Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University
Type Public
Established 1856 (1856)
Parent institution
 Oregon University System
President Rex Fuller
Provost Steve Scheck
Academic staff
 452
Administrative staff
 427
Students 6,058 (Fall 2014)[1]
Undergraduates 4,992 (Fall 2014)
Postgraduates 1,066 (Fall 2014)
Location Monmouth, Oregon, U.S.
44°51′10″N 123°14′22″W / 44.85278°N 123.23944°W / 44.85278; -123.23944Coordinates: 44°51′10″N 123°14′22″W / 44.85278°N 123.23944°W / 44.85278; -123.23944
Campus Rural College Town
157 acres (64 ha)
Colors Red     
Nickname Wolves
Mascot Wolfy
Sporting affiliations
 NCAA Division II – GNAC
Website www.wou.edu

Western Oregon University (WOU) is a public university located in Monmouth, Oregon, United States. It was originally established in 1856 by Oregon pioneers as Monmouth University. Subsequent names include Oregon Normal School, Oregon College of Education, and Western Oregon State College. Western Oregon University incorporates both the College of Education and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Enrollment is approximately 6,000 students.

History

Establishment

Founded in 1856 [2] WOU has undergone seven name changes. In 1865, it merged with another private institution, Bethel College, in Bethel and became Christian College. In 1882, the Oregon State Legislature approved the college's bid to become a state-supported teacher training (or "normal") school, Oregon State Normal School. Later the name was changed to Oregon Normal School.

Growth

A period of growth was experienced in the 1920s during which the school's enrollment more than tripled from 316 in 1920 to peak at the 990 mark in 1927.[3] With the coming of the Great Depression attendance tailed off slightly, with an average attendance in 1930 of 705 students,[4] hitting a nadir in the 1933-34 academic year.[5] Attendance rebounded later in the decade, topping the 1,000 mark for the first time during the 1938-39 academic year, with a total enrollment including summer session of 1,017.[5]

In 1939, the Oregon Legislature again changed the name to Oregon College of Education. The school entered an extended period of growth, except for a period during World War II when college enrollments dropped nationwide. New programs were added in the areas of liberal arts and sciences.[2]

Name changes

In 1979, the institution was renamed Western Oregon State College[2] to reflect the school's growing academic programs in the liberal arts fields. In 1997 the name was updated to Western Oregon University, reflecting the university's broader academic mission and profile.

Tuition rate guarantees

Beginning with the 2007–2008 academic year, WOU began "Tuition Promise," issuing a guarantee that undergraduate students will have the same tuition rate as the year they entered for four academic years. WOU is the only public university in the western U.S. to offer this guarantee.[6][7]

Beginning with the 2011–2012 academic year, WOU allows students to choose between their Tuition Promise or a new Tuition Choice. Students electing to pursue the tuition choice will have a 2012 tuition that will be no more than 1% above the 2011 tuition but with annual increases that could be between 5% and 10% per year. Students and their families will likely pay less their first year or two but will pay more in years three and four.[8]

Textbook rental program

Using a 2010–11 federal grant from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE), WOU has developed a textbook rental program that will result in significant savings to students.[9][10] Students rent textbooks at a cost of 38% of the purchase price for new textbooks.

Supporting veterans and their families

Western Oregon University provides many support services to veterans and their family members:

Academics

Western Oregon University offers bachelor's degrees (BA, BS, BM, BFA), and AB through its two colleges: the College of Education and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Master's degrees are available in Education (MAT and MSEd), Rehabilitation Counseling (MS), Criminal Justice (MA), Music (MM), and Management and Information Systems (MS).[14][15] In 2015, U.S. News & World Report ranked Western as the 77th best amongst the regional universities in the west.[16]

Departments and divisions

College of Education Division

WOU’s College of Education[17] is divided into: Division of Teacher Education,[17] Division of Special Education,[18] Division of Health and Physical Education,[19]

Health and Physical Education Division

The Division of Health and Physical Education (HPE) delivers programs and courses that meet the needs of multiple audiences. Undergraduate degree programs prepare professionals in the fields of school health education, physical education teacher education, community health education, and exercise science. Also offered are minor areas of study in Health Education, Physical Education, and Sport Leadership.

