WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.000 Hello. I'm Heather Worthing, a political science major here at Western Oregon University. 00:00:05.000 --> 00:00:11.000 Today we're going to give you an overview on student life, along with admission requirements and deadlines for enrolling. 00:00:11.000 --> 00:00:18.000 Western Oregon University is actually the West's first public university, founded in 1856. 00:00:18.000 --> 00:00:23.000 Today, WOU is Oregon's premier mid-sized university. 00:00:23.000 --> 00:00:30.000 With approximately 6,500 students, an average class size of 25, and more than 50 academic fields, 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:36.000 WOU is large enough to be good, but small enough to be great. 00:00:36.000 --> 00:00:39.000 Western is just 20 minutes from the state capitol in Salem 00:00:39.000 --> 00:00:43.000 and about an hour from the popular metropolitan city of Portland. 00:00:43.000 --> 00:00:49.000 We're also a short drive from the beautiful Oregon Coast, the Cascade Mountains, and other recreation. 00:00:49.000 --> 00:00:54.000 Nearby, you'll find the scenic Willamette River, local vineyards, and lavender fields. 00:00:54.000 --> 00:00:57.000 Historically, we were known as a teachers' college. 00:00:57.000 --> 00:00:64.000 Today, Western offers a comprehensive array of innovative majors, minors, and pre-professional programs. 00:01:04.000 --> 00:01:10.000 The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to award-winning programs such as Communication Studies 00:01:10.000 --> 00:01:13.000 and offers everything from anthropology to theatre arts, 00:01:13.000 --> 00:01:20.000 including popular majors such as business, psychology, criminal justice, biology, and pre-nursing. 00:01:20.000 --> 00:01:25.000 The College of Education is home to the top American Sign Language (ASL) program in the nation. 00:01:25.000 --> 00:01:30.000 The college also offers degrees in community health education, exercise science, 00:01:30.000 --> 00:01:36.000 and is the 2010 recipient of the Christa McCauliffe Award for Excellence in Teacher Education. 00:01:37.000 --> 00:01:42.000 If you're undecided, please visit our main website at wou.edu. 00:01:42.000 --> 00:01:46.000 There you'll find detailed information on a wide variety of programs 00:01:46.000 --> 00:01:51.000 ranging from the creative arts and humanities to the natural sciences. 00:01:51.000 --> 00:01:55.000 GREEN: The faculty at WOU is focused on teaching and advising undergraduate students. 00:01:55.000 --> 00:01:58.000 In fact, Western has received several national academic advising awards. 00:01:58.000 --> 00:01:62.000 One of our award-winning professors is Dr. Michael LeMaster. 00:02:02.000 --> 00:02:09.000 Hi, I'm Shelby Green and I'm a business major at Western. Recently I had a chance to talk to Dr. LeMaster about undergraduate research and what makes Western so special. 00:02:09.000 --> 00:02:12.000 LEMASTER: Undergraduate research at Western Oregon University 00:02:12.000 --> 00:02:18.000 is where we give students a chance to get into the laboratory and try out the process of science through experiments, 00:02:18.000 --> 00:02:23.000 so they can master techniques which will help and benefit them when they get out into their career field. 00:02:23.000 --> 00:02:29.000 I think what makes Western special is we're a public institution that can offer a small, private, liberal-arts-style education. 00:02:30.000 --> 00:02:34.000 GREEN: Western is proud to announce the grand opening of the new DeVolder Family Science Center, 00:02:34.000 --> 00:02:39.000 a 22,000-square-foot, 2-story facility for chemistry and anatomy students. 00:02:39.000 --> 00:02:45.000 Meeting new people and trying new things-- that's what college is all about. At Western, we have over 50 different clubs and organizations to choose from. 00:02:45.000 --> 00:02:49.000 You can get involved in dancing, business or community services, student government. 00:02:49.000 --> 00:02:53.000 Join an academic group such as the psychology club, criminal justice, or history. 00:02:53.000 --> 00:02:56.000 Try a professional group like pre-medicine or nursing. 00:02:56.000 --> 00:02:63.000 There's Campus Crusade, Circle K International, and culture groups such as MEChA, MSU, and the Black Student Union. 00:03:03.000 --> 00:03:09.000 For the last four years I've been giving tours. I was involved with Res Life and also part of the Multicultural Student Union. 