Parents, Guardians, Families

     Program Information     

Things to Know

  • Willamette Promise courses provide students with the opportunity to receive both high school and college credit simultaneously.

  • Willamette Promise courses maintain the same college-level rigor and outcomes as Western Oregon/Oregon Tech courses.

  • College credits are transferable to Western Oregon, Oregon Tech, all Oregon Public Universities, and many other institutions.

  • Students will have access to most college resources, including the library, computer lab, and disability services.

  • The total cost is $30 per year for unlimited courses. Students who qualify through SNAP, TANF, or USDA free/reduced lunch may receive a needs-based waiver and access the program at no cost.

  • A student’s university course grade may differ from their high school grades. This differentiation makes it so that university standards are applied in the same way in every school with every student. Teachers will give each student a syllabus explaining the difference between high school and university grades. If a student is unsure, we encourage them to talk to their teacher.

Interested in learning more about how to help your student succeed in Dual Credit? Check out our tips for families!

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.

While parents/guardians have access to student records when a student is under 18 and still in high school, they lose access when students participate in Willamette Promise or other dual credit programs and are attending a post-secondary institution.

As such, Willamette Promise staff can only disclose student information directly to students or school officials with a legitimate educational interest. It becomes the student’s choice and responsibility to share their education records with their parents.

To learn more, watch this video from the U.S. Department of Education.  

Credit Transferability

Each college or university determines how transfer credits apply to its degree programs. There is no universal rule for transferring credits, whether they are earned through Willamette Promise, another dual credit program, or a college.

Credits earned through Western Oregon University generally transfer to most Oregon public colleges and universities, though they may count as elective credits. Some private colleges have more restrictive transfer policies and may not accept dual credit.

Before applying, review the transfer credit policies of the colleges you're considering. Understanding these policies can help you make informed decisions about your college options.

Need help? Contact us! We're happy to answer questions and support students and families through the transfer process.

Disability Services

Students taking college/university credits while in high school are subject to the same requirements as college students.

Offices of Disability Services (ODS) at colleges and universities provide reasonable accommodations to ensure that students with disabilities have access to all programs. Through intentional interventions, programs, and services that meet federal requirements, the services encourage personal growth and increase effective communication for students.

  • Click here for specific information on Disability Services at Western Oregon University (WOU)

  • Click here for specific information on Disability Services at Oregon Institute of Technology (OT).

Use this document to understand better the differences in disability services at the high school or college/university level.

If you have questions or if we can support you in any way, don't hesitate to contact us.

Want more information? Check out Willamette Promise 101!