Special Education Division

The Division of Special Education offers undergraduate and graduate degrees that are designed to prepare students to begin or advance their careers to provide unique communication, rehabilitation, and educational services to individuals with disabilities or special needs. Undergraduate degrees offered include American Sign Language Interpreting, and American Sign Language Communications. Graduate degrees are offered in Interpreting Studies (delivered by distance with one summer in-person session), Rehabilitation Counseling, and Special Education. The ASL Interpreting Studies program received the Sorenson VRS Award of Excellence in 2008.[20]

Teacher Education Division

The Teacher Education program is the first teacher education program in Oregon accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education[21] and offers over 30 teaching endorsements including Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle and High School.[21] The College also offers a bachelor's degree in bilingual education. Graduate degrees are offered Teaching and Information Technology. The Teacher Education Program was recognized in 2010 by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities as the recipient of the Christa McAuliffe Award for Excellence in Teacher Education.[22]

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers 30 bachelor's degrees in seven academic divisions (Behavioral Science, Business and Economics, Computer Science, Creative Arts, Humanities, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and Social Science). The Communications Studies Program received the 2008 Rex Mix Award for Excellence from the National Communication Association.[23]

Behavioral Sciences Division

The Gerontology and Psychology degrees are designed to provide the student a broadly based program in behavioral science. The both majors may be pursued as a component of a general liberal arts background, as preparation for a variety of service-oriented occupations, or as a basis for graduate study in psychology and related fields. The emphasis of these degree programs differs from the usual undergraduate psychology major offered in many other institutions. A primary concern at Western Oregon University is the understanding of human behavior and experience with a focus on applications of this knowledge. The division also offers Applied Baccalaureatte degrees in Gerontology and Psychology. Applied Baccalaureatte degrees are designed to support the education needs of non-traditional students who have already completed a significant number of credits at other colleges or universities.

Business and Economics Division

The Business and Economics Division offers courses and training in accounting, finance, management, marketing, and production/operations management. The Economics Department prepares students for careers in the private and public sectors. Transfer students can choose to pursue the Applied Baccalaureatte degree in Economics.

Computer Science Division

The Computer Science Division covers the Computer Science and Information Systems majors, and offers both Majors and Minors in Computer Science and Information Systems, falling into BS and BA degrees. An Applied Baccalaureatte in Computer Science is also available for transfer students. A Masters in Management Information Systems is offered jointly with the Business Division.

Creative Arts Division

The Creative Arts Division comprises departments in Art, Music and Theatre/Dance. The Music Department offers four degrees. The BA and BS in Music are liberal arts degrees with a third of all coursework in music. The Bachelor of Music in Contemporary Music is a professional degree with two thirds of all coursework in music. The Master of Music in Contemporary Music is perhaps the only degree of its kind in the US.[24] Music programs at WOU are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

Humanities Division

The Humanities Division is divided into four academic departments: Communications Studies, English Writing and Literature, Modern Languages, and Philosophy and Religion. It offers undergraduate degrees in all the above fields.

Natural Science and Mathematics Division

The Division of Natural Science and Mathematics consists of four departments; Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Physical Science, and the Mathematics Department. The Division offers BA/BS degrees in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, and Mathematics. The Division also offers minors in the above areas including a Physics option.

Social Science Division

The Social Science Division is a cluster of disciplines concerned with the characteristics and interactions of humans in their social and physical settings. These include anthropology, criminal justice, geography, history, political science, and sociology. The Social Science Division also includes programs in public policy and administration and international studies. The BA and BS degrees are offered. Master's degrees are offered in Criminal Justice.

Center for Academic Innovation

The Center for Academic Innovation serves as the continuing education and professional development office on campus. We work with the two academic colleges as well as community members to create lifelong learning & personal enrichment opportunities, online classes and workforce training programs. Some of our more popular programs include: online master's degrees programs in Criminal Justice, Interpreting Studies, Education, Curriculum and Instruction, and Information Technology.

The Research Institute

The Research Institute (TRI) houses seven Centers focused on informing and facilitating change in educational and human service systems to improve the quality of life for all individuals. The Centers conduct programs of research, develop evidence-based interventions that are provided through technical assistance and professional development, and increase system capacity to effect change. TRI Centers include the Center for Educator Preparation & Effectiveness (CEPE), the Center on Early Learning (CEL), the Center on Deaf-Blindness (CDB), the Child Development Center (CDC), the Education Evaluation Center (EEC), The Center on Research, Evaluation and Analysis (CREA), and the Technology and Information Management Services Center (TIMS).

