February 29, 2016 TheVanCougar.com
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Issue XII
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Volume XXVI
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First Copy Free
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February 29, 2016 TheVanCougar.com
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onE novEMbEr Morning
tRaVelliNG aRt eXhibit MaKeS StoP at WSu VaNcouVeR PaGe 4
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Vice Chancellor Youlden celebrates Debates conclude and point the way to 25 years with WSU youlden reflects on her career and plans for the future election day By: GREGORY WALKER The VanCougar Nancy Youlden, looking back on her long career with Washington State University Vancouver, speaks with humility about her role in the campus's growth as vice chancellor of student affairs and enrollment. Youlden celebrated her 25th anniversary with WSU last September and will celebrate her 20th anniversary with WSU Vancouver this July. The many projects and organizations she has been involved with attest to her pivotal part in WSU Vancouver’s success. As vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment, Youlden is responsible for a broad range of organizations and bodies that support the student population of WSU Vancouver; she oversees everything from admissions and financial aid, to student government and disability services. Youlden began working at WSU in 1990, but did not come to the Vancouver campus until six years later. At Pullman, she worked with the newly formed satellite campuses with their enrollment processes as a part of “bringing education to more of the urban areas,” Youlden said. In July 1996, Youlden came to Vancouver with the opening of the Salmon Creek campus on an initially one-year opportunity to help straighten out the campus’ enrollment processes. But that one year would turn into nearly 20. Chancellor Hal Dengerink, whose title at the time was campus dean,
Nancy Youlden's "one-year assignment in Vancouver" has its 20th anniversary this July | Photo Credit: WSU Vancouver offered her an extended position. As Youlden said, “I came over and I never left.” Youlden was initially drawn to WSU because the college supports her belief that higher education should be made more available to the general population, both in its origins as a land-grant institution, and with its creation of the new metropolitan campuses. The WSU experience, she said, "is about access…and quality,” she said. When Youlden began at WSU Vancouver, there were fewer than 10 people on staff.
That staff has grown closer to 50, with dozens of student and temporary employees supporting them. Today, Youlden say she is excited to lead "a tremendous staff that is so dedicated to students. One of the things I’m most proud of [is]… hiring good people that serve the institution very well.” Part of her work at the university has been “helping to develop our enrollment and helping put in place an infrastructure so that we can be successful,” something that see "Chancellor Youlden," page 6
ASWSUV President Shain Wright hopes for higher voter turnout this year after last year's 20% turnout. represented at the debate was By: ALEXANDER PERU Skye Troy, running for ASWSUV The VanCougar president, and Samy Reel as vice president. Washington State University Vancouver is fast approaching At the debate, both tickets were able to outline election dates for ASWSUV their platforms. Mercado and senate, presidential and vice Stevenson are running on presidential positions for the a platform of “accessibility, upcoming school year. This transparency and diversity.” year’s campaign cycle will end in Highlighting diversity, Mercado elections opening on Mar. 3. hopes to raise awareness and The second of two senate access for students from minority and presidential debates was backgrounds. Mercado said that held on Wednesday, Feb. 24 “respect is a huge aspect,” of in the Firstenburg Student Commons. At the debate, fostering diversity.. The Troy – Reel campaign candidates for open positions were able to answer questions outlined a platform of “affordability, community and from a panel of moderators as well as from the audience. At accessibility.” The pair plans to lobby to help reduce educational the final debate, two presidential costs. They also hope to foster a tickets were represented. Julie sense of community by reaching Mercado and Honor Stevenson out to all students on campus to are running for the presidential and vice presidential nomination, see "Debates," page 6 respectively. The other ticket
2 | CAMPUS NEWS
Reimagining the First Year of College program to kick off in the Fall
Grant helps WSU Vancouver freshmen students reimagine the first year of college By: ALEXANDER PERU The VanCougar Washington State University Vancouver is one of 44 colleges and community colleges across the nation that are participating in the Reimagining the First Year of College program sponsored by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. This program is designed to help colleges examine the first year experience of first time college students and find ways to ease the transition to college and increase retention of first time college students. While the national project is funded by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and USA Funds, WSU Vancouver does not receive
