The Observer News

CWU Board of Trustees Approves 14 Percent Tuition Increase

2010-03-05T22:19:00.000-08:00

BY ANTHONY JAMES | Snr. News Reporter

The Central Washington University Board of Trustees voted seven-to-one Friday to raise in-state undergraduate tuition by 14 percent for one year, adding $685 to a full-time resident undergraduate student’s bill. Tuition for the 2010-11 school year will rise to roughly $5,600.

The board's vote was near unanimous, with student Trustee Brent Weisel as the only dissenter.

Under current projections of 9,700 full-time students during the 2010-11 school year, the increase will bring in more than $6.6 million in additional revenue. Bill Vertrees, interim vice president of business and financial affairs, said the number is low and is likely to be exceeded.

Weisel said he voted against the measure in the best interest of students.

“Bottom line, something needed to represent affordability for students and I did that, but it’s a very complex animal and I’m confident in our leadership team,” Weisel said.

More information to come.

Bill 6562 dead, CWU could face $5 - 6 million in cuts

2010-03-03T15:29:00.001-08:00

BY ANTHONY JAMES | Sr. News Reporter

Students at Washington’s public universities scored two major victories last week as a tuition setting bill died in committee while another aimed at increasing financial aid received a second chance.

Senate Bill 6562, which passed the Senate in a late-night vote Feb. 15, failed to make its way out of the House Higher Education Committee. Before the Senate vote, Meagan Sharp, legislative assistant to committee chair Rep. Deb Wallace, D-Vancouver, said the chances of the bill making its way out of the House committee were slim.

The bill would have allowed the boards of trustees at the University of Washington, Washington State University and Western Washington University to set their own tuition increases up to 14 percent annually. Central Washington University would not have been affected if the bill passed.

Senate Bill 6409, which would redirect some lottery revenue to financial aid programs, received a second chance as the Senate Ways and Means Committee passed the bill on Feb. 24. The Senate Rules Committee must now hear the bill before it moves to the House.

Both houses released their budgets last week and will have deep cuts for Central. The Senate proposal would cut $5 million in state funding while the House version would cut $1.4 million plus another one-time cut of $4.93 million from the building fee revenue account.

According to John McKean, Associated Students of Central Washington University - Board of Directors legislative liaison, the House budget would cut some state need grant money while the Senate proposal would not. McKean said the Senate budget plan also relies on an increase in the state sales tax, which is running into opposition.

The student efforts in Olympia, McKean said, were instrumental in letting Senate Bill 6562 die in committee, but with the regular session ending March 11, there’s little left to be done.

“We’ve done what we can do,” McKean said. “Right now it’s just a waiting game.”

Wired classrooms: Professors, students benefit from the “clicker”

2010-03-03T15:28:00.000-08:00

BY ALYSSA SCHULTZ | Staff Reporter

Central Washington University students in science classes are seeing an unusual requirement beyond textbooks. Commonly known as a “clicker,” this tool is making its way into more classrooms. The clicker, a small remote control, allows teachers to add topic-based questions to their lecture slides for students to answer for points.

“What I would do before, is I would ask a question of the class and somebody would raise their hand to answer, and when you do that you tend to get a few of the brighter or more outgoing students that always answer the questions, and most of the class just continues to sit there,” said Gabrielle Stryker, assistant biology professor. “So [using clickers] is a way to actually engage everyone.”

This technology not only allows teachers to make sure that their students are paying attention, it is also a way to improve and encourage daily attendance. Each clicker has its own number which is recorded each time a student uses it to answer questions. Because of this, students who are less motivated find it more difficult to go unnoticed in a class when absent.

“I do like [the] idea of engaging everyone in the class, not just the few students who want to sit up front and raise their hand and are very comfortable in that position,” Stryker said. “I think it’s good for those students who do feel intimidated, that are a little shyer about answering questions.”

The need for a clicker currently depends on whether or not a specific professor decides to use it. Clickers can be purchased at the Wildcat Shop for $41 new, $31 used and can be resold to the university.

“If it was something that was adopted campus-wide - which I would actually be supportive of because it is such a good way to test your knowledge as you’re going - I feel that it would be more worth it,” said Laural Bales, senior psychology major.

This quarter there are a total of five courses using the clicker in the biology and nutrition departments. Despite the occasional compatibility problem, and a few bugs, which can create a loss of lecture time, junior geography major Toni Christen believes that clickers can be useful.

“It’s kind of good at highlighting what’s important in the material because once you go through like, 10 or 15 slides, you kind of have to pick and choose what you think is important,” Christen said.

“But when they give you a specific question based on what you just learned, you can say ‘okay, well, this was obviously important,’ so I can write it down and study it later.”

According to Stryker, technology is good for the most part and is created to make life easier. But she also believes that it depends on the specific technology itself.

“I think that [the clicker] has a long way to go to become friendly enough before a lot of teachers will use it,” Stryker said. “But I hope that they get there.”

Aside from the clicker, professors have also made good use of the Internet in their classrooms. Stryker has personally been using embedded YouTube videos within her PowerPoint presentations for the past two years. Before this ability, showing students videos was much more of a hassle.

“Your PowerPoint is showing up on the screen and then as you click … it shows up on the screen big and then the students can actually see what they’re supposed to see in the microscopes,” Stryker said. “Some people are visual learners, some people need to read the material, some people need to hear the material. So using different approaches to present the same material, you’ll help the greatest number of students.”

Students log in to tune out

2010-03-03T15:27:00.000-08:00

BY LINDSAY TROTT | Staff Reporter

Texting during a lecture, listening to headphones and surfing the Internet instead of taking notes are all things that most students may have done at one point in their college career.

Whether it’s to disengage from the day’s lecture or simply chat with friends, more and more students are using gadgets in the classroom.

Despite the many positive aspects of technology in the classroom, with it comes distractions, interruptions and annoyances.

While students may think that texting, listening to music, or surfing the Internet during class is something everyone does, most professors do not appreciate these activities and often find them to be disrespectful and disruptive.

Judith Hennessy, assistant professor of sociology, pointed out that professors notice when students are not paying attention and says they will be less likely to help students they know were not engaged in class.

“Cell phones are distracting because you are using them to communicate with someone outside of class,” Hennessy said.

If a student’s phone goes off in Hennessy’s class, the student must get up and dance to their ringtone.

According to Hennessy, laptops can be a helpful tool if they are being used for the right reasons like Googling a question and taking notes.

“I’ve had students who had their laptops look things up for me that came up during class,” Hennessy said. “That’s very helpful.”

While using computers is necessary in classes that are held in computer labs, many professors believe students still face distractions.

“It’s very clear when students are not paying attention because you can hear them typing at inappropriate times,” said Mike Harrod, assistant professor of sociology.
Some professors go to extreme measures to insure that there are no distractions in their classrooms.

Ian Loverro, associate professor of education, has a policy in his computer classes that is spelled out in his syllabus. If any student is found texting, surfing the Internet, or e-mailing during class time, their grade will be deducted by half a letter grade.

“I’ve never had to do it because the penalty is pretty severe,” Loverro said.
While most professors can agree that there is really no need to have music playing or cell phones out during class, that doesn’t seem to stop students.

“I’ve seen students text each other from opposite sides of the same classroom,” Harrod said.

Many students turn to their cell phones out of boredom or as a distraction away from class.

“If we aren’t doing anything important in class or are just sitting around doing group work I usually whip out my iPhone,” said Andrew Brannan junior physical education major.

Students are aware that professors do not appreciate the use of cell phones, iPods, and laptops, but many still choose to do it anyways, mainly because they know they are not the only ones doing it.

“It’s distracting to me and probably other people,” said Suzanne McIntyre, senior nutrition major. “I try not to do it very much because it’s rude to the teacher.”

Other students see the inappropriate use of technology in the classroom as not only disrespectful, but also as a waste of the student’s learning experience.

“Students who use laptops to go look on the Internet for fun don’t get it,” said Mike Yellam, senior construction management. “They’re wasting their money and time.”

Loverro points out the importance of giving your classes and professors your full attention.

“They want to be teachers themselves,” Loverro said. “How would they like it if instead of teaching class I went on Facebook?”

Aryell Adams: Student leaves behind CWU and family for a more affordable education

2010-03-03T15:25:00.000-08:00

BY KELLY REQUA | Staff Reporter

Aryell Adams, sophomore undeclared, is a student who will not be returning to Central Washington University next year. It’s not because of poor grades or lack of interest. There’s no disciplinary problems or a family crisis in her life. Adams can no longer afford to attend Central due to the cost of tuition and lack of financial aid.

A strong-headed young woman and a member of the Yakama Nation, Adams moved out of her mother’s house in Yakima when she turned 18 and went to live with her aunt and cousins who also lives in Yakima. Two of her aunts and her grandmother all own houses next door to each other, so her family is nearby. Adams has always been expected to attend college because her mother and aunts did before her. It has also been her responsibility to pay for her schooling. Throughout high school, Adams saved money from her summer job working with wildland firefighting to pay for her future education.

“I got accepted into the UW, but I didn’t go there because they wanted me to take out a bunch of loans,” Adams said. “Central, my first year, basically provided me with the best financial aid I could get.”

Central was the only school that would provide Adams enough aid to cover tuition, but she still had to take out a $5,000 loan to cover the cost of on-campus housing.

Adams hopes to be able to get a degree in geography or environmental sciences so she can advance in a career in wildland firefighting. Adams has been involved in wildland firefighting since she was 17. When she turned 18, she took the 45 minute, three mile, 45 lb pack test in the Yakima summer heat, but Adams says it wasn’t really that bad.

