Access to Excellence

• Day 1 (Friday):
  • Welcome and Check-In
  • Campus Tour
  • Welcome Address
  • Sample Class Visit & Lunch
  • Resource Panels, Campus & Special Facility Tours, Financial Aid Drop-In
  • A2E Kick-Off Dinner
  • Reflections and Realities: Conversations with A2E Alums
• Day 2 (Saturday):
  • Welcome with Dean of Admissions
  • Specialized Programming
  • Breakout Sessions
  • Departure

Bearcat Day activities begin around 9:00 a.m. on the first day. Out-of-state students (those requiring a flight) should plan to arrive the day before (March 13, April 3, or April 16). The program concludes on Saturday, allowing most students to travel home that evening.

• Participating students are strongly encouraged to invite one parent/guardian to attend; 
• Reimbursement for travel expenses is limited to the participating student and one guest. Travel expenses for any additional guests will not be covered.
• The Bearcat Day and A2E schedule has been intentionally designed to ensure that the student, and their guest, learn about the opportunities that a Willamette education will provide, an introduction to the inclusive campus community, and the support offered to students. Attendees should be prepared to attend all sessions with limited distraction. Child care is not provided during the program.

• Attending the Access to Excellence program will allow you to have a clearer understanding of Willamette’s campus community and feel confident in your ultimate college choice.
• The $500 enrollment deposit, typically applied to the first semester bill, is not required to confirm enrollment. While your costs will ultimately be the same, your seat in our new class will be reserved without payment prior to your first bill.
• Students accepted to an A2E program will receive a travel grant that covers the cost of travel to and from campus, including up to two nights of hotel accommodations, air travel, ground transportation (mileage reimbursement, bus, train), and food for the student and one guest.

• Application review and notification will begin February 16, 2026. A2E applicants can expect to receive notification within two weeks of their application.
• Students will be notified by email to submit a registration form, which will include information regarding preferred travel plans.
• Once the registration form is submitted, the A2E program coordinators will review travel options and contact students with proposed arrangements and instructions to schedule a virtual appointment to review the finalized travel arrangements, program schedule and attendee expectations.
• Immediately following the virtual appointment, travel will be confirmed and final details sent.

• All participants flying from out of state will fly into and out of Portland International Airport (PDX). Participants will travel from PDX to Salem on transportation arranged by Willamette. We will make every effort to limit the time spent at the airport, but some participants may spend up to two hours upon arrival. Due to ongoing construction at PDX, we recommend remaining in the secure area where more options for dining and services are available.
• Most participating students and their guests will confirm preferred flights during their virtual appointment and the A2E program coordinators will book flights on the student’s behalf.
• Participating students and their guests are welcome to book their own flights and request reimbursement from Willamette for up to $500 in eligible travel expenses. Students should not book travel until their program selection is confirmed and have participated in a virtual appointment with one of the A2E program coordinators.
• Hotel arrangements will be confirmed by Willamette. All students and guests will stay at our partnering hotel, The Grand Hotel Salem. The Grand is located less than ½ mile from campus and within walking distance.
• While we will make all efforts to book travel that meets preferred airports, airlines, departure and arrival times, the program coordinators reserve the right to select flights with consideration of the program schedule, shuttle availability, and cost.

All guests traveling by plane must have, and provide a copy of, a form of identification acceptable for travel. Acceptable ID includes a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, U.S. passport, DHS trusted traveler card, permanent resident card, acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, among others. Additional information, including requirements for travelers under the age of 18, is available on the Transportation Safety Administration’s website. We are unable to book tickets for guests who cannot present a valid form of identification or reimburse the additional screening fee for travelers without a REAL ID-compliant form of identification.

Willamette will shuttle participants and their guests to and from the airport. Your shuttle time will be provided during your virtual appointment. We will make every effort to limit time spent at the airport, but some participants may spend up to two hours upon arrival waiting for the shuttle. Due to ongoing construction at Portland International Airport, we recommend remaining in the secure area where more options for dining exist.

• If you are arriving in Salem via Amtrak or Greyhound, your best bet is to utilize Lyft and Uber.
• Each day, we will meet all participants in the hotel lobby for a guided walk to campus. We will also guide participants back to The Grand Hotel at the end of each day. If you, or your guest, have limited mobility, please discuss this during your virtual appointment.

• Thursday: Meals purchased during travel to campus will be the responsibility of the student and their guest. An optional dinner will be provided Thursday evening for guests using transportation provided by Willamette between PDX and Salem.
• Friday: A complimentary breakfast is provided at The Grand Hotel for all guests. Lunch and dinner will be provided on campus.
• Saturday: A complimentary breakfast is provided at The Grand Hotel for all guests. Lunch will be provided on campus. Additional meals purchased during travel from campus will be the responsibility of the student and their guest.
• Any dietary restrictions should be noted on the registration form or during the virtual appointment.

Participants should discuss necessary accommodations, including for travel from The Grand Hotel and around campus, language interpretation, and any other needs during the confirmation process. We will strive to accommodate all reasonable requests.

• We recommend you bring the following:
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Comfortable footwear - our campus is about 70 acres, and the distance to the hotel is approximately ½ mile
  • Plenty of layers - spring weather in the Pacific Northwest is unpredictable so layers ensure you are comfortable inside and outside no matter the conditions
  • Sunglasses and a hat.
  • Phone/camera.
  • Acceptable ID, such as a valid passport, state-issued enhanced driver's license or U.S. military ID, to fly within the U.S.