SEPTEMBER, VOL. 33 ISSUE 2 PG. 6
Steve Sylvester, parent of Titan VanCoug, posing next to his corpse flower plant. (Olivia Eldredge/The VanCougar)
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.vc.editor@wsu.edu. Once received, letters become property of The VanCougar and are subject to editing for length, clarity and style.
The VanCougar is a source of honest, factual information. If you see an error, we want to address it. Please contact the editor-in-chief at van.vc.editor@wsu.edu for corrections.
The VanCougar, a student-run newsmagazine, informs and engages the WSU Vancouver community while practicing the highest standards of timely, ethical journalism.
(Olivia Eldredge/The VanCougar)
Alyn Rivera, senior human development major (left), and Carmen Herrera, Cougar Center Lead (right), talk about the changes they would like to see on campus during Week of Welcome. (Josalyn Ortiz/The VanCougar).
1064121518 46 Astrology CultivatingAlternativeCougarAstronomy&Beats:R&Beditiononthequad:Whatdostudents&staffwanttoseeoncampus?community:NewinitiativepromotescampusgardenprojectTitanVanCougbloomsagainSmallschoolfeel,bigtimesacrifices 12
ASWSUV's petition QR code for the campus garden initiative. Eldredge/The VanCougar) Dawn Freeman and Steve Sylvester tending to Titan VanCoug as it blooms.
(Olivia
Sawyer Tuttle | Copy Editor
The WSU Vancouver Collective for Social and Environmental Justice and Associated Students of WSU Vancouver are partnering together to implement a campus garden, a project intended to address food insecurity, encourage sustainable practices and motivate community building.
SEPTEMBER 20224
“It could be a really good way to help support students [who need food] and have them be eating healthier and more filling meals … and getting them a little more involved in the process of having that food,” Johnson said.
According to Desiree Hellegers, English professor and co-director of CSEJ, proposals for a campus garden have been tossed around for a long time. Recently, the idea has garnered increasing support from students, faculty and staff, presenting itself in the form of a petition with 300 signatures and counting.
“If people saw this as more of a community garden for everyone to take advantage of, not just something for people in need, it would help more people take resources and get involved as well,” Johnson said.
A new initiative at WSU Vancouver seeks to establish a community garden that will enrich on-campus connections and address food insecurity.
Before the pandemic, it was estimated that 30% of WSU Vancouver students faced food insecurity, according to Hellegers. CSEJ assumes the number of students experiencing food insecurity has increased since the start of the pandemic. Michael Johnson, the director of communications for ASWSUV, said student government supports the initiative, and that a campus garden would be beneficial to low-income students.
However, Johnson said a campus garden will be accessible to all students regardless of need and would supplement the non-perishable food the Cougar Food Pantry provides.
“[A campus garden] is something CSEJ was looking at long before the pandemic, like 15 years ago … this is something we have continued to cycle back to and something that every time we talk about it, students get really excited,” Hellegers said.
According to Auger, having a garden on campus will not only teach students about sustainability and farming, but also contributes to goals that have been set by the Native American Community Advisory Board, such as planting Native foods significant to the Indigenous culture of the region, while educating students on this history.
Michael Johnson, director of communications for ASWSUV, believes a campus garden will support students who are in need of food. (Josalyn Ortiz/The VanCougar)
Kaylor Auger is a coordinator for the Food System Justice Action Research project, a program established in 2020 to address food insecurity within the community. Auger said a campus garden presents a unique opportunity to teach students about the history and culture of gardening and the land WSU Vancouver resides on.
SEPTEMBER 2022 5
“I think it’s going to be extremely beneficial in a lot more ways than just providing fresh produce for students. I think it’s going to go way, way deeper than that,” Auger said.
ASWSUV members promote their campus garden initiative to corpse flower visitors. (Olivia Eldredge/The VanCougar)
Leaders of the initiative encourage students to show support for a campus garden by attending CSEJ meetings, providing feedback and signing their campus garden petition.
