BIPOC Students
The Social Justice & Equity Center (SJEC) seeks to advocate on behalf of Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color students, faculty, and staff at SOU. For students, this includes offering a designated study space and many multicultural student groups and organizations. You can find more information at the Racial Justice website. Email Marvin Woodard, Racial Justice Equity Coordinator at woodardm@sou.edu for more assistance.
First-Generation Students
SOU’s TRIO Student Support Services is an important resource for first generation college students. TRIO-SSS provides opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements, and motivates students toward the successful completion of their postsecondary education. Visit their website here to learn more or refer a student you believe may be eligible.
International Students
International students may ask faculty or staff for assistance on a variety of educational or non-education topics. SOU International Program has collected useful information on their website. Students may also reach out to their staff directly with any questions or concerns.
Queer & Trans Students
If you have more specific questions or would like to be connected to more resources, please email Sweets Underwood at underwoods@sou.edu or visit the Gender & Sexuality website.
Name Changes
You can update your first name at SOU without a legal name change. The SOU system calls this a “preferred name.” You can see a comprehensive Q&A section and start the process here.
Directions on updating your SOU email address to match your preferred name will be shared soon.
If you have further questions or concerns, please feel free to connect with Torr Maeve, Equity Coordinator for Gender and Sexuality Justice at jorymills@sou.edu and/or Dr. Matt Stillman, University Registrar at stillmam@sou.edu
Pronouns
What are pronouns?
Pronouns are linguistic tools that we use to refer to people (i.e. they/them/their, she/her/hers, he/him/his). We believe that it is important to give people the opportunity to state the pronouns that are correct to use when referring to them. (This is NOT an exhaustive list. Any combination is possible!)
How you could ask:
“What pronouns do you use?”
“What pronouns would you like me to use?”
How you could share:
“I’m Ty and my pronouns are they, them, theirs.”
“My pronouns are they, them, theirs, but he, him, his are fine too.”
What if you make a mistake:
Most people appreciate a quick apology and correction at the time of the mistake. Try: “Her books are – I’m sorry, their books are over there.”
By correcting yourself, you’re modeling respectful pronouns use for others in the conversation. If you only realize the mistake later, a brief apology can help. Try:
“I’m sorry I used the wrong pronoun earlier. I’ll be more careful next time.”
It can be tough to remember pronouns at first. The best solution is to practice! Correct pronoun use is an easy step toward showing respect for people of every gender identity.
Gender-Inclusive Restrooms
Gender Neutral and Single-Occupancy Restrooms On Campus:
- Stevenson Union
- Basement near Print & Copy Shop
- Main floor behind Einstein’s Bagels
- Near ASSOU meeting chambers on 3rd floor
- Hannon Library
- Library coffee shop
- Main floor, just beyond gendered bathrooms
- University Housing
- Shasta Hall: 1st floor, main lobby
- McLoughlin Hall: 1st floor, main lobby
- Greensprings Hall:
- Main Lobby
- Bear Creek, 2nd floor lobby
- Crater Lake, 2nd floor lobby
- Britt Hall: Main floor near Admissions
- Education/Psychology: Basement
- Churchill: Second floor
- RVTV
- Marion Ady: Basement
- Central Hall: 2nd floor teacher’s lounge
- Student Health and Wellness Center
- Science Building, 1st floor, East Wing (end closest to Hannon Library)
- Theatre Building, 1st floor, off main atrium
Gender-Inclusive Housing
SOU has several designated gender-inclusive living environments for on-campus housing.
SOU Housing is proud to offer The Garden as a themed housing option. The Garden is an LGBTQ+ themed community and provides a safe space for students to live while pursuing college. This housing option is open to any student in or out of the LGBTQ+ spectrum as well as allies. The Garden is located in the Shasta Residence Hall. The community participates in various events and activities throughout the year; most notably the Pride Parade that takes place in Ashland at the beginning of fall term which offers a fun opportunity to be introduced to the local community. This themed housing area creates a space to feel connected, supported, and understood by peers.
Southern Oregon University is proud to have themed communities such as this, and hopes for each student to feel loved and validated throughout their college career. More information is available by contacting Gender and Sexuality Justice or by visiting the University Housing website.
Students with Disabilities
For information and resources for working with students with specific disabilities, visit Disability Resources’ Faculty & Staff informational page.
Student Veterans & Military Families
If you have more specific questions or would like to be connected to more resources, please email Dr. Jesse Watson, the Veterans & Military Families Equity Coordinator, at watsonj8@sou.edu
Helpful Links
Military Cultural Competency
Center for Deployment Psychology
Military Occupational Codes
Military Rank Charts
Veterans Data & Statistics, and Research
National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics
Center for Women Veterans
Veteran Affairs Resources
Department of Veterans Affairs
Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs
Resources for School Administrators
Syllabus Language
SOU Syllabus Statement Regarding Service
Statement on Military and Other Forms of Active Service Duty
Pursuant to Oregon law, any student enrolled at a public university who is a member of the military, state National Guard, or other federal or state service protected by ORS 352.293 who is ordered to active duty for more than 30 consecutive days has the right to request accommodation for such service, subject to the conditions and requirements of applicable Oregon law or regulation. Such accommodations may include, but are not limited to, the right to withdraw from a course without penalty, a grade of Incomplete and option to complete at a later date once service has concluded, and/or the right to credit for any tuition and fees already paid, depending on the student’s status.
Any student enrolled at a public university who is a member of the military, state National Guard, or other federal or state service protected by ORS 352.293 who is ordered to active duty for fewer than 30 consecutive days and misses a course session, assignment, examination or other course work due to serving on active duty or is receiving medical treatment for an injury sustained on active duty has the right to request accommodation for their service or medical treatment, subject to the conditions and requirements of applicable Oregon law or regulation. Such accommodations may include, but are not limited to, the right to submit any missed examination, assignment or other course requirement upon completion of service or treatment; and/or the right to have a course grade assigned without submitting missed assignment or examinations, should the instructor determine that sufficient work has been assessed for the determination of a grade.
Any student who expects to be called for active duty should contact instructors as soon as possible to discuss accommodations, they should also notify the vmf@sou.edu for assistance.