SOUTHERN OREGON UNIVERSITY   2000-2001 Catalog
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Student Affairs
Student Affairs Office
Stevenson Union 324
541-552-6221
Ivan Gorne, Vice President for Student Affairs

The Office of Student Affairs supports and complements academic programs and helps students by contributing to their cultural, social, intellectual, physical, and emotional development.

The office coordinates and disseminates information about campus policies, procedures, and resources and is responsible for assisting with directory information, hearing student grievances, and administering the student conduct code.

The vice president for student affairs is responsible for all student-related services, including the Access Center, Admissions, Financial Aid, Women's Resource Center, Housing, Student Health & Wellness Center, Stevenson Union, Multicultural Affairs, Educational Activities, Athletics and Recreational Sports, Counseling Services, Career Services, Disabled Student Services, Academic Advising Services, and Academic Resource Services.

Access Center
Stevenson Union 134
541-552-6213
Kelly Hudgins, Director

The primary mission of the Student Access Center is to help students define and accomplish their academic and personal goals. This
mission is achieved through the following actions:

1. Programming focused on the developmental needs of students.

2. Individual and group advising, counseling, career, and academic support services.

3. Collaboration with all other campus units to enhance the intellectual, emotional, and physical development of students.

4. Provision of current technology to support student learning and administrative efficiency.

Academic Advising
541-552-6261
Kelly Hudgins, Director

Academic advising is available to all students attending Southern Oregon University. The Student Access Center provides many academic resources, including academic advising, personal counseling, career counseling, services for disabled students, tutoring, and skills testing.

The Access Center is located under the Bookstore (look for the green awning that says "The Underground"). We can be reached at 541-552-6213. Our goal is to help prepare students for a successful academic and personal transition to Southern.

Individual academic departments provide advising for students with declared majors.

Where to Go for Advising

Undeclared New Students or Transfer Students

These students should make an appointment with an academic advisor in the Student Access Center (541-552-6213). Students are advised on general education requirements, choosing a major, BA/BS requirements, and how to register for classes. Please ask to attend one of the new student orientation programs held during the summer and before the start of each academic term.

New Students or Transfer Students with Declared Majors

Students who have declared majors should meet with an academic advisor in their department.

Important Information You Need to Know

To help you succeed at SOU, we have devised an individual advising plan that requires at least one annual session with your advisor. Meeting with your advisor is one of the most important contacts in your academic career. Your advisor not only provides academic assistance, but also serves as a mentor and resource in your field of study.

Listed below are the things you need to do each year; they will require you to plan ahead.

Remember, yearly Academic Plans must be on file with your major department, or you may be prevented from registering for classes as a junior or senior.

Freshman Standing (0-44 credits)

Advising is done by the instructor of the University Colloquium class (Core 101, 102, 103). This yearlong course focuses on writing,
speaking, and clarifying educational goals.

The colloquium instructor assists with preparation of freshman- and sophomore-year plans, which serve as guides for course selection and overall academic planning.

Sophomore Standing (45-89 credits)

Sophomores with declared majors are assigned an advisor from their academic department. Students need to talk directly with the department to formally declare a major and get an advisor.

Sophomores without a declared major may see an advisor in the Student Access Center for help with advising and choosing a major.

All sophomores must complete a junior-year plan at the end of their sophomore year. The plan outlines courses needed during the junior year. This plan and a declaration of major must be on file by the time students accumulate 90 credits, or future registration will be blocked.

Junior Standing (90-134 credits)

Upon reaching junior standing, students must have completed the following:

1. A declared major and departmental advisor.

2. A junior-year plan filed with their major department, or registration will be blocked.

Senior Standing (135+ credits)

Upon reaching senior standing, students must have completed the following:

1. A senior-year plan filed with their major department, or future registration will be blocked.

2. An Application for Degree filed for graduation at least two terms before planning to complete degree requirements. Degree applications are available in the Registration Center.

Personal Counseling Services
Natasha Vilas, PhD, Director

Individual, couple, and group counseling services are available for students who are experiencing problems and feelings that are impeding their academic or personal fulfillment. Counseling is available to help manage a variety of issues, including those pertaining to relationships, self-esteem, stress, anxiety, depression, and other personal problems. Counseling staff members are also able to assess and refer students suffering from addiction-related problems and more severe forms of psychological distress.

