betancourt said. Since both Betancourt and her son are students, they both regularly have homework. “It’s really hard because I have to concentrate on my things, then his things. But his things come first,” Betancourt said. She said Hector has a strict 9 p.m. bedtime. After 9 p.m., Betancourt can begin her own homework. On an average night, Betancourt said she will go to bed at 1 or 2 a.m., with busy nights keeping her up until 3 or 4 a.m. Betancourt said she feels a lot of pressure in her life. She aspires to go to University of California Los Angeles and earn her Masters in Chicana and Chicano studies, and to eventually become a professor. “I know what’s going to take me to UCLA is being director of legislative affairs, having a bigger position in student government, being involved in the community, having really good grades and I know all those components are literally impossible being a single mom,” Betancourt said. “So I guess I put that pressure on myself.” She said she wants to give Hector a good life where he does not have to worry about affording college in the future. She said she wants her son to one day say, “Damn, my mom did this and she had me.”
Betancourt said one of the most rewarding moments was when Hector asked her to help him fill out his school council application.“I’m like, ‘you want to be involved with school?’ and he said, ‘Yeah I see you, everywhere you’re involved, and I want to be like you.’” “I want to give a shout-out to every single-mom out there because we’re like, literally superheroes,” Betancourt said. She said she appreciates the movie nights and other events at WSU Vancouver because they are things she can bring Hector to and they can enjoy together. Betancourt also expressed gratitude to the professors who understand that sometimes children end up in class with their parents, like during the school strikes in September. Support is vital when it comes to single moms, Betancourt emphasized. She advised people who know single moms to be caring and to validate their feelings. It is a lot for one person to handle.
“Even though I’m a single mother, I do have a lot of support and they love him just as much as I do. ”
Ana Betancourt’s son, Hector. (Photo courtsey of Ana Betancourt)
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Black People United club members feel WSU Vancouver could better publicize Black History Month
Students reflect on what February means to campus community Cameron Kast
Reporter
On Feb. 20, students and staff celebrated the Lunar New Year event held on the WSU Vancouver campus. Education professor Shameem Rakha delivered opening remarks at the event, at one point stating, “We have students who are black on this campus. All apart of a group who have been historically, systematically, institutionally and individually minoritized and marginalized within the community and on this campus.” She added, “Yet, there is no celebration of that rich history and resilient group of people… Any one of us could have looked around and thought ‘who is celebrating Black History Month?’” February is recognized across the nation as Black History Month; a time to celebrate the long history of black culture in America. However, to some WSU Vancouver students, more recognition is necessary. Maimouna Berthe, a public administration management senior at WSU Vancouver who is from the West African country of Mali, said, “I think it [Black History Month] should be more than one month. The culture is huge for just a month.” When asked if she felt WSU Vancouver properly recognized Black History Month, Berthe, a member of the WSU Vancouver Black People United club, said no. “The thing people forget is that black Americans are part of American history,” Berthe said. Aemri Marks, a junior psychology major at WSU Vancouver, echoed Berthe’s feelings toward the representation of Black History Month at WSU Vancouver. “Outside of BPU or another ethnic group on campus, WSU Vancouver itself doesn’t make any effort to publicize Black History Month,” Marks said. “There have been no events, no fliers. [It’s] not talked about at all.” Marks, the current activities coordinator for Black People United, said she uses Black History Month to learn new things. “I think a lot of what we learn in school — elementary through high school — is about slavery in America,” Marks said. “We don’t learn about the black inventors and the scientists
and all of the good that came after that. Things you don’t really get to delve into until you take a college course.” Marks concluded, “I always think that black history month isn’t really for black people. It’s for nonblack people to learn about black people.” Sharon Njoroge, a social science major, said she also likes to use the month to teach herself more about black history and immerse herself in black art, culture, authors and revolutionaries. “Having come from Africa I know my African culture,” Njoroge said. “Getting to know the wonderful people who paved the way for me to be able to live a comfortable life in America with minimal struggle is really impactful.” Jose Scott, 2017-18 Associated Students of Washington State University Vancouver president, Public Affairs alumni and founder of the WSU Vancouver Black People United club, said he also uses February as a time to learn about more than what is taught in traditional curriculum. “Black history is as important as American history,” Scott said. “It gives us a time to learn about black history in the United States. I wish we had other times to talk about it other than February.” Scott started the Black People United club in the fall of 2015. According to Scott, prior to becoming a club, BPU was a committee on campus. “It was for the unification of black folk on campus,” Scott said. “Because there were so few of us it was a place we could discuss our struggles and talk.” Scott said he feels that representation on campus is a group effort. “I think that as individuals and organizations we can all do more to honor not just black history but history in general,” Scott said. “If we remain silent of issues of acknowledgment than the culture and our struggles are never going to be recognized because that is not the way a predominantly white institution functions.” Mandipa Masike, the vice president of Black People United and freshman communications major said she feels WSU Vancouver could make better use of fliers regarding Black History Month and getting people more excited and aware of it. The Black People United club meets from 2 to 3 p.m. every Thursday in Firstenburg Student Commons, Room 104 to discuss current events, share opinions and plan events. BPU meetings are open to all students who wish to attend. A previous version of this story was published on Feb. 11, 2019, with the headline “Black History Month, a short 28 days in recognition of a long history.”