“Having a learning garden or farm on campus seems like a way to remind us every day, when we come to campus, of our dependence on food.” - Desiree Hellegers
“We want to look at ways to really center food across the curriculum at WSU. It is such a basic, fundamental thing that we all depend on, so how can we start integrating attention to food across the curriculum, and how can we start developing opportunities for WSU students to create a robust local food system?” Hellegers said.“Having a learning garden or farm on campus seems like a way to remind us every day, when we come to campus, of our dependence on food — it is something that brings us all together.” Along with nutritional and educational benefits, supporters of the garden initiative hope it will add vibrancy and life to campus, as well as engage students by providing a collaborative and ongoing project opportunity. “So many students are really struggling with the stress of the pandemic, with the stress of inheriting a world that we know is diminished as a result of the climate crisis. I’ve heard from a number of students that the opportunity to put down their book for a few minutes and go into a green space, help cultivate it and also be able to bring home some food that they’ve grown themselves is a vision that students are really excited about,” Hellegers said.
SEPTEMBER 20226
For over two decades, Titan has lived in the WSU Vancouver Science and Engineering Building stairwell, far from its native home of Sumatra, Indonesia. A corpse flowers' ideal conditions include a temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit and a humidity of 80%, far warmer than its current residence on campus. On top of less than favorable environmental conditions, outside interference has also threatened Titan's life.
Titan VanCoug, the “unofficial mascot” of WSU Vancouver, has bloomed once again — bringing attention to its endangered status and peculiar smell.
Dawn Freeman and Steve Sylvester overseeing Titan VanCoug as it is displayed to visitors. (Olivia Eldredge/The VanCougar)
Both a sight and smell to behold, Titan VanCoug, WSU Vancouver’s corpse flower, drew crowds to campus on Aug. 17 when it bloomed for a second time, three years after its last foul-smelling flowering event. In 2019, Titan, whose genus name is “Amorphophallus titanum,” bloomed for the first time ever and was not expected to show its petals again anytime soon. According to Steve Sylvester, a retired WSU Vancouver professor who planted and raised Titan from a seedling 20 years ago, corpse flowers are notoriously difficult to care for.
“Somebody decided I wasn't watering enough because it was yellowing, and so they over-watered it and I came in the next day and there was sap all over the wall, the stem had exploded and fell over. So I cut it off,” Sylvester said.
Bethanie Collette | Reporter
For Sylvester, the initial turnout was exactly the response he was hoping for when he planted the seed 17 years earlier.
"It's really neat to have a piece of somewhere else and be able to love it and care for it, to give it a nice home." - Dawn Freeman
“If you've ever been out in the woods and you've stumbled across an animal that has died and is rotting, that flower got the aroma spot on,” Owens said.
SEPTEMBER 2022 7
Titan’s bloom in 2019 brought an estimated 19,000 to 20,000 spectators to the WSU Vancouver campus, according to Sylvester. Reporters and community members waited in lines upwards of three hours long to get a glimpse — and a whiff — of this rare flowering event.
The species’ morbid name derives from the smell the plant produces during its 24 to 36 hour bloom. Mark Owens, instructional classroom support technician, has assisted in Titan’s care and said the purpose of its smell is to attract pollinators — such as dung beetles and flesh flies — that feed on decaying animals.
Instructional classroom support technician, Dawn Freeman, has been overseeing Titan’s care since Sylvester retired and has come to love the flower’s many quirks and curiosities.“It doesn't bloom very often, it takes a lot of time, it's ridiculously large and fun. It's beautiful to look at the frilly spathe, pretty colors and interesting smell. Maybe that's not everybody's favorite, but I find it interesting,” Freeman said. “The fact that it doesn't belong here and we can make it grow anyway. It's really neat to have a piece of somewhere else and be able to love it and care for it, to give it a nice home.”
“Bringing that number of people to campus and getting the kind of media attention that puts WSU Vancouver on the map is very fulfilling from a career point of view. We could not afford the kind of coverage and media time that we got on the first bloom or that we're getting now,” Alling said.
Students, staff, faculty and community members gather to see Titan VanCoug's bloom. (Olivia Eldredge/The VanCougar)
Brenda Alling, Titan’s self-proclaimed “personal publicist” and director of marketing and communications at WSU Vancouver, said Titan’s bloom generated wide-reaching media coverage for the university.