“What I really want to do is be as diverse a firefighter I can be. I want to get a degree and do every kind of fire course I can possibly take,” Adams said.

In September 2009 just before her second year of school started Adams was notified that she would not be receiving financial aid for the school year.

“I honestly don’t know why. I kept talking to the [financial aid office] and I kept trying to get financial aid and all that stuff and they just didn’t really give me any options,” Adams said.

Three days later Adams took a $15,000 loan to cover the cost of tuition, making her total in loans $20,000. Adams got some help from her aunts and grandma back in Yakima and chose to live off-campus with her boyfriend, Jared Swan, to try and save money.

Swan is a fellow wildland firefighter and has supporter Adams as she’s tried to find ways to stay at Central.

“We wouldn’t have food or a decent place to stay or anything if we paid out of pocket [for tuition,]” Swan said. “Just to get around, just to get by, it takes a lot of money.”

By February, Adams realized that paying for school with loans was not going to work.

“I was sitting in Subway and trying to figure out what I was going to do. I was thinking and talking to my boyfriend and trying to figure everything out and I was just like ‘I’m not going to be able to afford it,’” Adams said. “I just decided that really I had no option other than to find a different school. So I got into my car and I went to go talk to my grandma about going to Haskell.”

Haskell Indians Nation University is a small college in Lawrence, Kansas that is available only to Native American students. Tuition and housing are free at Haskell, but it’s not Adams’ first choice.

“I don’t want to go there, I don’t want to move five states away to Kansas but it’s all getting paid for so that’s why I’m going,” Adams said.

On Feb. 4, Adams attended the student walk out rally, just days after she had finalized her plans to leave Central. Adams said it was a spontaneous decision and
she ended up sharing her story with the board of trustees.

“I just wanted them to see how rising tuition and cutting financial aid, how it affects students in that they are sending them away,” Adams said.

The change in schools will put over 1,700 miles between Adams and her family,
friends and the wildland firefighting community that she loves.

“My little cousins are really upset about it. I’m really family oriented and it’s just kind of hard for me to think about being so far away from them,” Adams said. “I go home every other weekend and see them and hang out with them and it’s going to be hard to do that five states away.”

Wendy Lopez, sophomore undeclared, is Adams’ old roommate and says that Adams has grown attached to Central.

“It takes motivation and she goes back to firefighting because it feels like family. And it’s the same as at Central, Central is home.”

Despite the changes set in her future Adams is hopeful that she’ll be able to come back to Central to finish her degree once she saves enough money.

“It’s gonna be a new experience and I just plan on adapting to it and making it the best I can,” Adams said.

S&A committee votes against fee increase

2010-03-03T15:23:00.000-08:00

BY RYAN RICIGLIANO | News Editor

Financially strained Central Washington University students can now breath a cautionary sigh of relief. Last week the Services and Activities (S&A) committee voted against raising fees for the 2010-11 school year.

During their weekly Wednesday meeting, the committee, made up of six students and three faculty members, voted 5 – 1 to keep the fees as they are and not raise them for the coming year.

The three faculty members abstained. Baker said they wanted it to be a “total student decision” in order to be reflective of the student voice.

“We are sending the message that students will not keep incurring blind increases,” said Logan Bahr, executive vice president for the Associated Students of Central Washington University Board of Directors (ASCWU-BOD) and S&A member.

Last year, the S&A Committee voted to raise fees by 14 percent in conjunction with tuition increases. Currently, quarterly fees are $208 per student or $624 annually.

“The committee was not going to blindly accept S&A increases and put the burden on students,” said Jack Baker, assistant to the vice president of student affairs and enrollment management (SAEM) and S&A committee adviser.

Despite the vote, Baker is quick to point out that S&A is a recommending committee only. The final decision rests in the hands of the Board of Trustees and will be decided on later this year.

Baker still notes the importance of the vote and believes it to be a step in the right direction.

“The committee has broken away and recommended to not be tied to tuition,” Baker said. “It shows that students are serious.”

Bahr, who motioned the recommendation, said his reasons for supporting it were twofold.

“First there was the pragmatic reason that the fee was raised 14 percent last year and that was an exorbitant amount,” Bahr said. “So we are hoping to mitigate the effects of the last increase.”

Bahr went on to say that the members of the S&A committee met for “four to five hours” on the Monday before the meeting to discuss the possible increase and the message they wanted to send.

“Students are the majority funders [of S&A now] and hopefully we can send the message that we can’t keep up with the status quo,” Bahr said.

Bahr also mentioned that the S&A fees at Central are noticeably higher than those of other universities. Currently, S&A fees make up about 11 percent of the total tuition cost.

“Our fee is staggering compared to other universities like the University of Washington,” Bahr said.

The proposal of an S&A fee increase comes at a time when the committee is deciding upon base funding requests for the upcoming school year. Due to possible university and state budget cuts, more and more campus departments are asking the S&A for funding.

The University Writing Center, normally funded by Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, was told to request $200,000 of its budget to be funded by S&A for the upcoming year. The Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Office is requesting $125,291 to replace a portion of Baker’s salary and that of Keith Champagne, associate vice president of SAEM. The office fears its state funding for these positions may soon dry up.

“It’s a little disappointing these decisions are being left up to students, but we are prepared to make them,” Bahr said. “There should be some aspect of shared sacrifice.”

Despite the committee’s recommendation, Baker feels that next year they’ll have to raise the fees.

“You can’t run a business without some kind of increases,” Baker said.

Now on tap: microbrewing certificate

2010-03-03T15:21:00.000-08:00

BY KELSEE DODSON-CARTER | Staff Reporter

In Washington State there are 100 craft breweries, ranking it third nationally, just behind Colorado and California. The craft brewing industry is growing at a steady rate, not only here in Washington, but also nationally. More and more, this is an industry that needs formally educated people to employ with the knowledge of brewing, selling and distribution processes.

To help give students these tools, Central Washington University is offering the first ever Craft Brewing Certificate program this spring quarter.

“Its not drinking 101, it’s the business of craft brewing,” said Dwayne Douglas, professor of recreational management and tourism. “This is a program that will educate students all about the brewing industry - from the science aspect to the business aspect.”

The program organizers, Jim Johnson, Steve Wagner, Dwayne Douglas, Roger Beardsley, Robert Lupton, Doug Lonowski and Kevin Nemeth, hope the certificate program will gain interest and follow the path of Central’s highly successful World Wine Program.

“This is one of the programs that will do very well - a feather in the cap for the campus. It fills a very important need,” said Robert Lupton, department of information technology and administrative management professor.

The ten-week, 16 credit program covers every aspect of the brewing industry. There are four courses being offered that are required to complete the certificate.

The Brewing Microbiology course will cover the basic chemistry of brewing, along with yeast biology and sanitation concerns. Brewing Process Technology will touch on the pumping, packaging, and heating and cooling processes. Principles and Biochemistry of Brewing will focus on barley and malt structures, hop chemistry and evaluation of differing beer styles. Lastly, the Principles of Merchandising Management for Microbrewing course will give students insights into the selling, distributing and operations management processes.

Organizers are hoping that students will come away from the program with a well-balanced knowledge of the microbrew industry and will be able to perform a wide variety of jobs within it.

“You can’t sell the product without talking the talk,” said Doug Lonowski, associate director for continuing education.

Organizers developed the curriculum with the help of Greg Parker, owner and brewer of Iron Horse Brewery. They also sent the outline of the program to multiple breweries in the Northwest for feedback.

In the United States, there are few educational opportunities available for students who want to learn about the trade. University of California - Davis, University of Wisconsin-Madison and Oregon State University are the only other colleges that offer a similar program.

“There are not a lot of places you can formally learn how to brew beer,” Lonowski said.

This program hopes to educate students in a variety of different ways. In addition to lectures and labs, field trips and guest speakers will be utilized to provide a holistic experience.

“Hands on with the people in the industry. [You will hear] a lot of rags to riches stories,” Douglas said.

The idea for the program was generated last fall, and on Feb. 11 it was officially approved by the Faculty Senate.

“It was easy to do, there was passion involved at all levels,” Lupton said.
Organizers say that within a week of being approved flyers were out. Word of mouth also helped generate a lot of interest. The first information meeting had 55 students in attendance.

Despite interest in the program, organizers say they’ve only received a few applications. Each class is required to have eight students enrolled or the program won’t get off the ground.

“[This program] fills a need that the region has,” said Jim Johnson, associate biology professor.

For more information on the microbrewing certificate contact:
Steve Wagner - WagnerS@cwu.edu
Jim Johnson- jjohnson@cwu.edu
Doug Lonowski - lonowskd@cwu.edu

Family center gives students, local families a helping hand

2010-03-03T15:20:00.000-08:00

BY KELSEE DODSON-CARTER | Staff Reporter

The Family Resource Center (FRC), located in a small, quiet, but inviting office in Michaelson Hall, is a place with a story and a difference to make.

Family is a big part of student’s daily lives and comes in all different shapes, sizes and circumstances. There are many different kinds of families in the Ellensburg community. From single-parent students to students who are married or even students who are grandparents, the FRC is there to help any and every form of family.

“[The FRC is your] one stop shop for family resources on campus and throughout Kittitas County,” said Nan Doolittle, program coordinator.

The FRC is a source for single parents who need help finding childcare or students who need help finding housing. It provides and coordinates educational programming that benefits communities, families and individuals.