any money directly for the project. All of the grant money goes directly to the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. The Association then provides conferences and consultants to help participating universities implement the plans. June Canty, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs at WSU Vancouver, said that the university actually incurs expenses because of the program, but that these are well worth furthering the campus’s strategic plan and student success initiatives. the First Year of College program is to have colleges examine their approach to fostering first year experiences for first time college attendees. Canty said that the program is
not aimed at transfer students or returning college students, but rather is specifically for first time freshmen. In examining the first year experiences of new college students, Canty said that the program is designed to reimaging courses and extracurricular work “that really meets the needs of our students.” According to Canty, studies show that students who feel more connected to their campus tend to persist more towards graduation. “It’s to get students thinking there’s more to college than parking lot, class, parking lot.” said Canty. Canty is leading an eleven-member faculty team to help the university implement the
see "Reimagining Freshman Year,"
June Canty | Photo Credit: Washington State University Vancouver
WSU Vancouver grad Bianca Meza heads up College Access Program By: TERESA HOYT The VanCougar
College access coaches | Photo Credit: Edward Esparza graders at Martin Luther King Elementary as well as a few students at the Mathematics,
Th e
In an effort to assist and inspire children from low income families to attend college, the college access program of Washington State University Vancouver is currently reaching out to students in school districts with high rates of students on free or reduced lunch. “The goal of the program is to help build early college awareness and build engagement in their [the students that the college access program is assisting] education. Our other goal is to help them build academic skills that they will need now and in the future.” Bianca Meza, college access coordinator said. The college access program
at WSU Vancouver focuses on providing college access coaches. These are student volunteers who typically work one to two hours a week. All majors are encouraged to become college access coaches, but they have to be committed to volunteering throughout the semester. The college access coaches give various types of workshops each week. These workshops include time management, study skills, career exploration, applying for financial aid, goal setting, test anxiety and knowing how to find the right college. In addition to these workshops, the college access coaches also help the students in math, reading, and any other school projects they may have. The college access program has worked extensively with fifth
Engineering, Science and Achievement program at Fort High School. MESA is an after
2016
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For more information about the VanCougar's policy on letters and other information, please visit the VanCougar policy section of TheVanCougar.com The VanCougar | Dengerink Administration Building (VDEN) Room 160 | 14024 NW Salmon Creek Ave. | Vancouver, Wash. 98686 | 360-546-9524
Washington State University Vancouver
AUZ BURGER ALEXANDER PERU QUETZALI RAMIREZ GREGORY WALKER
school pre-college academic program hosted by Portland State University. As the college access coordinator of the program, one of Meza’s main responsibilities to recruit students at WSU Vancouver to become college access coaches. Other responsibilities of the college access coordinator include preparing students for the workshops, maintaining partnerships and organizing schedules. Applications for Meza’s position will open in May. Currently, Meza is an AmeriCorps member. According to Meza, the AmeriCorps provides its members with grant money to serve as a college access coordinator to lead the college access program. Meza said that this is the second year of the three-year grant that the program has been around at WSU Vancouver. The grant serves other institutions as well. The AmeriCorps is an independent federal agency that aims to improve lives, strengthen communities and encourage civic engagement through service and volunteering. During AmeriCorps week, which will be occurring from Mar. 5-12, students can drop by the Student Diversity Center and help make cards of encouragement and give advice for local elementary school children who want to know more about the AmeriCorps. The college access program at WSU Vancouver can be found on CougSync, as well as on Facebook. Students who are interested in becoming a college access coach can contact Bianca Meza via email at bianca_meza@ wsu.edu or they can drop by her office at the Office of Student Involvement. n
CAMPUS NEWS | 3
WSU Vancouver to celebrate inspiring women next month
Women of Distinction event recognizes those who “mentor, empower, inspire.”