Coroners even flocked to campus three years ago to evaluate the flower’s smell as compared to rotting corpses. Ultimately, Titan brings people together, Owens said.
Dawn Freeman, instructional classroom support technician, displays Titan VanCoug's height. (Olivia Eldredge/The VanCougar)
SEPTEMBER 20228
"I mean it's just amazing that WSU Vancouver, right here in Salmon Creek, Washington, has this threatenedamazingspeciesthatwecansharewitheveryone."-BrendaAlling
It was difficult to anticipate when Titan would bloom — based on the flower’s track record in previous years — and the plant opened earlier than Sylvester had expected. During this most recent bloom, the Titan team, composed of public safety, administrators, alumni development relations and many more, prepared for the plant to open at any time, Freeman said. During Titan’s blooming period, signs were posted around campus to guide visitors, and experts were set up to answer questions about the plant.
“We have a very rare threatened species of plant on our campus. I sort of consider Titan our 'unofficial mascot.' I mean it's just amazing that WSU Vancouver, right here in Salmon Creek, Washington, has this amazing threatened species that we can share with everyone,” AllingTitansaid.VanCoug's pollination (Oliviawindow.Eldredge/The VanCougar)
This year, Titan did not fully open, which Sylvester attributes to potential heat stress. Titan, nonetheless, attracted large numbers of staff, faculty, students and community members for its short-lived display. For future blooms, Titan’s care staff will continue to educate the public on the plant and bring awareness to the deforestation in Sumatra, leading to the extinction of corpse flowers.
“This time, I feel like I'm preparing for a premature baby, just in case. There's a reason that you never have a baby shower on the day the baby's born. Because I'm throwing a party for I don't know how many guests, on I don't know what day ... it's the worst possible way to plan an event,” Alling said.
SEPTEMBER 2022 9 “At one time I asked the crowd around, ‘for how many of you, this is your first time on our campus?’ 80% of people raised their hand. I liked the idea that people didn't know that we are a research university, that we are successful in placing students in all kinds of jobs and professions,” Sylvester said.
“Students are looking at how much education costs and thinking, ‘man, why would I go to college for four years and make not much more money than I'd be making if I were to work at Firestone Tires,’ for example,” Boucher said.
SEPTEMBER 202210
SMALL SCHOOL FEEL BIG TIME
Christopher said a potential contributor to falling enrollment could be lacking financial aid knowledge. The Washington College Grant is one program that aids in tuition payment for college or work training for Washington students.
Bethanie
SACRIFICES
WSU Vancouver students are left scrambling to fulfill major course requirements as classes are cut due to a country-wide trend of declining enrollment. Collette | Reporter
“[We used to be] 60% transfer students and 40% of students en tering as first time freshmen and that proportion has been shifting, so now we’re about 50:50,” Christopher said.
“One factor is the huge social changes that we're seeing as a re sult of the pandemic. We've talked about the great resignation in employment, and something similar seems to be going on in higher education, where people are just not coming, or coming back to college,” Christopher said. Falling enrollment at local two-year institutions, such as Clark College and Lower Columbia Community College, also contribute to declining enrollment at WSU Vancouver, according to Christo pher. Decreased enrollment at two-year institutions results in fewer students transferring to four-year universities like WSU Vancouver.
Delaney Talbott, senior anthropology major, found out one of the core requirements for her major, Anthropology 390, was cut due to low enrollment in August. The class was only offered during fall semester and left Talbott scrambling to figure out how she would fulfill this requirement in order to graduate on time.
,
WSU Vancouver is fighting a battle that many public higher edu cation institutions across the nation are a part of — declining enroll ment. This multi-headed beast has the university’s administration grappling with the reality that COVID-19, cost of tuition and alter native job paths are deterring potential students from attending a four-yearFour-yearuniversity.publicinstitutions
have seen a 9.4% decrease in en rollment nationwide since before the COVID-19 pandemic, ac cording to the National Student Clearing House Research Center. Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Renny Christopher, said while official numbers for the fall term remain unavailable, enrollment is ultimately down at WSU Vancouver. This is, in part, due to a trend of declining enrollment throughout U.S. college campuses.
