Who Should Use the Handbook?
The SOU Student Handbook exists to have all the most vital information students need in one easy location. Current students, prospective students, and support systems should plan to read through the handbook (or view the content below) in an active way; this means clicking on the links and exploring all of the supportive and engagement opportunities available. Additionally, SOU expects each member of the Raider family to become familiar with the community standards and to assume responsibility for making decisions governing their behavior within the community.
Campus Departments
Academic Support
DISABILITY RESOURCES Our office provides accommodations for students with disabilities and is a resource to all of SOU for creating an inclusive and accessible learning environment. Aubrey Owens • 541.552.6213 • dr@sou.edu • Stevenson Union 164
TRiO: SUCCESS AT SOUTHERN OREGON TRiO is a free program that serves low-income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities. Robin Williams • 541.552.8236 • success@sou.edu • Stevenson Union 125
THE TUTORING CENTER SOU is committed to providing academic support to its students. Operating under the Hannon Library, the Tutoring Center offers in-person and online appointments, as well as in-person drop-in assistance for Math, Science, and Writing skills. Hannon Library • 541.552.6860 • tutoring@sou.edu • Hannon Library 146
UNIVERSITY COACHING AND ACADEMIC MENTORING (UCAM) We provide support for students in the areas of time management, organization, self-advocacy, emotional health, academic/life balance and resiliency. Aubrey Owens • 541.552.6213 • UCAM@sou.edu • Stevenson Union 164
Health & Wellness
The Student Recreation Center welcomes its members to find serenity and relaxation. The Oasis is a room inside the SRC with a massage chair, humidifier, speaker, and tranquil beach theme. If you are in need of a massage, nap, or a quiet spot to meditate, the Oasis is the space.
The SHWC is partnering with Telus to expand their services to ensure all students have access to a mental health counselor any time of day, from anywhere in the world. Telus offers simple access to connect with a mental health counselor about anything. Call. Chat. Anytime. Anywhere. Telus connects students with free, confidential mental health and wellbeing support conveniently available 24/7.
STUDENT HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER (SHWC)
The SHWC is SOU’s on-campus clinic which provides access to primary medical care, mental health care, preventive services, and campus-wide health promotion. Students do not need insurance to access services. All students taking at least four on-campus credits automatically pay the Health Fee which allows them access to our services. Appointments cost $15; students do not need health insurance.
Anna D’Amato • 541.552.8464 • SHWCfeedback@sou.edu • 560 Indiana St
SOU has partnered with YOU at College to offer You@SOU, a unique and free web portal dedicated to student health, happiness, and success. YOU emphasizes individual wellbeing and self-awareness in order to connect students to information, campus resources, peers and opportunities—whenever they need it. With expertise in three main areas — Succeed, Thrive and Matter — YOU helps students assess and improve their health, sense of purpose and life trajectory.
Office of Equity Grievance & Title IX
The Office of Equity Grievance serves students, staff, and faculty. Concerns about sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, intimate partner violence, bias and discrimination are all addressed by the Office of Equity Grievance at SOU. The Director of Equity Grievance/Title IX Coordinator is Angela Fleischer and can be reached via phone at 541.552.7079 or via email at fleischea@ sou.edu. Her office is located in Stevenson Union, suite 321. Southern Oregon University is committed to a timely, thorough, and thoughtful response to concerns of equity violations. We are also committed to providing an educational environment that is safe and accessible to all. In addition, Southern Oregon University values due process, clarity of procedure, and strives to ensure equal access for all members of the campus community.
Survivor/Victim of Sexual Violence: Southern Oregon University is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy campus for all of its students. If you are, believe you may be, or know someone who is the victim of sexual violence and/or bias and discrimination, there are resources available to you. Begin with an SOU Confidential Advisor or the online reporting form to learn about all your available options. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Campus Choice: Campus Choice is Southern Oregon University’s system of addressing sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and intimate partner violence. Campus Choice serves students, staff and faculty. Through Campus Choice you can receive coordination of care, help with whatever you need, options, information, care, and education related to your specific situation. You do not need to make a report to receive help through Campus Choice. You can choose to make a formal report to the University and a member of the Equity Grievance/Title IX team will assist you through the process.
Campus Reporting Options and Resources:
Anonymous Report (Click to file an Anonymous Report) Anyone can submit an anonymous report via the Southern Oregon University’s Sexual Misconduct and Equal Opportunity Report Form. You can also meet with a Confidential Advisor without giving identifying information. To be connected with a Confidential Advisor, please email vipra@sou.edu. Anonymous reports give you the opportunity to provide any information you would like about an assault and allow you to decide if you would like to be contacted or not in the event another report is made about the same person. At any time you can decide to make a formal report.
Confidential Report (Click to file a Confidential Report) You can make a confidential report via the Southern Oregon University’s Sexual Misconduct and Equal Opportunity Report Form. You can also meet with a Confidential Advisor and make a report without initiating a formal report. At any time you can decide to make a formal report. To be connected with a Confidential Advisor, please email vipra@sou.edu .