Women’s History Month
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“My cousin Renae. She was a valedictorian at her private high school and her parents were able to send her to a private high school which was huge but then she continued on to Santa Clara and she graduated with very high honors. She decided she was going to go to law school but then she decided she hated law school so then she became an optometrist.” - Noah Doss
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What woman inspires you the most? “My fiance inspires me the most because she is the most hard working woman I know. I see her working every single day because she works as a full time college student and almost a full time work employee as well and she is still rocking a 4.0 gpa.” - Noel Moreno
“My mom because she is the foundation of our family, she is the glue that holds everything together. Without her I wouldn’t be where I am today. She has always provided me with opportunities to grow and learn, better myself, and always encouraged me to be just the best person that I can be. Be polite, be accepting, and be kind.” - Chloe Adrian
“My second grade teacher Susan Smith because she’s always been the one to push me to do my best and she still does today.” - Janet Jimenev
(Photos by Emily Baumann/The VanCougar)
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What would happen if a WSU Vancouver student was exposed to measles? Measles outbreak in Clark County has the campus taking precautionary steps
Michael Kimball
Reporter
Since the start of the measles outbreak in Clark County, many students have wondered what exactly will happen at WSU Vancouver if someone on campus were infected. With over 60 confirmed local cases, the administration have discussed precautionary plans if there were to be an exposure incident on campus. In early February WSU Vancouver Chancellor Mel Netzhammer sent a campus wide email which stated, “If a case of measles were confirmed on campus, it could lead to faculty, staff and students who cannot prove immunity being excluded from campus for up to 21 days.” The duration of 21 days is a standard, countywide exclusion set by Clark County Public Health, according to Brenda Alling, WSU Vancouver director of marketing and communication and public information officer. She explained that in the event of an outbreak on campus, the call of exclusion would not be made by WSU Vancouver or the administrators, but by the county. Alling said, “We don’t have any confirmed cases on campus.” Adding, “If that were to change, then we would start monitoring immunizations.” Alling continued, “We’re looking at ways between faculty and our Vancouver IT department to make sure that students can still participate in class whether or not they were on campus.” She advised students to continue to monitor the situation and locate immunization records.
Thomas May, a professor of medicine at WSU Vancouver, voiced his frustration over the recent outbreak. “We have recognized the potential for outbreaks if [vaccine] exemptions were too high for many years. I worry that today’s parents have not experienced the threats of significant infectious disease outbreaks and so are less appreciative of the benefits of vaccination,” May said. “It is frustrating that we need an outbreak and its associated risks to motivate this.” Since the Clark County outbreak, May noticed an increase in unvaccinated children getting vaccinated. Some students have expressed concern and frustration regarding the situation. Students are nearing the point of the semester where midterms are looming, classwork is growing heavy and immune systems are tested. Bronwyn Richards, an integrated strategic communications major said about vaccines, “It really grinds my gears when people start discounting medical professionals. . . I think the best
“It really grinds my gears when people start discounting medical professionals. . . I think the best information that you can get is from a medical professional.” -Bronwyn Richards, WSU Vancouver integrated strategic communication major
information that you can get is from a medical professional.” On the topic of a possible 21day quarantine for students who are unable to prove their immunity records, Richards said, “That’s gonna be a really tough spot for a lot of students . . . for something that maybe wasn’t their fault.” “Get fucking vaccinated,” Richards said. With regards to vaccines, she added how she hopes people “talk to their provider, they listen to their doctor and they realize that this is a medical professional.”
