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Making College More Accessible

Scenic image of the black entrance sign to Oregon State University with trees in the background

Podcast highlight: Behind the scenes of Oregon State’s successful microcredential initiative

4 minute read On the Modern Campus “Illumination” podcast, Lisa L. Templeton — vice provost of Oregon State’s Division of Educational Ventures — discusses the expansion of the OSU’s microcredential initiative and the importance of access and affordability for today’s learners.

A person with painted nails, holding a box full of desk item hands over a written resignation.

Use this checklist before you quit your job

5 minute read Deciding whether or not to quit your job is never an easy task. This piece takes a look at some preliminary steps you can take before you take the plunge. From improving professional skills to networking, more preparation for your next career move than you think can be done through online education.

Melissa Whitney, an Oregon State University graduate and enrollment specialist, stands in a farm field at dusk holding a large lens camera.

3 reasons to earn a business and communications microcredential online

2 minute read The field of business and communications is rapidly evolving. And employers need people with the relevant and in-demand skills to meet organizational needs. Enter: microcredentials. In a few short courses, you can gain skills in business and communications and earn a digital badge to signify to employers your unique skills.

An Ecampus student sits at a table wearing a bright pink shirt smiling at someone unseen across from her. She sits with a pencil in her hand over a notebook and a laptop open in front of her.

What is a microcredential? Here’s what you should know

5 minute read Microcredentials are a step toward shorter, more affordable offerings at Oregon State University for those who are not interested in earning a degree or completing a certificate. But with evolution often come questions, so let’s explore the basics and beyond.

‘Am I too old to go back to school?’ And other questions from adult learners

4 minute read Starting something new is always daunting, but returning to something you put down a long time ago can often be just as intimidating. Before you talk yourself out of going back to school because you feel too old to dust off your “learning cap,” let’s answer a few questions, including what programs are best for adult learners and what to expect when going back to school as an adult.

A person sitting at a table and typing on a laptop, with an Oregon State University water bottle in the foreground.

Online applied humanities degree provides professional skills in an affordable manner

3 minute read Driven to help adult learners with some college experience finish their degrees online in an affordable manner while enhancing professional skills, Oregon State University offers an applied humanities bachelor’s program that features career-focused courses, a zero-tuition benefit and low-cost learning materials.

Ecampus student Karen Baek sits at a laptop in an OSU building. She has a book and handwritten notes nearby.

Textbooks are way too expensive. Oregon State is saving students millions.

3 minute read College textbooks are way too expensive, and Oregon State — with its faculty leading the way — is on a mission to make college more affordable and accessible for students. With the support of the OSU Open Educational Resources Unit, an increasing number of OSU instructors are adopting, adapting and authoring no-cost and low-cost course materials.

Former NFL standout Steven Jackson creates greater diversity for a stronger OSU

3 minute read Former Oregon State and NFL running back Steven Jackson — who now serves as an OSU Foundation Trustee and on the advisory board for OSU’s director of athletics — made a gift to create the Jackson Family Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Fund. It aims to help Oregon State pilot a new program designed to help the university recruit underrepresented faculty and staff.