Athletics

Main article: Western Oregon Wolves

Western Oregon University's sports teams are called the Wolves and compete in the NCAA's Great Northwest Athletic Conference at the Division II level. WOU sponsors 13 intercollegiate sports. Within their history under the NAIA prior to their transition to the NCAA, Western Oregon won multiple NAIA national titles in women’s basketball. The Baseball team on campus has experienced much success in the GNAC, winning ten consecutive conference titles since 2001. The Track and Field teams have also performed well within the conference, with the men's team winning four consecutive GNAC Indoor Track titles since 2008. In the fall of 2010, the men's and women's cross country teams earned their first berths in school history to the NCAA National Championships where they placed 20th and 21st, respectively. Most recently the men's basketball team has won back to back conference titles.

Awards

Todd Hall

The "Economist Magazine" ranked WOU as the top mid-sized Liberal Arts university in the Pacific Northwest.[25]

Rated as the top Liberal Arts college or university in Oregon for the social mobility of its graduates.[26]

Profiled by the Education Trust as a Standout Institution for the Graduation of Pell Students.[27]

In 2014 WOU was recognized as one of the top 100 colleges or universities in America and the only one in the Pacific Northwest in adding economic value and benefit to its graduates.[28]

The Society for the Advancement of Native Americans in the Sciences (SACNAS) recognized WOU as one of the Top 200 Colleges in STEM for Native Americans.[29]

WOU was an inaugural winner of the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award recognized by Insight Into Higher Education on November 15, 2012. This award recognizes universities and colleges that have demonstrated the highest level of commitment and action towards fostering a campus community that celebrates all the many facets of diversity.[30]

Ackerman Residence Hall, opened fall 2010, has received multiple awards for its environmentally friendly design and operations. Green Home Authority named Ackerman as one of the ten eco-friendliest dorms in the country in 2011.[31] Mother Nature Network also listed Ackerman as one ten greenest dorms on the planet in 2010.[32]

The National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) has recognized fourteen Western Oregon University faculty and staff for academic advising (three in 2008, one in 2009, two in 2010, two in 2011, one in 2012, four in 2013, and one in 2014).[33]

On January 2010, The Education Trust named WOU in the top 10 of the nation for improved graduation rates among underrepresented minorities.[34][35][36] WOU also ranked ninth in closing the gap between minority and nonminority graduation rates.[35] WOU is one of the most diverse universities in Oregon and has the highest percentage of Latino students in the Oregon University System.[37] Between 2000 and 2009, enrollment of Latino students increased 75%, Asian-American students by 53%, African-American students by 115% and Native American students by 63%, for an overall increase of these student populations of 73%.[38] The successful growth in Latino students has resulted in WOU being accepted as a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.[39]

Parade listed WOU as one of the top twenty small state schools for 2010. WOU was noted for its small classes and exceptional services for first generation to college students.[40]

Notable alumni

Greek life

On May 18, 2012, the school was introduced to its first traditional Greek life with the organization and initiation of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity chapter Sigma Tau. The schools Greek system now consists of one traditional fraternity, one non-traditional fraternity and one non-traditional sorority. The school is set to welcome Alpha Chi Omega, its first traditional sorority in the fall of 2015.

