Bill > HB2665

This bill establishes Central Oregon University (COU) as a new public university in Oregon, effectively transitioning Oregon State University - Cascades into a separate, independent institution. The bill amends existing Oregon Revised Statutes to add COU to the list of state public universities, designate it as a comprehensive university that can offer baccalaureate and graduate programs through professional doctoral degrees, and create a separate governing board known as the Board of Trustees of Central Oregon University. The legislation provides a detailed transition plan, including provisions that ensure current OSU-Cascades employees will retain their seniority and contractual rights, and that all existing funds, resources, ongoing proceedings, and administrative policies will transfer to the new university. The Governor is required to appoint the initial COU Board of Trustees by November 30, 2025, with Senate confirmation by March 1, 2026, and the Oregon State University Board of Trustees will maintain jurisdiction over OSU-Cascades until June 30, 2026. The new university will become fully operational on July 1, 2026, and the bill itself will take effect 91 days after the 2025 legislative session adjourns.

Education

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB2665