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Cascadia dorm's kitchen area during the afternoon of Jan. 22, 2026. Photo by Patricia Krepel. Housing applications are currently open for the 2026-27 academic year for returning students, including a new housing option for incoming third- and fourth-years: the Cascadia Project. Cascadia, currently a first-year dorm, will be transformed into a residential space for the 2026-27 academic year for upper-division students who wish to live in a traditional residence hall with the a

Blitz the Bearcat and Boxer the Qilin encircle each other and hold each other's tails in their jaws. Art by Addie Martin. On Dec. 11, 2025, Willamette President Steve Thorsett sent an email to students, announcing the news of their intent to merge with Pacific University. The same day, Thorsett and Pacific University President Jenny Coyle spoke in a joint interview to The Collegian in order to provide further clarification on the merger. Initial discussions between the two sc

Various hands holding civic tools, a Willamette ID card among them. Art by Adrian Axtell. The Salem Chamber of Commerce hosted a mayoral debate on Jan. 12 featuring incumbent Mayor Julie Hoy and City Councilor Vanessa Nordyke. The debate came ahead of the May 19 primary election, when Salem voters will select their preferred candidate in the city’s nonpartisan 2026 mayoral race. Salem’s nonpartisan primary functions as a first round; a candidate who earns more than 50% wins