Student Affairs Office

Stevenson Union 324
541-552-6221
Diane Brimmer, Vice President for Student Affairs

The Student Affairs Office supports 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 following: Academic Advising Services, Academic Resource Services, the Student ACCESS Center, Admissions, Athletics and Recreational Sports, Career Services, Counseling Services, Services for Students with Disabilities, Educational Activities, Financial Aid, Housing, Multicultural Affairs, Stevenson Union, the Student Health and Wellness Center, the SOU Bookstore, and the Women's Resource Center.

Standards and Expectations

Each member of the Southern Oregon University community of students, faculty, and staff shares the expectations to:

• be an active participant in the process of education: asking questions, seeking and using resources, reading and responding to communication;
  
  
• be a positive contributor to the University, Ashland, and surrounding communities;
  
  
• conduct ourselves with civility and be held accountable as members of the SOU community;
  
  
• be respected and respectful;
  
  
• accept the concepts of volunteerism, wellness, and diversity;
  
  
• approach this educational opportunity with an open mind and a positive attitude, recognizing we all have much to learn; and
  
  
• accept admission into the University community with access to many opportunitiesincluding libraries, computers, recreational facilities, classrooms, residence halls, faculty, and staffunderstanding our responsibility to treat all with honesty, respect, and integrity.

Student ACCESS Center

Stevenson Union 134
541-552-6213

The Student ACCESS Center provides many academic resources, including academic advising, personal counseling, career counseling, services for students with disabilities, tutoring, learning skills, and placement testing.

The ACCESS Center is located below the University Bookstore (under the green awning marked "ACCESS Center") on the south side of Stevenson Union.

The primary mission of the 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 the student both inside and outside the classroom.

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

Academic Advising

541-552-6213

Academic advising is available to all students attending Southern Oregon University. The mission of the SOU advising program is to provide each student with the information and advice necessary to complete a college program appropriate to his or her developing life and career objectives. The principal goals of the advising program include delivering accurate information about degree requirements, assisting students with choosing a major, and teaching students to monitor progress toward their degrees.

Important Information

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. Annual academic plans must be prepared by and on file with your major department, or you may be prevented from registering for classes as a junior or senior.

Where to Go for Advising

New students Who Are Transfers or Undeclared Majors

Transfers and undeclared majors should make an appointment with an academic advisor in the ACCESS Center. Students are advised on general education requirements, choosing a major, BA/BS requirements, and how to register for classes. To attend one of the required New Student Orientation programs held before the start of each academic term, please contact the Office of Admissions or the dean of students. If you have questions regarding general education requirements, you are encouraged to see an advisor in the Student ACCESS Center. Once you have selected a major, you will be advised by a faculty member within your major department.

Freshman Standing (0 - 44 credits)

The University Colloquium instructor provides advising for all freshmen required to complete CORE 101, 102, and 103. This yearlong sequence of courses focuses on writing, speaking, and clarifying educational goals.

The Colloquium instructor assists with the 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 within their academic department. Sophomores must contact their major department to formally declare a major and request an advisor.

Sophomores without a declared major continue to be advised and receive assistance in deciding a major at the Student ACCESS Center.

All sophomores must declare a major and complete a junior plan in their chosen department by the conclusion of their sophomore 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, you must have completed the following (or your registration will be blocked):

• Declared a major

• Secured a departmental advisor

• Filed a junior plan with your major department

Senior Standing (135+ credits)

Upon reaching senior standing, you must have completed the following (or your registration will be blocked):

• Filed a senior plan with your major department.
  
  
• Filed an Application for Degree for graduation at least two terms prior to the term in which you plan to complete degree requirements. Applications for Degree are available in the Registration Center.

Career Services

541-552-6213

Many types of career assistance are available to SOU students and alumni, such as assessment services, guidance in selecting a major and career direction, internships, 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. You are encouraged to become familiar with these services to help plan extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, internships, and jobs after graduation. For more information, visit the Career Services Web site at www.sou.edu/careers.

Disability Services for Students

541-552-6213
Margaret Dibb, Director

The University is committed to meeting its obligations to persons with disabilities, as set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Our goal is to provide equal access to all buildings and classrooms and to remove any attitudinal barriers students with disabilities 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 student support services are available, 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; resources and referral information; and other services as needed.

Personal Counseling

541-552-6213
Alan Weisbard, Director

SOU offers individual, couple, and group counseling services for students 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.

Southern Oregon University Lead and Serve (SOULS)

541-552-6213
Sib Farrell, Coordinator

Beginning freshman year, SOU students are eligible to obtain academic credit for volunteer work in a variety of community programs. Those exploring possible careers or who are dedicated to serving children and the elderly, homeless, and disadvantaged will appreciate the opportunities available through SOULS. 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

541-552-6213

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 for 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. Accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, the center offers a child-centered 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.to 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.

Student Union

Stevenson Union 321
541-552-6461

Stevenson Union and the Educational Activities Department sponsor a variety of programs and events. Extracurricular activities are an important complement to classroom and laboratory activities. Members of this department and other SOU faculty work with students to develop a broad, dynamic program of activities, including art shows, lectures, concerts, films, debates, plays, and publications. Other opportunities for student involvement include campus government, clubs, and organizations. See Student Activities on printed catalog page 24 for more information.

