Western

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Western Watchdog

Decades after the Americans with Disabilities Act, Western students say aging campus remains difficult to traverse

By Jae Ranney | January 24

Since the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, Western Washington University’s campus has undergone many expansions and renovations in the name of ADA compliance. However, students today find that much of campus has yet to offer adequate mobility access in their day-to-day lives.

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Campus

Exhibit celebrating 50 years of Seattle Gay News comes to WWU’s Viking Union Gallery

By McKenna Kilayko | January 22

Stepping into the Viking Union Gallery at Western Washington University, the white walls display a collection of headlines from past issues published by the Seattle Gay News (SGN).

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Recreation

Exercising together in group fitness classes at WWU’s rec center

By Tyler Noonan | January 15

The Wade King Student Recreation Center at Western Washington University offers 11 group fitness classes this quarter for students looking to work out alongside others in the campus community. 

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Campus

TAs: the unsung heroes of the classroom

By Aidan Hadley | December 14

During the school year, Western Washington University operates a bit like a clock. From the teachers to the facilities to the technology, everything works together to bring students the best education possible. One cog in the WWU clock that often goes unappreciated, however, is the teaching assistants who ensure that classes go smoothly campus-wide. 

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Campus

Make the most of your next Western Wednesday

By Madelyn Jones | December 14

Every Wednesday, Western Washington University students and staff flock downtown to celebrate Western Wednesday, a day when over 60 local businesses offer student discounts. From restaurants and gyms to salons and boutiques, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

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Campus

Kaiser Borsari Hall to open winter quarter

By Milo Whitman | December 12

Kaiser Borsari Hall will be opening at the beginning of winter quarter. The building is located on the southeast edge of Western Washington University’s campus behind the Communications Facility.

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Campus

Campus community pushback leads to removal of campus market shoplifting signs

By Sean Lynch | December 7

In November 2024, Western Washington University students entering campus markets were met with this message on a large, human-sized sign: “STOP. SHOPLIFTING IS A CRIME.”

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Health & Wellness

How college climbers are finding mental clarity, one hold at a time

By Madelyn Jones | December 4

Students at Western Washington University are finding benefits in rock climbing beyond just improvement to their physical health. 

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Campus

BRIEF: Art as ‘Resistance’ at WWU

By Joshua Riley | December 4

If you happened to be in the Viking Union on Nov. 21, a flurry of activity could be heard from the VU gallery. Students and Bellingham locals alike gathered for the reception of “Resistance,” a gallery hosted by the Society of Photographic Education from Nov. 11 to Dec. 6 on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Generative AI proves complicated for academic integrity at Western

By Sean Lynch | December 4

It’s no secret that many students are using the power of generative Artificial Intelligence for academic purposes. A 2024 survey by the Digital Education Council on global use of AI found that 86% of students have used AI in their studies, with 54% using it on a weekly basis. Some instructors may encourage using AI for menial tasks or brainstorming purposes, but schools are becoming increasingly wary of the technology's usage as a cheating device. 

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Campus

Want to make a movie? Start filming

By Ava Nicholas | December 4

Expensive equipment, big-name actors and even bigger paychecks. These are the things that might come to mind when imagining what goes into the production of a film. While that may be true in Hollywood, Western Washington University student filmmakers are creating works of art with the resources they can find right here in Bellingham.

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Campus

WWU assistant professor of flute to record album showcasing music from the Caspian Sea region

By Milo Whitman | December 3

Mehrdad Gholami, a flutist and assistant professor at Western Washington University, received a $1,500 grant in October from the Grants for Artist Projects. With the grant, Gholami bought equipment that will improve the sound quality of his recordings in anticipation of his upcoming album.

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Campus

WWU total enrollment increases for first time since pandemic

By Austin Wright | December 2

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, Western Washington University has announced an increase in total enrollment, wavering at 14,700 students as of Oct. 7., 2024.

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Campus

Coping with communal living

By Madrona Raney | November 27

Communal living isn’t perfect, but we all do it at one point or another — to cut costs, or to stave off the intimidating experience of living life on your own. Still, there are many things to consider when seeking out a shared living space.

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Campus

BRIEF: University Police dispatch transition to What-Comm 911

By Austin Wright | November 27

University Police is ending its dispatch call center and will begin outsourcing officer responses to What-Comm 911 on Jan. 1, 2025.

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Campus

Western Washington University’s Music Library: a hidden gem

By Cody Mills | November 22

Western Washington University’s Music Library holds 132,959 scores, journals, books, CDs and other types of music-related media. 

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Campus

Finding the perfect photo op

By Ava Nicholas | November 22

Bellingham’s foliage is aglow with reds, oranges, greens and yellows this fall, making for an enticing palette for local photographers. But finding that perfect spot to shoot can be difficult unless you know where to look.

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Campus

WWU faces effects of $18 million budget cuts

By Austin Wright and Milo Whitman | November 20

Western Washington University announced a comprehensive cost-reduction strategy in response to several financial deficits last month. The administrative structure of several departments and divisions of the larger campus will be reorganized, and, approximately 8% of Western’s annual operating budget will be cut in increments through the 2026-2027 academic year.

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Campus

Education evolves as peer mentors join the classroom

By Madelyn Jones | November 20

This year, Western Washington University is offering a new class to help first-generation students integrate into college life.

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Campus

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week events at Western

By Cody Mills | November 18

 Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is a national event held the week before Thanksgiving each year that aims to educate the public and draw attention to the problem of poverty, while building a base of volunteers and anti-poverty organizations.