Campus EvEnts
Tuesday, March 1
n Game Changers Kick Off Party 5:30 - 9 p.m. Red Lion Inn at the Quay, 100 Columbia St., Vancouver, WA Free Open to all
Wednesday, March 2
n Global Cougs 101 1 - 2 p.m. VSSC 101 Open to students n Job and Internship Seeking Strategies 2:10 - 3 p.m. FSC Open to all n Words for Wednesday: Poetry Out Loud at the Library 5 p.m. Free Open to all WSU Vancouver Library
n Time Management Workshop 3 - 4 p.m. FSC 101 Open to students n Oregon Trail Game Party 12- 4 p.m. VCLS 214 Open to all
Thursday, March 3
" I think that’s really my favorite part, seeing women that get recognized for their work in the community." - Stephanie Leeper | Photo Credit: Taylor Jones
By: TERESA HOYT The VanCougar Women of Distinction is an annual event that celebrates Women’s History Month. The event recognizes women who have made a difference in others’ lives or have empowered others in some way. Washington State University Vancouver will have its seventh Women of Distinction event in March. "I think it’s honestly all about the impact that they’ve made, whether it’s mentoring, empowering, or inspiring. The nominations from last year were amazing. The impact on the lives they had of other people was just significant,” said Nikki Hinshaw, student activities advisor. Students, staff, and faculty at WSU Vancouver can nominate a woman in three different categories: high school student, WSU Vancouver student and community member. A committee of community members and WSU Vancouver representatives will choose the final award recipients. This year all of the nominees will be invited to a
luncheon on Mar. 25. Hinshaw said that the luncheon will serve as an opportunity to get to know the nominees as well as give them an opportunity to network with each other. Stephanie Leeper, an intern for the Office of Student Involvement, is also involved with organizing the event. She expressed excitement for the coming event, saying, “At the program, each woman who has been nominated will be called up the stage and she gets a rose. I think that’s really my favorite part, seeing women that get recognized for their work in the community.” Recipients from previous years have represented a wide array of women making positive contributions to their community. Brittany Curtiss was the 2015 recipient for high school students. At the time, Curtiss was a running start student at Clark College and worked as a preschool teacher’s aide. Kai Calderon was last year's WSU Vancouver student recipient. At the time she received the reward, Calderon was a social science major at
WSU Vancouver. Calderon was known for promoting positive well-being for children. In addition, Calderon donated a kidney to a man she met on Facebook. For the first time, 2015 recognized two different people in one category. Jennifer Cullison was first the community member recipient. Cullison is a high school teacher at Woodland High School. Cullison created a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and health sciences program at Woodland High School. Amy Holmes was the other community member recipient. Holmes was the founding principal of Hayes Freedom High School in Camas, where she provided support to her students and helped them find their own path in life. Her students, in their nominations, talked about her endless availability to help students not only with academic problems, but personal issues as well. The event takes place March 31 at 6 p.m. in VFSC. It is open to the public, but RSVPs
Saturday, March 5
n Science on Tap: “The Neuroscience of Reality: Can You Trust Your Brain?” 7 p.m. Clinton Street Theater, Vancouver, WA $8 advance $10 at door
n Lindedin Lab 3 - 4 p.m. VUB 207 Open to all n “Gender Equity in the World of Force: Breaking the Glass” 4 - 5:30 p.m. n Nocha De Familia 6 - 8 p.m. FSC Open to all n “Affordable Housing: Personal Problem, Community Problem of Not My Problem?” 7 - 8:30 p.m. Vancouver City Library
Wednesday, March 9
Thursday, March 10
n Witnessing Health: HIV Documentary as Medical Practice 4:15 p.m. VDEN 110 Free Open to all n Professional Writers Series: Judith Barrington, “The Art of the Memoir” 7 p.m. VMMC 6 Free Open to all n “Affordable Housing: Personal Problem, Community Problem or Not My Problem?” 7 - 8:30 p.m. Vancouver Community Library, 901 C St., Vancouver
Wednesday, March 16 n Re-imagined Radio: “Sorry, Wrong Number/ The Hitchhiker” 7:00 p.m Kiggins Theatre
n C-Tran Open House 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday, March 21 FSC 105 n Issue 13 of the Free VanCougar on Open to all stands Troy Kindy, “Social Justice and Older Women in the Acute Care Setting” 12 - 1:15 p.m. VMMC 6 Free Want your event featured here? Open to Email details two weeks in advance public
to vancougme@vancouver.wsu.edu
are requested. Students, staff, faculty or community members who have questions about this year’s women of distinction
event can contact Nikki Hinshaw at nikki_hinshaw@. wsu.edu or Stephanie Leeper at van.osiintern@wsu.edu. n
Last year's winners: Amy Holmes, Jennifer Cullison and Kia Calderon | Photo Credit: Sarah Dorsch
V-Day spreads love, not violence, in support of nationwide campaign By: QUETZALI RAMIREZ The VanCougar Three wood cutouts of women stood silhouetted in the quad, surrounded by red flags. Their presence was part of the “The Third Flag Project,” named for the statistic that one in three women will experience physical or sexual assault during her lifetime. To demonstrate this, two of the cut outs were painted red, and one was painted white to represent the statistic. The flags surrounding them represented every third woman
enrolled at Washington State University Vancouver in Fall 2015. The event's message was that "V-Day" is not just a day to express love, but also to spread awareness about violence against women and girls. This campaign began on Feb. 14, 2012, and since then, people all over the world have come together to fight against the injustices women are faced with. On Feb. 10, VanCougs gathered in the quad to raise awareness about the global
movement to end violence against women and children with performances throughout the day. Volunteers wore pink V-Day shirts throughout the day to show their support. Cougs also participated in a flash mob to the song “Break the Chain” by Tena Clark and Tim Heintz in the quad. Students marched from the Dengerink Building to the quad chanting the words “What do we want? Respect! When do we want it? Now!” and repeated substituting “respect” for “consent.”