Jacob Boucher, president of the Associated Students of WSU Vancouver, has been watching for other potential causes of falling enrollment. According to Boucher, the fact that many well-paying jobs do not require a college degree could also be a factor.
“I found out [Anthropology 390] was going to be cut because the new head of the department gave me the heads up that it might get canceled and [I would need] this to graduate. Then, significantly later, I got an actual email from the school telling me that was a bit delayed,” Talbott said.
“People who do know about [The Washington College Grant] don't understand or don't believe how affordable it makes going to college. I think that we institutions of higher education and the state need to do a lot more about getting the word out,” Christo pherDecliningsaid.
enrollment has put so much stress on the university, that many classes were cut fall semester, according to Boucher. This also directly results in the reduction of adjunct faculty mem bers.“We were projecting that we were going to have a lot more mon ey than we actually do,” Boucher said.
Photo courtesy of Laura Dutelle. (WSU Vancouver Flickr)
Talbott faced several issues while trying to solve this problem, such as her adviser being out of office and difficulties enrolling in the WSU Global version of the course. On top of everything, Talbott said the time crunch was the most stressful part of the process.“IfIhad known this earlier, I could have applied and gotten special permissions earlier. I could have gotten in on the list and not been worrying about it. I was just very stressed. I wanted to just pay for this next fall semester but I can't because I don't know what classes I'm going to be taking,” TalbottBouchersaid.believes that steps can always be taken by administration to protect students from these enrollment-related pitfalls.“Idon't think that we've done any pay cuts to President Kirk Schulz or any of the vice presidents. They're still getting paid out the nose. And we're still paying WSU’s football coach crazy amounts of money. We all pay into the same tuition pool, so even WSU Vancouver students are paying for that football coach.” Boucher said.
11
SEPTEMBER 2022
The WSU Vancouver administration nonetheless remains hopeful that enrollment will see an increase, with new draws to the campus such as the creation of a Sciences Building and additional degree programs being offered each year.
Renny Christopher, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, believes the after effects of the pandemic may be the source of declining enrollment rates. (Josalyn Ortiz/ The VanCougar)
According to Christopher, the university is going to be focusing on recruitment and retention in order to avoid enrollment dropping even lower. However, classes will continue to be cut and open faculty positions will stay empty if enrollment continues to drop — a catastrophic reality for any university. “We'll be fine ultimately, but we'll just not have the same array of classes available that we do now. We won't have as many excellent, wonderful faculty for students to interact with,” Christopher said. This is not the first time WSU Vancouver has faced obstacles created by low enrollment and it likely will not be the last. From major course requirements no longer being offered on campus, to adjunct faculty being let go, students will continue to endure the effects of declining enrollment as it unfolds.
SEPTEMBER 202214 Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18) “Everything, Everywhere, All At Once” Pisces (Feb 19-March 20) “Marcel the Shell With Shoes On” Aries (March 21-April 19) “Hot Summer Nights” Taurus (April 20-May 20) “The Green Knight” Gemini (May 21-June 20) “Mid90s” Cancer (June 21-July 22) “The Spectacular Now” Leo (July 23-Aug 22) “Uncut Gems” Virgo (Aug 23-Sept 22) “The Disaster Artist” Libra (Sept 23-Oct 22) “Ladybird” Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21) “The Lighthouse” Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 21) “Eighth Grade” Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19) “20th Century Women” Astrology: The signs as A24 films September 1: Peak of the Aurigid Meteor Shower September 9: Peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower September 10: Harvest Moon September 17: Neptune at opposition September 22: Fall Equinox September 25: New Moon September 26: Jupiter at opposition September Astronomical Calendar
According to Rolling Stone, Lacy “... worked on Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Damn.,’ Solange’s ‘When I Get Home,’ and Vampire Weekend’s ‘Father of the Bride.’” Lacy’s full-length LP, “Apollo XXI,” followed by his first studio album, “The Lo-Fis,” have now been superseded by his newest project, “Gemini Rights,” delivered earlier this year in mid-July.
SEPTEMBER 2022 15
Olivia Eldredge | Editor-in-chief Artist and album review of the month: Who is Steve Lacy? Why listen to “Gemini Rights”?
