WOU, LBCC Announce Degree Partnership Program

Western Oregon University and Linn-Benton Community College on May 10 will finalize a partnership that makes it easier for LBCC students to transfer to WOU, a four-year university, and earn a bachelor’s degree in the expected timeline.

The Degree Partnership Program (DPP) between the two institutions marks a collaboration that ensures students who begin at LBCC have a clear four-year path to a bachelor’s degree at WOU in a variety of majors. Importantly, the two schools’ financial aid offices will work together so that students can maximize financial support at both schools simultaneously.

“This partnership represents a major step forward in how we seamlessly transfer students while helping our state meet its goals for students earning college degrees,” said Western Oregon University President Rex Fuller. “The faculty relationships and transfer pathways both schools have worked so tirelessly to create will ensure more students achieve the career-focused degrees they desire.”

In the past, community college students would sometimes lose credits when they transferred to a four-year university, or their credits would only count as electives, which was less productive in the quest for a bachelor’s degree. This problem, called “credit leakage,” often led to increased higher education costs for students, who had to stay at a university longer to make up for lost credits. The DPP alleviates that problem because faculty members at both schools have agreed upon course standards and learning outcomes for a seamless transition.

“LBCC is proud to partner with Western Oregon University to offer our students more options and greater access to those wishing to continue their education beyond our doors,” said Linn-Benton Community College President Greg Hamann.  “We believe this partnership demonstrates how we fulfill our mission, by actively supporting students to achieve their educational and career goals.  It's exciting to see all the hard work by faculty and staff from both LBCC and WOU come to fruition.”

The signing of the agreement will be at 11 a.m. May 10 at LBCC in the college boardroom, Calapooia Center room 103, and will be followed by a luncheon. Representatives from both schools and the community will be in attendance.

About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, founded in 1856 and located in Monmouth, is the state’s oldest public university. Serving approximately 5,000 students, WOU is a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution with nearly 75 percent of the student population being from Oregon. A significant portion of attendees are members of under-represented groups, veterans or non-traditional students. WOU is Oregon’s campus of choice for those seeking a transformative education in a supportive, student-centered learning community where classes are taught by faculty. Together we succeed.

About Linn-Benton Community College
More than 18,000 students rely on Linn-Benton Community College each year for higher education including career technical education, transfer degree programs, professional development, corporate training, small business development, community education classes and more. Established in 1967, LBCC serves the mid-Willamette Valley with six locations including its main campus in Albany, LBCC partners with multiple business and industries to enrich the community and support economic growth. LBCC students choose from more than 80 programs and go on to be tomorrow’s innovators, leaders, skilled workers and community builders.

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