Introduction

Catalog Provisions

The University of Western States (UWS) catalog serves as a reference for prospective students, current students, faculty and staff members. The UWS catalog provides information regarding UWS current course offerings, curriculum requirements, academic policies and procedures, and guidelines for enrollment and degree completion. The UWS catalog is subject to change as policies, procedures and/or curriculum revisions are adopted. This catalog does not serve as a contract, but as a source of information. If university policies conflict with the information in this catalog, university policies govern. All changes to the catalog apply both to prospective students and to those who have already enrolled, unless specifically exempted. For more information, see Policy 1227 Academic Catalog.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

University of Western States admits students of any race, color, nationality, ethnic origin, sex or age to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the university. University of Western States does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or any other status protected by law in its administration of programs, activities, or employment practices. For more information about this policy and to handle inquiries, visit UWS consumer information.

Reservation of Rights

Should it be in the interest of the university or the student to do so, UWS reserves the right, without notice, to modify the requirements for admission or graduation; to change the arrangements or content of courses, the instructional materials used, the tuition and other fees; to alter any policy affecting the student body; to refuse admission or readmission to any student at any time, or to dismiss any student at any time. The university also reserves the same right for any other material in the catalog. It is the duty of the student to inquire whether any change has been made.

Welcome Message

Welcome to University of Western States (UWS)! We invite you to join our growing, dynamic community.

Initiated in Portland, Oregon in 1904, UWS has been a global leader in patient-centered, evidence-based healthcare education. Our motto, “For the Good of the Patient,” reflects our unwavering commitment to the individuals who ultimately benefit from our work. At UWS, we combine time-honored knowledge, clinical expertise, advanced technology, and scientific research with patient preferences and experiences to train healthcare professionals who deliver safe, effective, accessible, and efficient care.

UWS offers world-class academic programs, including degrees and certificates in chiropractic health care, sports medicine, functional medicine, naturopathic medicine, clinical nutrition, sport and performance psychology, mental health counseling, and occupational therapy. We also provide continuing education courses for professional development. Our hybrid learning system, equipped with cutting-edge technology, creates an engaging educational experience that allows students to learn both in Portland and worldwide.

Your journey to becoming a respected and successful healthcare professional begins at UWS. We are here to support you in achieving your goals!

UWS Mission, Vision, Goals, and Core Values

Mission

To advance the science and art of integrated health care through excellence in education and patient care.

Vision

Quality of life and wellness are advanced through transformative education and health care.

Mission Goals

• Student Success
• Stewardship and Sustainability
• Academic Excellence and Integrated Health

Core Values

• Student Focus
• Best Practices
• Curiosity
• Inclusiveness
• Professionalism
• Whole-Person Health

Institutional Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• use effective communication skills in a professional healthcare/consulting context/setting.
• employ a whole-person, individualized, evidence-informed approach to case/patient/client management.
• implement a collaborative approach to whole-person care including assessment, referral, and ongoing communication as clinically indicated.
• integrate culturally responsive practices in the care and management of patients/clients.

For the Good of the Patient

“For the Good of the Patient” is the University of Western States motto. It captures the intent behind much of what happens at the university. UWS exists to improve the health of people we serve directly or indirectly through our educational programs, scholarship and clinical services. At the core of university decision-making is the professional responsibility to patients (also referred to as clients or healthcare consumers), who ultimately benefit from the fulfillment of the university mission. This responsibility drives UWS programs, employees, students and graduates.

Accreditation

Accreditation is the voluntary process by which institutions of higher education assure and continuously improve the quality of their academic programs and supporting systems. UWS holds both institutional and programmatic accreditations.

Institutional Accreditation

University of Western States is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). NWCCU is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Accreditation of an institution of higher education by NWCCU indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited college or university is one that has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated mission through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future.

Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation. Accreditation by NWCCU applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered, or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution.

