Welcome to Willamette University

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Mill Stream (Welcome)

Tour stop audio transcript

Running through the center of campus is the Mill Stream. Students spend time lounging on the banks, sharing meals with friends and watching the ducks. There is a campus tradition to dunk your friends in the Mill Stream on their birthday - with their consent, of course! You'll find Jackson Plaza near the Mill Stream, too, and a plaque of our school seal which displays our founding year - 1842 - and our motto - Non nobis solum nati sumus, or "Not unto ourselves alone are we born."

You are now on the 3rd point on the Welcome trail coming from Mill Stream (Welcome) on your way to Waller Hall (Outro).

You are now on the 5th point on the Welcome trail coming from Mill Stream (Welcome) on your way to Waller Hall (Outro).

Hatfield Library

Tour stop audio transcript

Welcome to Hatfield Library! Friendly and accessible reference librarians for each major discipline will help you find sources and navigate the thousands of volumes available to you, including our archives and special collections. The first floor is collaborative learning space - a great place for group projects and study sessions. The second floor is completely silent, making it ideal for cranking out an essay or a long reading. Large banks of windows on each floor overlook the Hatfield Fountain, named for Oregon Senator and Willamette alum, Mark Hatfield. While the birds featured are actually eagles, their chicken-like appearance has immortalized the nickname "Chicken Fountain."

You are now on the 9th point on the Welcome trail coming from Hatfield Library on your way to Waller Hall (Outro).

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Putnam University Center

Tour stop audio transcript

On the first floor of the University Center, or the UC, is the Willamette Store, where you can get your Bearcat swag, and the mail center, where you can mail some Bearcat swag to your friends and family! Also in the UC is our Career Development Center where you'll connect with internship and employment opportunities around Salem and seek advice on your resume, interview skills, and professional exploration. Another cool space in the UC is the SOAR Center, which stands for Students Organizing for Access to Resources. They have a clothing share program and food pantry and textbook drive. It's the best of Willamette - students helping students.

The Bistro

Tour stop audio transcript

The Bistro was founded in 1986 by two sophomore economics majors who wanted a coffee shop and space for community-building on campus. It's been student-maintained ever since. Students hold every position - from barista to bookkeeper. Grab your favorite morning beverage, a sweet treat in the afternoon and then catch an open mic night or a cappella performance in the evening. The Bistro is bound to become one of your favorite places on campus!

You are now on the 19th point on the Welcome trail coming from The Bistro on your way to Waller Hall (Outro).

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Renjen Center - Center for Equity and Empowerment

Tour stop audio transcript

In the Renjen Center, you'll find the EnE or the Center for Equity and Empowerment. This is where students of color and first generation students come for support, both from their peers and from faculty and staff. Our cultural affinity groups, like Black Student Union, Alianza, and Queer Trans People of Color, meet here. It's a safe space for students to connect, engage, and thrive.

You are now on the 25th point on the Welcome trail coming from Renjen Center - Center for Equity and Empowerment on your way to Waller Hall (Outro).

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Goudy Commons

Tour stop audio transcript

Ready to eat? Goudy Commons is our main dining hall and offers a variety of delicious options at every meal, including for those with specific dietary needs. The Goudy staff get to know students and are known for prepping your meal in advance if you tend to order the same thing every day. You can even suggest a recipe or meal and they might work it into the regular rotation!

You are now on the 33rd point on the Welcome trail coming from Goudy Commons on your way to Waller Hall (Outro).

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Olin & Collins Science Centers

Tour stop audio transcript

At Willamette, students get the opportunity to conduct research with professors and peers in our state-of-the-art facilities, like those found in Olin and Collins, two of our designated science buildings on campus. You might also venture to Zena, a 305 acre plot of land that we call a 'living laboratory', to learn about ecology and sustainability firsthand. The research opportunities at Willamette are so accessible, it isn't uncommon for our students to be published or present at professional conferences as undergraduates!

You are now on the 41st point on the Welcome trail coming from Olin & Collins Science Centers on your way to Waller Hall (Outro).

You are now on the 43rd point on the Welcome trail coming from Olin & Collins Science Centers on your way to Waller Hall (Outro).

Art Building

Tour stop audio transcript

Our Art Building is the place to engage with studio arts, whether you're a major or not. Classes cover film photography and sculpture to drawing and painting. If you are an art major, you get your own studio space as a senior and you'll display your thesis project in the Hallie Ford Art Museum, located across the street from campus. Imagine getting to show your art in the 3rd largest accredited art museum in Oregon!

You are now on the 47th point on the Welcome trail coming from Art Building on your way to Waller Hall (Outro).

The Quad

Tour stop audio transcript

So much can happen on a college Quad! At Willamette, it's a space where students hang out to study or eat on a sunny day. (Yes! Sunny days happen in Oregon!) Our club sports and intramural teams, like rugby and ultimate frisbee, practice on the Quad. And, in 2015, this is where Willamette broke the world record for the largest game of Red Light/Green Light ever played!

You are now on the 51st point on the Welcome trail coming from The Quad on your way to Waller Hall (Outro).

You are now on the 53rd point on the Welcome trail coming from The Quad on your way to Waller Hall (Outro).

Eaton Hall

Tour stop audio transcript

Eaton Hall is home to the humanities departments at Willamette and features cozy classrooms and study nooks as well as beautiful views overlooking the Oregon State Capitol and the campus rose garden. There is a time capsule buried outside of Eaton that will be opened in 2042 in honor of Willamette's 200th birthday.

