If you are starting at a community college, or if you already have some college credit, we recommend you make an appointment as early as possible (first term Freshman year, ideally) with our transfer advisor, Branda Plata-Hurtado, so you can align your courses to be on track in your major when you transfer to WOU.  Some types of teacher preparation work well with completing a full two years prior to transferring, and some types would require joining our Degree Partnership Program or transferring earlier to stay on track to graduate in four years.  Once you have had your advising appointment, use this checklist to guide you through all the steps for applying for admission, financial aid, scholarships, Degree Partnership (if applicable), and registering and beginning your first term of classes at WOU.

Steps for a Smooth Transfer

Step 1

Ideally, start this step in September and complete it by January 15 for the best scholarship and financial aid opportunities for the following academic year.

Apply for Admission and Financial Aid

  1. Complete the undergraduate application online or at a Campus Visitation Program

    • We accept applications at any time. WOU operates on a rolling admissions cycle and reviews applications throughout the year.
    • Application fees are currently being waived for all students
    • To be considered for GPA based scholarships, you will need to apply and submit your official transcripts prior to January 15.
    • You do not need to wait until you have completed all transferable coursework to apply.
    • You can check the status of your application at any time in your application status portal.
    • Learn more about Transfer Admission

  2. Send your most recent “official” transcripts, from every college or university you’ve attended to Undergraduate Admissions (prior to January 15).

    • For electronic transcripts, have them emailed to: admissions@wou.edu
    • For paper transcripts, have them mailed to: Admission’s Office | Western Oregon University | 345 Monmouth Ave. N., Monmouth OR 97361

  3. Submit Your FAFSA or ORSAA Oct. 1 – Nov. 30 to receive an early award estimate, but no later than Feb. 1 for our early filing date.

    Schedule a meeting with your Financial Aid counselor if you have any questions:

    • Log into your WOU portal
    • Select the WCS icon
    • Select the blue “get support” button
    • Select Financial Aid from the drop-down menu

Step 2

Start on this step as soon as you are admitted, and complete it by March 1. 

Activate Your Portal and Apply for Scholarships

  1. Activate your portal and email

    • Go to https://wou.edu/portal/
    • Click on “Activate your account”
    • Follow the directions to finish activating your Portal
    • Once in your Portal, activate your email by clicking on the gmail button at the top, click add an account, then add your WOU email (ends in @mail.wou.edu)

  2. Email WOU’s transfer advisor, Brenda Plata-Hurtado, from your WOU email to let her know your intended concentration (what subjects/grade levels you would like to teach).

    Don’t know what you want to teach yet? Explore possible subjects to teach.

  3. Complete the WOU general scholarship application by March 1st

    WOU offers nearly 200 different scholarships that you can apply for in one form. After you are admitted to WOU, you’ll be able to apply for these opportunities. The deadline is March 1. Learn more about scholarships at WOU. Learn more about scholarships for students in the Education Program.

    • Log into your WOU portal
    • Click on the “Scholarships” icon
    • Fill out the General Application Questions

  4. Sign up for the Degree Partnership Program (DPP)

    If you are considering taking additional courses at one of our partner community colleges after transferring to WOU, consider signing up for our Degree Partnership Program.

Step 3

Start this step in March and complete it by May 1.

Schedule Advising and Complete Your Intent to Enroll

  1. Schedule an advising appointment to plan Fall classes.

  2. Register for TSOAR (Transfer Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration)

    TSOAR involves completing some orientation modules, connecting with the WOU Network, and learning how to register for classes. There are also some events during TSOAR week (the second week in May) that you can participate in. Learn more about TSOAR.

  3. By May 1st, complete your Intent to Enroll.

    WOU does not require an enrollment deposit.

Step 4

Complete this step during the month of May.

Attend Transfer Orientation (TSOAR) and Register for Classes

  1. Complete the Transfer Orientation Modules.

  2. Watch the Schedule Planner tutorial to learn how to plan your Fall classes.

  3. Register for Fall classes (mid-May).

  4. Attend one of the New Transfer Student Orientations for Future Teachers

    This orientation will give you important information about how to prepare for and apply to the Professional Teacher Licensure Program.  Most students will apply either on April 1 of their junior year or October 1 of their senior year.

  5. Attend one of the Teacher Licensure Exam Preparation Workshops

    Even though you may not be taking your teacher license exams for a few months, it is important that you attend this workshop now so that you will know:

    • Which exams to take and when
    • How much they cost
    • How to register and select a testing center
    • The location of study materials on campus and online
    • Test preparation and test-taking strategies

  6. To arrange a virtual ASL assessment (if you want to start with a course higher than ASL101), please contact Lyra Behnke at behnkel@wou.edu.

Step 5

Complete this step by the end of August.

Submit Final Transcripts and Required Forms

  1. Have your final “official” transcripts sent to Undergraduate Admissions in July or August (after your final grades and degree have been posted)

    • For electronic transcripts, have them emailed to: admissions@wou.edu
    • For paper transcripts, have them mailed to: Admission’s Office | Western Oregon University | 345 Monmouth Ave. N., Monmouth OR 97361
    • If you don’t see your DegreeTracks updated with your final courses (and degree) within two weeks of submitting them, please contact Admissions: admissions@wou.edu

  2. Schedule an advising appointment once all your credits have transferred in (July or August)

    In this meeting, we will check to be sure your transfer credits are all checking off the right boxes in DegreeTracks and then create a term-by-term plan to finish your pre-education courses at the pace that works best for you.

  3. Turn in the Revolving Charge Account Contract

  4. Review the refund policy and if you have questions about your bill or payment options, contact the Business Office at 503-838- 8201.

  5. Turn in the Health History Form and Immunization Information.

Resources and Supports for Students

College of Education

Richard Woodcock Education Center

Phone: (503) 838-8471

Email: education@wou.edu

ACADEMIC DIVISIONS

OFFICES AND CENTERS