The Proxy Report

By Anya Adkins, WC Reporter MACOMB, Illinois – In a 4-3 vote on March 20, the Board of Trustees voted to increase tuition costs for FY26 and increase the University Housing and Dining rate. Tuition cost will increase by 2% per credit hour, only affecting new undergraduate and graduate students. There will be a $6.73 increase per credit hour or an approximate $201.90 per semester.

By Anya Adkins, WC Reporter MACOMB, Illinois – When I took my first flight, I wasn’t scared at all. I was reassured by my mom that nothing bad would happen. Looking back on that, it’s a little surprising that it worked. Most people would be scared of flying and concerned about what could happen. I mean, it’s thousands of miles in the sky, what’s not a little frightening about that? Especially after a national tragedy.

Story By Samantha Haney, WC Editor-in-Chief Video By Alejandro Solis, News3 Reporter When she heard of the opportunity to participate in the 2018 Downtown Pitch competition, Laci Todd saw Macomb’s need for a paint-your-own-pottery studio. Her pitch won 3rd overall and friends encouraged her to start reaching out to banks in the area. Laci secured a loan and was able to open the Crafty Coop on Oct. 20, 2018. Laci built her studio from scratch, working two to three jobs at a time.

By Anya Adkins, WC Reporter MACOMB, Illinois – Coming into the new fiscal year, Western Illinois University is implementing a Furlough Program as part of the steps they’re taking to enter a period of financial stability. WIU has stated that this program is temporary, but necessary. The program will take effect starting Jan. 31 and end on July 31.

By Cadence Johnson, WC Reporter MACOMB, Illinois – Western Illinois University music professors and students attended the 2025 Illinois Music Education Conference, an annual event hosted at Peoria Civics Center from Jan. 29 through Feb. 1. The purpose of IMEC is to foster a common love for music and education. It is where the All-State rehearsal and performance occurs for those who excel in their vocal/instrument group during the Illinois Music Education Association.

By Anthony Steinhoff, WC Sports Reporter MACOMB, Illinois (Western Courier) — Western Illinois University will send two veterans from the Macomb area to the Ohio Valley Conference basketball tournament in early March. The traveling expenses will be covered by all the proceeds from the “Hot Cakes for Hero” campaign. The second annual fundraising event, hosted by Western Illinois Student Athlete Advisory Council, will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. in the east end of Western Hall on Feb. 15.

By Emile Limoges, WC Reporter MACOMB, Illinois – Students at Western Illinois University are calling for changes to Western Online, the school’s online learning management platform, citing issues with usability, organization and grade tracking. Students have concerns such as difficulties finding assignment due dates, the lack of a “what-if” grade calculator and the need to estimate grades manually—features that are standard on other platforms, such as Canvas.

By Anya Adkins, WC Reporter MACOMB, Illinois (Western Courier) – On Jan. 13 Western Illinois University Housing Department sent out a notice to students in all halls. The email provided a statement regarding the “temporary pausing” of Lincoln-Washington Halls.

By Anthony Steinhoff, WC Sports Reporter MACOMB, Illinois (Western Courier) — Despite encouraging offensive statistics, WIU has been either edged out, outran or shut down over their last four contests. Western dropped games against UT Martin (9-10, 5-3 OVC), Tennessee State (7-12, 3-5 OVC), Morehead State (12-7, 7-1 OVC) and Southern Indiana (8-10, 3-5 OVC). In a hard-fought Jan.

By Samantha Haney, WC Asst. Editor-in-Chief As a graphic designer for the Office of Student Engagement at Western Illinois University, I’ve learned lessons beyond what I would expect to learn in classes. While lectures and textbooks provide the basic knowledge, my on-campus job has already begun to teach me skills that I find invaluable. One of the most immediate benefits of working on campus is the opportunity to apply what I’ve learned in real-time.