Liam Britt (he/him) is a second-year visual journalism major and guest writer for The Front this quarter. Liam also takes photos for The Planet, a student-run magazine at WWU. In his time away from work, Liam enjoys going to music venues, skateboarding with friends and getting creative in the kitchen. You can reach him at liambritt.thefront@gmail.com.
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.
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.
On Oct. 14, the Whatcom Transit Authority purchased the property at 1522 Cornwall Ave. in downtown Bellingham for $6.2 million. They plan to turn the 1.6-acre site into a large transit-oriented development, constructing up to two 8-10 story mixed-use buildings with a new Bellingham Transit Station.
Can-Am Studies has received federal grants for decades, relying on the money to support faculty research, fund cross-border field trips for students and hire additional instructors. Despite these cuts, Christina Keppie is fighting to keep as many programs running as possible.
The Whatcom Transportation Authority proposed a fare increase to buses in the county, raising prices from $1 to $2. While this would be the first increase since 2008, there’s concern over what this change could mean for riders.
Students were pushed toward digital learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the return to in-person learning four years ago, classwork, homework and studying have all remained widely connected to technology.
Outside of the Viking Union, students and buses pass throughout the day. Rarely is there not a buzz of people, each following their own schedule to and from classes. Among the bustle sits Vendor’s Row, one of the only opportunities for local businesses to consistently market themselves on campus.
Bellingham’s average rent has increased by 71.5% since 2015, largely due to an increased demand for housing. With an uncertain future for U.S. economics, there’s worry about the affordability of living in an area like Bellingham.
Solutions by The State News
