The following letter was sent to the Willamette community on March 10.
Dear Willamette Community,
Over the past few weeks, there have been many productive conversations about Willamette Academy among university students, faculty, staff and trustees as well as academy students, families, and staff members. I commend the passion of all involved in supporting our shared commitment to make Willamette Academy a successful and sustainable program.
Willamette Academy is and will remain an important part of Willamette University – and we greatly value our relationship with students and families. The academy was founded on the premise that its students acquire essential skills to advance to and succeed in college.
Many recognize the need to honor the university’s commitment to provide access to the academy for current 8th graders, and I’m pleased to report that all current 8th grade students will remain part of the academy, served during the transitional year by a hybrid in-school program with supplemental activities on Willamette’s campus.
Participating students who remain academically qualified will transition directly into the academy in 10th grade without a new application process. Details about the transitional program are being finalized, and I will share more about the program within the coming weeks.
All current Willamette Academy students will receive priority consideration for admission to Willamette University in the future, and the university will meet the full demonstrated financial need of all current and future Willamette Academy students who enroll at Willamette.
On average, each current Willamette Academy graduate attending the university for four years receives more than $160,000 in direct scholarship support from Willamette – in addition to other forms of financial aid.
The new academy is designed to support students who want to attend Willamette or another four-year college. Academy students will not be required to attend Willamette, though those that do not will miss out on the associated support program during their first two years of college and Willamette’s guarantee to meet families’ full financial need. This is a university commitment to participating families.
Families of 8th grade students received phone calls yesterday and a letter with this information went out today (a copy is posted on the Willamette Academy website).
I want to thank those who have met with me – particularly the students, families and staff members – who expressed their feelings about the future of Willamette Academy. Though a challenging process, making updates and changes to the academy is an essential step forward to ensure it is successful and sustainable into the future.
Sincerely,
Marlene
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Marlene Moore
Dean of the College and Vice President of Academic Affairs