Like Steve Lacy?
Lacy's newest album is one of the best Alternative R&B records to be released so far in 2022, and for those who have listened to his older music in years past, “Gemini Rights” really encapsulates the artist’s talents and tenor, full-circle. In short, Lacy’s latest record does not undersell his capabilities — it contains some of the most creative jams he has released to date, and showcases not only his shared successes, but solo capabilities. The writing on this record is emotional, filled with pangs of love and heartbreak, backdropped by the longing air of Gemini season. Lacy's lyrics are playfully simple, but his messages are conveyed alongside lightly cacophonous instrumentals and intense vocal ranges communicating a sense of smooth storytelling that is out-of-this-world. “Gemini Rights” offers a song for every mood, containing a range of upbeat jams, to pensive tracks that turn a cold shoulder. I recommend listening to this album in one sitting, but a few introductory songs to start with are “Mercury,” “Give You the World” and “Bad Habit.”
Check out our song recommendations from these other Alternative R&B artists: MICHELLE: “Mess u Made,” “Pose” and “Syncopate” Orion Sun: “Dirty Dancer,” “Concrete” and “Intro” Omar Apollo: “Useless,” “Ugotme” and “Erase” Boylife: “Amphetamine,” “Dio” and “Lush”
Talia Goddess: “Never Wanna Fall,” “Poster Girl” and “I’ll be Down” UMI: “Remember Me,” “Butterfly” and “Say im ur Love”
Cover of Steve Lacy's album, "Gemini Rights." [ Open the Spotify app and select the camera icon to scan this code ]
Local live events schedule: Sept. 8, 9: Bikini Kill, McMenamins Crystal Ballroom Sept. 14: Gorillaz with Earthgang, Moda Center Sept. 14: Cigarettes After Sex, McMenamins Crystal Ballroom Sept. 15, 16: The Shins, Pioneer Courthouse Square Sept. 21: Girl in Red, Roseland Theater Sept. 25: Jack Harlow with City Girls and the Homies, Veterans Memorial Coliseum Sept. 26: Arlo Parks with Puma Blue, McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
Steve Lacy is a master at creating experimental, funky beats, and combining rivetingly new combinations of tunes that will keep you hitting repeat. Lacy is a musician, singer and songwriter who has made a name for himself in the world of Alternative R&B as a wickedly talented guitarist. He grew in popularity for the skills he previously showcased with the Los Angeles based band, The Internet, and in recent years, Lacy has become a rising star.
The VanCougar knows music is a college student’s best friend — on this page you can find our monthly album review, artist and song recommendations, and a list of concerts to attend this September.
“A bigger gym, first thing that comes to mind. I’m happy to have a gym, that’s way better than not having one. Definitely need something more spacious, if you have 10 people in there [now] it’s super crowded, it’s kind of hard to have a good workout.”
“More events promoting resources, more QR codes with resources that we offer. I know the student government last year had a QR code that you could scan and see resources that WSU offers, so [we need] more of that.
Jaden Bell, senior biology major, thinks having more activities on campus will encourage student involvement. (Josalyn Ortiz/The VanCougar)
Lillian Sundwall, freshman psychology major:
During the first week of fall semester, The VanCougar asked students and staff about the changes or additions they would like to see on campus.
“I’d absolutely like to see some music clubs, or maybe a jazz band or choir. That’d be really fun and I’d totally enjoy it. Before I went to college I did music all throughout middle school and high school.”
Jaden Bell, senior biology major:
Tristan York, junior history major, believes WSU Vancouver should have a tennis court and baseball field. (Josalyn Ortiz/The VanCougar)
Tristan York, junior history major:
Olivia Eldredge | Editor-in-chief
“I would say providing more resources and having more activities on campus to involve students since we’re on campus now — advertising makes a big difference for events. I think what could make my experience better is bringing students together who are different majors, I could [meet] people who I didn’t know before.”
… Some students like me have transportation issues, so any events outside campus are hard to get to — more events here on campus, like volleyball nights, that’d be easier here. Also, more prize giveaways, that’s super fun and I know we can improve our coug spirit.”
