Most people view the average college student as someone between 18 to 22 years old. Increasingly, this view does not fit the reality at both public and private universities. The National Center for Education Studies reported that the number of students under 25 years old at private nonprofit universities to be 69%. This means that 31% are over 25. These percentages are similar to the demographics of the Salem Campus.
In a March 2014 report, Hanover Research presented the following findings: “In the United States, the number of adult learners returning to higher education, particularly for continuing education, has been rapidly increasing. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, ‘in recent years, the percentage increase in the number of students age 25 and over has been larger than the percentage increase in the number of younger students, and this pattern is expected to continue.’ By 2020, the percentage of enrollments for students 25 and older is projected to increase by 20 percent over 2010 levels.”
We share this information with you as a way of reminding you that the Salem campus exists to serve both TRADITIONAL (under 25 years old) and NONTRADITIONAL (over 25 years old) students. In fact, because of schedule and flexibility, Salem is ideally suited for adult learners and the person who desires to return to school to complete a degree OR who needs additional education to advance their career.

Student Focus | Khalil Burton
Recently Khalil had the following to say about his experience as a student at NU Salem:

“Our community is close and highly relational. There is a tremendous sense of trust, companionship, and camaraderie between all age groups on campus.”
“I truly and genuinely care about the other students on campus and am excited for their futures and the positive events that take place in their lives.”
“The things we learn in class challenge my preunderstandings and past beliefs in a positive way. God is no longer an intangible being that none of us can grasp or understand but a more relational and loving Person that I can get to know.”

During the Influence Conference (prior to General Council 17 Anaheim), Dr. Chris Railey, Director of the Church Multiplication Network, shared an compelling vision for church planting in the Assemblies of God. The General Presbytery has approved a 10-year, $90 million dollar plan to plant 10,000 A/G churches (or sites) in the United States. There are currently 13,023 churches. While this plan offers multiple challenges, an obvious need is for the training of new credentialed ministers. Northwest University is prepared to be a significant player in training ministers for the 10K goal. Extension campuses, such as Salem and Sacramento, as well as our growing number of Church Partnership Programs are uniquely positioned to offer an affordable and academically excellent university-level education to future church planters.
Now, possibly more than ever before, there is the need for pastors’ share their story of how they were called into vocational ministry and to boldly ask others to consider whether the Lord desires to use them in His mission.

NU Salem Facility
One of the major things that makes the Salem Campus a “superior value” is its exceptional faculty. Please go to our website to see an updated listing of our faculty, their educational background, and other professional information.

How would you describe the sense of community at the Salem campus?
(Casey Olson) I would describe the sense of community at the Salem campus as wonderfully diverse. From the classroom, to chapel, and everywhere in-between, you can expect excellent relationships with people from different demographics who genuinely care about getting to do life with you.
(Trenton Reich) The small community atmosphere that is created by classmates of various ages and professors from all walks of life makes us a diverse family. A family all with the same goal, seeing others come to Christ. Due to the limited number of people, you would think that there wouldn’t be such a noticeable difference between the individuals but with my experience there you really can’t put any single one of us in a box. We all have such a unique background and call, but we all want to impact the world whatever it costs.

What do you see are the (non-academic) benefits of being a student at the Salem campus?
(Trenton Reich) I think the largest benefit (non-academically) of being a student at the Salem Campus is the relationships we can build with those serving in local churches all around the area. When you go to larger schools you have people from all over the country or world attending a campus for the experience or the education, but we are all local church goers looking to further our ability of leading local communities in Oregon. Each week we get to step outside our large difficult world and come together to learn, grow, and encourage one another.

How is what you are learning in the classroom helping you in your current ministry role(s)?
(Casey Olson) Classroom curriculum and encouragement from professors has been extremely helpful in my ministry role. There have been countless weeks that I have been able to apply a class' teaching directly to a situation I have to work through in my ministry role.

New Instructors
We are pleased to be adding several new instructors to our already exceptional faculty.
Robert A. Frank: Professor Frank has an extensive teaching background, serving the following institutions: Corban University, Northwest Christian University, Atlanta Christian College, Crichton College, Great Commandment College, and ITT-Tech. His educational background includes a MA in Specialized Ministry from Western Seminary and an Instructional Systems Technology (IST) certificate from Indiana University. Professor Frank will be teaching information systems management this fall and project management in the spring.
Rev. Sean Odell: Professor Odell is the Lead Pastor of Alsea Christian Fellowship with campuses in Alsea and Waldport, Oregon. In additional to his pastoral role, Rev. Odell taught at Evangel Heights Christian Academy. Professor Odell’s educational background includes a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Liberty University and is currently working towards a Master of Theology (Th.M.). Pastor Odell is credentialed with the Oregon Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God and will be teaching ministry administration this fall.
Please go to our website for a full directory of the Salem campus faculty.