The FRC puts together customized trainings and workshops aimed at the community’s needs. Many of the topics discussed deal with family relationships, arts, environment and life skills. FRC coordinates events and programs that the campus and the community can share a common interest in.

The idea for the FRC was originally conceived in 2002 by Dr. Libby Street, Central’s Chief Planning Officer, but wasn’t started until three years later.
It is “an organization that started out with hard work from people and not much else,” Doolittle said.

The center is funded by the $50,000 Spheres of Distinction Grant. The FRC first applied for this grant in 2005-06, but didn’t receive it. They applied again the next year and were approved. The center uses the budget they are given very sparingly.

“We operate on a shoestring budget,” Doolittle said.

One of FRC’s number one goals is to make the center more visible and accessible. Right now FRC’s offices are hidden away in Michaelson Hall. People have a very hard time finding the center, according to Doolittle. At this time, the centers primary concern is location.

“I would like this center to be like a living organism that supports the health and well-being of families, especially student families,” Doolittle said.

The FRC is mostly run by student volunteers and student interns. Freshmen Bo Milanovic, business and German language major, is the only student employee.

“I maintain the Web site and design posters and what not. I’m the computer guy,” Milanovic said.

The FRC has a variety of interns including Shanna Boyer, junior elementary and special education major, and Sydnee Matthews, senior family studies major.

Boyer helps out with the events the FRC hosts or co-sponsors. Her favorite event so far was the Family Literacy Night, where professors from the Education Department brought students from their teaching children’s literature class to tell stories with props and read to children. At the end of the event, each child received an age appropriate book.

I liked “interacting with the kids and families,” Boyer said. “You really get to know the kids when you interact with them rather than observe them.”

This is Boyer’s second quarter interning and she believes it has helped her in a variety of ways. Before interning, she was the shyest person you would have ever met, Boyer said.

“This program has helped me become more outgoing,” Boyer said.

Sydnee Matthews said that the FRC has made her more aware of families on campus.

Right now, she is working on finding information for a program that deals with the impact that a prisoner returning to the home has on the family.

The FRC is required to plan ten events a year. Some of the events include “Protecting Our Children,” “Got Stress?,” “Family Finances” and “Couples Fireside Chat.”

“Protecting Our Children” helps parents understand why children can’t protect themselves from sexual abuse. “In Got Stress?”, attendees learn about what causes stress and how to deal with it by managing their time and yoga. For “Family Finances”, panelists speak about what is going on with families in the community and on campus during these tough economic times. “Couples Fireside Chat” is an informal chat with Dr. Duane Dowd and Dr. Amber Paulk from the family studies department.

The FRC has also created the Kittitas County Family Resource Manual, a book full of resources, contacts and businesses that may be useful to anyone seeking family services. Anything from housing opportunities to counseling services can easily be found in the manual. This year will be its second year being published. According to Doolittle, they are currently trying to get the manual printed in Spanish but the center is short on funding.

The FRC is constantly looking for new ideas centered around students needs. They may be small and unnoticed in some people’s eyes, but it is a center with big dreams, goals and aspirations for itself.

“What I see for this place is hopefully the center will be on the edge of campus where students can drop by with questions, concerns or ideas,” Doolittle said.

Welcome Center takes over parking duties

2010-03-03T15:18:00.000-08:00

News Brief:

As of March 2, Central Washington University’s recently opened Welcome Center will begin handling all services previously available through Central’s parking kiosk. A grand opening celebration is being scheduled for April 22 from 4 to 6:30 p.m.

The kiosk, located between Anderson and Walnut streets near Munson Hall, served as hub for incoming students and their parents seeking campus information.

The Welcome Center, located at University Way and Pearl Street, will now handle everything from daily parking passes, campus maps and a meeting point for campus tours. Tickets for campus events and Internet access will also be available.

The university will be renting the facility for the next five years, with the first years rent being $2,500 per month, in addition to the estimated $150,000 - $200,000 being spent on renovations and signage.

The center will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

Brooks Library faces grim cuts

2010-02-18T17:17:00.000-08:00

BY ANDREW RIED-MUNRO | Staff Reporter

From books to videos, music to magazines, Central Washington University’s Brooks Library is a wealth of knowledge and a quiet haven for studying students. But, with the current economic situation, Central’s library may be taking away some everyday resources.

According to Philip Tolin, interim dean of library services, the library is experiencing significant personnel cuts that could negatively affect the building’s patrons. The library must trim the goods and services budget, which will cut down on the purchase of movies, music, magazines, books and electronic resources.

“I think that the library is the intellectual center of the university, and any cuts are terrible,” Tolin said. “In that sense, we are in a time of economic decline and the university is making cuts all over.”

The library is making every effort to save and protect the electronic journal databases. According to Tolin, the library has reallocated the funds from the university that would have been put toward books, music resources, and visual media for the rest of this year to save the journals.

“It’s terrible when any cuts happen to any institution or any department at the university,” said Keegan Fulton, graduate student studying experimental psychology. “We have a lot of people with a wide range of topics that they are interested in, and it would be sad to see budget cuts affect the resources for those students.”

Tolin said that certain electronic resources will not be renewed after this year, including the e-book CQ, Association for Computing Machinery Digital Library, Congressional Universe, some of the full text found within the Wiley Interscience Database, Encyclopedia of American Government, and the subscriptions to Stat-USA.

As of now, the library anticipates even more cuts, which will lead to further reductions on purchasing and bigger cuts to journal and serial titles and electronic resources.

“That would be sad because I use the library a lot,” said Laura Wilson, sophomore Spanish language major. “I don’t have a printer and I also come to the library for a quiet place to work.”
For now, Tolin is handling the cuts.

“I think the cuts so far are manageable,” Tolin said. “We are losing some electronic resources but we can get pretty much everything through the internet library.”

Student veteran fights to secure financial aid

2010-02-18T17:14:00.000-08:00

BY KELLY REQUA | Staff Reporter

OLYMPIA - Chris Goehner sat patiently in the Washington State Senate Gallery Monday afternoon, surrounded by fellow Central Washington University students, as they waited for the senators to return from caucus.

Goehner and his service dog, Pele, had been in meetings with senators and representatives all morning, lobbying for funding for higher education and veterans’ issues. Goehner is not an elected student official and is not getting paid to spend his time in Olympia - he’s just a guy who wants to make sure his voice is heard.

Goehner stayed in Olympia through Tuesday and met with representatives and their staff between sessions. He has a talent for finding representatives when they have a spare minute, but gives Pele credit for grabbing their attention.

“Pele gets me in the door, so they’ve got something cute to look at and they’ll listen to me,” Goehner said.

Goehner is a disabled Iraq war veteran with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Pele, his large yellow lab service dog, helps him stay grounded and has aided him becoming a successful student, triple majoring in psychology, public administration and political science.

Goehner grew up in nearby Cashmere and enlisted in the Navy after graduating high school in 2003. He became a Navy Corpsman attached to a Marine Corp unit out of Camp Lejeune, N.C. and served two deployments in Iraq, before being medically discharged for PTSD in 2006.

“I enjoyed my job,” Goehner said. “I got to see what I wanted to see, I got to do what I wanted to do. I miss it, I want to go back some days.”

After being discharged, Goehner joined the Veterans Conservation Corp, a program that allows veterans to do volunteer and conservation work in return for a monetary stipend and help transitioning back to civilian life. Goehner took classes at Wenatchee Valley Community College and finished his associate degree last year. He now lives in Ellensburg with his wife while attending Central.

Recently, Goehner has been actively speaking out against the proposed budget cuts that will affect the university. He attended the rally in Olympia on Monday and spent his own time meeting with state senators and representatives. Goehner makes it his goal to ensure students understand what is going on and that veterans get their word in, as well.

“He’s aggressive towards the legislative agenda,” said senior Perris Davis, political science and public policy major. “His experience gives him a particular outlook on different issues that he cares about - one that necessarily not other people have.”

According to Goehner, veterans are a minority on campus and are hard to organize since there are no distinct features that set them apart from the rest of the student population.
“Unfortunately, we can’t just walk down the hall and be able to find each other easily based on the color of skin,” Goehner said. “We don’t have visible features, but we still are a minority and we need to help each other out.”

Goehner explains that it’s hard for veterans to receive financial aid due to their combat pay, which is too much to allow them to qualify for it. Goehner sees this as a cop-out by the university because they expect the Veterans Affairs Office (VA) to pay for veterans’ tuition, when often, the VA is months late in payments.

While the GI Bill does help veterans pay for tuition, it can be wasteful to use a month’s worth of GI bill to cover a few classes, he said. Goehner would like to see some state financial aid available to veterans who are just beginning to get back into school and are only taking a few courses each quarter.

“The other thing is, yeah we’re service members, but we paid into that and I think the very least they can do is treat us like normal citizens and give us financial aid just the same as any other student coming to school,” Goehner said.

For Goehner, the rally on Monday was more than just an opportunity to lobby for higher education - it was an opportunity to lobby for mental health and veterans’ issues, as well.
Rachael Helseth, freshman education major, credits Goehner with getting her involved in the rally and lobbying the legislature.

“He’s very good at persuasion and being assertive about getting involved,” Helseth said. “Pele is definitely awesome too - they complement each other.”

Goehner acknowledges the increase in student involvement but notes that the legislature ends in about a month and that students are still very late in organizing.
“We’re getting laughed at,” Goehner said. “I’m not trying to dock the students, it’s just they need to realize it’s not a simple task.”

Goehner has no plans after college, but jokes about buying a van and living in Wal-Mart parking lots to professionally contribute to the People of Wal-Mart Web site.
“Every week new things present themselves,” Goehner said. “But for right now that’s my long-range plan.”