After arriving at the quad, student and staff volunteers performed monologues from the book “Writings to Stop Violence Against Women and Girls; a Memory, a Monologue, a Rant, a Prayer.” The series of monologues closed with a reading of Alice Walker’s “To Stop the Violence Against Women” performed by Amanda Shannahan and Maribel Ramirez. Ramirez was proud to share the success of the event saying, “I feel like I am contributing to the movement by educating
people about the violence toward women, and [I] really like that men also got involved [in the movement]. It really made me feel appreciated as a woman seeing their support too.” Due to the graphic descriptions and strong language in the monologues, trigger-warning signs were held up to the audience, in case the content in the readings were to affect listeners. Information to counseling services was also see "V-Day," page 4 Washington State University Vancouver
4 | Student life
Cheyenne and Arapaho artists host two-day remembrance
'One November Morning' exhibit depicts 1864 massacre By: QUETZALI RAMIREZ The VanCougar The history and culture of two Native American tribes, the Cheyenne and Arapho, came to Washington State University Vancouver in mid-February through workshops, films and art. Brent Learned and George Curtis Levi, who are descendants of the CheyenneArapaho, organized the twoday exhibit. Levi and Learned wanted to honor and recognize their ancestors with these paintings that demonstrate the strength of their leaders. The paintings depict the events surrounding the Sand Creek Massacre of Nov. 29, 1864, when a group called the Colorado Volunteers killed approximately 400 Native American Their leader, Col. John Covington, ordered his troops to “kill and scalp all, big and little.” A large percentage of those killed were women, children and the elderly. The panel also discussed the culture and traditions of these tribes, now based in Oklahoma, and how the casual use of Native American-styled feathers and beads can be disrespectful to their traditions. They shared the significance of various items used in religious
Brent Learned depicts sunset at an Arapho village in this 2014 painting
ceremonies and how each color, symbol or pattern has meaning rather than being purely ornamental. Learned and Levi also showed a screening of a PBS documentary on the Sand Creek massacre at The Clark County Historical Museum
A painting of a Colorado Volunteer after the Sand Creek Massacre by Brent Learned
V-Day, continued from page 3 displayed on these posters as a precaution. As volunteers were reading the monologues out in the open, it began to sprinkle, and a rainbow shortly accompanied it. Celena Lewis, a student volunteer said, “It was very powerful, stories of pain, liberation and women moving through and inspiring others to speak out. I feel like the universe was acknowledging Washington State University Vancouver
V-Day, expressing the pain and washing it away with the sun to shine light on a rainy day.” For more information on this event or the movement, stop by the Diversity Center or visit www.vday.org. n
along with paintings. The Clark County Historical Museum is the first venue on the West Coast to host the "One November Morning" exhibition. It has also
been shown in galleries at the Denver Art Museum, Denver University and Northwestern University. For more information on future events related to "One
November Morning," visit the Clark County Historical Museum’s website www. cchmuseum.org n
STUDENT LIFE | 5
WSU Vancouver hosting panel on prep for “The Big One” By: ROB SCHUBERT The VanCougar When Mt. St. Helens exploded in 1980, it was a reminder to people living in the Pacific Northwest that major seismic activity was definitely a possibility within their lifetimes. Washington State University Vancouver is hosting an event to help people prepare for an earthquake in the Cascadia Subduction Zone. The concept of “The Big One”
