Western Oregon And Chemeketa Community College Create Dual Enrollment Program

Chemeketa Community College has similar dual-enrollment programs with Oregon State University and Portland State University.

Students from WOU Photo by: Bonnie King

(Monmouth, Oregon) - Western Oregon University has teamed with Chemeketa Community College to allow students to be jointly admitted and eligible to concurrently enroll in both institutions beginning fall 2006.

A dual-enrollment program offers students more options in curriculum and student activities, as well as access to student services at both institutions, including fee-based services. Perhaps the most significant benefit is the ability to coordinate financial aid between the schools, making college more affordable.

Students will pay tuition and fees at the institution where they are taking classes. Scholarship applications are available from both institutions, but financial aid will be given through the institution granting the degree.

The benefits of this agreement for both institutions include increased enrollment and more effective and efficient use of resources between the institutions, including faculty, facilities and support services.

"This agreement enables both institutions to work together to provide students with greater access to a college degree," said Dave McDonald, interim dean of admissions, retention and enrollment management at Western Oregon. "We will be able to serve more students in better ways together than we could have on our own."

Jim Eustrom, dean of Chemeketa's Student Development and Learning Resources, said, "We are thrilled to be formalizing this partnership with Western Oregon University. Western is a natural connection for so many of our students as they move on from Chemeketa to work toward success in their educational goals. This partnership will make this transition easier and more effective for so many."

Students will be admitted using the current WOU freshman and transfer admission requirements. The admission deadline will be one week before the start of classes each term based on WOU's academic calendar.

The management of this program and academic advising will be shared between WOU's Office of Admissions, Enrollment Management and Retention and Chemeketa's Enrollment Services Department.