Central Transit looks to improve their free service
Nick Jahnke, Senior News Reporter
March 8, 2019
Filed under News
City of Ellensburg’s Central Transit is taking steps to get the word out about the free transport service and improve it to better serve the community. Central Transit offers free rides throughout Ellensburg as well as stops that connect with other transit services like Greyhound buses. Communications...
Editorial: A transition in living arrangements
Rune Torgersen, Copy Desk Chief
March 8, 2019
Filed under News
Scrambling to figure out where you will live in the next academic year is a time honored college tradition that usually picks up steam around the beginning of March. With housing both on-and off-campus to choose from, the factors involved in the decision can feel innumerable. Having moved from on-campus...
Editors note: A thank you to my staff
Mariah Valles, Editor-in-Chief
March 7, 2019
Well, friends. This is the last issue of winter quarter. It’s hard to believe it has already come and gone. This was my first quarter as The Observer’s Editor-in-Chief. Prior to this quarter, The Observer was a 12-page newspaper. One of the goals I set when I stepped into my position was to...
Update to academic alert system
Matt Escamilla, Staff Reporter
February 28, 2019
Filed under News
The academic alert system CWU currently uses was introduced in 2015-2016. Before the current system was put in place faculty had to log in via email with credentials. After that they would be taken to another page to enter information about students. That data would go back to the developer who would...
Streamlining the Flow of Textbooks at the Wildcat Shop
Nick Tucker, Staff Reporter
February 28, 2019
The Wildcat Shop’s bookstore has seen changes over the past few years, most notably the Fall 2017 introduction of the textbook counter, which is fully staffed by employees who retrieve items for students. This contrasts with the previous system where students would simply walk through the shelves and...
ASCWU offers chance to win $500 scholarship
Nick Jahnke, Senior News Reporter
February 28, 2019
Filed under News
At the ASCWU public meeting on Monday, Feb. 25, Vice President of Student Life and Facilities Jocelyn Matheny announced that ASCWU had recently opened up a feasibility survey to students. The survey is meant to collect data regarding what students would like to see and be able to do if the SURC was expanded....
All departments now offer online applications
Payton Parke, Staff Reporter
February 28, 2019
Filed under News
Students can now apply for majors and minors online with a new E-Form. Students can also drop majors or minors in this same E-Form. This E-Form is for all majors and minors that CWU offers. It will get sent to the specific department which will contact the student after the form has been filled out...
Fumigation issues concern hay farmers
Nick Jahnke, Senior News Reporter
February 28, 2019
Hay and grain exporters in and around Kittitas County are attempting to cut processing costs by skipping fumigation of their timothy hay. According to the Organization of Kittitas County Timothy Hay Growers and Supplies President Carl Jensvold, growers and processors in Ellensburg are concerned that...
Students pay over $1,900 in fees each year
Payton Parke, Staff Reporter
February 22, 2019
Filed under News
Each quarter, a student at CWU will pay $634.06 in fees. Annually, this adds up to a total of $1,902.18 for a three-quarter academic year. In comparison, tuition for one quarter costs $2,056.50. Fees are assigned to all students in order to pay for on-campus services such as the health center, tutoring...
Trump signs bill to keep government funded, declares national emergency
Nick Jahnke, Senior News Reporter
February 22, 2019
Filed under News
On Friday, Feb. 15, Trump declared a national emergency on the border, asserting that the movement of criminals and illegal immigrants from Mexico to the U.S. constituted a reasonable threat to national security. Last Thursday night, Feb. 14, President Trump signed a spending bill that provides funding...
Students who bring overdose victims to hospital won’t be charged with possession
Nick Jahnke, Senior News Reporter
February 22, 2019
The number of drug and alcohol-related emergencies involving CWU students has risen over the last year, according to Wellness Center Assistant Director Doug Fulp. Fulp said that he attributes the rise in hospital calls and transports to students taking advantage of the good samaritan law, also known...
Brooks Library opens student common area
Matt Escamilla, Staff Reporter
February 22, 2019
Filed under News
Brooks Library opened a new student common area located on the second floor on Feb.12. The opening of the common area was a process to make the library more functional for students. The reorganization of the library started in the summer of 2018, which provided enough space for the new area. The improved...