Despite coordinated effort, Senate Bill 6562 passes

2010-02-18T17:12:00.000-08:00

BY ANTHONY JAMES | Sr. News Reporter
OLYMPIA - In addition to the 40 Central who bussed to the state’s capitol Monday, the Associated Students of Central Washington University Board of Directors (ASCWU-BOD) and a group of about five students met Sunday night at an Olympia hotel to detail the following day’s events.

Speakers included John McKean, ASCWU-BOD legislative liaison; Steve DuPont of Central government relations and WSA Executive Director Mike Bogatay. Students were briefed on the basics of meeting with legislators, tips on how to lobby lawmakers and the current status of important bills.

At the top of the priority list was to urge legislators to vote against Senate Bill 6562, which would allow university tuition-setting authority. The bill passed the Senate 29-19 in a late-night vote Monday.

The WSA lobbied since the beginning of the legislative session against SB 6562, for which WSA Executive Director Mike Bogatay had strong words.

“It’s the most ridiculous bill I’ve ever seen on the tuition front,” Bogatay said.
BOD members spent the morning meeting with legislators, including Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville. Schoesler’s 9th District includes both Washington State University and Eastern Washington University and he was a long-time member of the Senate Higher Education committee.
When asked by Jack Barry, ASCWU-BOD vice president of political affairs, if he would vote for SB 6562, Schoesler said “hell no.” Schoesler also co-sponsored an amendment with Sen. Cheryl Pflug, R-Maple Valley, to require full funding of the state work-study program before tuition control could take effect. The amendment did not pass.

Schoesler said he was disappointed in the passage of the bill, but the bill still has a long process to become law.

“If the students show the same interest as they did in the Senate, there’s a chance of turning this thing around,” Schoesler said Tuesday.

Bogatay said Gov. Chris Gregoire’s latest budget proposal restored some of the state need grants cut in her original proposal, but state work study and other programs would still be lost.

The next step for SB 6562 is to pass through the House Higher Education Committee. Meagan Sharp, legislative assistant to committee chair Rep. Deb Wallace, D-Vancouver, said the chances of the bill making its way out of committee are slim.

“Any tuition-setting bill that comes through her committee will die,” Sharp said.
House Bill 2946, the companion bill to SB 6562, died in Wallace’s committee.

SB 6562 in its original form would have let the board of trustees at each of Washington’s six public universities raise tuition. The bill, dubbed the Higher Education Access and Accountability Act, was scaled back in committee to only include the University of Washington, Washington State University and Western Washington University.

Sen. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, chair of the Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development committee, said administrators from the three universities had testified in favor of the bill at the committee hearing Feb. 5.

The bill, Kilmer said, “drives accountability” by requiring annual institutional performance agreements and requires additional tuition waivers.

Bills the WSA supported but that failed to be voted out of house of origin by Tuesday’s cutoff include Senate Bill 6409, which would redirect some lottery revenues to fund financial aid programs; House Bill 2822 and Senate Bill 6509, which would require possible tuition increases in budget proposals; House Bill 2979, which would establish a system of six-year performance agreements at each of the state’s public universities; and House Bill 2859, which would put in place processes to measure costs and make administrative changes.

But some dead bills are a cause for student celebration.

House Bill 6625, which would change tuition and financial aid provisions; House Bill 3057, which would eliminate the Higher Education Coordinating Board; and House Bill 2936, which would cut state need grants from five years to two years and require half of the grants to go to part-time students all failed to leave their house of origin by Tuesday’s cutoff.

Central reps travel to Olympia to sway legislators

2010-02-18T17:07:00.000-08:00

BY RYAN RICIGLIANO | News Editor

OLYMPIA - Last Monday, approximately 40 Central Washington University students met at 8 a.m. on the Student Union Recreation Center west patio to travel to Olympia to participate in Lobby Day at the state capital. Organized by the Associated Students of Central Washington University Board of Directors (ASCWU-BOD) and the Washington Student Association (WSA), the Central student presence was the largest ever at Lobby Day.

“I think we stacked up higher than the other universities,” said John McKean, ASCWU-BOD legislative liason. “We did what we could over here.”

As students arrived by bus in Olympia, they were given protest signs and briefed on the day’s activities by the WSA.

“We have to get students involved,” said Jose Ochoa, junior political science major who held a “Fund Financial Aid” sign during the rally. “The more support we have, the more likely we are to make a difference.”

While many students came to Monday’s rally because they largely depend on financial aid and wanted to protest another tuition increase, others saw it as a chance to be involved in a good cause.
“It’s an opportunity to get out there and build on the energy here and find a way to apply yourself,” said Chad Horton, junior nutrition major.

At noon, the student groups marched to the steps of the legislative building where they participated in chants and listened to speakers talk about hard times. They weren’t alone either – they marched as a part of the pro-revenue rally that included groups for health care workers, grade school teachers and union representatives. State Patrol estimated the afternoon crowd at approximately 6,000.

“They said they were starting a revolution,” said Magdaleno Rose-Avila, an international human rights activist over the loudspeaker, in reference to the morning’s “teabaggers” rally that drew approximately 3,000 individuals. “But this is what a revolution looks like.”
Every few minutes, a new chant would start up.

“Education not for sale!” and “Kids not cuts!” the crowd shouted.
Carina Mariscal, junior psychology and law and justice major, attended the rally in hopes of making a point.

“If tuition were to increase, I’d have a much harder time staying in school,” Mariscal said. “My parents just don’t make enough.”
Student groups from all the state universities were present and many shared their stories of frustration and hope.

Genie Amkoudinovi, junior neurology major at Western Washington University, mingled with the Central group and found common ground in her struggles.

“All I have is financial aid – without it I might not be eligible to finish my degree,” Amkoudinovi said. “I urge students to stand up, if at least not for themselves, then for their friends.”

As the rally ended, students ventured into the capitol building to meet with their representatives and watch the political process firsthand. Students were given a brief 10-minute meeting with Senator Janea Holmquist, who represents the 13th district where Central resides.

“I just got my student loans paid off so I’m sensitive to tuition bills,” Holmquist said. “I know students in my area and they must have access to college.”

Holmquist also stressed the importance of keeping education local.

“Folks who are born and raised here should go to school here and hopefully, work here someday,” Holmquist said. “I don’t want students to have to go out-of-state for their education.”

From there, students were able to watch the state Senate in session as they debated and passed bills. Holmquist even requested that the students of Central be officially recognized on the floor by the president of the Senate, Lt. Gov. Brad Owen. The students were asked to stand as members of the Senate applauded their presence.

For many students, the legislative process was a new one that opened their eyes.

“I’ve never experienced a Senate meeting before,” said Lorraine Barboza, sophomore undecided. “I think it’s a great process … I didn’t know there were so many steps to passing a bill.”

Former ASCWU–BOD President Pedro Navarrete, was able to meet with his representatives and was encouraged by the turnout.

“It’s so important students get involved with the process that dictates the cost of their education,” Navarrete said. “Public service, they answer to us – we don’t answer to them.”
As the day wrapped up and students wearily walked back to the bus, organizers and participants talked of the day’s successes and the impact they had.

“Everyone felt like they got their feelings across,” Navarrete said. “I truly believed they were listening to us.”

Others weren’t so sure that representatives were really listening.

“It’s been a worthwhile educational experience but I feel that the student voice still isn’t being heard,” said Anthony Peterson, ASCWU-BOD vice president of student life and facilities.
Jack Barry, ASCWU-BOD vice president of political affairs, was encouraged by the day’s meetings, many of which were with liaisons who are recent college graduates.

“Most of the people I met with seemed to understand that Central took uneven cuts, they understood how we got screwed by the legislature,” Barry said. “We were bringing up points that are starting to stimulate their minds. I’m starting to sense a change of sentiment.”

Behind the Masks exhibit accentuates diversity, student identity

2010-02-18T17:01:00.000-08:00

BY KELSEE DODSON-CARTER | Staff Reporter

Starting Feb. 19, the Central Washington University Museum of Culture and Environment will be hosting “Beyond Black and White: The Stories Behind the Masks,” an exhibit which focuses on diversity.

The exhibit will be held in Dean Hall and will be open to the public until the end of the school year.

“What we’re hoping is that it will give an opportunity to students to express something about their identity,” said Bill Wood, director of the museum and assistant anthropology professor.
The event features masks from around the world, as well as masks made by Central students.

The exhibit will be broken up into five parts. The first three parts, put together by Anthropology students who are minoring in Museum Studies, will display masks from places such as southern Mexico, Africa, Bali and an American Indian mask from the Pacific Northwest. These masks will represent diversity around the world.

“This is an opportunity to see beneath the surface,” Wood said.

The other two parts of the exhibit are put together by the Diversity Education Center and will feature masks created by Central students to show a personal representation of their diversity. Each student has a different story behind their mask and a different reason for why they created it.

Sarah Chushcoff, senior interdisciplinary social science major, created her mask based off of something her mother had said: “Your friends and family are all representations of who you
are.”

To capture this message, Chushcoff covered her mask with patchwork with each piece representing her friends because she believes they are pieces of who she is.
Chushcoff loves art and expressing herself through the discipline. She believes making the masks is a great way to educate people about diversity.

Jeremy Higuchi, senior graphic design major, also created a mask. The design for his mask was also inspired by friends and the six degrees of separation theory, an idea that everyone is connected in some way.

“I got involved because it’s what I believe and the Diversity Education Center fights for,” Higuchi said.

