Western Oregon University Traditions

Western Oregon University has some traditions that span the ages! New students or returning students often can note and participate in these activities and “leave a mark” on campus that will be forever etched in WOU’s memory as well as the students’.

It all starts with New Student Week for new and transfer students. Students arrive on campus about a week before classes start in order to adjust to WOU campus life both academically and socially. They are greeted by the orientation PLUS Team and many other student organizations and groups to help get a feel for life at WOU.

The very first day is a tradition – W Picture. The entire freshman class at the Playfair event gathers and poses in a giant “W” in the New PE Gym. That picture is then displayed in the Werner University Center. 

Another tradition spans over fifty years – the sidewalk signing of that year’s freshman class! Stretching throughout campus, visitors can note the signatures in various sidewalks as a way of marking their name in cement for years to come!

Homecoming offers another series of traditions on the Western campus. Included in this is the long-standing rivalry of Powderpuff football with the on-campus women battling the off-campus women under the stadium lights. There is a crowning of the Homecoming king and queen as well as a large Bonfire event for the new students. Each year, the homecoming court signs their name in cement and a rose bush is planted on the west end of the Werner University Center commemorating the court, king and queen.

Western Oregon University is also known for having one of the largest holiday lighted trees anywhere! The giant sequoia on campus is strung with lights and the Wednesday after Thanksgiving, the campus has a parade, singing and much more as the switch is flipped and the lights commemorating the season are lit up.

We also have a Midnight Madness Basketball program to kick off the basketball season! The teams are introduced and fun activities and competitions are done as well

The campus also celebrates its student leaders each year with Leadership Recognition Night. Students are honored for their commitment to co-curricular events and the top graduating male and female students are announced.

The campus also has a great Spring Dance Concert where performances of students are highlighted for several days.  Students look forward to performing and watching their fellow Wolves participate and ‘strut their stuff!’

There are a ton of magical events that this campus offers from art and choir to intramurals and sports. The Academic Excellence Showcase to WOUMania in the Werner University Center! 

The beauty of a campus like WOU is that there are still traditions, waiting to be started as well!  Western Oregon University is guaranteed to offer your student the chance to make memories to last a lifetime!