Northwest University will apply up to six credits per credential level attained for Assemblies of God (A/G) ministers. Therefore, if you are a Level 2 – Licensed Minister, you may be able to apply 12 credits to a degree offered at the Salem campus. An associate degree is 60 credits, therefore, a Licensed Minister would only need 48 more credits to graduate with an Associate in Ministry Leadership, Business Management, or Psychology degree. Note: A Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is 120 credits.
As you are aware, a college education has become more important than ever in qualifying for a career, including ministry vocations. Additionally, many ministers serve in a context that requires them to be bi-vocational. A college degree could equip and enable a minister to a secure better paying job to supplement their ministry income and support their family.
Related article
Contact Mark Robinson if you would like to know more about how to apply your A/G ministry credentials to a degree at Salem.

Fall 17 Application Deadline
NU at Salem is the most affordable Christian university in the Pacific Northwest. When affordability is combined with a convenient schedule and our exceptional faculty, the result is a SUPERIOR VALUE. The deadline for fall applications is July 30. Click here to apply

Northwest University at Salem offers MORE than you think:
MORE Convenience, MORE Flexibility, MORE Affordability, and MORE Options

Serving Opportunity | You can be a huge blessing this summer!
If your church, or possibly a small group from your church, is looking for a serving project this summer, we have a prime opportunity at the Salem campus. We are in the process of replacing the carpet in the upper level of our building with carpet tiles. In one half-day or full-day, you could make a huge difference at the Salem campus. The carpet tiles and other installation supplies have already been acquired. If you have someone who is a flooring installer or possesses moderate DIY skills, we can show you how to install the tiles. The remaining areas are the staff workroom, four offices, and the conference room, or approximately 2,000 square feet. Please contact Mark Robinson for more information

Salem Commencement Ceremony Report
On Tuesday, May 9, over 200 people gathered to celebrate the largest graduating class in the history of the Salem campus. Eleven students received certificates or degrees: Two Certificates in Ministry Leadership (CML), four Associate in Ministry Leadership (AML) degrees, four Bachelor of Arts in Ministry Leadership (BAML) degrees, and the first Salem Campus Bachelor of Arts in Psychology graduate. Congratulations to the Class of 2017!

MA in Ministry Leadership | Interested?
A major component of the Salem enrollment strategy is to begin offering more graduate degrees. Over the next five years we have a desire to add ministry-related master’s degrees, and possibly master’s in other disciplines, i.e. education, and business. We would like to gauge the interest in a Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership (MACM), with a potential start date of January 2018. If you would like more information about this program, please email Mark Robinson

Fall 17 Application Deadline
NU at Salem is the most affordable Christian university in the Pacific Northwest. When affordability is combined with a convenient schedule and our exceptional faculty, the result is a SUPERIOR VALUE. The deadline for fall applications is July 30

Serving Opportunity | You can be a blessing this summer!
If your church, or possibly a small group from your church, is looking for a serving project this summer, we have a prime opportunity at the Salem campus. We are in the process of replacing the carpet in the upper level of our building with carpet tiles. In one half-day or full-day, you could make a huge difference at the Salem campus. The carpet tiles and other installation supplies have already been acquired. If you have someone who is a flooring installer or possesses moderate DIY skills, we can show you how to install the tiles. The remaining areas are the staff workroom, four offices, and the conference room, or approximately 2,000 square feet. Please contact Mark Robinson for more information

Monday, April 24, 8:00 pm (or immediately following the evening gathering), Peoples Church, Salem

Alumni of Northwest University (Salem, Kirkland, Online) and Salem Bible College) are invited to a relaxed dessert reception in the Music Room (located adjacent to the east end of the lobby). This is a great opportunity to connect with friends and to possibly win NU swag.

NORTHWEST UNIVERSITY at the OMN Summit
If you attend this year's OMN Summit at Peoples Church, April 24-26, please take the time to stop by the Northwest University display. As one university with multiple campuses, we will have information about all of the opportunities that exist at the "University of Possibility." There will be printed promotional material, including a newly released Salem campus poster, available for you to take and use in your ministry context.