has gained increasing attention lately, including an article in the New Yorker that projected the potential quake to be the worst natural disaster in the recorded history of North America. WSU public safety’s Anne O’Neill said she knew these dangers and felt a need to get people prepared. The coming event will teach survival techniques, how to assemble a survival kit and what the most important supplies are. These disaster preparation techniques can also be useful in
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the event of mudslides, flooding and other more frequent disasters. “If you are earthquake prepared,” O’Neill said, “you are disaster prepared.” “It’s become a passion of mine,” O’Neill said of earthquake preparation “It has really taken on a life of its own.” Growing up in California, O’Neill saw earthquake preparation as an important component of safety and wanted to help people in the Pacific Northwest do the same. She reached out to ASWSUV and President Shain Wright offered assistance in organizing, hosting and promoting the event. O’Neill said that, while emergency relief organizations have plans for the region, they will still take several days to get in place, especially for those who live further away from urban centers. She said it was projected to take 10 days for emergency services to reach her home in Yacolt. The key for preparation, O’Neill said, is to “take things one day at a time. Know your basic needs for a day: how much food and water you’ll need to get through a day. There are
potentially thousands of students who could be stuck here on campus, and there is simply not enough food to feed everyone for that long.” The high-voltage power lines that run near campus are likely to go down on the road, creating a hazardous barrier for travel. Multiple bridges and freeway overpasses are also projected to fall. This means that students on campus at the event of an earthquake are likely stuck there for at least a few days. The event will take place on Mar. 24 in VDEN 110, 129 and 130. Presentations featuring Scott Johnson of Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency begin at noon and 2 p.m. Event organizers are giving away 100 earthquake survival starter kits, with important gear like tools, water and food, to attendees, as well as raffle prizes. Emergency suppliers will also be on hand to speak to attendees. Admission is free and open to all members of the community For more information on the event, contact Anne O’Neill at aeoneill@wsu.edu n
Reimagining freshman year, continued from page 2 page 5 initiative. Proposals include making some form of tutoring, peer mentoring, use of the Writing Center or Quantitative Skills Center an integral part of the class, much like a lab section, streamlining the new student orientation and ROAR. The ideas of the committee for the Reimagining the First Year of College initiative will be implemented at ROAR for the 2016-2017 school year. Lessons learned in the fall of 2016 will be
implemented in the fall of 2017. Canty said that the program will not be implemented all at once, but will be incrementally implemented with assessments to make sure it is worth the effort for students. Regardless of the costs associated and the difficulties in implementing changes, Canty said that “To me, it’s a moral commitment that we’ve made to students we’ve admitted to do everything we can to help (them) to be successful.” n
SUBMISSION DEADLINE:
• You pay Services and Activities Fees as part of your tuition
5 P.M. MARCH 11
• $1,500,000 is available to spend for nonacademic student activities, programs and projects
For budget request forms and additional submission information, visit vancouver.wsu.edu and type “S and A Fees” in the search box at the top right.
• This is your opportunity to voice how you would like campus services improved Please note: Recognized student clubs (RSO’s) should pursue funding support through ASWSUV.