Bronwyn Richards, WSU Vancouver integrated strategic communications major. (Sydnie Kobza/The VanCougar)
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Kimbree Brown, WSU Vancouver child development program manager inside the pre-school in the McClasky Building. (Sydnie Kobza/The VanCougar)
Associated Students of Washington State University Vancouver Senator Janet Duong, a biology major minoring in chemistry, had a similar point of view to Richards. Duong stated, “There are no excuses because the Wellness Center [at WSU Vancouver] offers all vaccines,” adding, “Vaccinations are not only helping us, but not putting other people at risk. By helping yourself, you’re helping everyone.” Duong explained how becoming more educated about vaccines is the best way to help. “I didn’t even know we had free vaccinations or testing,” she said. “People aren’t aware of what we have.” A measles exposure event on campus could also put children in the Child Development Program at risk. WSU Vancouver Child Development Program Manager, Kimbree Brown, explained that while children are required to be vaccinated to attend the school, exemptions are allowed. “Any sort of exemptions around immunizations have to be on the correct
documentation and with the correct medical provider’s approval,” Brown explained. She acknowledged that the breakout is scary, but added that she is making plans and communicating with parents during this uneasy time. “We have been keeping up to date with all the information from Clark County Public Health and that’s where we really follow their recommendations in terms of what we track and how we communicate what were to happen should WSU, the campus, be identified,” Brown said. “Should [an outbreak at WSU Vancouver] happen we would communicate as soon as possible with all of our staff and all of the parents and we would also have to let Clark County Public Health and Department of Children, Youth, and Families know,” she said. “We have 24 hours to do that but we would, of course, do that as soon as we got the information.” Brown said in regards to exempted children, “they would be required to not attend [for 21 days].” She added
that plans would be made with parents of these children about the required absence. There have been recent efforts to spread the word about resources offered on campus. The Student Resource Center shared the Wellness Center hours and location with information detailing where students can locate their immunization records and that if needed, vaccination shots are provided. The Wellness Center is located in the Classroom Building, Room 106 and is open Monday’s from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday’s from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointments can be made by phone (360)-546-9238 or email at van.health@ wsu.edu. As of the writing of this story, the outbreak seems to have slowed since it started in January. Resources to check immunization records can be found on https://myir. net/. Additionally, students can get the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine in the Wellness Center on campus for free.