Both Chushcoff and Higuchi hope the exhibit gets people involved.

Another part of the exhibit will include a loose folder containing photos of each student and their mask, and what their mask means to them.

There will also be a video playing throughout the event that highlights diversity here at Central . “Removing the Mask” is an 11-minute video created by Shawn Gatlabayal, senior chemistry major.

Gatlabayal came across the issue with identity and wanted to explore why humans wear different “masks” around different people, and how they come to be.

“We get a mask put on our face so early that we accept that mask and become those stereotypes and labels,” Gatlabayal said. “Get to know the person before you judge them, look beyond the mask.”

Students fight the power

2010-02-17T16:31:00.000-08:00

Central reps travel to Olympia to sway legislators
BY RYAN RICIGLIANO | News Editor

OLYMPIA - Last Monday, approximately 40 Central Washington University students met at 8 a.m. on the Student Union Recreation Center west patio to travel to Olympia to participate in Lobby Day at the state capital. Organized by the Associated Students of Central Washington University Board of Directors (ASCWU-BOD) and the Washington Student Association (WSA), the Central student presence was the largest ever at Lobby Day.

“I think we stacked up higher than the other universities,” said John McKean, ASCWU-BOD legislative liason. “We did what we could over here.”

As students arrived by bus in Olympia, they were given protest signs and briefed on the day’s activities by the WSA.

“We have to get students involved,” said Jose Ochoa, junior political science major who held a “Fund Financial Aid” sign during the rally. “The more support we have, the more likely we are to make a difference.”

While many students came to Monday’s rally because they largely depend on financial aid and wanted to protest another tuition increase, others saw it as a chance to be involved in a good cause.
“It’s an opportunity to get out there and build on the energy here and find a way to apply yourself,” said Chad Horton, junior nutrition major.

At noon, the student groups marched to the steps of the legislative building where they participated in chants and listened to speakers talk about hard times. They weren’t alone either – they marched as a part of the pro-revenue rally that included groups for health care workers, grade school teachers and union representatives. State Patrol estimated the afternoon crowd at approximately 6,000.

“They said they were starting a revolution,” said Magdaleno Rose-Avila, an international human rights activist over the loudspeaker, in reference to the morning’s “teabaggers” rally that drew approximately 3,000 individuals. “But this is what a revolution looks like.”
Every few minutes, a new chant would start up.

“Education not for sale!” and “Kids not cuts!” the crowd shouted.

Carina Mariscal, junior psychology and law and justice major, attended the rally in hopes of making a point.

“If tuition were to increase, I’d have a much harder time staying in school,” Mariscal said. “My parents just don’t make enough.”

Student groups from all the state universities were present and many shared their stories of frustration and hope.

Genie Amkoudinovi, junior neurology major at Western Washington University, mingled with the Central group and found common ground in her struggles.

“All I have is financial aid – without it I might not be eligible to finish my degree,” Amkoudinovi said. “I urge to stand up, if at least not for themselves, then for their friends.”

As the rally ended, students ventured into the capitol building to meet with their representatives and watch the political process firsthand. Students were given a brief 10-minute meeting with Senator Janea Holmquist, who represents the 13th district where Central resides.

“I just got my student loans paid off so I’m sensitive to tuition bills,” Holmquist said. “I know students in my area and they must have access to college.”

Holmquist also stressed the importance of keeping education local.

“Folks who are born and raised here should go to school here and hopefully, work here someday,” Holmquist said. “I don’t want students to have to go out-of-state for their education.”

From there, students were able to watch the state Senate in session as they debated and passed bills. Holmquist even requested that the students of Central be officially recognized on the floor by the president of the Senate, Lt. Gov. Brad Owen. The students were asked to stand as members of the Senate applauded their presence.

For many students, the legislative process was a new one that opened their eyes.

“I’ve never experienced a Senate meeting before,” said Lorraine Barboza, sophomore undecided. “I think it’s a great process … I didn’t know there were so many steps to passing a bill.”

Former ASCWU–BOD President Pedro Navarrete, was able to meet with his representatives and was encouraged by the turnout.

“It’s so important students get involved with the process that dictates the cost of their education,” Navarrete said. “Public service, they answer to us – we don’t answer to them.”
As the day wrapped up and students wearily walked back to the bus, organizers and participants talked of the day’s successes and the impact they had.

“Everyone felt like they got their feelings across,” Navarrete said. “I truly believed they were listening to us.”

Others weren’t so sure that representatives were really listening.

“It’s been a worthwhile educational experience but I feel that the student voice still isn’t being heard,” said Anthony Peterson, ASCWU-BOD vice president of student life and facilities.
Jack Barry, ASCWU-BOD vice president of political affairs, was encouraged by the day’s meetings, many of which were with liaisons who are recent college graduates.

“Most of the people I met with seemed to understand that Central took uneven cuts, they understood how we got screwed by the legislature,” Barry said. “We were bringing up points that are starting to stimulate their minds. I’m starting to sense a change of sentiment.”

Helping homeboys: Founder of gang outreach to keynote at Central Leadership Conference

2010-02-17T16:26:00.000-08:00

by:Brian Brickweg
Staff Reporter

World-renowned speaker Father Greg Boyle will be coming to Central Washington University this week as part of the second annual Central Leadership Conference. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 19, in the Student Union and Recreation Center (SURC) and will be hosted by the Center for Excellence and Leadership (CEL).

Father Boyle is the executive director and founder of Homeboy Industries (HI), a program dedicated to solving the escalating problems facing gangs and youth.
“You’re going to meet an amazing individual who has done truly inspiring work,” said Marian Lien, interim director of the Diversity Education Center.

Lien had the opportunity to meet Father Boyle in Los Angeles in November of last year.
According to Lien, there are over 275 young people going through HI everyday, participating in activities such as vocational classes, computer programming, parenting classes and anything that provides a foundation for successful adulthood. All classes are free and provide jobs for youth.

“We’re just thrilled he’s coming to campus,” said Jesse Nelson, director of CEL. “To me, his message resonates with all of us because it’s really about the human condition and how we can help one another.”

Boyle’s speech, “Tattoos on the Heart: Lessons from the Barrio,” focuses on his belief in support of young people’s needs for positive adult mentorship. His speech will also highlight stories about his work throughout the years with youth in tough spots.

“I am amazed by everything he has done and hopes to do in the future,” said CEL staff member, Pamela Alvarado, senior communications major. “He is a very positive role model.”

According to Nelson, there are four workshop options students may attend each hour of the conference. Workshops will include, “Leadership in Our Career and Our Professional Lifespan,” “Leadership in Our Communities,” “The Roots of Leadership” and “Leadership Through Our Years.”
“Our hope is that students who come can find some topics and interest areas that definitely relate to them,” Nelson said. “Regardless of your major or career goals, leadership is something that can benefit you whether it’s with your work life or personal life.”
According to Alvarado, many students from the Central campus, and local high school students will be attending the event.

“From what I’ve heard of this conference, I believe that I would be able to take away valuable insights, which will help me better myself professionally and personally,” said Brittany Skelcher, senior accounting and business management major.

Boyle, who was born in Los Angeles, was one of eight children. He decided to become a Jesuit and was eventually ordained as a priest in 1984.

Dating back to 1988, at the Dolores Mission Parish, HI got its start as “Jobs for a Future.”
Later, Jobs for a Future evolved into different branches that provides jobs for gang members trying to find a way off the streets. Homeboy Bakery, the first business of HI founded in 1994, brought former members of rival gangs to work side-by-side, making baked goods.

“He is very inspiring to others, and his contributions to the world,” Alvarado said. “What he is doing for HI, not just for men, but for women.”

Later, other divisions of HI were started, including Homegirl Café, which is staffed by 25 young women and holds cooking classes. Homeboy Maintenance works on cleaning up the community by removing graffiti, moving and hauling items, and landscaping.

Homeboy Merchandising is a retail store that sells casual wear, backpacks and other items with the Homeboy logo. Homeboy Silkscreen & Embroidery helps at-risk or gang-related youth work to become a positive part of society by producing custom shirts, pens, office supplies and more.
Boyle is a well-known expert on gangs and a nationally recognized speaker on the topic of troubled youth. He has also been nationally recognized for his service in helping people find jobs and quality schooling. He has been in the business for 22 years and his program is commended as the largest gang intervention in Los Angeles County.

The conference is free for all Central students and faculty and is $20 for general admission.

Arson suspected in car fire: Late-night fire causes $27,000 in damage to three cars

2010-02-10T16:45:00.000-08:00

BY JEREMY VIMISLIK: Copy Editor

Yesterday morning, at approximately 3:15 a.m., a vehicle fire was reported in front of the Student Union and Recreation Center, in parking lot I-15, to the Central Washington University police department. Police said when officers arrived, the vehicle was engulfed in flames.

Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue (KVFR) arrived and extinguished the blaze, police said. The student-owned vehicle, a 2007 Chevrolet sedan, was impounded and is a total loss, with an estimated $12,000 in damage. Two vehicles surrounding the burned car sustained damage totaling approximately $15,000. A joint investigation is being conducted between the CWU police department and the KVFR Fire Marshall. According to police, arson is suspected as the cause for the fire.

At this time, there are no suspects. Police are encouraging witnesses to contact Central’s Police Captain Mike Luvera with any details they may have. Campus police can be reached at (509) 963-2959, or e-mail luveram@cwu.edu.

National Student Exchange offers affordable abroad alternative

2010-02-10T16:43:00.000-08:00

BY ALYSSA SCHULTZ: Staff Reporter

When studying abroad isn’t an option, Central students have another choice. The National Student Exchange (NSE) program is an affordable option that gives students the chance to experience something different.

