Portal
Western Oregon University currently plans to offer mostly online instruction.
We are ready to:
Continue to provide exceptional learning opportunities and instruction that prepares our students for graduation and careers
Take proactive methods to protect the health, safety and well-being of our students and employees
Welcome students who wish to live on campus with thoughtful residence hall and dining offerings that protect their safety
Comply with the governor’s plan to reopen Oregon and follow guidance from the Oregon Health Authority and the Polk County Health Department.
Offer a mix of in-person and online student activities that provide the WOU experience as much as possible
More details
See President Rex Fuller’s full message to campus and find contacts to specific departments.
WOU is positioned to encourage small groups and safety best practices
Rural location
Smaller campus
Dedicated Facilities Services teams to ensure thorough cleaning
Student services available to those living on or near campus
Class Formats
The four methods to deliver courses provide WOU students with choices to best meet their learning and lifestyle needs as well as address their concerns to stay healthy and safe.
Off-Campus/Online Delivery Formats
1. Online Synchronous: Students attend online class meetings or activities at an assigned time and day. Asynchronous online activities also may be used for class instruction.
2. Online Asynchronous: Students have the flexibility to view course lessons at any time or day. The course has a clear timeline and deadlines for assignments and exams.
For more information, visit WOU Course Definitions.
On-Campus/In-person Delivery (5% of classes)
1. In-person: Students meet with instructor at an assigned time, day and place for set hours per week
2. Hybrid class: A combination of an in-person and online asynchronous schedule
Prep week and finals week will be online for all course delivery formats.
Housing and Dining
Our plans:
- Require the approval of Oregon Gov. Kate Brown
- Reserve a residence hall to be used for isolation or quarantine
- Groups larger than 25 people can gather with social distancing guidelines
- Synchronous and asynchronous classes with extremely limited in-person and hybrid courses
- Limited in-person activities with social distancing guidelines; passive and virtual activities are still the norm
- 51% to 75% occupancy on campus
- First-year live-in requirement modified (may commute within 60-mile radius of Monmouth)
- Valsetz Dining Hall open with expanded hours and seating arranged for social distancing, retail dining open with limited hours
Resources for student success
- Dedicated employees in the Student Success and Advising Office to guide students in their educational journey
- Innovative faculty members who care about their students’ success
- Supportive resources for students such as the Hamersly Library providing students with technology equipment, free tutoring centers, Student Health and Counseling Center and Academic Affairs
COVID-19 information and resources
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, WOU employees are carefully evaluating what is best for the campus community. How we proceed depends on many factors, but regardless, we will quickly and strategically respond to changing circumstances. Find more information about our Coronavirus response and resources on our website.