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“I look at Re-Imagined Radio as a performing arts community culture program.� - WSU Vancouver professor John Barber
WSU Vancouver professor reimagines radio
WSU Vancouver professor of creative media and digital culture, John Barber. (Kassidy Young/The VanCougar, Edited by Sydnie Kobza/ The VanCougar )
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John Barber and freelance actors find art in live radio Emily Baumann
Reporter
Living in the digital age, young people find themselves having new music, tv shows, podcasts and current news constantly at their fingertips. When current technology upholds popularity within a new generation, older forms of media like radio become a thing of the past. However, John Barber, professor of creative media and digital culture at Washington State University Vancouver, has found a way for radio to come alive again. Re-Imagined Radio, created and hosted by Barber, is a live production and theatrical performance of contemporary radio shows occuring four to five times a year. Each show displays a set of stories that are all developed under the same topic, whether it be romance, the wild west, hijacked airplanes or even aliens. Barber started Re-Imagined Radio in 2013 while he was teaching a course on digital storytelling. One of his assignments was for students to take voice content from a famous radio drama titled ‘War of the Worlds’ and develop content to create their own 10-minute narrative of the story. “The plan was for students to develop a backstory connected to this story of earth invaded by beings from planet mars. They could use any form of social media to develop this, but part of it had to be sound,” Barber explained. He then wanted to link his student’s work to the larger Vancouver community and through this process, developed connections with Kiggins theatre to take this love of radio and sound to the stage. The last Re-Imagined Radio performance “Affairs of the Heart with Lonesome Gal” premiered on
Valentine’s Day. The production included five romantic dramas inspired by the decades of 1940s and 1950s, each dealing with romance and other affairs of the heart. Each narrative was lead by voice actor and executive director of Metropolitan Performing Arts, Barbara Richardson, who played the role of ‘Lonesome Gal’ a 1940s seductive radio character who cooed to “lonesome guys” over her broadcasts. Richardson commented on her favorite aspects of her lead character. “I think it’s really fun to dive into those old radio dramas from the 40s and 50s. I enjoyed listening to the Lonesome Gal… It’s fun to play a sultry voice,” Richardson said. Barber explained that the purpose of the event and how Re-Imagined Radio is different from a normal broadcast is it’s appeal to modern culture by engaging the audience with visual content. “[Re-Imagined Radio] focuses on the power of radio drama to elicit our
imagination and involve us in immersive worlds that is all based on listening. However, we’re a visual culture and we want to see things. So, my project involves recreating radio dramas as live performances in front of an audience,” Barber expressed. He hopes his project can impact students at WSU Vancouver and bring performing arts and culture to the university to impact the campus community as a whole. “I look at Re-Imagined Radio as a performing arts community culture program. It’s for the purpose of bringing a form of performing art to the community for not only entertainment, but also for education,” said Barber. Through Re-Imagined Radio, professor Barber will continue to share his knowledge and expose his students and community to not only the behind the scenes look of radio, but behind the curtain in the world of performing arts.
Barbara Richardson, voice actor and executive director of Metropolitan Performing Arts, performing ‘Lonesome Gal’ at Re-Imagined Radio. (Kassidy Young/The VanCougar Edited by Sydnie Kobza/ The VanCougar)
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OPINION
It all began in 2008 with the release of “Iron Man.” In a mere span of ten years, Marvel has released 41 superhero movies. This equals about one movie release for every season! Now, when a Marvel movie comes out, it is essentially the equivalent of the Patriots playing in another Super Bowl; we have already seen it countless times and there is no need to see it again. Yet, the box office does not agree with me. The Marvel Cinematic Universe movies have collectively made 10.901 billion dollars from 2008-2016, according to DisneyNews.us. And get this, they aren’t even different movies, just the same characters in sequel after sequel. For example, “Spiderman: Homecoming” debut in June of 2017. But come on, did we really need another Spiderman movie? I don’t think so. Since 2002 there have been seven Spiderman movies — granted, three of them were created by Sony — but still, that’s a lot. Was the original portrayal by Tobey Maguire not good enough? Another problem with Marvel superhero movies is that the plots are all the same. How many times can earth get invaded by aliens? According to the Marvel universe, multiple times a year. How many “well-trusted-character-turnedevil” plot twists can they pull? Too many to count.
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I like to think I am not the only one who feels this way, either. Even those involved in the making of these movies are frustrated. There are many accounts of actors and actresses who have had difficulties dealing with Marvel directors and writers. Some of which include Natalie Portman (Jane Foster, Thor), Terrance Howard (James “Rhodey” Rhodes, Iron Man 1) and Ed Norton (Hulk, The Incredible Hulk). Mickey Rourke, who played Ivan Vanko in “Iron Man 2” said, “If they [Marvel] want to make mindless comic book movies, then I don’t want to be a part of that.” There have also been statements from writers and directors who’ve either quit or promised to never work on a Marvel film again, due to unwanted changes to the script, according to CBR. com, a “comic books, superheroes and geek entertainment” website. Before 2008, when Marvel released a movie every few years, it generated excitement. Granted, the were all cheesy, but at least they weren’t overbearing at the time. I cannot be the only person who thinks Marvel movies are all the same and kitschy. Am I crazy? What do you think about the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies? Let us know at van.vc.editor@wsu.edu.