Have you or your classmates have had trouble logging in to the WSU network recently? As part of the effort to enhance security, WSU implemented a policy across all campuses that requires everyone to change their password at least every 180 days. Many of you hit that 180 day mark recently and many more will in the coming weeks. This is a reminder to not let it go over 180 days or your account will be disabled and it will take a few more steps to get back in. For more information, including how to find out when your password will expire, go to: https://news.wsu.edu/announcement/180-days-since-last-changed-password/ As always, please contact the Vancouver IT Help Desk for assistance with this or any IT issue. Vancouver IT Help Desk 360-546-9770 Email: van.evita@wsu.edu Walk-in (VCLS 219): Mon–Fri, 8am - 5pm After-hours phone support: Mon–Thu 5pm - 8pm
Washington State University Vancouver
6 | ASWSUV ELECTIONS Debates, continued from page 1 help create a sense of belonging. “Together, those three areas can be integrated to make student life on campus a place that is meant for everybody,” Troy said. After the candidates outlined their platforms, questions from the audience were allowed. These covered a wide range of topics, from what the candidates know about the positions they are running for to how the candidates plan to represent underrepresented student populations on campus. The debate was well organized and friendly, with both sides politely answering each question asked of them. The 2016 election cycle has already proven to be an eventful one. Before debates and campaigning began, the election was marked with some dispute. A complaint against the Troy – Reel campaign was brought before the Election Board by current student body president Shain Wright on behalf of an anonymous plaintiff. The campaign had allegedly violated campaign bylaws by attempting to use online fundraising before fundraising was allowed. The Election Board found that the campaign’s alleged fundraising activity occurred before they had applied for candidacy. The Board thus
decided that “Candidates Troy and Reel are found not responsible of the alleged violations against their campaign.” Wright emphasized that the filing of the complaint was not a personal grievance against the Troy – Reel campaign. Rather, “It was just trying to make sure we’re having a fair and equitable election,” said Wright. Troy was relieved at the decision of the Elections Board, saying “we were very pleased.” She expressed similar sentiments to Wright that the process was very respectful and proper. Regarding the complaint, Troy said “We believe in the bylaws and we would never knowingly break them.” Despite the issue of the complaint, the elections campaign has been satisfactory to the candidates. Current ASWSUV president Wright hopes that more students will take the elections seriously and vote. According to Wright, only twenty percent of the student population voted in the last election. With the debates now concluded, election days are fast approaching. Online voting opens on Thursday, Mar. 3. Polling stations will open around campus on Mar. 7 and will be available until Mar. 9. n
Chancellor Youlden, continued from page 1 Youlden takes great pride in. WSU Vancouver initially only offered junior, senior and graduate-level courses. In 2006, the campus became a full fouryear institution, requiring a drastic change to enrollment processes. Youlden says she “helped lead us through” the adjustments, which “really changed who we were” as a university. Youlden's colleagues say her commitment to diversity was key in helping the university find spaces for counselors, advisors and other student support staff. Thse range from the Student Diversity Center to the Recreation Office. Even the Student Services building was partially a result of Youlden’s position as an advocate, evolving from her desire to create a “onestop-shop” for questions about the various enrollment processes, financial aid, registration and more. The Vice Chancellor is also responsible for starting the scholarship committee, helping develop the Student Care Team and threat assessment protocols, and for helping outline the Service and Activities Fee process. “In challenging budget times," Youlden said, "how do we figure out how to add more services and how do we repurpose [already existing services]?” Youlden is working to answer this question. Some of the “new challenges” Washington State University Vancouver
facing WSU Vancouver, such as changes to the student body and decreasing student retention, are what keep Youlden driven and motivated after 20 years. “There’s always more work to do,” Youlden said. In order to address the always-changing problems, Youlden said her team strives for creativity and resourcefulness. "That to me is also really challenging, but something I like and enjoy.” Currently, Youlden is part of a board taking the first steps of developing a student housing services on campus. Should the project be successful, a small medical clinic on campus will be created with a nurse practitioner working one day a week. Reflecting on her long time with WSU, Youlden continues to ask questions. “I think a person, after being here this long, has to ask, ‘Am I still excited? Do I still want to do this?’ And if you can’t, then it’s time to do something else, but I still get invigorated.” More than anything, Youlden feels grateful to have served. "I feel fortunate to be at an institution that’s been so dynamic.” Ultimately, Youlden hopes that she has “contributed in a positive way, not only toward our unit, but to the culture and development of our campus.” n
Community letter: Public transportation access to campus on weekends... a new hope? By ELI CAMPBELL Washington State University Vancouver is hosting an on campus summit with C-TRAN to discuss future development changes to public transportation
which will affect the Salmon Creek Bus #19 Route as well as many other routes. Currently, there is no Sunday service for Bus #19 and on Saturdays it is a limited schedule and route that does not currently go to WSUV.