The NSE program specializes in sending college students across the country with over 200 universities to choose from. Students can also exchange outside of the continental United States to Canada, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam.

“It is a unique challenge for students,” said Ray Bates, NSE coordinator. “It allows them to try something new. Maybe take courses that we don’t offer here at Central.”

NSE is a unique program because students pay either in-state tuition at Central or in-state tuition at their exchange university, depending on the school chosen. Because students are able to use most forms of financial aid, NSE is a more affordable option apart from studying abroad.

“[Studying abroad] is such a culture shock and it’s scary,” said Maggie Sniadach, senior advertising and public relations major. “I think it’s more scary than coming here [or] to another state because then you have the comfort of the U.S.”

Maggie Sniadach is from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, but has been at Central since September. She is on exchange for a full year.

This year, a total of four Central students are currently on exchange to Tennessee, New York, Nevada and Maryland. The most common destinations for Central students are California, Hawaii and New England.

Although next year’s numbers are expected to be around 12 to 15 students, a great improvement from previous years, the study abroad and exchange programs department is hoping for at least 20 students per year, according to Bates.

“I think [exchanging] is a useful skill while you’re in college,” Bates said. “To learn to do more things on your own, to become a little bit more independent, to try new things, but also to encounter and learn how to deal with new challenges.”

According to Sniadach, Central is about the same size as her home university, but the class atmosphere is not as harsh and Central’s teachers are not as strict.

“I love [Ellensburg], it’s fun,” Sniadach said. “It’s just a fun little college town, the classes are good [and] I like my teachers a lot.”

Amanda Laudenbach, junior economics major from the University of Minnesota, is also currently at Central for a year-long exchange through NSE.

“It’s a really good program and it’s worth the time to do it,” Laudenbach said. “I definitely think I am improving and expanding my resume by being out here. It shows that I can be in a different environment than just Minnesota.”

Coming from a school of 40,000 students and a campus that has its own zip code, Laudenbach has had to adjust to the big change of Ellensburg.

“I think you should see your country and know it pretty well before you go and try to venture around somewhere else,” Laudenbach said. “Putting yourself in a different environment is just as huge as going somewhere abroad.”

If a student’s major is too strict to allow a study abroad experience, NSE can be a more flexible alternative. Students may exchange anywhere from a single quarter to a full year and non-resident and international students can exchange across the U.S. as well.

Currently, Central is hosting seven students from other states: two from California, two from Wisconsin, one from Florida and two from Minnesota.

“I think if you make a connection with your new friends and your new environment, that could make [the exchange] a lot easier,” Laudenbach said.

Despite feelings of homesickness, both Sniadach and Laudenbach believe that a national exchange is worth the experience. Although most students do their national exchange as sophomores or juniors, freshmen and seniors are just as welcome.

“I think it makes you grow up a little bit in [a] sense, it puts you out of your comfort zone and makes you meet new people. It builds your confidence,” Sniadach said. “It’s a good opportunity that everyone should know about at least.”

The application deadline for an NSE exchange next year is Feb. 19.

For more information contact Ray Bates at batesr@cwu.edu or visit the NSE website at www.nse.org.

Anthony “AP” Peterson: Inspired student and BOD member fights for student’s rights

2010-02-10T16:39:00.000-08:00

BY KELLY REQUA: Staff Reporter

Last Friday, speakers blasted music into the Student Union and Recreation Center (SURC), catching the noon lunch crowd off guard. Slowly, students began to dance in the open spaces between tables, creating traffic as others paused to see what was going on. The music shut off and a student in a Yankees hat and black T-shirt stood above the railing, shouting into a megaphone, rallying students to walk out of class on Friday. Students clapped and cheered as the dancers melted back into the crowd.

Anthony Peterson lowered the megaphone to his side and let out a breath of air. Flash mob number one complete.

Peterson, senior sociology and law and justice major, is the vice president of Student Life and Facilities on the Associated Students of Central Washington University - Board of Directors (ASCWU-BOD).

Peterson has been a key player in organizing the flash mobs and the upcoming student rally against budget cuts in Olympia on Feb. 15. A 22-year-old transfer student from Eastern Washington University, Anthony, or “AP” as his friends call him, has been more involved on campus in his one year here than most students are in four full years.

Peterson has been an intramural referee, worked at the Don and Verna Duncan Civic Engagement Center, held a leadership role in the Black Student Union (BSU), is involved in the Washington Student Association and the United States Student Association, and is now a member of the ASCWU-BOD.

Recently, Peterson has been working to organize the student walk out and rally to protest budget cuts that could lead to tuition increases. Peterson is passionate about empowering students to voice their opinion and he wants to make sure students do so before it’s too late.

“I hope to just create change and get students aware of their power as students, making sure they know their voice is needed and that it can be and it should be heard,” Peterson said. “If we experience budget cuts, it means tuition is probably going to go up, unfortunately last year we were a little late so we’re trying to nip it in the bud.”

Roxann Smith, senior public health major, worked with Peterson in the BSU and sees him as a leader.

“He’s all about making action happen but not overstepping it,” Smith said. “He’s a risk taker; I mean he helped start this lobby stuff going.”

Before transferring to Central in 2008, and becoming a student leader, Peterson attended Eastern Washington University where he played on the football team. At Eastern, Peterson became a member of the Omega Psi Phi, a prominent African American fraternity. He took a quarter off from school to return home to Tacoma to work before transferring to Central. Peterson came to Central to play football. He made it to camp, but injured his knee in training, ending his football career.

Upon arriving at Central, Peterson attended a BSU meeting and found the organization had of room for growth.

“I put in my two cents, and in the following year I was elected to BSU co-president,” Peterson said.

Double majoring in sociology and law and justice, Peterson hopes to use his education in the future to empower and help others.

“I just try to push myself in everything and know that I’m doing it hopefully to serve a higher purpose and really to make this campus more inclusive and diverse,” Peterson said.

While employed at the Civic Engagement Center last year, Peterson considered running for VP of student life and facilities, but decided not to so he could focus on his work at the engagement center. When the former VP of student life and facilities unexpectedly resigned last quarter, Peterson decided to submit his application.

“I already knew some current information and I did my research previously so I decided I might as well apply for the position because I had originally wanted to run for it anyway,” Peterson said.

As a member of the McNair Scholars program, Peterson plans to pursue a graduate degree in sociology and hopefully a doctorate degree as well.
Andre Dickerson, junior chemistry and biology major, is also a McNair scholar and admires Peterson for his ambitious personality.

“He’s a strong black intellect,” Dickerson said. “I’m happy to have him as a peer and to see him serving as a role model. [There’s] so many social stigmas, especially for the African [American] male. He’s a big contradiction to so many stereotypes.”
Peterson attributes his success and involvement to the mentoring he has received from various faculty members.

“My advisers and my professors have really made a difference in my life,” Peterson said. “When I first came here I wasn’t really ‘on course’ but [they] really had a big impact on the direction that I’m heading.”

Random Acts of Kindness spreads joy

2010-02-10T16:36:00.000-08:00

BY BRYAN BRICKWEG: Staff Reporter

Every year, during the week of President’s Day, acts of kindness come to Central Washington University. A free coffee at D&M, care packages for troops overseas or a simple high-five are all gestures carried out through Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) week aimed at promoting the kindness and civility in everyday life.

The Don and Verna Duncan Civic Engagement Center (CEC) will be organizing the event with the help of students, faculty, and members of the community. The event is nationally recognized and carried out at universities across the nation.

“Random Acts of Kindness week allows students to immerse themselves in projects on and off campus,” said Shiloh Frauen, CEC academic service-learning fellow and senior fashion and merchandising major. “Small acts will influence students and community members to consider the meaning of civility on a larger scale.”

This year the CEC will be performing more acts of kindness than in previous years in hopes of creating the most festive RAK week yet.

The CEC also hopes that lessons learned during the week will carry on further in life.
Students “can be inspired to do this on their own time,” said Katie Johnson service-learning fellow, junior elementary education major.

Many new events have been added to the week, including spontaneous free meals and drinks at both The Palace Cafe and D&M Coffee. Both companies will be handing these out at random to customers throughout the week.

Students may be surprised when a RAK volunteer tries to give them a random hug or high-five during the week.

“I think it’s a good idea,” said Nick Ringbom, junior business management major. “It’s a great way to show people that there are some nice people in the world.”
Students will have the opportunity to do kind acts of their own, such as picking up the tab or holding the door open for someone.

“I participate in it throughout the week,” Ringbom said. “Normally I pay for the person behind me at Starbucks, or even a simple smile at someone who looks like they are having a bad day works.”

According to Johnson, the CEC will be utilizing the university 109 class, which is solely dedicated to the introduction of civic engagement. The students will be helping with all aspects of the week and will have specific roles in events.

The class mostly consists of freshmen, but is available for all students at Central.
Among the most popular activities is where students fill out little cards that have kind notes in them for others. Students can find these in many of the halls around campus, including the Student Union Recreation Center.

Throughout the week, the CEC will also be assisting the Armed Forces in gathering care packages for the troops overseas.

If you have any questions or suggestions regarding the Random Acts of Kindness Week contact the Civic Engagement Center at 509-963-1643 or takeaction@cwu.edu.

Love Glove Club to deliver protection

2010-02-10T16:29:00.000-08:00

BY KELSEE DODSON-CARTER: Staff Reporter

Mail isn’t the only thing being delivered to students on Central Washington University’s campus. Lubricant, dental dams, and male and female condoms are all being supplied to students who participate in the Wellness Center’s Wellness Delivers program.