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2019 Student Research Excellence Award Washington State University Vancouver Library
Cash Prize for the Best Paper or Project
Encounter Research at the Library!
A Beautiful Connection D. H. Lawrence, Satyajit Ray, & International Feminisms
Apply Now
Award will recognize excellence in undergraduate research that demonstrates evidence of significant inquiry using the library, its resources and collections. The competition is open to any individual undergraduate student in any field. Applications due by April 25th.
For application materials go to: http://library.vancouver.wsu.edu/researchaward
Abhik Mukherjee & Carol Siegel will discuss their collabora6ve research on the influence of Hindu religious philosophies on D. H. Lawrence, the infamous author of Lady ChaBerley's Lover, & Satyajit Ray, India's most revered filmmaker.
Tuesday, March 5th, 4:00pm WSU Vancouver Library Free & open to all Bring your coffee and your ques1ons!
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SU Vancouver; also known as the little sister of WSU Pullman. “Small campus feel, big campus resources” the enrollment promotional language boasts. Yet there is this obvious difference that sets the Vancouver campus apart from the Pullman campus (besides the fact that Pullman is a small college town the middle of nowhere): dorms. The WSU Pullman campus is the epitome of a stereotypical college experience hosting greek row, dorms, a sporting stadium, dining cafe, a library with over two million books; you get the point. While, in contrast, WSU Vancouver is missing one key aspect of that stereotypical vision, and that is dorms. However, as of recently, having dorms on the Vancouver campus is becoming more and more of a The quad at WSU Vancouver. (Laura Dutelle/WSU Vancouver) possibility. Students passing through the Quad were asked how they felt increased tuition, party-culture and think it also causes more problems, about the hot topic. When asked about safety-risks. because neighbors may not like that ... the possibility of dorms on the WSU “I’m not a dorm person especially nobody wants to live nearby [a] college Vancouver campus, students and staff because I live in town, so I wouldn’t pay town, and also that means there’s going had mixed feelings. Many students a ton of money to live on campus. I’m not to be a lot more security we need for expressed excitement about potential about the party-life and all that,” said young students.” dorms, while others fear the “small- Aaron Hellerstein, a junior integrated Shynne, concerned for how dorms school feel” will change. strategic communication major. “But I would change school safety, said, Logan Alexander, a senior majoring feel like for people that want it, it will “There’s going to be people drinking, in mechanical engineering said, “I think be good for the school because it will partying, doing activities that may not it’s a good opportunity because I feel allow [WSU Vancouver] to become a be appropriate and that could cause like this campus is kind of disconnected destination school.” assaults … I think it’s more problems from college life because it doesn’t have Hellerstein, concerned with than growth.” dorms.” changing the dynamics of WSU She elaborated on the pros and Iris Gutierrez, a sophomore Vancouver, added, “Anything with a cons, ultimately deciding, “I don’t know studying neuroscience said, “Pretty dorm becomes a party-campus real fast. if [dorms are] feasible here. They’ve cool” about the potential of dorms here I like the small school-feel here, and been talking about it for a long time. I in Vancouver. it would also raise prices of going to don’t know. We’ll have to see,” Shynne Andrew Haring, a freshman school here, which I’m not a fan of. But said. mechanical engineering major added, once I’m out of here it’d be better for the “We’ll have to see,” sums up the “I think it’d be pretty cool – I guess it school probably.” debate accurately. As for students on would just kind of give the college Sujatha Shynne, an IT department the Quad, 60 percent were in favor for experience.” employee and graduate student dorms, while 40 percent were reluctant On the opposing side of the debate, pursuing a masters degree in to embrace the idea. some students caught in the Quad management information systems said, WSU Vancouver Chancellor, worried about other factors dorms “I don’t think it’s a good idea. It’s going Mel Netzhammer, said that they are could bring to campus, including to open up more opportunities, but I currently in the planning process for
march 2019
On the Quad: Dorms on campus?