Join the discussion on March 10th at the Open House Meeting from 11AM-1PM in Firstenburg Student Commons, feel free to drop by for as little as five minutes to share your opinion
The #19 line currently only runs Mon-Fri, but is an important resource for many students Photo Credit: OregonLive.com on changes to bus routes and schedules. Public bus access and frequency means a world of a difference for low-income people who are trying to pull themselves out of poverty through the use of the bus. Having weekend access and even the new Sunday service to the college means that people who have long time-intensive science projects can continue their work over the weekend. People who do not have a computer and the various expensive programs to complete projects at home will have access to labs on campus to use to get those done as well. International students, people with disabilities, even for the unfortunate who used to have a car but it “caught fire and exploded” and who are between paychecks while conveniently happening right
before midterms would benefit from having weekend access to the University. Besides direct impact on students, the community of both businesses and low-income people at large that reside in Salmon Creek will be able to move around effectively with a Sunday schedule and benefit from increased business and job opportunities. The environmental impact of having less cars on the road and clogging our highways only benefits the world as well. I have heard from both students and faculty that if public transportation were more readily available and frequent, they would use it. I would also like to mention that parking in the 99th Transfer Center is free and that the low cost of a C-TRAN bus pass through the Cashier’s office is cheaper than
paying for a parking lot pass on campus. Public transportation is an important public utility of the people. Your voice in this matter will have an impact on the thousands of people who use the #19 Salmon Creek Bus as well as our fellow students and for future generations of students as well. Not only will it affect our student population but I suspect it will affect future decisions of having weekend events on campus or even having weekend classes available as the campus grows. Passionate about transportation equity and want to continue the conversation? Visit the Diversity Center in FSC for more information on opportunities to shape public transportation policies! n
ASWSUV ELECTIONS | 7
VanCougar to candidates: 'What is your number one issue?' In anticipation of the March 7-9 elections, The VanCougar newspaper asked all presidential and vice presidential candidates the following question: "In 200-300 words, can you tell our readers about your platform and what your number one issue is for the next year?" The ASWSUV president's duties include developing a strategic plan for the year, authorizing budget expenses, and overseeing and evaluating executive staff members. The vice president manages the ASWSUV senate, coordinates legislation and assists the president with executive duties.
"In 200-300 words, can you tell our readers about your platform and what your number one issue is for the next year?" The following are responses from the candidates. The VanCougar reached out to the Debica Finucane/Mike White campaign, but they were unable to be reached for comment before our deadline. These are soley the views of those individuals and do not reflect the views of The VanCougar or its staff.
The VanCougar takes no official position on elections and the presence of these statements should not be interpreted as an endorsement. Elections are March 7-9, students can vote for next year's ASWSUV representatives, either on campus at designated polling stations or online at aswsuv.com.
(Above) Julie Mercado, (Below) Honor Stephenson
skye troy and samy reel
An advertisement from Skye Troy (left) and Samy Reel
Skye Troy and Samy Reel are running to represent change for WSUV by making higher education more affordable, building a community on campus and breaking down barriers of access for higher education. Our plan is to lower educational costs by working with administrators to fund open- educational resources, lower printing cost amd subsidize parking. Affordability will be the legislative priority next year and we will advocate by lobbying elected officials to lower tuition. We will work on building community through hosting events on campus that are inclusive and family friendly that will provide students with an opportunity to create student life! Finally, we want to eradicate barriers that prevent people from pursuing a dream of higher education and make WSUV accessible. Skye Troy and Samy Reel have a goal to make change happen. If you want change vote Skye Troy and Samy Reel!
Julie Mercado and honor stephenson Julie Mercado and Honor Stephenson want to continue to tackle issues identified by previous student leaders as well as work towards a more inclusive campus. Our main goal is to represents our fellow students while working for the benefit of students at large. As current ASWSUV Vice President and Senate Sub-committee chair, we have being advocating for students’ needs serving on the Chancellor’s Student Advisory Board, Senate, Executive staff, seven diverse clubs, and Student Diversity Center.
With more than ten years of leadership experience between us, we have always strived to serve those we represent. We will work to respect and recognized every student’s needs. We want to make ASWSUV a resource for students. We want to create a welcoming space for everyone by promoting a diverse and safe environment. We are planning to primarily focus on the accessibility, diversity, and transparency of ASWSUV and Washington State University Vancouver.
