Western Oregon Journal

Perhaps you came to Western because it was close to home or because it has the cheapest tuition in Oregon. No matter how you got here, now that you have arrived, it is time to take advantage of what this school has to offer; it is time to get involved!

For the next month, the Journal will run weekly installments of ways to get involved on campus, beginning with the Associated Students of Western Oregon University, Western's own student government.

ASWOU president Gerry Blakney mentioned several reasons why students should want to get involved with student government. Blakney made sure to point out that just because Western is a smaller university, it doesn't mean that the campus is short on leadership opportunities. On the contrary, Blakney said, "Western is unique because we offer the same amount of leadership opportunities [as larger universities], but we have 10,000 students less. Basically you have to work to not get involved on campus"

Besides having just as many opportunities as students at larger schools, Western leadership also works much more closely with faculty and administration. Blakney said, "I can walk into the President's office and have a chat with him when I get the chance. You can't do that at the larger schools."

Being involved with Western's student government is also a great opportunity to network with administration and faculty (which builds your resume and also gives you an opportunity for some great recommendations), meet students both at Western and across the country, take on some additional responsibility and even make a little extra cash.

So now that it is clear what leadership opportunities Western offers, Mariko Chambers, the ASWOU Chief of Staff, will be able to choose an appropriate place for you in student government.

Mariko Chambers may be reached at (503) 838-8560, or at her ASWOU office in the Werner University Center.

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