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Transfer Guide for Future Teachers

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 one of our transfer advisors, so you can align your courses to be on track in your major when you transfer to WOU. Some of our teacher preparation pathways work well with completing a full two years prior to transferring, and some teacher preparation pathways 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

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
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
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.
- WOU’s FAFSA school code is 003209
- You can complete the Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) scholarship application in December.
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

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)
Email our advising email education@wou.edu from your WOU email to let us 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.
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
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

Schedule an advising appointment to plan Fall classes. Please email education@wou.edu to get connected with an advisor.
Register for PACK (Prepare, Advise, Connect, Know)
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

Watch the Schedule Planner tutorial to learn how to plan your Fall classes.
Register for Fall classes (May).
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.
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

Step 5

Complete this step by the end of August.

Submit Final Transcripts and Required Forms

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
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.
Turn in the Revolving Charge Account Contract
Review the refund policy and if you have questions about your bill or payment options, contact the Business Office at 503-838- 8201.
Turn in the Health History Form and Immunization Information.