Inquiries regarding an institution’s accredited status by NWCCU should be directed to the Office of Academic Affairs via email at [email protected]. Individuals may also contact:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
8060 165th Avenue NE, Suite 200
Redmond, WA 98052
425-558-4224
www.nwccu.org

Program Accreditation

Specialized programmatic accreditation offers an additional level of accreditation for certain academic programs. Specialized accreditation organizations are approved by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Postsecondary Education to evaluate and accredit degree and certificate programs using very specific criteria.

Chiropractic Program
The doctor of chiropractic degree program at University of Western States is accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE). For more information, contact the CCE using the contact form on its website (www.cce-usa.org), call 480-443-8877 or at 10105 E Via Linda, Ste 103 PMB 3642, Scottsdale, AZ 85258.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs
The Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling is accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC). For more information, visit the MPCAC website at mpcacaccreditation.org, contact the council via email at [email protected], call 518-764-7581 or at 595 Loudon Rd, Latham, NY 12110.

Naturopathic Medicine Program
University of Western States was granted candidacy status by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education, the professional accrediting agency for naturopathic medicine programs, on April 24, 2025. Candidacy is not equivalent to accreditation and does not ensure eventual accreditation; however, it signifies that the naturopathic medicine program is recognized by the Council and is progressing toward accreditation. For more information contact the CNME using the contact form on its website (www.cnme.org), call (413) 528-8877 or at PO Box 178, Great Barrington, MA 01230.

Occupational Therapy Program
The doctor of occupational therapy program at University of Western States has applied for accreditation and has been granted candidacy status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). The occupational therapy doctoral program must have a pre-accreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted accreditation status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT^®). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). For more information, visit the ACOTE accreditation website at www.acoteonline.org, contact the Accreditation Council via email at [email protected], call 301-652-AOTA ext. 2915 or at 7501 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814.

Sport and Performance Psychology Programs
The Master of Science in sport and performance psychology, applied practice concentration; the doctor of education sport and performance psychology, sport and performance psychology consulting concentration; and the doctor of education sport and performance psychology with clinical mental health counseling specialization, sport and performance psychology consulting concentration are applicants for accreditation with GPAC (through the Association of Applied Sport Psychology - AASP). Achieving applicant status is not an indication that GPAC will grant initial accreditation. If granted initial accreditation, the effective date will be the date of the site visit upon which the successful accreditation decision was based. For further information, please visit the AASP website at https://appliedsportpsych.org/, contact via email at [email protected], call 317-205-9225 or 8365 Keystone Crossing, Suite 107, Indianapolis, IN 46240.

Degree Authorization - State of Oregon

The Oregon Office of Degree Authorization approves University of Western States to award degrees. Students should attempt to resolve any grievances they may have with their institution first. Should attempts to resolve these problems with appropriate school officials fail, or should the student be dissatisfied with the final outcome of the college complaint process, the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) can respond to a formal complaint. Students may contact the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, 3225 25th St. SE, Salem, OR 97302 or email [email protected]. Students may also access the HECC’s complaints web page or visit the complaints page at NC-SARA’s website. Students may also submit a complaint to NWCCU, the accrediting agency for University of Western States.

Distance Education and State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement

UWS is a participant in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) for distance degree-granting institutions via the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. Institutions that are members of SARA are authorized to provide online education to students from all SARA member states. States and institutions that choose to become members of SARA operate under a set of policies and standards overseen by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements and administered by four regional higher education compacts. For more information about the SARA initiative and the progress of state and institutional membership, please visit https://nc-sara.org/sara-institutions/.

University of Western States is authorized to provide online education to students who reside in 49 SARA member states in addition to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The state of California does not currently participate in the NC-SARA initiative. University of Western States is exempt from registration requirements of the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education and is permitted to offer its online programs to California residents.

