BRIEF: WWU Associated Students bookstore goes cashless
By Karsin Hutchins | March 18The Associated Students Bookstore at Western Washington University, located in the Viking Union, transitioned to a fully cashless system on March 2, 2026.
The Associated Students Bookstore at Western Washington University, located in the Viking Union, transitioned to a fully cashless system on March 2, 2026.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Western Washington University’s theater department presents its fourth Hip Hop Theater, showcasing performances rooted in hip-hop music and the struggles students can face.
For the first time, Viking Swing and Western Americana Music Group are coming together to host a Valentine’s Day event. The Sweet Heart Swing Dance will be held in the Viking Union Multi-Purpose Room on Feb. 12th from 6 to 8 p.m.
Students at Western Washington University say they are questioning how safe campus spaces feel following a flashing incident inside Wilson Library on Jan. 28.
Western Washington University is at a crossroads when it comes to artificial intelligence (AI). Ask anyone on campus; faculty and students alike will tell you how controversial AI is.