MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University along with the six other Oregon public higher education institutions, lobbied together at the Oregon State Capitol building during Advocacy Day which took place on February 8 during the 2024 legislative session. All seven public higher education institutions first convened at WOU Salem, where collaboration and camaraderie filled the building for lunch and where they joined their advocacy groups to prepare to lobby.

Public Oregon higher education institutions are advocating for the following: 

Supporting students on campus

• $6 million in renewed funding for Strong Start 2.0
• $6 million for the 2024 Student Emergency Needs Package: 
  • $5 million for student basic needs programs
  • $1 million for Open Educational Resources

Preparing students to meet Oregon’s workforce needs

• $30 million to boost the state’s semiconductor workforce and talent pipeline 
• $6.2 million to grow the behavioral health workforce serving Oregon communities

Learn more about Oregon Public Universities 2024 legislative agenda 

Learn more about Advocacy Day 2024

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About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Together we succeed.