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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. 

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Turmoil at the National Institute of Health brings uncertainty to WWU

By Liam Walsh | March 25

The first months of the Trump administration have brought uncertainty and complications to the National Institute of Health (NIH). A funding freeze, a communications freeze and overhead cost caps are among some of the challenges facing researchers at Western Washington University.

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Reaching new highs in cannabis research

By McKenna Kilayko | March 17

At Western Washington University, Associate Professor of Behavioral Neuroscience Josh Kaplan is working to unlock the science behind CBD and how it interacts with the brain. 

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WWU student wins International Housewares Association's 32nd student design competition

By Roman Boyer | March 14

Western Washington University student David Griffin won first place at the International Housewares Association’s (IHA) 32nd student design competition, winning $3,500. 

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Grasshopper discovered in food at Viking Commons

By Adeline Roesler-Begalke and Jae Ranney | March 13

A grasshopper was found in a student’s food in the Viking Commons at Western Washington University on Feb. 23, 2025.

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The word is Miyawaki: WWU restoration program plants biodiverse mini-forest on campus

By Jae Ranney | March 12

In fall 2023, Western Washington University’s Learning, Environment, Action and Discovery (LEAD) restoration group began restoring a portion of Western’s forested north campus using the unique Miyawaki planting method. 

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UPD enhances emergency resources following Edens Hall break-ins

By Kaitlyn Ward | March 6

On February 12, 2025, the University Police Department (UPD) investigated two incidents of malicious mischief and burglary in Edens Hall North. An unknown individual pried open cabinets and drawers in the front desk area of the building. No items were reported missing.

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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.

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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.

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Department of Ethnic Studies at WWU expanding class offerings this spring

By Josh Hernandez | March 3

The Department of Ethnic Studies at Western Washington University is expanding its class offerings this spring.

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Classrooms at WWU: How learning spaces vary by major

By Mishele Ross | February 28

At Western Washington University, each department has unique classrooms designed to cater to the specific needs of its students and professors. These spaces reflect the different ways students learn and interact with their respective disciplines. 

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Redefining adventure: A film festival for women and genderqueer people

By McKenna Kilayko | February 27

Are you looking to add more movies to your watched list? Back for the fifth year, the No Man’s Land Film Festival will be hosted by the Outdoor Center on Friday, Feb. 28. 

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Then I Am Myself the World: A lecture on transformative experiences comes to Western

By McKenna Kilayko | February 27

Physicist turned Neuroscientist Doctor Christof Koch is on a quest to track the footprints of consciousness in the brain.

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WWU to host House Hunting Lab Feb. 27

By Mishele Ross | February 26

Finding off-campus housing can be overwhelming for students, but one event aims to make the process easier. On Feb. 27, students could join Off Campus Living at the House Hunting Lab in Haggard Hall, room 112, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event will provide hands-on guidance, allowing students to search for housing with immediate support from experts.

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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. 

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OPINION: Western inhales Amazon packages, exhales waste

By Hope Rasa | February 24

Amazon has delivered 21,680 packages to Western Washington University since September, Jeff Rogerson, mail processing manager with Western’s Mail Services, said over email. That’s 30% of all packages delivered to campus. 

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Finding a community on the rock wall

By Beck Hanson | February 23

For those looking to be more active or find a new hobby, climbing might be the perfect opportunity. Climbing can be a great way for students to get involved with a community on and off campus. 

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OPINION: Western’s ping pong club offers a place for students to have fun and make friends

By Adeline Roesler-Begalke | February 23

If you’re looking for an inclusive and unique community at Western Washington University, the Ping Pong Club might be just that. The club offers a welcoming space for anyone, ping pong player or otherwise.

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BRIEF: Protect the Pie rally unites student workers

By Eli Voorhies | February 21

On Friday, Western Academic Workers Union (WAWU), sponsored by the United Auto Workers (UAW), organized a rally in Red Square called Protect the Pie. Drawing a large crowd, the rally featured a handful of speakers, including WAWU board members, student workers and other Western employees.

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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.