Career Services
Sib Farrell, Director

Many types of career assistance are available to SOU students and alumni, such as assessment services, guidance selecting a major and career direction, job announcements, a reference library, videotapes and workshops about job-hunting skills, assistance with graduate school applications, résumé critiques, on-campus interviewing, and career fairs. All students are encouraged to become familiar with these services to help plan extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, internships, and jobs after graduation. Special file services are available for those in the teacher education programs. Some services carry modest fees.

Academic Resource Services
Kelly Hudgins, Director

These services are designed to help students develop the learning skills and study habits necessary to succeed throughout their academic careers. Specific goals are to help students know more about themselves as learners and to teach them how to improve their class performance. Services include computerized placement testing, selected tutorial assistance, individual and group consultation, and referral and coordination with other campus services.

Disabled Student Services
Margaret Dibb, Director

The University is committed to the Civil Rights statute for disabled individuals. Our goal is to provide equal access to all buildings and classrooms and to remove any attitudinal barriers disabled students might experience. SOU's provision of special services to students with disabilities is intended to equalize and give access to educational opportunities on a university-wide basis. A variety of support services are available to students, including orientation and advocacy; reasonable classroom accommodation; counseling and advising; appropriate test-taking situations; special parking; writing, notetaking, and reading assistance; special adaptive equipment for computers; taping of textbooks; resource and referral information; and other services as needed. For more information, call 541-552-6214.

SOULS (Southern Oregon University Learn and Serve)

Beginning with their freshman year, students are eligible to obtain academic credit for volunteer work in a variety of community programs. Opportunities exist for those exploring possible careers, as well as those dedicated to serving children and the elderly, homeless, and disadvantaged. Volunteers keep a progress journal and meet periodically to discuss their experiences. Agencies and schools in the Rogue Valley, Grants Pass, and Klamath Falls areas participate.

Veterans Referral Services

Student veterans in the Student Access Center are available to assist veterans in such areas as readjustment to civilian and academic life, academic advising, and other special needs. The veterans' clerk in the registrar's office is responsible for certifying attendance of veterans enrolled at SOU. Veterans who expect to receive benefits from the Veterans Administration must contact the veterans' clerk to be certified.

Schneider Children's Center
Old Mill Village
541-552-8224
Luann Lane, Director

This facility is available to the children of SOU registered students, faculty, and staff. Infant, toddler, and preschool classes are available for children six weeks to six years of age. The center, accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, offers a child-cen
tered approach to early education and care. Experiences and relationships are designed to foster emotional, social, cognitive, physical, and aesthetic development.

The Schneider Children's Center is open when class is in session. Hours are 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Time is reserved on a quarterly basis. Two nutritious meals and an afternoon snack are served every day at no extra charge. There is a waiting list, so please apply early.

College Union
Stevenson Union 321
541-552-6461
Phil L. Campbell, Director

The College Union and Educational Activities Department acts as the umbrella for a variety of programs and events. Extracurricular activities are an important and vital complement to classroom and laboratory activities. Members of this department and other University faculty work with students to develop a broad, dynamic program of activities such as art shows, lectures, concerts, films, debates, plays, music, outdoor programs, and publications. Other opportunities for student involvement include campus government, clubs, and organizations. See Student Activities for more information.

The professional staff includes the union director, who supervises operations; the associate union director, who supervises educational activities and student programs; and the associate director of student activities, who acts as a resource for student clubs and organizations. Additional staff members work closely with students to prepare and present programs and to keep reports of the variety of activities that occur in Stevenson Union.

Stevenson Union Facilities

Stevenson Union is the major service center for the campus community. It contains meeting rooms, lounges, food service areas, and study space. It houses the University Bookstore and a variety of student activities and facilities, including the student government, a games room, an outdoor program, the Siskiyou student newspaper, the Gallery, the Student Publicity Center, the Environmental Resource Center, the Office of International Programs, the Multicultural Center, the Program Board, the Student Activities Council, the West Wind Review literary journal, and the Nontraditional/Commuter Student Center.

Stevenson Union Office

This office is the center of programming and student activities for the union. All business services for Stevenson Union operations are handled here, including scheduling, catering, accounting, and purchasing.

Activities Corner

The Activities Corner is designated for use to support cocurricular activities and contains club mailboxes, work space, storage, and banner-making supplies.

Student Affairs Office

This office houses the vice president for student affairs, student government, the legal services attorney, and the student advocate.

