Applied Baccalaureate Degrees

A study was initiated during the 2009 legislative session (HB 3039), which directed the Oregon Joint Board of Education to develop a plan for applied baccalaureate degrees in Oregon. These degrees are defined as bachelor’s degrees designed to incorporate applied associate courses and degrees with additional coursework emphasizing higherorder thinking skills and advanced technical knowledge and skills. The goals are to provide opportunities to Oregonians who originally aspired to two year degrees but now seek careers that require four year degrees; to provide Oregon employers with employees that have the advanced technical and management skills that increase productivity and competitiveness; and improve the efficiency of the educational delivery system thereby saving the student time and conserving valuable educational resources.

The committee that was commenced to research and report on applied baccalaureate degree programs found that Oregon has many bachelor’s degree programs that are equivalent to applied baccalaureate degrees. Their report includes recommendations about how those programs can be improved in effectiveness and efficiency. The committee also recommended that more analysis and planning work be done in the next biennium before moving forward. Read the full report:

• Applied Baccalaureate Report Draft 1.8, 7/2/2010

Rural Post-Secondary Committee

Oregon Senate Bill 442 directed the Oregon University System, on behalf of the Joint Boards of Education, to conduct a study of approaches to increase student enrollment and success for rural Oregon students in institutions of higher education. The report identifies barriers and recommends solutions. The study was informed through public hearings and conversations in seven rural communities in Oregon, reviews of national trends and promising practices and reviews of approaches in Oregon.

• Draft Report - "Rural Student Access to Higher Education in Oregon" (Adobe PDF)

Semesters Conversion Project

During the 2009 legislative session, the Oregon University System proposed a study of the conversion of some or all state institutions of higher education and community colleges to a semester calendar. The study, which has been published on the OUS website, cites arguments both for and against a conversion to semesters based on a variety of academic and administrative criteria. Below are links to the study and its components:

• Semester Conversion Research and Reports - OUS research, reports, national data, Oregon data, and background from other states.
• Semester Conversion Pros and Cons - Arguments for and against semester conversion published by OUS on October 31, 2009.
• Semester Conversion Information from Other States