Activities Programs

Stevenson Union 321
541-552-6461
Marvin Woodard Jr., Associate Director for Student Activities

Extracurricular activities give students opportunities to develop leadership skills and improve their university experience. They also provide an avenue for expressing special talents and accelerating personal growth.

Stevenson Union serves as the hub for student activities, services, programs, and other campus amenities.

The professional staff in Stevenson Union advise and assist students with planning activities. The staff also offer suggestions on ways for students to become involved in campus activities.

Art

Art Department Chairs Gallery, Boise Cascade Gallery, Jeld-Wen Gallery, and Meyer Memorial Gallery

Located in the Marion Ady Building, all four of these galleries are reserved for student artwork in single, group, or classroom exhibitions. Local schools and selected community groups also use these areas as alternative spaces for their artwork.

The Gallery at Stevenson Union

The Gallery coordinates continuous art exhibitions featuring local and traveling shows. Exhibits include paintings, sculpture, weaving, photography, ceramics, and graphic design by professional artists. Students manage, staff, and select the exhibits, gaining practical experience in art and art management.

Retzlaff Gallery

Located in the Art Building, the Retzlaff Gallery is designed and reserved as a space for bachelor of fine arts students to present their final body of work before graduating.

Sequoia Gallery

The best-kept secret on campus, this small gallery is used by new students and local artists as a space to begin showing their work to the general public. The Sequoia Gallery is located in the University Library.

Thorndike Gallery

Located in the Art Building, this space has been designated for local and out-of-state artists. Exhibitions are selected through a review process conducted by faculty and students.

Cocurricular Programs

One World Performing Arts Series

The One World Performing Arts Series sponsors and presents a wide variety of performing arts events. Recent performers include Big Bad Voodoo Daddies, Philip Glass, Beau Soleil, and the Tibetan Monks. The performances offer a unique educational opportunity for both the audience and the students involved in presenting these events.

Student Activities Council

The Student Activities Council (SAC) comprises student volunteers and student representatives of campus groups. A small, diverse team, the SAC is dedicated to improving the quality of life at SOU through event-planning, collaboration, and increased student involvement. SAC presents Comedy Nights, regular free entertainment in Stevenson Union, and annual events such as Homecoming. Activities may include live music, novelty acts, specialty games, or other interesting and fun activities, as determined by the council.

Special Events

Each year, SOU offers special programs designed to increase student awareness of important contemporary life issues. Examples of such events are International Week, Career Education programs, and the Health Fair. These programs are developed and organized by ad hoc student and faculty committees and may take the form of symposia, workshops, lectures, discussions, or a combination of formats.

Music

The Music Department offers many opportunities for students to perform, including Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Opera Workshop, Symphonic Band, Instrumental Jazz Ensemble, Rogue Valley Symphony Orchestra, Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon, Saxophone Quartet, Clarinet Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Woodwind Quintet, Gamelan Ensemble, and Performing Chamber Ensemble. These groups provide a varied program of concerts and recitals, in addition to solo recitals by music students and faculty.

Southern Oregon University's Music Recital Hall is host to several performing arts organizations. The Rogue Valley Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Music Concerts, One World Music Series, Southern Repertory Singers, and Oregon Festival of American Music all provide student tickets at minimal cost. Touring ensembles and soloists, often with international reputations, are scheduled throughout the school year.

Inter-Residence Hall Council

The Inter-Residence Hall Council (IRC) is a representative group of students who live in the residence halls. Throughout the year, IRC provides a variety of educational and social programs, including contests, dances, and educational programs.

Theatre Arts Activities

As an outgrowth of its regular academic program, the Theatre Arts Department produces a variety of dramatic productions. The productions enhance the artistic and cultural climate of the University and southern Oregon communities. Both classic and contemporary plays are offered. Recent productions include Bram Stoker's Dracula, The Crucible, Top Girls, Waiting for Godot, The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, Zastrozzi, Elephant Man, Angels in America, Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead, Medea, The Laramie Project, Cabaret, Candide, Alaska Stories, and The Caucasian Chalk Circle. At least one production is offered each season in a popular dinner theatre format.

The productions are well-attended by students, faculty, staff, and the general public. There are also experimental, student-directed showcase and thesis productions throughout the year.

Competitive auditions are open to all students, regardless of major. Students are encouraged to inquire about the possibilities of work in acting, stage scenery, costuming, stage lighting, and theatre business. Academic credit may be offered for work in these areas.

