Student Legal Services
Community resources available to students for free or low-cost legal services include:
Center for Non-Profit Legal Services – As the name suggests they provide zero-cost legal assistance. Generally it may take a few weeks to respond to requests.
Oregon State Bar’s Modest Means Program – These are local lawyers who are part of a state-wide program to provide lower-cost legal services. It is not free but the maximum amount the first consultation can cost is $35. They respond to requests within 48 hours.
OHRA – They have a full-time lawyer on staff that helps with both free and reduced-cost legal fees.
Campus Benefits Navigation Manager
The Benefits Navigation program at Southern Oregon University (SOU) provides personalized support to help students access essential resources for their well-being and academic success. Ron King, SOU’s Campus Benefits Navigation Manager, connects students with financial assistance, food security programs, housing support, healthcare services, and other vital campus and community resources. To set up a meeting with him, email kingr@sou.edu.
Helpful Apps
Wellspace – Manage your whole wellbeing with Wellspace. Monitor your mental, physical, sleep and nutritional health overtime and receive tailored content and support. Get Wellspace for iphone or Wellspace on Google Play.
Calm – Calm is for anyone, whether you’re brand new to meditation or a seasoned expert. It’s also for anyone who needs a mental break, a soothing sound, or a peaceful night’s rest. Our guided meditations are available in lengths of 3 to 25 minutes, so you can choose the perfect length to fit your schedule. Get Calm for iPhone or Calm on Google Play.
Nextdoor – Get the most from your neighborhood. Use Nextdoor to connect with your neighbors, discover new places nearby, join groups, and find recommendations for local businesses. Search For Sale & Free, Nextdoor’s local marketplace, to buy and sell used items. Connect with parents, organize play dates, and bond over shared interests. Get Nextdoor for iPhone or Nextdoor on Google Play.
ODHS Benefits Eligibility Virtual Assistance
SOU recently began partnering with the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) to offer virtual assistance specifically for SOU students! The ODHS eligibility worker can assist students in understanding and applying for different types of state aid including SNAP (also commonly referred to as Food Stamps or the Oregon Trail Card), the Oregon Health Plan (medical coverage), TANF, and more. Currently, virtual appointment times are Thursdays from 1pm to 5pm. You can use this link to schedule an appointment, or email the Campus Benefits Navigation Manager, Ronald King at kingr@sou.edu.
Oregon Student Child Care Grant
The Oregon Student Child Care Grant Program was established to assist parents enrolled in postsecondary education obtain safe, dependable care that supports their children’s development while allowing completion of the parent’s academic programs. For more information, and to apply for the grant visit this site.
Community Preschool at SOU
The Community Preschool at SOU is located in the Education/Psychology Building and serves children 3-5 years of age; it is open to members of the community, SOU faculty and staff. Their hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm. Email to check the vacancy status at preschool@sou.edu