The professional staff comprises the union director, who supervises operations; the associate director, who supervises educational activities and student programs; the student publications advisor; and the Women's Resource Center program director. Additional staff members work closely with students to coordinate programs and maintain reports of the activities 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 spaces. The Union houses the University Bookstore and a variety of student activities and facilities, including the student government, the Diversions nightclub, the student-run radio station (KSOC), the Siskiyou student newspaper, a 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, the Women's Resource Center, and the Nontraditional/Commuter Student Center.

Stevenson Union Office

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

Activities Corner

The SOU Activities Corner supports cocurricular activities and contains club mailboxes, work space, storage areas, and banner-making supplies.

Student Affairs Office

This office houses the vice president for student affairs, the student government, the legal services attorney, the National Student Exchange, 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 features a terrific selection of pasta and pizza from Buitoni Kitchen. Students may choose from Casa Ortega's Mexican taco bar or Garden Party's fresh-made salads, soups, sandwiches, and wraps. Java Union provides espresso drinks, specialty coffees, fresh-baked pastries, gourmet desserts, and sandwiches. Bento Express serves a variety of bento meals, chicken, beef, veggie kabobs, and Dim Sum items. Subway offers made-to-order submarine sandwiches. 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 serves internationally influenced vegetarian fare, including sushi wraps, panini, and smoothies. SOU NightLife hosts dances and activities in Diversions, a nightclub and snack area.

University Bookstore

Stevenson Union
541-552-6178
Lara Mann, Director

The SOU Bookstore stocks all required and recommended textbooks and supplies for classes. The bookstore also carries a wide selection of merchandise, including general reading and reference books; SOU emblematic clothing and gift items; school, office, and art supplies; gift items; backpacks; greeting cards; and health and beauty aids. In addition, the bookstore offers computer products such as residence hall connection kits, floppy and zip disks, computer cables, printer ribbons, and academically priced software. The bookstore offers debit accounts for purchases at the store.

Housing

Siskiyou Center
541-552-6371

Housing Office

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

Residence Halls

All thirteen halls are conveniently located on campus. The 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 houses a computer lab that can be accessed only by residence hall students. Individual halls contain lounges, study and recreation areas, TV lounges with cable television, card-operated laundry facilities, kitchens, and vending machines. Rooms are equipped with extra-long twin beds, study desks, chairs, closets, bureaus, curtains, telephone jacks, extended basic cable TV service, high-speed 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. Halls for older students are also available.

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. Other nonsmoking halls are available in addition to the substance-free halls.

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

Students may request information about the availability of particular halls from the Housing Office.

Freshman Housing Requirement

Unmarried freshman students who enroll at SOU within one year of high school graduation must live in the residence halls unless they are living with their parents or legal guardians, or they 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 housing 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 Office or the Housing Office. Completed applications, along with 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, while 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 reservation is cancelled. Students who have been denied admission to SOU will be refunded the entire application and reservation fee upon written request to the Housing Office.

Residence Hall Contract

Because contract information varies, we suggest you contact the Housing Office directly regarding questions about the residence hall room and board agreement.

After the contract period begins and the student is 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, state Oregon laws, Ashland city ordinances, SOU 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 SOU 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 Business Services.

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

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 student's ID card serves as a meal card and may 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, located in the Cascade Complex, is the primary eating facility for residence hall students. Open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. most days, Cascade offers many nutritious choices at each meal and snacks and beverages all day.

Residence hall students may also use their Southern Dining card at the Springs Snack Store near the lobby of Greensprings and the following Stevenson Union locations: Elmo's, Java Union, Bento Express, Subway, Raider Aid, and Global Fusion. 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

The family housing apartment complex, Old Mill Village is near the SOU campus, as well as grade schools, middle schools, and other facilities. 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 exterior 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 Ashland Daily Tidings, the local newspaper.

Office of Multicultural Affairs

541-552-8163

The Office of Multicultural Affairs is committed to working with, supporting the efforts of, and providing leadership to students and faculty in the quest for a multicultural environment at SOU. 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. The 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 the SOU 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 Welcoming Diversity and conflict resolution workshops, the Standing Together Program, mentoring programs, and multicultural curricula.

Student Health Services

Student Health and Wellness Center
541-552-6136
Diane Potratz, 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 Health and Wellness Center is staffed by dedicated health care professionals, including physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, a psychiatric mental health nurse practictioner, and a health educator. It is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.

Services

The Student Health and Wellness Center provides such services as 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 the student's account and no payment is required at the time of visit.

The SOU 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 are 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

Southern Oregon University provides a basic health insurance program for all students taking 9 or more credits during the fall, winter, and spring terms. Purchased automatically for students at $16 a term, this basic minimum plan is designed to assist with medical expenses for most minor illnesses and injuries, including lab costs. Students may waive the basic coverage by giving the Health and Wellness Center proof of other insurance within thirty days of the start of each term. Students may also purchase Southern Oregon University's voluntary insurance program, since the basic plan alone is not sufficient to cover major illnesses or injuries. This insurance program provides extended coverage for students and their eligible dependents.

Application forms are available at the insurance table during registration and at Business Services during the designated registration periods. For more information, please contact the Student Health and Wellness Center at 541-552-6136 or Student Affairs at 541-552-6221. All foreign students (F-1, F-2, J-1, and 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

The Women's Resource Center (WRC) provides educational programs and support services that enhance the quality of life for Southern Oregon University women. The center serves as a resource on gender issues for female and male students, faculty, and staff. Historically a feminist-identified organization, the WRC houses extensive information on community resources; takes a leadership role in the prevention of sexual assault; and offers work-study, volunteer, and practicum opportunities to SOU students.