3/12/2024
Monmouth, OR. – Western Oregon University recently unveiled its new strategic plan. In an official press release the university states “the plan charts the course of the university’s growth over the next six years focusing on four key goals which include institutional sustainability, student success, transformational diversity, and community strength.”
A few months ago the university announced that it was changing its grading policy so students who would have traditionally received a grade of D- or F would now receive a mark of No Credit. Additionally, receiving such a mark will not effect the student’s GPA. The Oregon Association of Scholars expressed concerns about this new grading policy in a prepared statement. “This approach seems poised to increase retention by keeping struggling students in the system regardless of performance, until administrators can find a combination of courses to put a degree in their hand. Ensuring students can perform academically should come first.” They went on to state that “[s]tudents deserve the opportunity to try, to push themselves, and to fail. They have the right to be treated like adults, the right to fail and to learn from it. What they take away from that experience should be up to them to work out, not something framed-up for them by college administrators with cause to mask their problems with student retention and performance.” Both the grading policy change and the new strategic plan cite increasing graduation rates as target goals.
Data from Research.com shows WOU’s institutional struggles with graduation and retention. The report states “graduation rate is 48%, placing it in the bottom 35% of institutions. The retention rate, which measures the percentage of students who return to the university after their first year, is 65%, placing Western Oregon University in the bottom 30%. The 6-year graduation rate is also 48%, while the 4-year graduation rate is 27%, both of which are in the bottom 35% and 25%, respectively.”
The outcomes to address retention and graduation that WOU identifies in their new strategic plan are: “Students are supported in a way that fosters satisfaction, belonging, engagement, and empowerment. Students complete their educational goals and develop a lifelong learning mindset, preparing them for continuous education and professional development throughout their careers.” for the area of Student Success, which speaks to graduation and retention. The outcomes for the other areas of the plan are also phrased in very general terms. The sample metrics for student success identify graduation rates and job placement rates but the document does not demonstrate a connection between these metrics and any specific target outcomes.
The official release from the university goes on to speak to their perspective on the new strategic plan:
Western’s new mission statement, pending approval by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, centers on the principles of personalized learning, fostering a sense of belonging, and empowering individuals. The new vision incorporates becoming a model of intentional inclusion and accessibility and improving social mobility and overall life success through focusing on critical thinking and communication skills. The Core Values include Centering Students, Embracing Diversity, Fostering Accessibility, and Valuing Community.
President Peters explains that a strategic plan is both aspirational and inspirational. He says that it sets a tone and provides a clear framework that the university can use to set objectives and make decisions. “This new plan marks a new phase for Western Oregon University. This university has always sought academic excellence, been committed to community engagement, and worked for the success of students and employees. But now we are leaning into new strategies and directions, articulating with greater clarity just what type of institution we plan to be.”
Peters shares that the new strategic plan captures the sentiments of the campus community about Western’s strengths and identity while also pushing the university in bold directions. He adds that the new plan grows out of the last plan while more clearly and directly stating who Western is and plans to be as an institution.
“We applaud Western for developing an exemplary strategic plan that seamlessly integrates all facets of the university. This comprehensive approach acknowledges and values the strides already taken in these areas, strengthening our collective commitment towards achieving our goals,” said Board of Trustees Chair Betty Komp.
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