Stevenson Union Food Service

Southern Dining offers affordable food and prompt, courteous service at the following Stevenson Union locations: Elmo's Food Court features a fantastic selection. You can choose from Asian, Mexican, or Italian foods, as well as from a variety of soups, deli sandwiches, fresh fruit, salads, and a delicious daily special. In the style of the great coffeehouses, Java Union offers specialty coffees, gourmet desserts, and snacks, not to mention friendly service and a convenient location. Subway, the popular and healthy franchise, is now on campus and features a variety of made-to-order sandwiches. Raider Aid is quick and convenient and offers snacks, beverages, and last-minute school items to its busy customers. This location is also the ticket outlet for many campus concerts and is a great place to find out about upcoming events. Global Fusion provides a nutritious, vegetarian alternative to dining in Stevenson Union. International fare, fresh smoothies, grab-and-go salads and sandwiches, and made-to-order hot items are all available daily at Global Fusion.

The convenient Southern Dining card plan is available for off-campus students, faculty, and staff and may be purchased at Raider Aid.

Bookstore
Stevenson Union
541-552-6178
Lara Mann, Director

The University Bookstore stocks all required and recommended textbooks and supplies for classes. In addition, the bookstore carries general merchandise, such as computer software and supplies, general reading and reference books, classroom and studio supplies, Raider active wear, imprinted souvenir and gift items, backpacks, stationery, greeting cards, and health and beauty aids.

Housing
Siskiyou Center
541-552-6371
Pat Sloan, Director
Housing Office

Southern Oregon University houses more than a thousand students in thirteen residence halls. Residence hall life is an integral part of the educational experience. The Office of Housing staff provide educational, cultural, social, and recreational programs that augment the learning environment outside the classroom. A staff of area coordinators, hall directors, and resident assistants enables students to live cooperatively and aids in personal and academic counseling.

Residence Halls

All halls are conveniently located on campus. Cascade Complex is composed of eight halls: Baker, Cedar, Diamond, Emerald, Forest, Glacier, Hawthorne, and Ivy. The Greensprings Complex comprises four halls. The Susanne Homes Hall consists of two wings.

Each complex has a computer lab that can be accessed only by residence hall students. Individual halls have lounges, study and recreation areas, TV lounges with cable television, card-operated laundry facilities, kitchens, and access to vending machines. Rooms are equipped with extra long twin beds, study desks, chairs, closets, bureaus, curtains, telephone jacks, extended cable TV service, Internet access, and a small refrigerator. Students furnish their own towels, bed linens, blankets, and bedspreads.

Most room applications are for double rooms; however, single rooms are assigned on a priority basis as space is available. Students should indicate on their application if they would prefer a single room, but single rooms are not guaranteed.

Special Residence Halls

SOU offers several special residence halls, including quiet, substance-free, and nonsmoking, as well as halls for older students and freshmen only.

Quiet halls have established standards governing quiet study hours. Students must sign a special quiet hall contract.

Substance-free halls contain fitness and exercise equipment and feature health-oriented programs. Tobacco products and alcohol are not permitted anywhere in the substance-free halls. In addition to the substance-free halls, other nonsmoking halls are available.

Upper division, graduate, and transfer students may choose the residence halls for older students.

Current information about the availability of special interest halls is obtainable from the housing office.

Freshman Housing Requirement

Single freshman students who enroll at Southern Oregon University within one year of high school graduation must live in residence halls unless they are living with parents, legal guardians, or have written parent or guardian approval to live off campus.

Residence Hall Reservations

Residence hall room and roommate assignments are based on the information submitted on the application. Residence hall space is assigned on a first-come basis, based on the date the housing office receives the application and reservation fee. All new students are notified in mid-August of their specific residence hall assignments for fall term.

Residence hall applications may be obtained from the admissions and housing offices. Completed applications and a $50 application and reservation fee must be mailed to the housing office as early as possible. Reservations are not accepted without the $50 application and reservation fee.

When a student moves into a room, half of the application and reservation fee is retained as an application fee and the remaining half is applied to room and board charges.

Students who fail to take occupancy the day the residence halls open for the term for which they reserved a space forfeit the entire application and reservation fee, and their application is cancelled. Students who fail to qualify for admission are refunded the entire application and reservation fee upon receiving written notification from the housing office.

Residence Hall Contract

Because contract information varies, we suggest you contact the housing office directly to address questions regarding the residence hall room and board agreement.