Consumer Complaint Resolution Process
University of Western States seeks to resolve concerns and complaints in a fair and prompt manner. Current or prospective UWS students who have a complaint may submit their concerns to the appropriate department. Complaints about grades or student conduct should be submitted to the university and may not be appealed to the SARA portal agency. Prior to pursuing external options, exhaust all internal avenues of complaint resolution by first reviewing the Student Grievance and Appeal Process.

Students should attempt to resolve any grievances they may have with UWS first. Should attempts to resolve these problems with appropriate school officials fail, or should the student be dissatisfied with the final outcome of the university complaint process, then the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) can respond to a formal complaint. Students may contact the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, 3225 25th St. SE, Salem, OR 97302, or by sending an email to [email protected]. Students may also access the HECC Complaints webpage or visit the complaints page at NC-SARA’s website. Students may also submit a complaint to NWCCU, the accrediting agency for University of Western States.

Find more detailed information about the SARA student complaint process here.

Complaints should be filed with the SARA State Portal Entity for Oregon.

Oregon Portal Entity Contact
Veronica Dujon
Director, Office of Academic Policy and Authorization
503-508-1790
[email protected]

Higher Education Coordinating Commission
3225 25th Street SE
Salem, OR 97302

Consumers in California may file a complaint by using the Bureau’s online complaint submission link (preferred), or by downloading the complaint form and mailing it to the address below.

Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education
P.O. Box 980818
West Sacramento, CA 95798-0818

UWS Overview

UWS is organized into three academic colleges:

The College of Chiropractic offers a doctor of chiropractic (DC) degree program, a Master of Science degree program in sports medicine, and a Bachelor of Science degree program in human biology.

The College of Graduate Studies offers graduate degree programs and graduate certificate programs in the integrated health sciences. The college offers a Master of Science degree program in clinical nutrition and functional medicine, a graduate certificate in clinical nutrition and functional medicine, a doctor of clinical nutrition degree program, a doctor of occupational therapy program, Master of Science and doctor of education degree programs in sport and performance psychology, a graduate certificate in applied sport psychology, a Master of Science degree program in clinical mental health counseling, a graduate certificate in rehabilitation counseling, and a doctor of education degree program in sport and performance psychology with a clinical mental health counseling specialization.

The College of Naturopathic Medicine offers a doctor of naturopathic medicine (NMD) degree program.

Governance

University of Western States is incorporated as an independent, nonprofit institution of higher learning in the state of Oregon with academic programs leading to undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. Governance of the university is vested in the Board of Trustees. Trustees are selected for their ability, experience, integrity and interest in the development, stewardship, and growth of the university. The board appoints the university president, who serves as the chief executive officer of the institution. University administrators are responsible for the leadership and management of day-to-day operations, ensuring effective planning and allocation of resources to accomplish the mission of the university.

University of Western States is a proud member of The Community Solution Education System, an integrated private, nonprofit higher education system with member institutions located throughout the United States. As part of The Community Solution, the university benefits from a collaborative network of institutions that share centralized infrastructure, strategic support, and a common vision. The System helps its institutions build relationships, collaborate with other organizations, strengthen operations, and expand access to educational opportunities that positively impact students and communities.

History of Western States

University of Western States started in Portland, Oregon in 1904 as the Marsh Chiropractic School and Cure, and in 1907 became the Pacific College of Chiropractic. In 1913, the institution merged with other schools and became Pacific Chiropractic College. In 1932, Pacific Chiropractic College was reorganized and renamed Western States College. In 1937, the Health Research Foundation was formed as a non-profit organization under which Western States College operated. The college offered degrees in chiropractic and naturopathic medicine. The naturopathy program was discontinued in 1956.

In 1967, the school’s name changed to Western States Chiropractic College (WSCC). The institution pioneered many facets of chiropractic education, such as:

• The first chiropractic college to establish a four-year course of study.
• One of the first to be transferred from private ownership to nonprofit status.
• The first to require two years of pre-professional requirements to enroll.
• One of the first to adopt a curriculum inclusive of all the basic sciences.
• The first to be awarded a federal research grant.