Formal Report (Click to file a Formal Report) You can request to make a formal report via the Southern Oregon University’s Sexual Misconduct and Equal Opportunity Report Form. You may also make a formal report to a Confidential Advisor or an Equity Grievance team member or Title IX official (University Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinators).
Confidential Advising Reporting
An SOU Title IX Confidential Advisor will also assist you if you need housing accommodations for health or safety reasons. Please note, aside from SOU Confidential Advisors or medical or counseling staff at the Student Health and Wellness Center, no other group, faculty, staff, or administrator on our campus can guarantee that what you tell them will be held in confidence.
Cares Note
To report concerns for yourself or a student surrounding the topics of mental and emotional health, academic performance, alcohol and other drug use, or similar concerns, please submit a Cares Note. For more information on this resource, visit the SOU Cares section of this handbook.
Social Justice & Equity Center
SOCIAL JUSTICE & EQUITY CENTER The SOU Social Justice and Equity Center (SJEC) provides advocacy, education, and community building at SOU, centering the needs of Black students, Indigenous students, students of color, queer and trans students, women and femmes, as well as veterans and military families. The SJEC has full-time and student staff working in the following areas:
- GENDER & SEXUALITY JUSTICE Provides visible and accessible advocacy for the needs of queer, trans, women, and femme students on campus and in our community. The Gender & Sexuality Justice team is passionately dedicated to improving our community through education, empowerment, physical resources, and support services. Gender & Sexuality Justice Coordinator • GSJ@sou.edu • Stevenson Union 305
- RACIAL JUSTICE Endeavors to create an inclusive program that promotes academic achievement, celebrates diversity, and supports the rich life experiences of the SOU community. Toward this goal, we seek to advocate on behalf of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color students, faculty, and staff by conducting training and programming where participants connect and explore the multifaceted issues of Race and Racial Justice. Marvin Woodard • 541.552.8793 • woodardm@sou.edu • Stevenson Union 307
- SUSTAINABILITY & BASIC NEEDS Inspires a student body who is socially, economically, and environmentally responsible. We offer events, workshops, and campaigns to inspire local and global sustainability; access to the community garden, and different options for transportation around campus and town. We offer sustainable amenities that include UPcycled reusable beverage containers, print cartridge recycling, and a dish loan program. Jill Smedstad • 541.552.6454 • sustainability@sou.edu • Stevenson Union 310
- VETERANS & MILITARY FAMILIES Serves students based on a framework of integrity, serving others, and excellence in student support. We do this by creating regular programming, educating the university community through outreach initiatives, and partnering with campus and community agencies in support of the Military affiliated population at SOU. We provide assistance to Veterans and Military Families as they work to achieve their educational and personal goals at the university. Dr. Jesse Watson • 541.552.7102 • VRC@sou.edu • Stevenson Union 301
SOU Cares
SOU CARES We encourage a culture of supporting one another at SOU. The Dean of Students Office provides many services and tools to the SOU community to ensure students get access to vital resources during their time here. Key areas of interest are outlined below; visit the SOU Cares site to explore the full depth of services available to students to promote mental, physical, and academic wellbeing at dos.sou.edu/sou-cares .
- CARES NOTE Anyone can submit an anonymous note of concern about a student online to the Dean of Students Office. Dr. Carrie Vath • 541.552.6652 • dos@sou.edu • Submit Cares Note • Stevenson Union 321
- CARE COORDINATORS The Care Coordinators in the Dean of Students Office provide short-term assistance for students with complicated issues and concerns. Schedule Now • Stevenson Union 321
- STUDENT FOOD PANTRY The SOU Food Pantry is committed to providing students with food and other basic necessities to alleviate the effects of hunger and poverty. Check in for access at Stevenson Union 310 or email foodpantry@sou.edu
Student Life
ATHLETICS SOU is a member of the Cascade Collegiate Conference and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Matt Sayre • 541.552.6273 • sayrem@sou.edu • Lithia Motors Pavilion
CAREER CONNECTIONS The Office of Career Connections provides resources to assist students from all academic programs and class years to identify and achieve their individual career goals. Dr. Carrie Vath • 541.552.6221 • careerconnections@sou.edu • Stevenson Union 321
CAMPUS RECREATION SOU Campus Recreation oversees the Student Recreation Center (SRC) and four programming areas: Outdoor Programs, Intramural Sports, Sport Clubs, and Fitness Programs. Hugues Lecomte • 541.552.7230 • lecomteh@sou.edu • SRC, 1465 Webster St.