You are now on the 57th point on the Welcome trail coming from Eaton Hall on your way to Waller Hall (Outro).

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Ford Hall

Tour stop audio transcript

Our newest academic building, Ford Hall, is LEED certified and open 24 hours to students. Home to our Digital Learning Studio and Writing Center, students at Willamette are supported by easy access to free tutoring. Ford also has the Smullin Film Studies Theatre which is basically our campus movie theatre! There are official screenings of independent and classic cinematic works, but it also becomes a popular hangout spot on weekends for students wanting to watch their favorites!

You are now on the 67th point on the Welcome trail coming from Ford Hall on your way to Waller Hall (Outro).

You are now on the 69th point on the Welcome trail coming from Ford Hall on your way to Waller Hall (Outro).

Gatke Hall

Tour stop audio transcript

Gatke Hall used to be the city post office, and when it was purchased by the college in 1938 it had to be rolled to campus through downtown Salem on giant logs. Another example of the incredible hands-on learning emphasis at Willamette, Gatke houses our Exercise and Health Science Lab, Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, and Sculpture Studio. There are many opportunities for students to apply for funding to do research and academic projects, like the Carson Undergraduate Research Grant.

You are now on the 73rd point on the Welcome trail coming from Gatke Hall on your way to Waller Hall (Outro).

First-Year Commons

Tour stop audio transcript

All first year students are housed together in two main complexes on the east side of campus, Baxter and Matthews, to promote bonding and provide a smooth transition to college life through easy access to resources. Nestled in the First Year Commons is Bishop Wellness Center, our physical and mental health center, and the Student Success Hub which comprises many offices geared towards ensuring students thrive in and out of the classroom. Also nearby is the office of International Education where students find access to over 66 study abroad programs.

You are now on the 77th point on the Welcome trail coming from First-Year Commons on your way to Waller Hall (Outro).

You are now on the 79th point on the Welcome trail coming from First-Year Commons on your way to Waller Hall (Outro).

Baxter Hall

Tour stop audio transcript

Here is the common area for Baxter Hall, one of the buildings in the First Year Commons. All residence halls come equipped with lounge spaces, kitchens, laundry rooms and even pianos! Willamette has a two year residency requirement, but many folks choose to stay on campus longer because it's fun, convenient, and provides easy access to friends and faculty! There is an inclusive roommate selection and hall assignment process, ensuring that all students feel welcomed and seen.

You are now on the 83rd point on the Welcome trail coming from Baxter Hall on your way to Waller Hall (Outro).

Montag Center

Tour stop audio transcript

Montag is a student recreation center located in the heart of the First Year Commons that's open 24/7. Play pool with friends, catch your favorite show on the flat screen TVS, or fix up your bike at the bike shop. You'll find the GRAC, or the Gender Resource & Advocacy Center, a space for gender and sexuality-based advocacy and educational work and an inclusive gathering place for LGBTQ+ community members. The Outdoor Program office is also in Montag, providing affordable opportunities to explore the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

You are now on the 87th point on the Welcome trail coming from Montag Center on your way to Waller Hall (Outro).

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M. Lee Pelton Theatre

Tour stop audio transcript

Welcome to Pelton Theatre! Willamette has a professional-level, comprehensive theatre program, and you don't have to be a major to participate! The program caters to more than just the actors - classes are taught on theatre history, costume design, stage makeup, stagecraft, directing, and more. There are roughly six performances each school year, ranging from Shakesperian to contemporary, musicals and dance performances, and local and national guest artists even come to campus to perform and offer workshops.

You are now on the 97th point on the Welcome trail coming from M. Lee Pelton Theatre on your way to Waller Hall (Outro).

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Rogers Music Center

Tour stop audio transcript

There are so many ways to share your talent at Willamette! In Mary Stuart Rogers Music Hall, you can rehearse and perform in a wide range of ensembles, both instrumental and vocal. Whether you've been awarded a music scholarship or you're picking up a guitar for the first time, the music program is inclusive and holistic. Fun fact: The Oregon Symphony Orchestra uses Rogers as a performance hall and students can get tickets for free!

You are now on the 105th point on the Welcome trail coming from Rogers Music Center on your way to Waller Hall (Outro).

You are now on the 107th point on the Welcome trail coming from Rogers Music Center on your way to Waller Hall (Outro).

Sparks Center

Tour stop audio transcript

Sparks Fitness Center houses many facilities that are free and open to the entire Willamette community, including weight and cardio equipment, an indoor pool, two courts, and a rotating rock climbing wall. Students can certify as personal trainers and assist as trainers for our varsity teams. Catch games, matches and meets throughout the year and cheer on your fellow Bearcats!

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Graduate Programs

Tour stop audio transcript

Willamette's undergraduate college of arts and sciences is supported by multiple professional schools, including our College of Law and the top ranked Atkinson Graduate School of Management. We offer accelerated dual-degree programs that allow students to cut a year off of the traditional timeline and enter the workforce faster - earn your bachelors and MBA in 5 years or your bachelors and law degree in 6 years. Even if you don't want to pursue one of these programs, you are able to take classes at any of the graduate schools as an undergraduate student.

Waller Hall (Outro)

Tour stop audio transcript

Waller Hall is the first and oldest building on Willamette's campus. It's less than 100 feet away from the Oregon State Capitol and overlooks the iconic Star Trees. Along with our non denominational worship space, Cone Chapel, and the Registrar's and Financial Aid Office, the President's office is located in Waller. The president stays connected to the community by hosting monthly birthday celebrations - stop by for a piece of cake!

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