Alyn Rivera, senior human development major:
“I personally would like to see more sports and athletic things. We’re trying to get a tennis court for the tennis club. But, I’d really like to see a baseball field too, perhaps a bit ambitious, but that is something I’d like. … I think a team could be possible. The nearest one for college level is University of Washington. There is a great amount of talented players [here], and if there was a team, that would bring more students and more athletics. I know several students who have actively avoided WSU Vancouver because there wasn’t a place to play baseball.”
Carmen Herrera, Cougar Center Lead:
Brandin Farris, junior applied mathematics major:
“I’d like to see more students utilizing the resources here, and also more events. It’s fun to see people having so much fun and big smiles on faces. … I would [also] like to see more students utilize the food pantry, I feel like not a lot of students are aware of it, and they don’t realize they can get once a week a bag of nonperishable items. And, our food pantry is really great about inquiring what students’ needs are.”
SEPTEMBER 202216
Q: Is there anything you would like to see change at WSU Vancouver that would improve your lifestyle, education or the wellbeing of other students?
-Jacob Boucher, President I saw that you’re currently hiring for judicial and elections board, what do those jobs do?
-Magellan Rankin, Executive Staff
“Elections board helps organize the logistics of how the election will go and judicial board acts as the Supreme Court that aids in ethical decision making in the Executive and Senate cabinets.”
Where can I get some cheaper food on campus?
“Judicial Board and Elections Board are fantastic ways to get involved!! Judicial Board serves on an as-needed basis. They meet whenever there are disputes regarding our governing documents or when it appears that one of our rules has been broken. The Elections Board plan our elections every year. They are also responsible for upholding election regulations. Both are paid positions. If you’re interested, check out the application form on Coug Presence (Find it under “Forms”) or contact me at aswsuv.vpres@wsu.edu!!”
What are some good study spots on campus?
Did you know that WSU Vancouver has its very own student government? Members of ASWSUV will answer questions you submit about student involvement, student government or anything WSU-related!
-Aisha Sumareh, Senator
-Kylie Sickles, Vice President
“I would say the best study spots would be upstairs in the Multimedia Building for a quiet but high traffic area and the library for a quiet space to focus.”
-Magellan Rankin, Executive Staff
“The Office of Student Involvement does have a club registration form, but the link is not open right now. You need to contact van.osi@wsu.edu to request a copy of club guidelines, policies, and what requirements you need in order to start a club. OSI is in the Firstenburg Student Commons, and they open on Monday –Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. While you’re waiting you can visit Coug Presence, an online platform that shows you the current on-campus clubs and find events you might be interested in attending. If you need help promoting your club and you’re interested in having flyers made, please fill out this form (https://forms.gle/ zoB1oi2AjAi2HgpK9) about two to three weeks in advance to allow our communica:ons team to have the right flyer for you, just in time when your club begins!”
I’ve been looking into making a club, would you be able to help with that process or with getting new members?
“The Cougar food pantry is an excellent resource for students who would like to save some money on food. You don’t have to be in a dire situation to use it – you can just be a broke college student like everyone else here. We also make efforts to provide food at most events we put on, so follow @aswsuvancouver and @wsuvosi on Instagram to stay up to date with all the events people have on campus with free food!“
Color
Tech 101 Workshop: Theory 3 - 4:15 Contactp.m.Dene Grigar at dgrigar@wsu.edu for Zoom information. A – Z of Paying for College 6 - 7 Studentp.m.Services Center, Room 101 Multicultural Resource Fair 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Clark College, Gaiser Hall, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA, 98663Vancouver Peace & Justice Fair 2022 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Esther Short Park Culture and Equity SeriesLa Fiesta Contact van.studentdiversity@ wsu.edu for more information
SEPTEMBER 2022 19 Campus Welcome and Update 3 - 4 Dengerinkp.m. Administration Building, Room 110 Mark your calendars! Tech 101 Workshop: Adobe XD for Prototyping 3 - 4:15 Contactp.m.Dene Grigar at dgrigar@wsu.edu for Zoom information. Mental Health First Aid Training 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Register online at SV_3yJeUoefx9F2kWFco1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/https://wsu.