After the contract period begins and the student continues to be enrolled in the University, the residence hall room and board agreement can only be cancelled with an approved petition or an assessment of a fee for each of the remaining days of the contract period.

Rules and Regulations. The student agrees to abide by all federal laws, Oregon state laws, Ashland city ordinances, Southern Oregon University housing policies, and University rules and regulations as stated in the current handbooks, residence hall publications, and residence hall contract.

Only registered students are permitted to live in residence halls. When students terminate registration at the University, they must immediately move from the residence hall.

Residence Hall Rates and Payment of Room and Board

All residence halls and dining facilities are built and operated entirely with income from resident students. No state tax funds are used. For current information about room and board rates, write to the housing office.

Room and board payment is due on the first day following occupancy or on the assigned University registration date. Residence hall payment schedules require either full payment or approved deferred payment of half of the term's room and board fees. Deferred payment is required at the time of occupancy on the University registration date, with remaining fees to be paid in equal installments on the first of each of the two months following registration of that term. Payments become delinquent after the due dates; a fine of $15 is assessed for all late payments. Deferred payments for housing must be requested from the Office of business services.

Housing during Christmas break is not included in room and board costs. However, residence hall students may rent space in one of the conference halls during this period.

Food Service

An A La Carte system accommodates differences in student eating habits. Students pay only for the meals they eat and the food items they select.

A residence hall student's ID card serves as a meal card and can be used at any food service location on campus. Discounts are also available for off-campus students signing up for the Southern Dining Meal Plan. The Cascade Food Court is the primary eating facility for residence hall students. Open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. most days, it offers many nutritious choices at each meal and snacks and beverages all day.

Residence hall students can also use their Southern Dining card at the Springs Snack Store near the lobby of Greensprings and the following Stevenson Union locations: Elmo's features a terrific selection of pasta and pizza from Buitoni kitchen. Here, students may visit Casa Ortega's Mexican taco bar or Garden Party for fresh-made salads, soups, sandwiches, and wraps. Java Union offers espresso drinks and specialty coffees, fresh-baked pastries, gourmet desserts, and specialty sandwiches. Bento Express serves a variety of bento meals, chicken, beef, veggie kabobs, and Dim Sum items. Subway provides submarine sandwiches made to order. Raider Aid stocks beverages, snacks, and grab-and-go deli items. Raider Aid is also the ticket outlet for most campus concerts and events. Global Fusion offers internationally influenced vegetarian fare, including sushi wraps, panini, and smoothies. RnR features munchies to enjoy while playing pool or video and board games in the SU Games Room.

The residence hall food service also offers a variety of special functions such as outdoor barbecues, picnics, buffets, and residence hall banquets.

Student Family Housing

Old Mill Village, the family housing apartment complex, is close to the University, grade schools, middle school, and other services. This 165-unit apartment complex features 97 two-bedroom, 51 three-bedroom, 4 four-bedroom, 5 one-bedroom, and 8 studio apartments. All units have been constructed to energy-efficient standards. They include large interior and outside storage areas and built-in fire alarms and sprinkler systems. Old Mill Village has on-site laundry facilities, a childcare center, a tenant community room, six play areas, and an on-site manager.

In addition to Old Mill Village, there are thirty-six University-owned houses surrounding the campus. These houses are available to married couples with or without children, single parents with children, graduate students, and some undergraduate students on a space-available basis. A waiting list is maintained in the Old Mill Village Family Housing Office by date of deposit. For current rental rates, deposit information, and application procedures, please contact the Old Mill Village Family Housing Office at 1361 Quincy Street, Ashland, OR 97520, or call 541-552-8230.

Off-Campus Housing

Since housing is limited, applicants are encouraged to use other resources such as local rental agencies, the rental listing bulletin board in Stevenson Union, and the local newspaper, the Ashland Daily Tidings.