DESSERT OPEN HOUSE | MONDAY, MAY 22
Prospective students are invited to a Dessert Open House at the Salem Campus from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. The location of the campus is: Bethel Park, 5313 Faith Avenue NE, Brooks (Salem), 97305. To RSVP for the Open House email Mark Robinson: mark.robinson@northwestu.edu

TAX BENEFITS FOR EDUCATION
The IRS currently offers two tax credits for qualified educational expenses:
American Opportunity Tax Credit (for undergraduates) provides up to a $2,500 tax credit per eligible student.

Lifetime Learning Credit (for graduate students) provides up to a $2,000 tax credit per tax return.
To learn more about these tax benefits click here.

Do you know people with a well-developed gift of teaching who are not utilizing it to the fullest?
We are looking for highly qualified BUSINESS and PSYCHOLOGY faculty to join our team of adjunct (part-time) instructors at the Salem campus. Salem faculty have earned a masters or, preferably, a doctorate in their area of expertise, are experienced in their field, creative communicators, and love to coach others on their journey of vocational preparation. Classes meet generally in the afternoons or evenings. Interested persons should contact Dr. Lamm Bray.

Start a Scholarship Fund
The Salem Campus Advancement Director, Mark Robinson, has created a resource tool for churches that would like to start a scholarship fund: HOW TO START A SCHOLARSHIP FUND. It is much easier than most imagine, and a fund can be established with limited impact to the church budget.
Download the free color brochure today
(Permission granted to print unlimited copies)

One of the best ways to see if a particular university is a good fit is to visit. Here at the Salem campus we provide multiple ways for prospective students to explore and experience NU at Salem:
Personal Visit
We would love the opportunity to schedule a personal visit for you. We can arrange a tour at any time that is most convenient for you. If you would like to experience a live class as part of your visit please keep in mind classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with start times of 3:00 pm and 6:45 pm. During your personal visit we can talk about NU at Salem's degree programs, unique schedule, application process, financial aid, and our exceptional faculty.
Course Visit Program
The purpose of the Course Visit Program (CVP) is to provide prospective students an opportunity to experience a class for up to a full session (seven weeks), without cost. We can offer suggestions as to what course will provide you with the best opportunity to see what it is like to be an NU at Salem student. There are specific guidelines to be followed and a simple application process for participants in the CVP. We have multiple people registered to 'visit' Identity and Vocation, which is offered on Thursdays from 6:45-9:30 pm, beginning January 12.
Information about the above visit options is available on our website:
For scheduled visits from churches and Christian schools, we extend two added benefits:
One, we will provide a pizza lunch or dinner for your group; and,
Two, we will waive the $30 application fee for those in your group who decide to apply to Salem (within 30 days of the visit).
Contact Mark Robinson, if you have questions about these visit options or would like to schedule your personal or group visit to NU at Salem.

One of the primary ways NU at Salem is able to make a university-level education affordable is through the utilization of adjunct faculty. Adjuncts are part-time instructors. They may teach one course per school year, or up to three courses per semester. In most cases the Salem faculty have full-time occupations related to their academic field. As part of our "Faculty & Staff" webpage, we provide information regarding the additional role(s) served by each member: https://salem.northwestu.edu/faculty

One of the factors that make the Salem faculty exceptional is the fact that they not only are they academically qualified to teach (which is a strict requirement of our accreditation), but most are currently employed in their area of expertise. For example, our psychology instructors have private counseling practices. For this reason, they are able to bring to the classroom academic instruction that is rooted in the context of present day culture, circumstances, and challenges.

Dr. Debbie Lamm Bray, Director of Academic Services for Salem, offers this statement about our faculty: "Our faculty represent a variety of types of experiences and perspectives in teaching, counseling, pastoring, consulting, and other fields. Not only has most of our faculty earned terminal degrees, but all of them bring fresh practical experience to the classroom. Beyond their academic and professional expertise, our instructors also care deeply about students and go out of their way to be accessible and to invest in students' learning and growth."

NU at Salem Courses for Spring 2017

Session A courses (Begin: January 2; End: February 24): Ministry Operations, Composition I, Theology of Ministry Essentials, New Testament History & Literature, and Identity and Vocation.

Session B courses (Begin: March 6; End: May 5): Pentecostal Spirituality, Marriage & Family, Corinthian Correspondence, Composition II, Survey of American Literature, and Jesus the Messiah.