Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

ACCREDITATION UPDATE

Commendations:

The Commission commends Western Oregon University for:

1. The commitment of the faculty and staff to Western Oregon University’s mission as evidenced by the connection that faculty and staff have to the institution and their dedication to cooperation and collaboration to support student success, even in the face of multiple institutional challenges.

2. Its use of data to improve student achievement. In particular, the curricular alignment project enables students to streamline their path to graduation. This project illustrates the Institution’s commitment to equitable student success and was recognized with the NWCCU Beacon Award in 2022

Recommendations:

The Commission recommends that Western Oregon University:

1. Spring 2023 Evaluation of Institutional Effectiveness – Continue its efforts to establish an ongoing and systematic evaluation and planning process that supports the demonstration of continuous improvement and to inform and refine its effectiveness, assign resources, and improve student learning and achievement objectives and measures. (2020 Standard(s) 1.B.1)

2. Spring 2023 Evaluation of Institutional Effectiveness – Further development and the systematic use of effective enrollment, financial planning and financial management practices to ensure realistic development of financial resources to ensure short term financial health and long-term financial stability and sustainability. (2020 Standard(s) 2.E.2)

3. Spring 2023 Evaluation of Institutional Effectiveness – Deploy current higher education best practices, including the effective use of technology, to ensure attainment of industry standard practices to achieve its organizational responsibilities and the integrity and continuity of its educational programs (2020 Standard(s) 2.F.3)

FUTURE EVALUATIONS

Spring 2026 Financial Resources Review (FRR)

Mid-Cycle Review Spring 2026

Spring 2027 Financial Resources Review (FRR)

Spring 2028 Financial Resources Review (FRR)

Year 6 – Standard 2 – Policies, Regulations, and Financial Review (PRFR) Spring 2029

Year 7 – Evaluation of Institutional Effectiveness Spring 2030