In 2010, Western States Chiropractic College became University of Western States (UWS). This transition expanded the institution’s educational offerings and established a diversified and growing spectrum of offerings in integrated health care.

Presidents of UWS include Dr. W.A. Budden (1929-1954), Dr. Ralph Failor (1954-1956), Dr. Robert E. Elliot (1956-1974), Dr. Samuel G. Warren (1975-1976), Dr. Richard H. Timmins (1976-1979), Dr. Herbert J. Vear (1979-1986), Dr. William H. Dallas (1986-2003), Dr. Joseph Brimhall (2003-2024), and Dr. Nathan Long (2024-present).

See more about UWS history.

University of Western States Connected Whole Health Clinic

The University of Western States Connected Whole Health clinic delivers high quality health care services and provides training opportunities for student interns to observe and participate in patient care. Interns develop clinical competencies in the university teaching clinic, then progress into community-based clinical education and preceptorship experiences to further their skills and overall competency. UWS coordinates the placement of interns at university-approved internship and preceptor clinic sites in the United States and internationally.

Consumer Information

UWS provides all required consumer information for prospective and current students on the university website.

Drug and Alcohol Prevention

University of Western States is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for students, employees, trustees, patients and visitors. University of Western States prohibits the unlawful manufacture, possession, use, sale or distribution of alcohol, unlawful drugs, and/or drug paraphernalia, including the misuse of prescription drugs or other controlled substances and/or the use of substances not lawfully prescribed for the individual, on all university property, and at any university activity, event and/or program. Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol such that the person is unable to perform their assigned tasks is also prohibited while on any university property or at any university activity or event. Refer to Policy 1008 Drugs and Alcohol and the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention section of the UWS consumer information webpage.

Notification of Student Rights under The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords eligible students certain rights with respect to their education records. (An “eligible student” under FERPA is a student who is 18 years of age or older or who attends a postsecondary institution at any age). These rights include:

1. Access to Educational Records: The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days after the day University of Western States (UWS) receives a request for access. A student should submit to the registrar, dean, program director or other appropriate official, a written request that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The official will arrange for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the school official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
2. Amendment of Educational Records: The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.
   
   A student who wishes to ask University of Western States to amend a record should write the registrar, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed and specify why it should be changed.
   
   If the university decides not to amend the record as requested, UWS will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. Disclosure of Educational Records: The right to provide written consent before the university discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
   
   UWS discloses personally identifiable information from education records without a student’s prior written consent under the FERPA exception for disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A university official typically includes a person employed by UWS in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee. A school official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside of UWS who performs an institutional service of function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent or a student volunteering to assist another school official in performing their tasks. A school official typically has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for the institution.
4. Annual Notification of FERPA Rights: UWS provides an annual notification of student rights under FERPA. Annual notification includes information on how to access, review, and amend the educational record as well as information surrounding the disclosure of educational records, and how to file a complaint regarding a potential violation of FERPA rights.
5. Complaints of Alleged Violations of FERPA: The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by UWS to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:
   
   Family Policy Compliance Office
   U.S. Department of Education
   400 Maryland Avenue, SW
   Washington, DC 20202
   
   See the list on the following page of the disclosures that UWS may make without student consent.
   
   FERPA permits the disclosure of PII from students’ education records, without consent of the student, if the disclosure meets certain conditions found in § 99.31 and other sections of the FERPA regulations. Except for disclosures to school officials, disclosures related to some judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas, disclosures of directory information, and disclosures to the student, § 99.32 of FERPA regulations requires the institution to record the disclosure. Eligible students have a right to inspect and review the record of disclosures. A postsecondary institution may disclose PII from the education records without obtaining prior written consent of the student in certain circumstances, including but not limited to the following:

• To other school officials, including instructors, within UWS whom the school has determined to have legitimate educational interests. This includes contractors, consultants, volunteers or other parties to whom the school has outsourced institutional services or functions, provided that the conditions listed in § 99.31(a)(1)(i)(B)(1) - (a)(1)(i)(B)(3) are met. (§ 99.31(a)(1))
• To officials of another school where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer, subject to the requirements of § 99.34. (§ 99.31(a)(2))
• To certain officials of the U.S. Department of Education, the Controller General, to state and local educational authorities in connection with certain state or federally supported education programs. (§ 99.31(a)(3))
• In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received, if the information is necessary to determine eligibility for the aid, determine the amount of the aid, determine the conditions of the aid, or enforce the terms and conditions of the aid. (§ 99.31(a)(4))
• To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the school, in order to: (a) develop, validate, or administer predictive tests; (b) administer student aid programs; or (c) improve instruction. (§ 99.31(a)(6))
• To accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions. (§ 99.31(a)(7))
• To parents of an eligible student if the student is a dependent for IRS tax purposes. (§ 99.31(a)(8))
• To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena. (§ 99.31(a)(9))
• To appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency, subject to § 99.36. (§ 99.31(a)(10))
• Information the school has designated as “directory information” under § 99.37. (§ 99.31(a)(11))
• To a victim of an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense, subject to the requirements of § 99.39. The disclosure may only include the final results of the disciplinary proceeding with respect to that alleged crime or offense, regardless of the finding. (§ 99.31(a)(13))
• The final results of a disciplinary proceeding, subject to the requirements of § 99.39, if the school determines the student is an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense and the student has committed a violation of the school’s rules or policies with respect to the allegation made against him or her. (§ 99.31(a)(14))
• To parents of a student regarding the student’s violation of any federal, state or local law, or of any rule or policy of the school, governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance if the school determines the student committed a disciplinary violation and the student is under the age of 21. (§99.31(a)(15))

Education Records

At UWS, education records are defined as records, files, documents, data and other materials that contain information directly related to a student and are maintained by UWS or by a person acting for the university pursuant to UWS Policy 1232 Privacy and Confidentiality of Student Records (FERPA).

Directory information is generally not considered harmful to or invasive of students’ privacy if released to third parties and therefore may be disclosed without the prior consent of the student. Directory information includes:

• Student name
• UWS email address
• Program of study
• Degrees received
• Dates of enrollment
• Date of graduation
• Enrollment status (e.g., full-time, part-time, not enrolled, etc.)

A student is entitled to request that directory information not be made publicly available. Such a request must be made by emailing the Office of the Registrar at [email protected]. A student may submit a request to block the sharing of their directory information at any time, and the request will be effective within three (3) to five (5) business days. Submitting a request to withhold directory information blocks the release of directory items in response to inquiries made to the university by the public after the receipt of the request. The block remains in effect until it is rescinded by the student in writing to the Office of the Registrar. UWS continues to honor any request made to not release directory information about a student even after the student no longer attends the university, so long as the student has not rescinded the request.

Student Directory Information

UWS is required by law to provide directory information in accordance with the provisions of FERPA. Information pursuant to the legally required disclosure will be limited to the extent required by law. The university shall make a good-faith effort to notify individuals who have had FERPA-protected information disclosed under this requirement.

Directory information includes student name, UWS email address, program of study, degrees received, dates of enrollment, date of graduation and enrollment status. Any student who does not wish to disclose their information must notify the Office of the Registrar in writing. The Office of the Registrar or student success can provide appropriate forms to opt out of specific information disclosures.

Copyright

University of Western States (UWS) recognizes the use of third-party materials may enhance teaching, learning and research activities. The university seeks to conform with copyright laws. All university faculty, staff and students are responsible for complying with copyright laws as they apply to electronic and printed resources and media. Information regarding copyright compliance is found on the library Copyright Services page. See Policy 1024 Copyright Violation, Policy 1007 Intellectual Property and Policy 1605 Use of Copyrighted Works in Education and Research for additional information.