Extended Education Announces Strategic Rename to Outreach & Continuing Education

Western Washington University’s Extended Education unit is transitioning to its new name, Outreach and Continuing Education (OCE).

Sept. 1, 2019 will be the official launch of the new name. All systems and references to Extended Education are expected to be changed to Outreach and Continuing Education by that date, however efforts to start the process will launch as early as July 1, 2019.

The decision behind the name change rose from the unit’s mission: OCE connects learners of all ages to the Western Experience through collaborations with colleges, departments and the community, linking university resources with educational needs and opportunities both on and off main campus.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Brent Carbajal said part of Western’s goal is to reach people across the state and bridge the gap for communities removed from the main campus.

“Our Outreach and Continuing Education unit is poised to assist us in realizing various aspects of that objective by providing the educational resources and professional services sought by communities and groups not necessarily associated with our Bellingham campus or even located in the city,” Carbajal said.

Outreach comes in the form of community resources such as the Cyber Range at Olympic College-Poulsbo, Youth Programs, Western Lecture Series, the Academy for Lifelong Learning, and partnerships with community colleges to provide degree pathways in locations such as Bremerton, Everett, Poulsbo, and Port Angeles.

Continuing Education refers to emphasizing a broader range of options for students of all ages and experiences, not just for those seeking a four-year degree, including increased assess through WesternOnline. Additional outreach such as international programs and recruitment efforts, includes Asia University America Program (AUAP) and the Intensive English Program (IEP).

For an overview of OCE and the work it does, please view the Extended Forecast or visit oce.wwu.edu.