00:03:09.000 --> 00:03:15.000 BLOUIN: I love being involved here on campus because I'm able to meet new friends, take new trips, and also build a resume as a leader. 00:03:15.000 --> 00:03:18.000 Did you know WOU is Oregon's only NCAA Division II college? 00:03:18.000 --> 00:03:25.000 In fact, Western offers five men's and seven women's varsity sports, and WOU students can attend all games free of charge. 00:03:25.000 --> 00:03:29.000 Let's not forget intramural sports and other campus recreations. 00:03:29.000 --> 00:03:36.000 With a new outdoor intramural field and 80,000-square-foot Health and Wellness Center, you can exercise and stay in shape year-round. 00:03:36.000 --> 00:03:40.000 Speaking of new buildings, in 2010, Western opened a new residence hall. 00:03:41.000 --> 00:03:47.000 Ackerman Hall is home to more than 300 students and features energy-efficient classrooms, study spaces, and offices. 00:03:47.000 --> 00:03:54.000 Research shows that students who live on campus generally have higher grade point averages and graduation rates than those who live off campus. 00:03:54.000 --> 00:03:60.000 First-year students are required to live on campus, so we have three different traditional-style buildings for them to live in, 00:04:00.000 --> 00:04:03.000 as well as one that's more of a suite-style arrangement. 00:04:03.000 --> 00:04:10.000 Upperclassmen also choose to live on campus. We have apartment-style and suite-style options available to them. 00:04:10.000 --> 00:04:16.000 ESPIRITU: I really like living in Ackerman because it's green, it's a brand-new building, and it's right on campus. 00:04:16.000 --> 00:04:21.000 I don't have to worry about just being- studying in my room. I can come out into the lounge and just study. 00:04:22.000 --> 00:04:27.000 In 2012, Ackerman was selected as one of the ten greenest residence halls on the planet. How cool is that? 00:04:27.000 --> 00:04:30.000 Hi, I'm Kayla, a psychology major here at WOU. 00:04:30.000 --> 00:04:36.000 If you're like me and can't cook- well, very much, then don't worry, because University Dining has got you covered. 00:04:37.000 --> 00:04:44.000 With selections like French toast, Alfredo chicken pizza, roasted parmesan potatoes, and a full salad bar, you won't go hungry. 00:04:44.000 --> 00:04:50.000 Students can eat in the main dining facility, Valsetz Hall, or in the Werner University Center at several venues. 00:04:51.000 --> 00:04:57.000 Paying for college can be a challenge. That's why we have developed the Western Tuition Choice and the Western Undergraduate Exchange. 00:04:58.000 --> 00:04:65.000 New WOU undergrads can choose from two tuition options: the Guaranteed Western Tuition Promise or the Traditional Plan. 00:05:05.000 --> 00:05:10.000 The Western Tuition Promise guarantees undergraduate students will pay the same tuition rate for four years, 00:05:10.000 --> 00:05:14.000 while the Traditional Plan has a lower starting rate that increases annually. 00:05:14.000 --> 00:05:17.000 With WUE, the Western Undergraduate Exchange program, 00:05:17.000 --> 00:05:21.000 residents of 14 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, 00:05:21.000 --> 00:05:25.000 can qualify to receive a reduction in non-resident tuition. 00:05:25.000 --> 00:05:31.000 WUE was recently expanded to include U.S. territories in the Pacific, like Guam or American Samoa. 00:05:31.000 --> 00:05:34.000 Here's what you need to know to apply to WOU. 00:05:34.000 --> 00:05:39.000 FINDTNER: High school seniors are encouraged to apply for admission beginning September 1 of their senior year. 00:05:39.000 --> 00:05:45.000 Transfer students and freshmen who provide a complete admission file by February 28 00:05:45.000 --> 00:05:48.000 will receive priority consideration for scholarships. 00:05:48.000 --> 00:05:53.000 You can apply for admission online at wou.edu/apply. 00:05:53.000 --> 00:05:60.000 FOSTER: Everyone needs a little financial help now and then, so you can rent your books instead of purchasing them. 00:06:01.000 --> 00:06:04.000 In addition, more than two-thirds of WOU students receive financial aid. 00:06:04.000 --> 00:06:08.000 For more information, contact an admissions counselor toll-free 00:06:08.000 --> 00:06:13.000 at 1-877-877-1593 00:06:13.000 --> 00:06:17.000 or go online to wou.edu/admissions. 00:06:17.000 --> 00:06:23.000 Think about it. If you have the dreams, the drive, and the desire, then WOU is the place to be, a place where every student matters.