The Observer

No reduction in force announced

Bailey Tomlinson, News Editor
April 9, 2020

President James L. Gaudino announced CWU would not reduce staff through June 30 at the April 9 board of trustees (BOT) meeting. Additionally, he announced that all Cabinet members including himself have...

SB 5395 mandates comprehensive sex ed in Washington schools

Abigail Duchow, Senior Reporter
April 9, 2020

Gov. Jay Inslee signed a bill on March 27 requiring comprehensive sexual education to be taught in public schools in the state of Washington. The bill will change how sex ed is taught in grades K-12. Requirements...

Stay-at-home orders impact local businesses

Mitchell Roland, Senior Reporter
April 9, 2020

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Ellensburg businesses are learning to adjust to a new reality. Gov. Jay Inslee issued a stay-at-home proclamation for the state on March 23 in an effort to prevent...

Longtime Kittitas resident dies from COVID-19 complications

Mariah Valles, Orientation Editor
April 8, 2020

A longtime and respected Kittitas County resident has died from COVID-19 complications, according to the Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD). This is the first COVID-19 related death for Kittitas...

Spring quarter fees announced

Austin Lane and Bailey Tomlinson
April 4, 2020

An email was sent to the student body from President James Gaudino detailing which fees the university would be waiving for the upcoming spring quarter. This information was sent out 11 days before the...

ASCWU calls for trustee apology, resignation

Bailey Tomlinson, News Editor
April 2, 2020

In response to statements made by Board of Trustees (BOT) member Gladys Gillis calling for the university to lay off employees as a cost saving measure, ASCWU members have signed a letter rejecting her...

Board of Trustees member calls for ‘firm action’ in the form of layoffs

Bailey Tomlinson, News Editor
April 1, 2020

“We need to set our concerns about employee welfare aside and maintain the priority of university welfare,” said Board of Trustees (BOT) member Gladys Gillis at the livestreamed March 31 meeting. The...

County implemented no rules prohibiting CWU from postponing commencement

Mariah Valles, Orientation Editor
March 30, 2020

With growing numbers of COVID-19 cases in Washington state and the U.S., measures are being taken to flatten the curve of the disease’s spread. For CWU seniors, this included the cancellation of spring’s...

COVID-19 restrictions mandated but not enforced

Abigail Duchow, Senior Reporter
March 29, 2020

The “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order mandates that all people in Washington State must immediately cease leaving their home except to do essential activities like grocery shopping, getting medical services...

Stay at home orders announced at county and state level

Bailey Tomlinson, News Editor
March 23, 2020

Kittitas County residents have been ordered to remain in their homes by Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) Health Officer Dr. Mark Larson, by means of an official health order. Soon...

Fifth COVID-19 case in Kittitas County brings new measures

Bailey Tomlinson, News Editor
March 23, 2020

A fifth patient has tested positive for COVID-19 in Kittitas County, according to a press release from the Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) on March 23. The patient is a 59-year-old...

CWU cancels spring commencement

The Observer Staff
March 21, 2020

Note: This story will be updated as information becomes available. March 20, 2 p.m. - CWU cancels spring commencement CWU will not host an in-person graduation ceremony in spring due to COVID-19. The...