2007 - 2008 University Catalog
Academic Services
Academic Advising at the ACCESS Center
Stevenson Union 134541-552-6213
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.
Meeting with an advisor is one of the most important contacts in the student’s academic career. Advisors not only provide academic assistance, but also serve as mentors and resources in the student’s field of study.
Transfers or Undeclared Majors
New transfer students and all students who are undeclared majors should make an appointment to see an academic advisor in the ACCESS Center. Students entering in fall will be invited to receive their academic advising during Raider Registration held each summer. Students are advised on University Studies requirements, choosing a major, BA/BS requirements, and how to register for classes.
If you have questions regarding University Studies requirements, you are encouraged to see an advisor in the ACCESS Center. After you have selected a major, you will be advised by a faculty member within your major department.
All students have access to advising services at SOU’s ACCESS Center.
Freshman Standing (0–44 credits)
The University Seminar instructor provides advising for all freshmen required to complete USEM 101, 102, and 103. This yearlong sequence of courses focuses on writing, speaking, and clarifying educational goals.
The USEM 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 on a major from the 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.
Junior Standing (90–134 credits)
Upon reaching junior standing, students must have:
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declared a major;
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secured a departmental advisor; and
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filed a junior plan through their major department.
Senior Standing (135+ credits)
Upon reaching senior standing, students must have:
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filed a senior plan through their major department; and
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filed an Application for Degree for graduation at least two terms prior to the term in which the student plans to complete degree requirements. Applications for Degree are available in the Enrollment Services Center.
Academic Support at the ACCESS Center
Stevenson Union 134541-552-6213
The goal of the University is to provide each student with the best possible opportunity for successful completion of a degree program.
Academic Advising Services help students develop the learning skills and study habits needed to succeed throughout their academic careers. Academic Support coordinates mathematics tutoring, computerized mathematics placement testing, and the University’s Writing Center.
Career Development Services
Involvement Center541-552-6461
http://www.sou.edu/careers
SOU Career Development Services facilitates the professional development of students and alumni while forging strong partnerships with employers and the community. Students are encouraged to take an active role in their career development as early as their first year at SOU. This may be accomplished by meeting with a professional career counselor to explore interests and skills in defining career goals. In addition, CDS assists students with resumés and cover letters, interviewing skills, and job-search strategies. Career assessments are available to provide students with information about their personality preferences and interests in relation to their career development.
CDS coordinates career-related events such as weekly workshops, employer information sessions, annual career fairs, and on-campus interviews. These events are open to all students and take place throughout the school year.
CDS manages SOU CareerLink, an integrated, Web-based recruitment system that links students and alumni with employers at the local, regional, national, and international levels. This system enables employers to target SOU students for internship and employment opportunities. Students have access to these postings at anytime and can apply directly through the system.
SOU Career Development Services is an active member in both the Mountain Pacific Association of Colleges and Employers (MPACE) and the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
Community-Based Learning
Involvement Center541-552-6461
http://www.sou.edu/cbl
Community-based learning, civic engagement, and volunteer opportunities are important at SOU and play a crucial role in helping students learn, grow, and contribute to the world around them. SOU believes it is crucial that our graduates leave with the skills, ability, and inclination to serve the community. Community-based learning comprises a variety of teaching and learning strategies that allow students opportunities to work and learn in a community environment and to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world situations. Community-based learning is distinguished by reciprocity and the intent to ensure equal focus on the service provided and the learning in the classroom. Community agencies benefit by having energetic, skilled, and focused students apply themselves to solving real problems and meeting real needs throughout SOU’s service area.
Students, community members, and faculty are encouraged to contact the office of Community-Based Learning to explore ideas and create partnerships that enhance the learning experience and community.
Information Technology
Computing Services Center 117A541-552-6393
http://www.sou.edu/it/
http://www.sou.edu/studentcomputing/
In support of the academic mission of the University, the Information Technology (IT) Department provides technology and information resources for the entire campus community. Services are provided to assist students, faculty, and staff in the use of computer labs, technology equipped classrooms, courseware systems, administrative services, Web systems, and telecommunications.
Students have access to the campus network and a wide array of facilities and services. Seventy-five percent of the classrooms on campus are technology-equipped. There are approximately thirty computer labs on campus. In the labs, students have access to word processing, spreadsheet, presentation graphics, and statistical and database software, as well as a wide array of curriculum specific software and equipment. Students are provided with network storage for data files, email, and a personal Web page. From labs, residence halls, or their homes, students may access email, files stored on the SOU network, and courseware systems. Internet access is available in all computer labs, the residence halls, and via the SOU wireless network. A wide variety of services are available to students interested in conducting business with the University online. These services include bill paying, registering for courses, running a degree evaluation report, purchasing parking permits and other goods and services, accessing grade information, and much more. Registered students automatically receive accounts to access the SOU network, email, courseware systems, and other Web services. Use of computing facilities and services is free to registered students.
