Photo By Kayla Young
The RCC/SOU Higher Education Center in downtown Medford helps students transition between the community college and the four-year university.

Southern Oregon University officially partnered with Rogue Community College this fall at the new Higher Education Center, in downtown Medford.

The center represents collaboration between Southern Oregon University and Rogue Community College. In March of 1996, SOU and RCC representatives signed an agreement called “Annexation of Jackson County to the District of Rogue Community College.”

Over the years, a lot of time was spent analyzing the number of students transferring from RCC to SOU and the general enrollment of both institutions. Through the efforts of politicians, the Chamber of Commerce and tax-payers, the HEC was approved to break ground in 2006.

The first classes held at the new center began this fall. The purpose of the partnership between both institutions was to benefit students in the Rogue Valley region. Transitioning between community college and a four year university can be a difficult adjustment for students according to Dr. Joan McBee the SOU Director of Higher Ed.

The HEC provides the students with the opportunity to get a feel for university classes while still enrolled in community college. Students can earn a bachelors or masters degree without ever leaving the center.

“I hear a lot of really positive comments from students,” said McBee.

In some cases, students who are working full-time or have family commitments can take advantage of classes offered in the evening, on weekends or online. There are more than 50 classes currently being offered at the HEC with plans for more to come.

“A benefit of the HEC is that students already see themselves as SOU students, which helps increase their commitment to a four-year degree,” said McBee.

Currently the space is divided into thirds with one-third operated by both institutions as a shared space and the remaining two-thirds split equally between SOU and RCC. One of the common misgivings is that the HEC is a school of business. While business degrees are offered, programs in general education, psychology and human services are available.

There are plans to expand into other areas in the future. The HEC doesn’t just benefit the students. They are active in contributing to the revitalization of the downtown area. The Montgomery Ward Building, Craterian Ginger Rogers Theater and Lithia Plaza are just a few projects the HEC contributes to.

The new partnership between SOU and RCC could help create a new generation of hybrid students better prepared for a four-year program. Collaboration between the two institutions will continue to progress with nine current articulation agreements.

“SOU and RCC decided to hold a meeting about developing new articulation agreements, we expected 30 faculty members to attend and about 60 showed up,” said McBee. “This just shows the excitement among both institutions for the future of this project.”

With the Higher Education Center growing and expanding, SOU will be able to provide opportunities to students that were not previously available. The HEC hours are Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more about the Higher Ed Center, visit www.sou-rcc.com .