Student Life

---

Campus

Students for Ecological Restoration Club works to rehabilitate Sehome Hill Arboretum

By Natalie Jones | March 25

The idea for the Students for Ecological Restoration Club originated in spring 2024, when students Caleb Barville and his friend Bruce Cudkowicz realized Western Washington University didn’t have an ecological restoration club. With environmental science professor James Helfield as their faculty advisor, the club began hosting activities in the fall with Barville as director. 

---

Campus

Exploring the unconventional: WWU’s most unusual classes

By Kaitlyn Ward | March 3

At Western Washington University, students are diving into some of the most unique and unexpected classes in higher education. While many universities are known for offering the typical mix of courses in fields like history, biology and business, Western has become a university for students seeking to expand their horizons with something a little more unconventional.

---

Campus

Navigating the land of introverts

By Allie Van Parys | March 3

Editors note: This story has been edited to correct an error regarding Max Plante's previous school, Central Washington University, which was initially incorrectly identified as Eastern Washington University.

---

Campus

Dollarbird emerges victorious after first round of Western’s Battle of the Bands

By Natalie Jones | February 26

The crowd danced and sang along with Dollarbird during their set at Battle of the Bands in the Underground Coffeehouse at Western Washington University on Feb. 19. 

---

Campus

All signs point to clean

By McKenna Kilayko | February 20

Western Washington University first-year Maxwell Richards didn’t expect cleaning nursery signs for Bainbridge Gardens would kickstart his project to clean every sign on campus – but that’s exactly what happened. 

---

Campus

Unstable connections: WWU students struggle with unreliable campus Wi-Fi

By Natalie Jones and Kaitlyn Ward | February 19

Editors note: Aidan Hollander's name was changed to Violet after publication and has aptly been changed in the story to accurately identify them.

---

Campus

Flushed away to your new favorite restroom

By Allie Van Parys | February 10

Kaiser Borsari Hall’s gender-neutral restrooms swept the polls for the best bathroom at Western Washington University.

---

Campus

BRIEF: Behind the scenes of the WWU film club

By Adeline Roesler-Begalke | February 7

At Western Washington University, there is an abundance of young filmmakers looking to get their start. Western’s Film Production Club offers just that.

---

Campus

WWU to host first ‘Longest Table’ community dinner

By Natalie Jones | February 6

On Feb. 12, students, faculty and other Bellingham residents will gather for food and community as part of the first Longest Table at Western Washington University.

---

Campus

Behind the shelves: WWU’s bookstore and the cheaper alternatives

February 6

Editors Note: This story has been edited to add average textbook pricing from Western Washington University’s Associated Students Bookstore

---

Campus

The challenges of parking at WWU: What students need to know

By Mishele Ross | February 3

For incoming students at Western Washington University, securing a parking permit may be a long shot. As waitlists and permits are assigned based on credit seniority, students with more credits have a better chance of obtaining one. Even for those who do get a permit, finding a parking spot can be a challenge due to limited availability.

---

Campus

“The Storyteller,” takes its first steps at WWU

By McKenna Kilayko | February 2

On Feb. 7, Sara Jean Accuardi’s play, “The Storyteller,” will open its first-ever show at Western Washington University’s DUG Theater in the Performing Arts Center. 

---

Campus

Amplifying Lunar New Year festivities at WWU

By Allie Van Parys | January 27

Western Washington University is hosting celebrations of Lunar New Year starting on Wednesday, Jan. 29. Festivities include a gala hosted by the Chinese Language and Culture program along with themed meals by Dining at WWU.

---

Western Watchdog

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

By Jae Ranney | January 24

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

---

Recreation

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

By Tyler Noonan | January 15

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

---

Campus

Make the most of your next Western Wednesday

By Madelyn Jones | December 14

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

---

City & County

A 21+ night out in Bellingham

By Evan Riley | December 10

Bellingham, a charming college town nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Salish Sea, boasts a rich history intertwined with a culture of drinking. From the early days of logging and fishing to the present-day influx of students and artists, the city's drinking scene has evolved to reflect the changing times.

---

Health & Wellness

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

By Madelyn Jones | December 4

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

---

City & County

Winter weekend in Whatcom County

By Vanessa Ewart-Northrop | November 29

This coming weekend is jam-packed with festivities for the greater Whatcom area. With tree lightings and sleigh rides in Blaine, ornament making in Lynden and pop-up markets and visits with Santa in Bellingham, it's clear that Whatcom is ready to jump back into the Christmas spirit. 

---

Recreation

Gym-ing 101

By Jackie Hopkins | November 27

 For many, stepping into a weight room can set your pulse racing before your workout has even begun. With eyes constantly watching, your palms sweat — finding a spot to sit or stand can seem like an impossible task.