The largest computer lab on campus, the Main Computer Lab has both Windows and Macintosh computers. Areas of the lab are used for classes. However, a large section is available for general walk-in use seven days a week. The Main Computer Lab is equipped with high-speed laser printers, as well as scanners and color printers. Students pay a fee for printing and copying. Many campus information services are supported in part by the Student Technology Fee.
Media Services
Media Services provides instructional support and equipment for classroom use, installation and repair of classroom equipment, audio video setup for campus events, videotaping of lectures and special events, and instructional design and media graphics support for faculty. SOU faculty may arrange equipment checkout for students.
Telecommunications Services
Telecommunications Services provides residence hall students, faculty, and staff with telephone and voice-mail services, as well as operator and directory assistance.
International Programs
Stevenson Union 321541-552-6336
intprogs@sou.edu
The International Programs Office coordinates and promotes international activities and involvement by students and faculty. There are many ways to add an international dimension to studies at the University. International activities include language and culture courses, study abroad programs and international internships, participation in the International Students Association, involvement in international forums, and a special campuswide international event each spring. With nearly 120 international students on campus, there are approximately forty countries represented in the student body. Returning study abroad students and internationally oriented faculty also enrich the University and contribute to a focus on global issues.
Study Abroad and International Internships
Many students consider the time they spend studying or working abroad to be one of their richest college experiences. Opportunities range from short summer sessions to academic yearlong programs. Study abroad and internship programs are easily arranged and enable students to live overseas while earning college credit at the University. For details, see page 159.
International Student Program Advisor
Stevenson Union 321541-552-6660
The international student advisor corresponds with prospective students about admission requirements, financial arrangements, housing, visa questions, and other topics. Once the students are on campus, the international student advisor connects them with an appropriate academic advisor and assists them with a successful transition to life at SOU. The international student advisor meets with students throughout the year as needed and helps coordinate social events and other activities. International students are encouraged to remain in close contact with the international student advisor during their enrollment at the University.
Study Abroad Program Advisor
Stevenson Union 321541-552-8334
The study abroad program advisor works with students who wish to study abroad or engage in an international internship. The advisor provides information about selecting the right program, admission requirements, financial arrangements, housing, and many other topics. The study abroad program advisor assists students with processing transcripts upon their return and with any other issues that may arise.
The Lenn and Dixie Hannon Library
Library Hours: 541-552-6856Reference Services: 541-552-6442
Loan Services and Information: 541-552-6860
Hannon Library provides resources for students’ instructional, research, recreational, and general information needs. SOU’s well-trained and enthusiastic staff of librarians and paraprofessionals assist students with reference needs, electronic and Web information resources, interlibrary borrowing, and materials checkout. Librarians aid students in developing their research and evaluation skills, providing specialized instruction in library research in a wide range of classes. Subject specialist librarians also offer in-depth research and reference assistance in specific areas.
Hannon Library holds approximately 325,000 printed volumes in the general collection, with more than 2,000 journal, serial, and newspaper subscriptions. The large federal and state government collections total nearly 298,000 items. Some 800,000 microforms provide additional materials, which range from popular magazines to historical materials of scholarly interest.
A growing collection of electronic information resources, including indexes, full-text databases, e-books, and a number of e-journals can be accessed from both inside and outside the library. Other electronic and multimedia resources include videotapes, library Web pages, music CDs, and DVDs. Special collections include the 8,000-volume Margery Bailey Collection of Shakespeare and English Renaissance materials, an extensive Native American studies collection, a collection on wine and wine-making, a local history collection covering the six counties of southern Oregon, and children’s literature and art print collections.
The Southern Oregon Digital Archives (SODA) comprise more than 2,500 books that have been scanned and are available on the Web. This information is fully searchable and covers the southern Oregon ecoregion and history, as well as regional Native American tribes.
Students may use Hannon Library’s online catalog to find information about SOU collections or to link to Summit, a catalog of more than twenty-seven million items held by thirty-three libraries in Oregon and Washington. The library’s Information Technology Center (ITC) provides access to desktop computing software and electronic information, with expert staff to assist patrons with using these technologies for research, writing, and presentation.
The University recently completed an extensive expansion and renovation of Hannon Library that nearly doubled the size of the building to 123,000 square feet. The project upgraded the library’s technological infrastructure and created a beautiful facility that is now the centerpiece of the campus. New spaces for materials, classrooms, studying, reading, meeting friends, and quiet contemplation invite students in, as does the coffee shop on the first floor.