Words for Wednesday: poetry out loud at the library 5:00pm Wednesday, March 9th WSU Vancouver Library
Do you write poems? Or just like to read them? Come share your own work or someone else’s at Words for Wednesday, a poetry open mic for the WSU Vancouver community. All styles are welcome, from hip-‐hop to haiku. Bring your own coffee or tea—we will provide snacks to go with it. To be added to the schedule, contact Sam Lohmann: sam.lohmann@wsu.edu -‐-‐ or just stop by and sign up at 5:00 on Wednesday the 9th! @ the Library
Washington State University Vancouver
8 | OPINION
Album review: 'Traveller' by Chris Stapleton is 'a glorious blend of genres...blues, bluegrass and even a little pop' By: M.M. JOHNSON The VanCougar It is rare for an album to shock and awe with little more than good vocals and good players, but “Traveller” does this is in spades. Stapleton has been a long time writing partner in the country and musical community as a whole, lending his songwriting talents to Brad Paisley, George Strait, Peter Frampton and even Adele. This rapport led to his ability to create his own album, which has every right to stand right alongside any of the famous juggernauts that Stapleton has helped throughout the years. Traveller is a glorious blend of genres, working in blues, bluegrass, and even a little pop into the country groundwork, all while being palatable to the general populous. Stapleton won the 2015 Country Music Association Award for Best Male Vocalist, New Artist of the Year, and Album of the Year for Traveller. He received four Grammy Award nominations for the 2016 ceremony, including Album of the Year. Stapleton won two Grammy Awards; Best Country Album and Best Country Solo Performance This album starts off with the title track, setting the listener up for a slow and easy country experience. The instrumentation is stellar on this track, appropriate use of drums and bass with the vocals and guitars shining brightly through. “Fire Away” come up next, exaggerating the slow and melancholy nature of the genre. The lyrics are reservedly confrontational, with the first verse saying, “Honey load up your questions/ and pick up your sticks and your stones/ and pretend I’m a shelter for heartaches that don’t have a home/ choose the words that cut like a razor”. The gun allusions are strong, but the emotions behind the words seem to do as much as a bullet would do. The most genre-bending song on the album is up next, titled “Tennessee Whiskey.” The only thing that is country on this track is a twanging guitar on the chorus; the rest is blues. Lyrically, this track is about an alcoholic finding love in the sweetest way that scenario can play out. The recording that is on the album is
from one of Stapleton's multiple live performances, definitively proving that his musical style can be translated from vinyl to stage. More than anything, this song makes you sway to its rock steady rhythm and its relatable comparisons. Directly following the masterpiece of the album is the top contender for radio play, Parachute. Its quick pacing and sing-yelling of the vocals make you want nothing more but to roll down the windows and drive. The chorus starts with “You only need a roof when it's raining/ you only need a fire when it's cold/ you only need a drink when the whiskey / is the only thing that you have left to hold” which interplays with the rest of the song’s lyricism expertly. Whoever Stapleton is singing to, he is not in any way shape or form happy with. This classic example of a love-hate song is a clear winner for new people listening to country to be converted into believers. The rest of the album is as good as any one of these songs individually, but so much better when their powers are combined. “Nobody to Blame” is textbook breakup lament, filled with words of property damage and a catchy chorus that repeats several times. “Daddy Doesn’t Pray Anymore” starts with just vocals and a sparse guitar, singing about a man who may have lost faith in his deity. As it turns out, he has passed away, which we find out in the last few lines of the song, making the listener experience the sudden feeling of loss along with the speaker. The album finishes up with “Sometimes I Cry,” which is full of wailing vocals and instrumentation that invokes a dark and seedy bar that has too much atmosphere. Ending at just over an hour, this album is a fantastic example of genres bending, vocal harmonization and start instrument choices. Each song jived well with its neighbors and never got too heavy with their themes. Although love and alcohol are talked about nonstop, it never feels overdone or unnecessary. Traveller is an album that makes you rethink your musical preferences and affirms that good musicianship can change anyone’s mind. n
Conversations in the Library Join us for 3 events in the WSU Vancouver Library Words for Wednesday: Poetry Out Loud in the Library March 9, 5pm
Do you write poems? Or just like to read them? Come share your own work or someone else’s. Open mic for the WSU Vancouver Community Bring your own coffee or tea - snacks will be provided.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to my Research: Unexpected Realities of the Research Process March 22, Noon
Dr. Tahira Probst & Phil Uribe, PhD Candidate will discuss some of the unexpected realities of the research process. Juggling Children, Work and Aging Parents: The Challenges Faced by the Sandwich Generation April 12, Noon
Join Dr. Catherine Van Son to learn more about being part of the “sandwich generation”. Come and share your experience and get ideas for taking care of yourself and your loved ones. Bring a brown bag lunch. Drinks and cookies provided.
Washington State University Vancouver