Designated a Center of Excellence in the Fine and Performing Arts by the Oregon University System, SOU makes every effort to elevate the standards of achievement in acting, directing, and design to the level of professional theatre.

The theatre complex is an excellent facility. It houses the Dorothy Stolp Stage, a 327-seat open stage theatre; a 100-seat experimental "Black Box" theatre; and fully equipped scenery and costume shops. This professional complex offers students opportunities to gain experience in lighting, sound, scenery, and costuming.

One of the most successful regional theatres in the United States, the Tony-Award - winning Oregon Shakespeare Festival is located in Ashland. A repertory of both classic and contemporary plays is offered during the festival's nine-month season. Students have an opportunity to buy rush seats at reduced prices when tickets are available.

As part of the theatre arts program, outstanding students are able to work as interns at the festival, where some receive full-time employment upon graduation.

Ecology Center of the Siskiyous

This center works closely with students and the administration to develop programs and environmental policies that benefit and enhance the campus community. The Ecology Center provides access to internships and job openings in the environmental field, in addition to presenting speakers and special events related to environmental issues. The center houses educational resources such as journals, magazines, and videos.

Government (ASSOU)

Associated Students of Southern Oregon University
Stevenson Union 324
541-552-6653/6655

The Associated Students of Southern Oregon University (ASSOU) represents the interests of students on campus, in the community, and at the state and national levels. The organization consists of a cabinet headed by an elected president and executive vice president, with an elected senate representing academic schools and special student populations.

Student government provides opportunities for students to voice their opinions and become actively involved in the campus governance process. Students may also participate in University decisions by serving on one of the numerous student/faculty committees. Interested students are encouraged to drop by the ASSOU Office.

Honors and Awards

Honor and Recognition Societies

Southern Oregon University has many national honorary and professional organizations that enhance the educational experience. National affiliations include student chapters in:

Alpha Lambda Delta

Beta Beta Beta

Churchill Scholars

Kappa Delta Pi

National Residence Hall Honorary

Omicron Delta Epsilon

Omicron Delta Kappa

Phi Alpha Theta

Phi Beta Lambda

Phi Kappa Phi

Phi Sigma Iota

Psi Chi

Sigma Pi Sigma

SOU Nursing Honor Society

Special Honors

Each year, faculty nominate the most outstanding students for membership in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities. Students are chosen on the basis of academic excellence, participation in campus activities, and service to the University.

In the spring, two special recognition functions are held to honor outstanding students: the Honors and Awards Banquet recognizes outstanding scholars, and the Activities Dessert provides recognition for students who have excelled in leadership and cocurricular activities.

President's and Dean's Lists

At the close of each term, the provost announces the president's and dean's lists. The dean's list contains the names of all students who have completed at least 12 graded credits with a GPA ranging from 3.5 to 3.99 during the term. The president's list contains the names of all students who have completed 12 graded credits with a 4.0 GPA during the term.

KSOC

A student-run, public access cable radio station, KSOC was created as a cooperative venture between ASSOU and Rogue Valley Community Television (RVTV). The station began programming on October 2, 1998. KSOC is heard over RVTV, cable channel 31. KSOC cable-casts student- and public-produced programming during nontelevision programming hours.

The KSOC station provides a unique voice for students, who find expression through music and live programming. It also cosponsors many live performances with other student programs. KSOC is located on the first floor of Stevenson Union and can be reached at 541-552-8762.

Diversions Nightclub

Stevenson Union First Floor
541-552-6059

Located on the first floor of Stevenson Union, Diversions offers students a place to relax and unwind after a long week of school. The nightclub hosts a wide range of bands, deejays, dancing, food, and contests. Diversions is supported by student fees and the student union.

Student Organizations

Activities Corner
Stevenson Union 335

Student clubs and organizations reflect the diversity at the University. Through programs, events, and social activities, these groups address various interests, provide professional development opportunities, and add to SOU's cocurricular education.

Organizations are perhaps the easiest way for students to meet others with similar interests. Workshops are regularly offered to club members to encourage interaction and help groups meet particular goals.

