Western

Campus

First multi-stall gender-neutral bathroom opens on WWU campus

By Adam Race | November 14

Oct. 31 marked the opening of Western Washington University’s first multi-stall gender-neutral bathroom, a 10-stall facility located on the main floor of the Haggard Hall side of the library, room 241. Since 2016, Western has been expanding the accessibility of gender-neutral restrooms across campus, and single-occupancy gender-neutral restrooms are now in the majority of buildings on campus.

Campus

Shutting off on-campus streaming service

By Lili Cruz | November 14

Whether it’s streaming from a phone, laptop or TV in a dorm, unwinding after class by binge-watching the latest season of the hottest new show is second-nature to many students. Before this year, students living on-campus have been able to access live Xfinity channels and HBO through a service included in housing fees. The Xfinity-on-Campus service was a tiered service for students living on campus but what was offered varied from where you were watching.

City & County

Grab your apron! The Front examines solutions to rising food prices

By Liz McLane | November 10

Food prices haven’t stopped rising — take a walk down the aisle at your closest grocery store, and you’ll see it right on the price tags — it’s no secret. From September 2021 to September 2022, the price index for food products rose 13 %, according to an October data release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Certain essential food groups’ pricing increased even more in that time span.

Campus

Without free HBO Max, Western students seek other streaming services

By Jacob Mina | November 10

Western Washington University used to offer the HBO Max streaming service for students living on campus but not anymore. Western decided not to renew its contract with Comcast, leaving students looking to other streaming services for something new to binge-watch.

Campus

‘I’m someone who creates in order to live:’ “LUSH” opens in VU gallery

By Dani Gibson | November 9

A new show has arrived at the Viking Union's student-curated art gallery. This solo show, titled “LUSH,” showcases works by Filipinx-American artist Heidi Grace Acuña. Until Nov. 29, Acuña’s multidisciplinary works, including photography, ceramics and textiles, will be available for Western Washington University students to enjoy.

Campus

Stepping into drag and onto the stage

By Lili Cruz | November 9

Welcomed by a packed Underground Coffee House, Western Washington University’s Royal Gambit Drag Club kicked off their first-ever drag show with The Monster Mash: A Devilish Night of Drag. The night of Oct. 29 consisted of nine performers taking turns lip-syncing to songs while performing pre-planned pantomimes and dancing. The queens, kings and monarchs were all met with an exuberant crowd that they said surpassed all expectations.

Campus

WWU orchestra brings back Coast Salish-inspired piece after 16 years

By Bryn VanMansum | November 9

In 2006, the Seattle Symphony Orchestra debuted a piece commissioned by Upper Skagit elder Vi Hilbert and composed by Bruce Ruddell titled “The Healing Heart of the First People of this Land.” After remaining unplayed for 16 years, the piece is being revived at Western Washington University on Nov. 9.

Campus

The Illustrious Pearl performs at WWU

By Olivia Carda | November 7

“This is a good drag show because it’s running late, so you know it’s going to be the real experience,” Chan joked as they prepped for their set. The audience cheered as Wo Chan, The Illustrious Pearl in drag, strutted into the Multicultural Center on Western Washington University’s campus sporting a bright red lip, a black studded wig cap and carrying a basket full of mysterious props.

Campus

What’s that noise? It's art!

By Adam Race | November 5

Students walking past the Western Gallery in the middle of Western Washington University’s campus this fall have been hearing a variety of noises from the front of the building. Students may have heard bird noises, rock ‘n’ roll or even audio essays coming from the exhibits. These noises are from an exhibition called "Sound Out Radio," an internet radio station being played out for the student body to hear.

Campus

Free access to period products arrives at Western

By Dani Gibson | October 31

Since returning to campus for fall quarter, many Western Washington University students have noticed that the menstrual products offered in dispensers in restrooms are now free.

Transcript

City & County

Spooky snacks to share with friends and family

By Paloma Ortiz | October 30

Halloween can be celebrated in many different ways: dressing up as someone or something you like, partying until 2 a.m. with your friends, staying at home and giving candy to the kids, watching scary movies or all of the above. One thing everyone consistently loves during the Halloween season, however, is candy and spooky snacks.

Campus

BRIEF: Poet and performer Wo Chan comes to Western

By Olivia Carda | October 30

Poet, drag queen and now author, Wo Chan, is visiting Western Washington University on Monday, Oct. 31, in the Multicultural Center to talk about their first book, “Togetherness.”

Campus

WWU’s career fair: Here’s what you missed

By Kota Sato | October 28

Western Washington University’s career and internship fair took place on Oct. 21, where representatives from various jobs gathered in the Multi-Activity Court Gym in the Wade King Student Recreation Center to give students a better idea of their future.

Campus

WWU student earns title ‘best woman surfskiier under 23 years old’

By Chloe Nelson | October 26

Ana Swetish, a third-year student at Western Washington University, is the best surfski competitor in the world under 23 years old. Her journey began when she was 11 years old. “In 2013, a kid’s kayak team started in Bellingham on Lake Padden, and my dad signed my sister and I up,” Swetish said. “I fell in love with it.”

Campus

Let's get drawing with VU Gallery

By Paloma Ortiz | October 23

Western Washington University’s Drawing Jam is an annual event that happens every fall quarter in the Viking Union Gallery room 507. It is a way to incentivize students to share their drawing skills and make friends. This year, the event took place from Oct. 4 to Oct. 14.

Washington State

BRIEF: Gov. Inslee announces reproductive rights state amendment

By Finn Wendt | October 22

Gov. Jay Inslee announced Friday, Oct. 21, that a state amendment to protect reproductive rights is in the works to be added to Washington’s constitution.

Campus

Western’s campus welcomes students, their families at the start of Fall Family Weekend

By Bryn VanMansum | October 22

Those visiting Western Washington University’s campus this weekend might notice an unusual number of students wandering campus accompanied by their parents or chosen family members. From Oct. 21-23, Fall Family Weekend takes over campus with a wide range of events for students and their visiting families.

Campus

The Front’s statement regarding recent guest column

By The Front | October 21

We are issuing an apology for publishing a guest column titled “OPINION: We need to change the stigma around sexual assault” on Oct. 20, 2022. This column was submitted by a guest columnist who is a Western student but is not affiliated with The Front or the journalism department. While the piece was tagged as “opinion” on our website, we initially failed to label it as a guest opinion piece in the headline. We take responsibility for publishing it, and we did so understanding that the column presented complex and even offensive ideas.

Campus

What's up with Western’s parking?

By Adam Race | October 19

Students trying to park in Western Washington University's C-lot this fall have been sharing a major issue: There are too many cars and not enough spots. Students pay $293 for an academic-year-long parking pass in the C-lot, and yet they still aren’t necessarily guaranteed a spot, as many of them are having trouble finding a place to park during peak class hours.

Campus

Need food? Try these on-campus pantries for free snacks, meals and produce

By Liz McLane | October 18

Take a trip with me: you’re on the campus of Western Washington University, walking south towards the stairs to nowhere. You enter the Environmental Studies building and walk up that dingy flight of stairs to the second floor. Walking east, you pass the geology department’s various museum displays — bugs stuck in amber and ancient animal tracks. Finally, you reach the end of the hallway — room 213. Look to your left and you’ll see a big set of cabinets and one small mini fridge. These, unlike the fossils just a few feet away, are quite new. The geology department just introduced their department’s food pantry, stocked with food for whoever passes by and needs it.

Western Watchdog