Student perspectives on having dorms on the WSU Vancouver campus Anna Nelson
Reporter
Sujatha Shynne. (Sydnie Kobza/TheVanCougar) dorms. “Right now we are in the process of getting our updated master plan approved by the county. As part of that process, Clark County is considering a text amendment that would recognize housing as a compatible use in the University District. Any definitive plans for on-campus housing would follow that change by the county and
the approval of our master plan,” Netzhammer said. Netzhammer elaborated, “The research that we’ve done on residence halls indicates that we’d see about ten percent of our students interested in a residential experience. I wouldn’t see that changing for some years. I don’t think residence halls will change our small campus feel. I do think that, as
Aaron Hellerstein. (Sydnie Kobza/TheVanCougar) we continue to grow, with or without residence halls, we will need to consider how we preserve the things that are possible because of our size.” For now it seems only time will tell. What are your thoughts on the possibility of dorms on the WSU Vancouver campus? Send a letter to the editor at van.vc.editor@wsu.edu and let us know!
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march 2019
Advice to new cougs from WSU Vancouver seniors Some advice you probably didn’t get at ROAR Orientation Michael Kimball
Reporter
At the WSU Vancouver ROAR orientation, student ambassadors often encourage incoming students to ‘get involved’ along with a variety of other information they feel is important for new students. For many incoming students, these presentations can be overwhelming. Often some information is lost or deemed unimportant. To help clear up some of this up, a few graduating students from different backgrounds have provided some works of encouragement and advice from their WSU Vancouver experience for cougs who are new to the pack.
systems (MIS). Brown’s advice to new students is to take advantage of campus resources. “Use those opportunities to build relationships and find people to help you reach your goals together. You’re only here for so long, so get the most out of your experience,” Brown said. He graduates in fall of 2019.
Sammy Magaña. (Photo by Kayla Lanham)
Briar Anderson. (Sydnie Kobza/The VanCougar)
Digital technology and culture major Briar Anderson transferred to WSU Vancouver after completing the running start program at Clark College. She said she chose to attend WSU Connor Brown. (Photo courtsey of Connor Brown) Vancouver because “it is close to home.” Briar encourages students to embrace Connor Brown entered WSU opportunities on campus. Vancouver straight out of Skyview high “Don’t compare your educational school. He decided two years into his time journey to anyone else’s or feel pressured at WSU Vancouver to change his degree to conform some way to fit a norm or from electrical engineering with a minor standard,” Anderson said. She graduates in business, to management information this May.
Another senior, Sammy Magaña, took a year off after graduating high school to do some travelling before coming to WSU Vancouver. Magaña backpacked solo through South America, hiking in seven countries in six months. Magaña explained how this experience helped her realize her passion for the integrated strategic communication major. She advises new students to get to know their professors and to network. “Remember who you’re going to school with,” she said. Magaña graduates in fall 2019. Anderson, Brown and Magaña emphasized to new students that no matter what path brings you to WSU Vancouver, building relationships and establishing connections can help further you along and everyone’s journey is unique.
march 2019
march
m a r k yo u r c a l e n da r . . .
1 4 5 fri.
mon.
tues.
7
thurs.
11
mon.
Senator Candidate Debates 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. FSC ASWSUV Election voting polls open 9 a.m – 6:30 p.m. VDEN/VUB/Bookie March 4 – 6 Campus Conversation 12 – 1 p.m. VLIB 264
Lockdown Drill 10:45 a.m. All campus Enlightenment: A Mental Health Panel 4:30 – 7 p.m. VDEN 129 Spring Break No classes March 11-15
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tues.
Bloodworks NW Blood Drive March 19-20 12 – 1 p.m. Bus Loop
27
Women’s Fair 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. VFSC 101/103/105
28 30
Women of Distinction 6 – 8 p.m. VFSC 101/103/105
wed.
thurs.
sat.
Creative Writers Speaker Series: Debbie Lee “The Storied Wilderness” 5:45 – 8:15 p.m. VDEN 110
Cougs in the Community: Women’s Month 9 – 11 a.m. VDEN 129
april issue of the vancougar on stands march. 29
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Check out the WSU Vancouver Knowledgebase kb.wsu.edu/vancouver
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