References

  1. ↑ "Western Oregon University OUS Gray Book". Oregon University System. Retrieved 8 December 2014.
  2. 1 2 3 Ellis A. Stebbins and Gary Huxford, Since 1856...Historical Views of the College at Monmouth. Western Oregon State College, Monmouth, Ore., 1995. ISBN 0-9650625-0-3
  3. ↑ Sam A. Kozer (ed.), "Oregon Educational Institutions," in The Oregon Blue Book, 1927-1928. Salem: State Printing Department, 1927; pg. 62.
  4. ↑ Hal E. Hoss (ed.), "State Institutions of Higher Learning," in The Oregon Blue Book, 1931-1932. Salem: State Printing Departement, 1931; pg. 33.
  5. 1 2 Frederick M. Hunter, "Oregon State System of Higher Education," in Earl Snell (ed.), The Oregon Blue Book, 1939-1940. Salem: State Printing Department, 1939; pp. 48-49.
  6. ↑ The Western Tuition Promise Frequently asked questions. Wou.edu, October 6, 2006. Retrieved on February 13, 2011.
  7. ↑ Oregon University System. Ous.edu. Retrieved on February 13, 2011.
  8. ↑ WOU: Tuition promise – frequently asked questions (FAQ)
  9. ↑ U.S. Department of Education (2010)FIPSE Grant Database
  10. ↑ Statesman Journal, October 27, 2010, by Justin Much, "WOU gets grant to aid textbook expenses", Salem, Ore., P6 of Polk Today section
  11. ↑ http://www.wou.edu/provost/registrar/veterans/index.php
  12. ↑ http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/yellow_ribbon/2014/states/or.asp
  13. ↑ http://www.gijobs.com/schools/ 2013 and 2014
  14. ↑ WOU: academic programs. Wou.edu. Retrieved on February 13, 2011.
  15. ↑ "WOU: Graduate Programs-western Oregon university- online masters". Wou.edu. Retrieved September 28, 2011.
  16. ↑ Siemers, Erik (September 14, 2011). "UofO 101st, OSU 138th in U.S. News rankings". Portland Business Journal. Retrieved February 4, 2012.
  17. 1 2 WOU: Teacher Education. Wou.edu. Retrieved on February 13, 2011.
  18. ↑ WOU: College of Education, Division of Special Education. Wou.edu. Retrieved on February 13, 2011.
  19. ↑ WOU: Division of Health and Physical Education. Wou.edu. Retrieved on February 13, 2011.
  20. ↑ Sorenson VRS. http://www.sorensonvrs.com/iep#Past_Winners
  21. 1 2 "Teacher Standards and Practices Commission". Tspc.state.or.us. Retrieved June 12, 2013.
  22. ↑ AASCU Media Release. Aascu.org (November 19, 2010). Retrieved on February 13, 2011.
  23. ↑ "Communication department wins national award of excellence". Western Oregon Journal, by Billy Davis, October 10, 2008. Retrieved on February 13, 2011.
  24. ↑ WOU: Department of Music. Wou.edu. Retrieved on February 13, 2011.
  25. ↑ . October 29, 2015.
  26. ↑ . October 14, 2015.
  27. ↑ "The Pell Partnership: Ensuring a Shared Responsibility for Low-Income Student Success". September 2015
  28. ↑ Educate to Career College Rankings Index. PRWeb. May 1, 2014. Retrieved May 9, 2014.
  29. ↑ .
  30. ↑ "Insight Into Diversity Magazine Announces Recipients of Inaugural Higher Education Excellence In Diversity (Heed) Award". PRWeb. November 13, 2012. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
  31. ↑ Zeigler, Ben (November 15, 2011). "America's Top 10 Eco-Friendliest Dorms and Tips for Greening Yours". Green Home Authority. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
  32. ↑ "10 greenest dorms in the world: Western Oregon University, Ackerman Hall | MNN - Mother Nature Network". MNN. Retrieved 2013-06-12.
  33. ↑ "Outstanding Advising Award Recipients". NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising, Kansas State University. Retrieved September 12, 2012.
  34. ↑ Graves, Bill (February 8, 2010). "Western Oregon University in top 10, not lead, in minority student graduation gains". The Oregonian. Retrieved February 9, 2010.
  35. 1 2 Some Public Colleges and Universities Are Making Gains, Closing Gaps in Graduation Rates for Minority Students | Education Trust. Edtrust.org (January 28, 2010). Retrieved on February 13, 2011.
  36. ↑ Graves, Bill (February 2, 2010). "Western leads nation in minority student graduation gains". The Oregonian. Retrieved February 2, 2010.
  37. ↑ Oregon universities try to recruit more Latino students. OregonLive.com. Retrieved on February 13, 2011.
  38. ↑ "2009 Facts and Figures" (PDF). OUS Fact Book. Oregon University System. January 2010. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
  39. ↑ "HACU Associate Member Institutions". Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. Retrieved November 3, 2011.
  40. ↑ PARADE's College AList Small State Schools. Parade.com (August 22, 2010). Retrieved on February 13, 2011.
  41. 1 2 Aaron Fentress, "New Orleans Saints defensive end Jeff Charleston enjoying undefeated season after long trek to the NFL", The Oregonian, December 10, 2009.
  42. ↑ Pope, Charles (February 7, 2011). "Senate Unanimously approves Marco Hernandez to be federal judge". The Oregonian. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
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