Western

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Campus

The right to teach and study: a look at academic freedom

By Elliot Nicoletti | March 19

The issue of academic freedom has become a crucial topic, especially at campuses like Western Washington University.  Academic freedom is the standard that allows professors and faculty in institutions of higher education to study, teach and publish in their fields without fear of restriction and interference. Falling under the rights of freedom of speech and freedom of expression, professors experience protection from institutional censorship in areas that pertain to their subjects of research.

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Campus

BRIEF: Wearing two different hats: The role of a WWU Student Trustee

By Chance Loewi | March 18

Being a student trustee is a unique role, one that for many is a great mystery. With the role being open for application ahead of the 2026-2027 school year, many students may wonder what exactly the position of student trustee entails.

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Campus

BRIEF: Call 9-1-1 if you see ICE on campus, WWU police chief advises

By Chance Loewi | March 18

As U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) presence in Bellingham continues to grow, students have been left wondering what might happen if ICE were to arrive on Western Washington University’s campus. To answer any questions students or staff might have regarding ICE, the Office of Equity sent out an open invitation for a special informational session to review university policy for immigration enforcement on campus.

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Campus

From relationships to cannabis neuroscience: WWU’s podcast covers it

By Mackenzie Rankin | March 18

Western Washington University’s Wellness Advocate Program, a group focusing on improving the well-being of Western students, created a podcast for students called “Campus Conversations.”

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Campus

BRIEF: WWU Associated Students bookstore goes cashless

By Karsin Hutchins | March 18

The Associated Students Bookstore at Western Washington University, located in the Viking Union, transitioned to a fully cashless system on March 2, 2026.

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Campus

‘I Remember Being an Egg’ gallery opens, exploring identity and reflection

By Katherine Rogers | March 9

Ten artists, countless ideas. Wire, paint, copper, cotton, medicine bottles, videos, photographs, yarn, ink – an amalgamation of mediums used by Western Washington University students to express themselves in the new “I Remember Being An Egg” art exhibit. The B-gallery exhibition opened to the public on March 2, 2026.

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Campus

Western student body copes with series of lewd conduct incidents

By Cody Sauter | March 6

Within a week, Western students received three emails alerting them to reports of indecent exposure in Ridgeway residence halls and in Wilson Library, quickly sparking conversations between students. Katie Butler, a Western student, first learned about the situation through the campus advisory notices. 

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Campus

WWU staff address immigration enforcement fears

By Karsin Hutchins | March 5

As immigration enforcement activity increases across Washington state, staff at Western Washington University are working to clarify what students should know and what the university is doing if federal agents come to campus.

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Campus

Western updates Sustainability Action Plan for 2025–2030

By Karsin Hutchins | March 4

Western Washington University has released an updated Sustainability Action Plan (SAP), outlining strategies for 2025 to 2030 aimed at cutting emissions, strengthening accountability and increasing climate leadership.

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Campus

Behind the broadcast: a look into the work of 89.3 KUGS radio station

By Katherine Rogers | March 2

Fifty-two years ago, from a tiny storage room in Ridgeway Commons, the KUGS radio station made its first broadcast. The station has evolved in many ways, but has stayed true to its roots, still being a completely student-run and physical media radio station.

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Campus

Amidst funding challenges, the Outback Farm continues to stay hopeful

By Karsin Hutchins | March 2

The Outback Farm at Western Washington University, a campus resource known for sustainable agriculture and community engagement, faces funding uncertainty as the university navigates a challenging budget.

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Campus

Student fee changes may shape campus athletics and clubs

By Caitlin Grygorcewicz | February 27

As travel costs rise and funding tightens for student athletes at Western Washington University, a proposed increase to the quarterly services and activities fee could help stabilize both varsity and club sports, despite concerns with increased tuition prices. 

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Campus

State representatives lead student-focused town hall meeting at WWU

By Noelle Reger | February 27

Democratic state Reps. Debra Lekanoff of the 40th legislative district and Joe Timmons of the 42nd district visited Western Washington University for a town hall meeting on Feb. 21, hoping to hear from students about issues they’re concerned about. 

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Campus

Candy, condoms, and suckers! What the puck?

By Chance Loewi | February 27

It started as a text. An idea inspired by what other universities around the country were doing evolved into a plan within 15 minutes. As three suitemates at WWU played around with what a lookalike competition at WWU could look like, the “Heated Rivalry Lookalike Contest” was born.

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Campus

A Q&A with Sabah Randhawa Pt. 2

By Liam Britt | February 25

I spoke with Randhawa about his promises to the university and worries from students and staff. This is the continuation of a Q&A with Sabah Randhawa, President of Western Washington University.

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Campus

Western student club rejects social media and screens

By Noelle Reger | February 24

Stepping into the room felt like entering a portal to a different time. It was filled with chatter and laughter from nearly 20 students sitting in a circle facing each other. Some read books, ate food and even played instruments.

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Campus

A Q&A with Sabah Randhawa Pt. 1

By Liam Britt | February 21

Federal funding cuts, a statewide budget crisis and lowered enrollment have all played a role in Western Washington University’s current financial position. Students breathe an air of uncertainty, having seen layoffs and shrinking budgets across campus throughout the past year.

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Campus

The Planet and a student reporter receive national recognition

By Noelle Reger | February 18

Triumphant war cries rattled the halls of Western’s journalism department when The Planet adviser Jeff Shaw entered his office Thursday, Feb. 12, to find a plaque sitting on his desk, congratulating the magazine for being a finalist for a Pacemaker Award. 

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Campus

Bellingham band Grover prepares to compete at AMP’s Battle of the Bands

By Mackenzie Rankin | February 17

For the opportunity to be crowned “Best in Bellingham,” six bands are competing at AMP’s Battle of the Bands. Each group will go head-to-head against another at the Viking Union Underground Coffeehouse.

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Campus

History repeating itself: new student-curated art history exhibit reflects on the past and present

By Katherine Rogers | February 12

A new exhibit titled “Centuries of Caricature: Critiquing Cultural Conflicts” opened earlier this January in Western Washington University’s Special Collections. The exhibit features more than 40 historic caricature art pieces focusing on major conflicts like world wars, political divide, antisemitism, capitalism, communism and morality.