DESTINATION WESTERN
Destination Western is an all-expenses paid ten-day residential program designed to help students build the skills needed to succeed in college-level writing and math as well as get them connected to others socially. Participants will participate in academic sessions throughout the program in small groups, as well as participate in academic activities, workshops, and social events!
The 2026 Destination Western Program will run from early to mid September. Following Destination Western, students will participate in PACK Welcome Week.
Apply For Destination Western
Hang tight—the 2026 Destination Western Application isn’t quite ready for you yet! The application will go live in May and will be due mid-July 2026. In the meantime, you can join our interest list and be the first to hear when the application goes live!
All Fall 2026 admitted Western Oregon University students who have submitted their enrollment fee are highly encouraged to apply for the Destination Western Program.
The department of New Student & Family Programs aims to serve all new undergraduate students and embrace the diversity that enriches our community. We believe diversity is a powerful force for positive change, and we’re committed to fostering meaningful inclusion, empathy, and open communication among our students.
Priority for acceptance into the Destination Western Program is given to students that identify in a group that has been historically underrepresented or underserved by the education system and/or students in one or more of the following categories/programs:
- Diversity Scholars Students
- On-Track Program Students
- Student Enrichment Program Applicants
- Teacher Preparation Student Support Services Program Applicants
- Previous Pre-College or College Support Program (E.g., AVID, ASPIRE, Talent Search, Upward Bound, TRIO) Participants
- First-Generation Students
- Students who may benefit from additional academic support based on incoming GPA
- Students conditionally admitted to WOU or non-standard admits.
In addition to these priority qualifications, we may also review students’ essay prompt responses from applications.
- Live in the residence halls with other program participants
- Make friends and create your WOU community
- Meet WOU faculty and staff dedicated to student success
- Learn to navigate WOU before the fall term starts
- Early access to academic and campus resources
- Free on-campus housing and meals throughout the experience
This is what most of the weekdays of Destination Western will look like.
| 7:00am | Breakfast in Valsetz Dining Hall |
| 8:30am | Morning Check-in & Cohort Activities |
| 9:30am | Academic Session One (Math) |
| 11:30am | Lunch in Valsetz Dining Hall, Faculty Office Hours, Homework Time |
| 1:30pm | Academic Session Two (Writing) |
| 3:30pm | Homework Time |
| 5:30pm | Dinner in Valsetz Dining Hall |
| 7:00pm | Evening Activity (laser tag, movies, volleyball, crafts, trivia, etc.) |
| 9:00pm | Conclusion of the Day |
