Admissions

Most Commonly Asked Questions from Family Members

Why can't I get confidential student information from SOU about my student?
Southern Oregon University is limited by the FERPA Privacy Act of 1974 in what we can divulge about students once they begin attending SOU. The law applies to all students in higher education, regardless of age, once they begin attending classes. The law continues to apply to students even after they have graduated, but ceases to apply upon the death of the student. We may not disclose any information about students, other than directory information, to unauthorized persons or organizations. Non-disclosable information includes things like social security number, grades, academic standing, which classes a student is enrolled in, how many credit hours the student has earned, test scores, student disciplinary records and any other information considered an educational record. Authorized persons and organizations are those who have a legitimate educational interest such as employees of SOU, OUS, the US Department of Education and other education authorities carrying out official duties, as well as financial aid lenders. Also included are organizations which SOU has contracted with; these organizations are agents of the university. An example is the National Student Clearinghouse.

What resources are available at SOU if I find out my student is having troubles or health issues?
There are many resources to aid your student while in attendance at SOU. Academic and career counseling are available through Academic Support Programs. Personal counseling is available through the Student Health and Wellness Center as is medical care. These are just a few of the many resources available to students at SOU.

How do I get to Southern Oregon University?
You can get directions to SOU.

How can we visit Southern Oregon University to find out what it's like?
There are a number of different ways you can visit Southern Oregon University. There are special preview events known as Preview Days, Transfer Days and Preview Weekends. There are campus tours available as well as a self-guided tour booklet. If you plan your visit with us, we can also arrange for your student to meet with a faculty member or sit in on a class.