“STIs, STDs and unintended pregnancies are rampant on college campuses,” said Jadie Dahl, junior public health major and Wellness Center employee. “If we can provide [protection for] students, then we’re going to do it.”

The Wellness Delivers program has been on campus for approximately five years and currently has 40 participants. Each quarter, students who live on campus may sign up and tell the Wellness Center what items they want. Students have a variety options to choose from to practice safe sex. The items are then gathered and put into goodie bags by the Wellness Center staff and discreetly delivered to the students.

Recently, many students have been turned away due to the funding shortage.
“I shop around for the best deals on condoms,” Dahl said. “But we do get some donations.”

However, Dahl’s bargain shopping is not enough to provide the services of Wellness Delivers to every participating student, even with donations from Trojan and Lifestyle.
To keep the program running, the Wellness Center is attempting to get the Love Glove Club approved by the Associated Students of Central Washington University Board of Directors (ASCWU-BOD). The club will be open to all students, whether they live on or off campus. Students who become a part of the club will pay $15 per quarter to receive 5 condoms each week and access to condom specials.

The Love Glove Club was recognized by the ASCWU-BOD on Tuesday. Now that the club is approved, they can begin advertising and involving as many people as possible.
The Wellness Center hopes to prevent unprotected sex that can lead to STDs and unwanted pregnancies.

“Permanent STDs are far more scary than a pregnancy, since there are ways to deal with” pregnancy, said Aaron Akimoff, sophomore Russian language major.
Celia Johnson, registered nurse at the student health center, believes students are being more responsible when it comes to sex.

“I think people are more knowledgeable about being sexually responsible,” Johnson said. “Whether or not they put it to practice is up to them.”

Teanaway Solar Reserve: Upper county may go green with largest proposed solar reserve in the world

2010-02-10T16:24:00.000-08:00

BY PETE LOS Copy Editor

Teanaway Solar Reserve (TSR) plans to begin construction of a new 400-acre solar park in the spring of 2010 that will bring 75 megawatts of energy to the Cle Elum community and power an estimated 45,000 households, schools and roadways.

Manufacturing and construction of the project and its 400,000 solar panels is estimated to take two to three years according to TSR. The project will bring 225 temporary jobs and 35 permanent positions to Kittitas County, but currently awaits approval of a conditional use permit (CUP). The initial permit was submitted last August, but was delayed due to the county’s demand for more environmental studies on the site’s intended location.

Determining how the project will affect local wildlife populations is also an important factor in approving the permit. Revision of the CUP is expected to be submitted by Feb. 22.

TSR was “going to submit Feb. 2, but they’ve been meeting with national resource agencies through the state as well as county,” said contract planner Anna Nelson, hired by the county to review the CUP and other documents.

TSR’s project proposal includes a solar panel manufacturing plant that would be built in the Cle Elum area. As an engine for economic growth and new jobs, TSR envisions the production of solar panels to continue for state and nationwide distribution after the project, located four miles north of Cle Elum, is completed.

Most of the Cle Elum and Roslyn communities have welcomed TSR, and Cle Elum Mayor, Charles Glondo, supports the proposal and its environmental and economic benefits.

While Glondo said, “I haven’t had any opposition at all,” a group has formed to oppose it.

The Citizens Alliance for a Rural Teanaway (CART), formed by Cle Elum local Jim Brose, is an organization opposing the proposal. CART believes that Cle Elum is not the right choice for the project in that it will cause unnatural erosion to the Teanaway and threaten local wildlife by way of habitat destruction.

“We’re still quite a few months away,” Nelson said. “They’re still in the process of pulling that information together. The environment will determine the impact.”

CART suggests the site be moved into the sage steppes of Kittitas County rather than clearing trees in the Teanaway basin. However, the geographic differences of the two locations make the Teanaway a more ideal site.

“The sage steppe habitat has been identified as a priority conservation [zone] in the state,” said Meagan Walker of strategic communications firm, Strategies 360, which is working with TSR.

The geographic and biological environment of the Kittitas sage steppe is a delicate ecosystem that could easily be destroyed if TSR were to locate the solar plant there. Approval for project construction in such a fragile environment would also be very unlikely. According to Walker, the Teanaway basin was picked because the environment is better suited to fit the project’s needs.

“The project needs sunlight, not heat,” Walker said. “Also, we need to have it very close to transmission lines.”

Optimal sunlight is top priority for TSR, and the Teanaway provides more sunlight, whereas the Kittitas sage steppe produces more heat than sunlight. Excessive heat is not good for the project because it contributes to equipment deterioration. Cle Elum also serves as a better hub for directing solar power by tapping into existing transmission lines - a necessity that would involve more time, construction and environmental damage to the sage steppes of Kittitas.

“The environment is more important than what we want,” said upper Cle Elum resident, Kelsey Amara. “I understand where [CART is] coming from, but [TSR] will probably help the environment more than it will hurt it.”

One of the most common complaints regarding opposition to the project is how unsightly a massive collection of solar panels might be at nearly two miles across. As a result, CART has even constructed a map of the solar installation and all surrounding facilities that will be visible from I-90. However, some residents see the project in a different light.

“It’s not going to be an eyesore,” Amara said. “It’s going to be surrounded by trees. Besides, we should be more concerned about the environment than whether or not [the solar reserve] is going to look pretty.”

The project for the Teanaway Solar Reserve is funded by private investors and is expected to cost between $300 million and $350 million. It is the largest proposal to be introduced to the Northwest, and if completed, will be the largest operating solar reserve in the world.

Students protest tuition hikes: Students speak out, Board of Trustees put faces to the numbers

2010-02-10T16:17:00.000-08:00

BY ANTHONY JAMES Sr. News Reporter

Approximately 100 students walked out of class last Friday to protest possible financial aid and budget cuts, coupled with tuition hikes.

At noon, students gathered outside the Student Union and Recreation Center (SURC). The Associated Students of Central Washington University - Board of Directors (ASCWU-BOD) provided free pizza and blasted protest songs through the loud speakers, including “Fight the Power” by Public Enemy and “Get up, Stand up” by Bob Marley and the Wailers.

Students such as Alex Cole, junior political science and economics major, also signed up to ride an ASCWU-BOD-sponsored bus to Olympia on Feb. 15 for the annual President’s Day rally. Cole said tuition hikes would impact the quality of his education.

“I won’t be able to take as many classes, and I’ll have to take a second job,” Cole said.

Cole said his grade-point average would be affected and he may have to drop out of school if the costs rise too much.

ASCWU-BOD President Keith James spoke into a bullhorn and urged students to make their voices heard in Olympia.

“Legislators should have to pay for charging us up the wazzu for something that should be a right, not a privilege,” James said.

Chanting slogans and holding signs reading “Fight the hike” and “Voice out against cuts,” students marched to Barge Hall for the monthly Board of Trustees meeting.

About a dozen students made passionate, teary-eyed testimonies about how a second 14 percent tuition increase in as many years, coupled with cuts to financial aid, would affect their finances.

Rebecca Jewell, freshman biology and psychology major, said her middle-class family has been forced into debt and she has had to try to sell her instruments and car to pay for school.

Aryell Adams, sophomore environmental studies and geography major, is a first-generation college student and a volunteer firefighter. Through tears, Adams told the board she will be leaving Central because of increasing costs. Instead, she will attend a school in Kansas on scholarship.

“I don’t want other students to go through what I went through,” Adams said.

Sheila Jones is one of a growing number of non-traditional students. At 53, Jones came to Central looking for a career change after working as a secretary for more than 30 years. The tough economy has cost Jones her job, car and home. She is majoring in sociology and psychology.

“I totally depend on my financial aid and grants,” said Jones, whose oldest child graduated from Central. “It’s an investment not just for you individually, but for society as a whole.”

Chris Goehner, junior political science and psychology major and a student veteran, was accompanied to the trustees meeting by his service dog. Goehner said he has struggled to fund his education with financial aid and the GI Bill, and is concerned about trustees abusing local control privileges.

“As students we’re curious. We want to know: Do we trust you guys or do we not?” Goehner said. “We do read these minutes, we go to these meetings, we do know what’s going on.”

Later in the same meeting, the board approved a resolution giving the president more control to distribute tuition waivers to students in need. The motion passed unanimously.

At the end of the meeting, James summarized the thoughts of the student body:

“There may be no blood in the streets, but there are plenty of tears in this room,” James said.

Central’s Board of Trustees has the option of raising tuition up to 14 percent as approved by the 2009 legislature. That would increase yearly resident tuition by $772 to total $6,289 for the 2010-2011 school year.

In Olympia, Senate Bill 6562 would give university boards of trustees control of tuition increases. According to John McKean, ASCWU-BOD legislative liaison, the equivalent House bill has died without receiving a committee hearing.

Another bill, Senate Bill 6409, would divert part of the state’s lottery revenues into an account to pay for merit-based scholarships and resurrect the state work-study program. But more than halfway through the 60-day legislative session, these bills will still have to pass through both houses of the legislature.

News Brief: Welcome Center sets opening date

2010-02-10T16:14:00.000-08:00

On Monday Central Washington University President James Gaudino announced the March 1 soft opening of the newly created CWU Wildcat Welcome Center located west of campus on University Way.

Gaudino said he hopes the new center will be a highly visible information center for visitors, prospective students, alumni and staff. Visitors will be able to pick up campus maps or daily parking permit, check in or arrange a campus tour and purchase tickets for campus events.

