Western Oregon University to offer classes in Salem starting in January

Natalie Pate | Statesman Journal

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Western Oregon University will begin offering classes in Salem for the first time in January. The university plans to use a Willamette Education Service District building on Pringle Road.

The number of Western offerings in Salem will increase gradually, with a much larger range of classes available starting fall term 2019, university officials announced Thursday.

Officials said the "WOU:Salem" courses are designed to help working adults get their first degree, an advanced degree or professional development needed to qualify for a promotion in their current job.

The first two programs offered will be a Master of Arts degree in organizational leadership and an Applied Baccalaureate degree in liberal studies.

"We are so excited to announce Western's presence in Salem in partnership with Willamette ESD," said university President Rex Fuller in a statement. "We've been working on this expansion for some time and I'm proud that we will be able to serve the educational needs of working adults."

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Though universities and colleges across Oregon have seen a decline in applications in recent years — causing a spike in tuition prices at some institutions — Western officials believe they will have success in the new endeavor since the program is targeted at working adults.

Western, based in Monmouth, raised tuition costs in 2017 and slightly again this spring.

The classes will take place in the Willamette ESD Professional Learning Center at 2611 Pringle Road SE two nights per week and will be taught by faculty in a hybrid format, with half the meetings online and the other half in person, according to the release.

Associate Provost Sue Monahan said the university already works closely with the service district for its Willamette Promise program for high school students.

"Now, working adults who want an affordable option for a four-year degree can take practical classes in a location that's convenient to them," she said.

Enrollment for Salem classes is open to current students. New students can learn how to apply to Western at wou.edu/admission or by calling the university at 503-838-8000.

Contact reporter Natalie Pate at npate@StatesmanJournal.com, 503-399-6745 or follow her on Twitter @Nataliempate or Facebook at www.Facebook.com/nataliepatejournalist.

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