Office of Multicultural Affairs
Churchill 130
541-552-6114
B. Cecilia Zapata, Director

The Office of Multicultural Affairs is committed to working with students and faculty, supporting their efforts, and providing leadership in the quest for a multicultural environment at Southern Oregon University. To this end, the Office of Multicultural Affairs has a dynamic definition of multiculturalism: the interweaving of culture, race/ethnicity, social class, religion, sexuality, geographical location, age, and gender. Through this definition, we embrace similarities and respect the differences among groups, while discouraging assumptions based on stereotypical notions about a culture.
The mission of the Office of Multicultural Affairs is to advance racial and ethnic diversity and equity on the SOU campus. Our office is also committed to collaborating with and supporting the activities and efforts of racial and ethnic groups that have historically been excluded from the opportunities enjoyed by members of the predominant culture. These groups include African Americans; Asians; Pacific Islanders; gays and lesbians; Latinos; Native Americans; and Alaskan Natives. Many of these people continue to find obstacles preventing their full participation in society.

The celebration of diversity and equity is the collective work of the whole Institution and its constituencies. The unfolding of this process can only take place if the basic principles of respect and dignity are honored, regardless of the different points of view within SOU's community. Our experiences, philosophies, and perceptions regarding racial/ethnic and gender equity, as well as levels of social responsibility to deal with these inequities, vary among all of us. Frank dialogue, activities to deconstruct biases and prejudices, and collective actions all contribute to facilitating diversity on our campus.

The Office of Multicultural Affairs administers the Diversity Scholarship. The primary goal of this scholarship is to increase the diversity of SOU's student body. Important considerations include ethnic and cultural background, financial need, and academic ability. Our office has several initiatives, including prejudice reduction and conflict resolution workshops, recruitment and retention of students of color (e.g., Standing Together), mentoring programs, and multicultural curricula.

Student Health Services
Student Health and Wellness Center
541-552-6136
Susan Beardsley, MS FNP, Director

The mission of the Student Health and Wellness Center of Southern Oregon University is to promote optimal health and well-being among students through quality educational and primary care services that are confidential, convenient, and economical. We tailor our care to the unique needs of students and recognize the importance of health in achieving academic goals.

Staff

The Student Health and Wellness Center is staffed by dedicated health care professionals, including physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, counselors, and a health educator. It is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).

Services

Services provided by the Student Health and Wellness Center include diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, care of minor injuries, and gynecological care on an outpatient basis. Laboratory, pharmacy, and x-ray facilities are on-site. The center is equipped to handle the majority of acute illness and minor trauma cases common to college students. Health education and counseling services are
available and encouraged. Specialized services or prolonged care are referred as needed. The center is open Monday through Friday during daytime hours for the academic term.

Eligibility/Charges/Billing

Full-time students (those taking at least 9 credits) are automatically assessed a health service fee each term, which provides for basic health services. Students registered for fewer than 9 credits may use the Student Health and Wellness Center by paying the health fee for that term. There are additional charges to all students for prescription and nonprescription drugs, laboratory and x-ray services, and specialized procedures such as elective physicals and minor surgery. Nonstudents who are participating in on-campus workshops and programs are charged a fee for service. Services are not available to dependents of students or to faculty and staff. Additional charges are billed to Student Accounts and no payment is required at the time of visit.

The Student Health and Wellness Center is not responsible for paying bills from private physicians or hospitals. Charges incurred for services outside the Student Health and Wellness Center for specialized care and services will be at the student's expense. Because of the possibility of large expenses due to medical emergency or hospitalization, students are urged to subscribe to an additional medical insurance plan.

Medical Insurance

An optional group medical insurance plan is available to all students enrolled for 9 credits or more; it is also available to their dependents. This comprehensive major medical insurance plan is designed to give maximum protection against substantial loss due to sickness and injury. Application for the group insurance coverage during the academic year must be submitted within thirty-one days following registration each term. Application for summer coverage must be submitted within thirty-one days following the first day of registration for summer school.

Application forms are available at the insurance table during registration and at business services during the designated registration periods. For further information, contact the Student Health and Wellness Center at 541-552-6136 or the Office of Student Affairs at 541-552-6221. All foreign students (F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2 visa holders) are required to carry medical insurance comparable to the medical plan offered by SOU.

Women's Resource Center
541-552-6216
Robin DeBates, Program Director

The Women's Resource Center offers a variety of services and programs to the campus community. Focusing on issues that affect the lives of women, some of these activities include lectures, workshops, support groups, resource referrals, and other special events. The mission of the Women's Resource Center is to provide services and programs that enhance the lives of SOU women. Currently, the focus is on prevention of sexual misconduct and relationship violence.

This material is from the 2000-2001
Southern Oregon University Catalog.

Page revised August 14, 2000
Copyright 2000, Southern Oregon University.
1250 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, Oregon 97520
541/552-7672