The university will be renting the facility for the next five years with the first year’s rent being $2,500 a month in addition to the estimated $150,000 - $200,000 being spent on renovations and signage.

Gaudino hopes the center will increase Central’s accessibility and help to get the word out about the university.

A grand opening celebration is planned for 4 p.m. on April 22.

Faculty urge students to stand up, speak out

2010-02-03T16:15:00.000-08:00

BY LINDSAY TROTT | Staff Reporter

With budget cuts and tuition increases looming, now more than ever Central faculty and staff are encouraging to get involved and fight to make a positive change.

Within the next thirty days, big bottom-line decisions will be made regarding the budget, and students have the power to make a change. The problem that many students face when considering what they can do to speak out against budget cuts, many feel their voices may not be heard.

“It’s almost an excuse,” said John Drinkwater, senior director for Campus Life. “Let’s stop denying that we are in tough times and work to change it.”

Drinkwater believes that students need to get organized to change the tuition increases and budget cuts before they become too out of control, which may cause students to not be able to attend school.

“There’s only so much financial aid to go around,” he said.

Drinkwater advises concerned students to have their parents write letters to legislators urging them to stop increasing tuition and increase funding for higher education because legislators are going to listen to voters.

Students themselves however should rally together, because the higher the number of students the more impact they will have on getting the message across to legislators who are making the important decisions about their future.

There are a series of upcoming events on campus that are aimed at getting students involved in knowing what is going on with legislative matters. On Friday Feb. 5, there will be a Walk Out for students to rally against budget cuts.

“Hopefully, we will be marching to the Board of Trustees meeting to make sure the trustees know the students hearts,” said Jack Barry, ASCWU-BOD Vice President for Political Affairs.

There will also be a statewide protest and rally in Olympia that will be held February 15. Students interested in attending the rally will be able to take a coach bus over to Olympia.

Lisa Schactler, Public Affairs Liaison for Central, also strongly believes that students have a say.

“Students have a very powerful voice in Olympia,” she said.

Schactler believes that students have such a powerful voice because legislators want to put a face to the budget cuts and see how it is affecting those pursuing higher education.

“Funding for higher education hasn’t been a priority for the past 10 years,” she said.

Schactler explained the while funding for community colleges is up 28 percent public universities get a 7 percent funding cut.
“There is the perception that community college is the place to go for work force training,” Schactler said.

Along with budget cuts, work study is proposed to be cut along with several scholarships, such as the Future Teachers of America Scholarship, and the Washington Award for Vocational Excellence among others.

“Finding students to come in and speak puts a face to the numbers and helps provide an important case to why higher education is important and changes lives,” Schactler said.

John McKean, legislative liaison for Central, said that last year’s lack of student presence inspired him to get more involved, and he believes the message of how important it is to stand up to issues that directly affect them is now resonating with students.

“We’re hoping to have as many people on February 15 as possible,” said John McKean,

Along with the walk out on February 5 and the rally on February 15, there are many other things that students can do to fight to change the budget cuts and tuition increases.

Students can visit www.wastudents.org which fights for issues that directly affect students such as keeping tuition affordable, financial aid support from the state and federal Government, putting a stop to high textbook prices, and promoting campus safety. The Web site has information on upcoming events and petitions to sign.

Finding your own legislator (from your hometown) and writing a letter- not e-mail with a contact address, Calling 1-800-562-6000 and asking to leave a message to the Governor’s office, visiting www.wastudents.org to sign petitions, and actually going to speak to legislators

Walkin’ out: Students plan Friday protest over rising cost of education

2010-02-03T16:06:00.000-08:00

BY ANTHONY JAMES | Sr. News Reporter

For a second year, students will walk out of class Friday to protest a second proposed 14 percent tuition increase and two bills being debated in Olympia.

Organized by the Associated Students of Central Washington University Board of Directors (ASCWU-BOD), in conjunction with the Washington Student Association (WSA), the walkout will be in protest of two bills filed last month in the state legislature: House Bill 2946 and Senate Bill 6562. Public universities across the state have similar walkouts planned for Thursday or Friday.

“We’re trying to get students aware of what’s going on and let their voices be heard,” said Anthony Peterson, ASCWU-BOD vice president of student life and facilities.

Students will meet at noon on the west patio of the Student Union and Recreation Center and walk to the Board of Trustees meeting. The event will be similar to last year, where dozens of students packed the meeting room as trustees debated a 14 percent tuition increase.

In addition to the two bills being debated by the legislature, a second 14 percent tuition increase is possible, raising resident undergraduate tuition $772 to $6,289 a year.

The WSA is promoting the statewide walkout. On President’s Day, Feb. 15, the WSA will also sponsor the annual Lobby Day event in Olympia. The ASCWU-BOD will provide a bus to transport to and from the events.

The companion bills, sponsored by Sen. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor and Rep. Kathy Haigh, D-Shelton, would shift the power of setting tuition increases to each university’s board of trustees. The state’s three largest public universities – University of Washington, Washington State University and Western Washington University – have lobbied heavily in favor of the bills.
A public hearing for the Senate bill was held Jan. 20. The House bill has yet to have a public hearing.

Also planned are three flash mob events Tuesday and Thursday in the SURC. Students can also sign up in the ASCWU-BOD office to ride the free bus to Olympia on President’s Day. The Central branch of
Walkin’ out

With budget cuts and tuition increases looming, now more than ever Central faculty and staff are encouraging to get involved and fight to make a positive change.

Within the next thirty days, big bottom-line decisions will be made regarding the budget, and students have the power to make a change. The problem that many students face when considering what they can do to speak out against budget cuts, many feel their voices may not be heard.

“It’s almost an excuse,” said John Drinkwater, senior director for Campus Life. “Let’s stop denying that we are in tough times and work to change it.”

Drinkwater believes that students need to get organized to change the tuition increases and budget cuts before they become too out of control, which may cause students to not be able to attend school.

“There’s only so much financial aid to go around,” he said.

Drinkwater advises concerned students to have their parents write letters to legislators urging them to stop increasing tuition and increase funding for higher education because legislators are going to listen to voters.

Students themselves however should rally together, because the higher the number of students the more impact they will have on getting the message across to legislators who are making the important decisions about their future.

There are a series of upcoming events on campus that are aimed at getting students involved in knowing what is going on with legislative matters. On Friday Feb. 5, there will be a Walk Out for students to rally against budget cuts.

“Hopefully, we will be marching to the Board of Trustees meeting to make sure the trustees know the students hearts,” said Jack Barry, ASCWU-BOD Vice President for Political Affairs.

There will also be a statewide protest and rally in Olympia that will be held February 15. Students interested in attending the rally will be able to take a coach bus over to Olympia.

Lisa Schactler, Public Affairs Liaison for Central, also strongly believes that students have a say.
“Students have a very powerful voice in Olympia,” she said.

Schactler believes that students have such a powerful voice because legislators want to put a face to the budget cuts and see how it is affecting those pursuing higher education.

“Funding for higher education hasn’t been a priority for the past 10 years,” she said.

Schactler explained the while funding for community colleges is up 28 percent public universities get a 7 percent funding cut.
“There is the perception that community college is the place to go for work force training,” Schactler said.

Along with budget cuts, work study is proposed to be cut along with several scholarships, such as the Future Teachers of America Scholarship, and the Washington Award for Vocational Excellence among others.

“Finding students to come in and speak puts a face to the numbers and helps provide an important case to why higher education is important and changes lives,” Schactler said.

John McKean, legislative liaison for Central, said that last year’s lack of student presence inspired him to get more involved, and he believes the message of how important it is to stand up to issues that directly affect them is now resonating with students.
“We’re hoping to have as many people on February 15 as possible,” said John McKean,

Along with the walk out on February 5 and the rally on February 15, there are many other things that students can do to fight to change the budget cuts and tuition increases.

Students can visit www.wastudents.org which fights for issues that directly affect students such as keeping tuition affordable, financial aid support from the state and federal Government, putting a stop to high textbook prices, and promoting campus safety. The Web site has information on upcoming events and petitions to sign.

Finding your own legislator (from your hometown) and writing a letter- not e-mail with a contact address, Calling 1-800-562-6000 and asking to leave a message to the Governor’s office, visiting www.wastudents.org to sign petitions, and actually going to speak to legislators on Feb. 15 can make an impact.

“Hopefully, we will be marching to the Board of Trustees meeting to make sure the trustees know the students hearts.”JACK BARRY ASCWU-BOD Vice President for Political Affairs

The Central branch of Washington Student Association also has a group on Facebook and a YouTube account.

On Monday, an event was held in the SURC where students were able to check their outstanding loan balance and speak in a video to legislators about how higher tuition and lower financial aid would affect them. About an hour into the event, four students with a combined loan balance of $53,965 had participated.

Perris Davis, senior political science and public policy major, said the event was designed as an easy way for students to let their voices be heard. According to Davis similar events may be planned for the future.
Jack Barry, ASCWU vice president of political affairs, said the events are designed to let legislators know how important the issues are to students.

“They’ve cubby-holed higher education for so long,” Barry said.

No one group is at fault for the rising cost of education, Barry said, but the goal is to “stir the pot.”

“Of course it’s not entirely the board of trustees’ fault and it’s not the faculty’s fault,” Barry said.

Barry said he is working with Peterson and Megan Hammond, ASCWU-BOD vice president of academic affairs, to motivate students to follow their elected officials.

“People have to be pumped up about it,” Barry said. “I want people to say, ‘The person I didn’t look after is screwing me over in the legislature.’”