Special funding is available for various organizational programs through the Inter-Club Council. The following is a representative list of active organizations:

Academic

Accounting Students Association

Alternatives in Education Coalition

Biology Club

Council for Exceptional Children

English Club

Environmental Studies Club

Fight Club

Geology Club

Hospitality Management Association

Jazz at SOU

Marketing Club: SOU Marketing Association

Math Club

Music Educators National Conference

Percussive Arts at Southern

Psi Chi

Quantum Maniacs

Raider Debaters

SOU Anthropological Society

SOU Criminology Club

SOU Pre-Law Society

Southern Oregon Chapter of Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society

Southern Oregon Fine Arts Students (SOFAS)

Student Association of Information Technology Professionals Chapter

Student Nurses Association

Multicultural

AmerAsian Student Association

Black Student Union

Celtic Club

German Club

Ho'opa'a Hawaii

International Student Association

Latino Student Union

Le Circle Français

Lesbian Bisexual Gay Trans and Allies Student Union

Native American Student Union

Spanish Club

Recreational

Aikido Club

Anime Club

Billiards

Chess Club

Crew Club

Middle Eastern Music and Dance Club

Resurrected Poets Society

Southern Oregon Wakeboarding Club

Students for Creative Anachronism

Swing and Ballroom Dance Club

Religious

Campus Crusade for Christ

Catholic Student Organization: Newman Club

Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship

IMPACT

Jewish Student Union

Latter Day Saints Student Association

Omega House

Southern Oregon Magickal Association

Service

Explorer Post

Social Issues/Political

Challenge

Feminist Scholars

Media Collective

Oregon Student Public Interest Research Group (OSPIRG)

SOU College Republicans

Students for Choice

Young Democrats of Southern Oregon

The Outdoor Program

McNeal Hall
541-552-6470

The Outdoor Program (ODP) has cross-country ski packages, snowshoes, camping gear, and rafting packages available for rent to SOU students, faculty, and staff. A resource library of outdoor books and regional maps is also available. The program has a climbing wall that is open to all qualified climbers. Students are encouraged to initiate activities that represent their specific interests or to participate in regular ODP-sponsored trips.

Religious Activities

The Newman Center, Campus Christian Ministry, and Latter Day Saints Institute are adjacent to campus and cooperate in sponsoring programs throughout the year. Social and educational activities are offered on and off campus.

Student Publications

Siskiyou Newspaper

Stevenson Union 103
Editorial: 541-552-6306
Business: 541-552-6307

The Siskiyou newspaper is published weekly and distributed on campus and at selected community locations. The student staff gains experience in every aspect of journalism and newspaper advertising. Students in management positions receive a monthly stipend. Staff may earn academic credit through the Department of Communication.

West Wind Review

Stevenson Union 116A
541-552-6518

The West Wind Review is an annual literary journal of poetry, short fiction, photography, and art by international, local, and student writers and artists. The student editor and staff are responsible for editing, producing, and marketing the journal. They also organize poetry readings and various events on campus and in the community. The editor receives a monthly stipend. Students may earn academic credit for practicum experience.

Student Publicity Center

Stevenson Union 116B
541-552-6495

The Student Publicity Center (SPC) is a graphic design center that produces a variety of camera-ready layouts, including flyers, newsletters, brochures, and résumés, as well as banners and signs. Students gain practical experience in computer graphics, electronic press, design, typesetting, illustration, paste-up, and sign-painting. Staff members receive an hourly wage and may earn academic credit for practicum experience.

Sports

McNeal Hall 138
541-552-6772
Phil Pifer, Director of Athletics and Recreational Sports

Southern Oregon University offers intercollegiate, intramural, and club sports activities. Athletic facilities are open to students when school is in session. These facilities include an indoor swimming pool, five racquetball courts, a climbing wall, a fitness center, twelve tennis courts, three basketball gymnasiums, a dance studio, a track, and a fully equipped stadium.

Varsity Program

The Southern Oregon University Raiders are members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and compete in the Cascade Collegiate Conference. Football competes as an NAIA independent, and wrestling is a member of the Northwest Wrestling Conference. Men's teams comprise basketball, cross country, football, track and field, and wrestling. Women's teams consist of basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.

Intramural Sports

A majority of the student body participates in intramural activities. Women's intercollegiate athletics include basketball, cross-country, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball, while the men's teams comprise basketball, cross-country, football, track and field, and wrestling.

Club Sports

Club sports are school activities that are not funded as varsity team sports. Club sports vary from year to year based on student interest. Active clubs presently include baseball, Olympic wrestling, rugby, skiing, soccer, and tennis. An extensive intramural program is offered throughout the year for all SOU students.