DINING Campus dining is available to on- and off-campus students or guests and include:
- The Hawk (located in the Dining Commons)
- Elmo’s (located in Stevenson Union)
- Einstein’s Bros. Bagels (located in Stevenson Union)
- Southern Grounds (located in the Hannon Library)
- The Landing (located in the Dining commons )
Dining contact is Staci Buchwald • 541.552.6377 • buchwalds@sou.edu • Greensprings Lobby
THE FARM at SOU The student-led organic Farm produces healthy, sustainably-grown food for the SOU community. Dean Williamson • 541.552.6399 • thefarm@sou.edu • 155 Walker Avenue
OUTDOOR PROGRAM (OP) The SOU Outdoor Program is committed to making outdoor recreation accessible to all students and schedules frequent trips such as camping, hiking, rafting, skiing, and more. Willie Long • 541.552.7231 • outdoorprogram@sou.edu • SRC, 1465 Webster St.
STEVENSON UNION (SU) Stevenson Union provides an environment that encourages interaction and strives to increase a sense of campus community for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors. Kay Swader • 541.552.6462 • swaderd@sou.edu • Stevenson Union 312
STUDENT ACTIVITIES Student Life provides social, cultural, and educational programs experiences to promote campus involvement and a sense of connection to the SOU community. John Johnstin • 541.552.8346 • johnstinj@sou.edu • Stevenson Union 312
STUDENT CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS Student clubs and organizations serve as a means for connection with other students while growing leadership skills, promoting campus pride, and advancing a wider representation and inclusion of all SOU students. Jessica Haywood • 541.552.7188 • haywoodj@sou.edu • Stevenson Union 312
STUDENT GOVERNMENT (ASSOU) The Associated Students of SOU provide students with resources that enrich the college experience, encourage the exchange of ideas, and foster a positive campus environment. ASSOU President • ASSOUPresident@sou.edu • Stevenson Union 308
UNIVERSITY HOUSING University Housing oversees Residence Halls, SOU Dining Services, Student Apartments and Family Housing, and conferences for our students, staff, faculty, and campus guests. Staci Buchwald • 541.552.6371 • Housing@sou.edu • Greensprings Lobby, 450 Wightman St.
Support & Resources
CAMPUS PUBLIC SAFETY We support the mission of SOU through our dedication to student safety, success, and responsible citizenship. Robert Gibson • 541.552.6258 • campuspublicsafety@sou.edu • 382 Wightman St.
COMMUNITY OF RECOVERY IN EDUCATION (CORE) CORE, SOU’s collegiate recovery program, offers support and resources to SOU students who are in recovery from addiction. Anna D’Amato • 541.552.8464 • damatoa@sou.edu • 560 Indiana St.
COMMUNITY STANDARDS The Dean of Students Office contributes to the holistic development of students by enforcing the Student Code of Conduct through processes that promote education, fosters a sense of accountability, encourages personal and community responsibility, and mutual respect. janelle wilson • 541.552.8328 • wilsonjan@sou.edu • Stevenson Union 321
FINANCIAL AID The Financial Aid team is here to assist students with research, knowledge, and processing of Financial Aid funding. We have a student-focus and are here to answer student’s questions on aid status, scholarships, grants, loans, and work study. Kristen Gast • 541.552.6600 • finaid@sou.edu • Britt Hall 1st Floor (Enrollment Services)
OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS (OIP) SOU’s OIP provides a wide variety of unique cultural exchange opportunities to students through our international university partnerships, study away providers, and the National Student Exchange (NSE) Tracey Culbertson • 541.552.8180 • international-programs-dept@sou.edu • Stevenson Union 322
PARKING On-campus parking is managed by our Campus Public Safety department. Robert Gibson • 541.552.7275 • parking@sou.edu • 382 Wightman St.
PRINT AND COPY SERVICES We offer full service, low cost copying and printing available to students on campus. John Silverman • 541.552.6134 • printcopy@sou.edu • Stevenson Union 120
RAIDER STUDENT SERVICES Raider Student Services is the office of academic services, financial aid, and student billing. Matt Stillman • 541.552.6600 • esc@sou.edu • Computing Services West Wing
- Bike Maintenance Shop: SOU has its own Bike Shop! Located in the Outdoor Program, the Bike Shop is open from 10am – 4pm, Monday – Friday. Drop-in hours are Thursday from 12:30-5pm, or email Mike at vergeerm@sou.edu.
- Carpool: Connect with fellow SOU commuters and others on your route easily at GetThereOregon.org .
- Bus: Students can purchase an RVTD (Rogue Valley Transit District) bus pass for $15 in the Enrollment Services Center (Britt Hall).
- Shuttle: The POINT shuttle offers low-cost transportation across southern Oregon.
- Walk: Ashland is ranked as Oregon’s most walkable community.
Jill Smedstad • 541.552.6454 • ecos@sou.edu • Stevenson Union 310
VA BENEFITS A team of advisors from the office of Financial Aid will address the needs of our military connected students in support of your enrollment, academic course scheduling, certification, and benefits. 541.552.7102 • VAbenefits@sou.edu • Computing Services, East