WEBVTT

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Students, thank you for choosing Western Oregon University.

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We're glad that you've joined our ranks 

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and we look forward to big things from you.

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I hope you have found the programs in the fall orientation to be beneficial. 

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Our primary pillar of our strategic plan is student success. 

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And I can assure you we're all committed to your success,

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your path toward graduation. 

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As members of the Western community,

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I expect you to stand up to principals that are fundamental to our university, 

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principals of free and open inquiry and critical thinking. 

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I expect you to support and nurture an environment of mutual respect

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and appreciation of differences. 

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President Obama addressed this issue. He said the following,

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It's also to widen your horizons.

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To help you evaluate information, to help you make your way through the world."

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The way to do that is to create a space where a lot of ideas are 

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presented and collide and people are having arguments 

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and people are testing each others theories 

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and over time people learn from each other. 

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They're getting out of their own narrow way of thinking. 

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Please know that first and foremost we want you to be safe and well

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and able to engage fully in your learning experience and to graduate.

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This means taking care of yourself during this ongoing global pandemic.

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By practicing safety measures, monitoring your own health 

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and taking care to make sure our community stays healthy and safe.

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It means taking care of your mental health 

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as it relates to witnessing troubling events 

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at the global, national, state and local level. 

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It also means staying connected to your family and friends,

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even from a distance, especially those who have been

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impacted by the wildfires or the pandemic.

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All of us at Western are committed to your well-being and ultimate success.

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From your residence hall staff and orientation leaders, to your advisor, 

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faculty members, staff in the business office,

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the grounds crew, the dean of students,

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and to me as president.  

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All you have to do is reach out 

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and we'll help connect with the right resources.

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Students, thank you in advance for all of your contributions

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you'll make during your time on campus and beyond. 

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We can't wait to work with you. 

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Western is what is is because of students like you. 

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You are what makes us unique. 

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Wolves know that there is strength in the pack. 

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Know that the Western community is your pack.  Go Wolves!

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