Oregon State University Cascades is making waves as the fastest-growing university in the state, but questions linger about how to fairly evaluate its projects compared to other public universities. During a recent meeting of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Capital Construction, representatives discussed the challenges of creating a consistent evaluation rubric for university projects.

The conversation highlighted OSU Cascades' unique position as a new institution serving a historically underserved area. "How do we sort of fairly evaluate the projects in OSU Cascades?" one representative asked, emphasizing the need for a tailored approach. Co-chair Representative Crow acknowledged the ongoing struggle to address this issue since the commission's inception.

As OSU Cascades continues to expand its reach and impact, the committee's discussions signal a critical moment for ensuring equitable support for its development projects. The outcome of these evaluations could shape the future of higher education in Oregon, particularly for communities that have long awaited access to quality educational resources.