Information
Living in a residence hall while attending college provides a socially rich and academically supported experience. Living in a residence hall gives the advantage of being closer to classes and being able to tune in to what's happening on campus. Students who live in residence halls tend to make more friends, attain higher GPA's, gain leadership experience, and manage their time more effectively than those who do not live in residence halls. Other advantages to living in the Southern Oregon University residence halls include:
CONVENIENT LOCATION
- No parking hassles
- No commutes
- Easy access to all campus resources such as the library, labs, faculty offices and recreational facilities
- Secure buildings, patrolled by Security and Safety Officers
- Beautiful grounds
UTILITIES INCLUDED
- Electricity, water, heat, an expanded cable TV service, Ethernet Access, WiFI access and laundry
- Daily custodial service for community spaces
A VARIETY OF MEAL PLANS TO CHOOSE FROM
- Many on-campus eateries with a large variety of food selections
- Special dinners, brunches, and buffets offered throughout the year
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
- FREE fun and exciting programs offered regularly to residence hall students
- Recreational, social, academic, cultural, and political events/programs available
- Unlimited opportunities to meet and create friends
- Specialty halls designed to complement and enhance students' interests
- Student staff members available to provide "peer" support
Policies
Policies and Regulations
Residence Hall Policies
When you signed your Residential Housing Contract, you agreed to certain legal requirements, and specific guidelines in entering and terminating the agreement. One of the conditions you agreed to uphold was University and Housing policies and regulations. Every resident student shares the responsibility for knowing the residence hall rules and for using common sense to protect the rights of the community. A community that helps each member achieve his or her personal endeavors must be based on concern, mutual respect, and maturity. This is only possible if everyone makes a significant contribution to building this community. For a PDF sheet, please reference the Guide to Residence Life and Community Living.For Student Apartment & Family Housing policies, please view the Student Apartments & Family Housing page.
Abandoned Property
Property left in a room with an estimated value of less than $50 will be thrown away, recycled, or donated. Property with an estimated value of $50 or greater will be documented and stored for 30 days. Students will be charged on an hourly basis for the removal and storing of property. We will attempt to contact students via their SOU e-mail or the phone number listed with the University about the stored property and then students have 30 days to contact the University Housing Office to make arrangements for their property. Students can have property mailed to them at their expense, pick it up in person, or have items donated. After 30 days, if arrangements have not been made, the property will be considered abandoned and the University will dispose of this property.
Alcohol Policy
The University policies with respect to alcohol consumption in the residence halls are as follows:
1. The sale, use or possession (including possession by consumption) of alcoholic beverages is governed by Oregon State Laws, by Ashland City Ordinances, and University regulations. All members of the University community are obligated to know and obey these laws, ordinances, and regulations. Students at the University are not exempt from state laws or city ordinances. The legal age for purchase and consumption of all alcoholic beverages is 21.
2. Alcoholic beverages may not be consumed and/or possessed in the residence hall public areas. A public area is defined as a hallway, lobby, lounge, restroom, or any other area outside of a student’s room, including outside of the building on University property. If the door, window, or window blind to a student’s room is open, then the room is no longer considered to be a private area for purposes of policy enforcement. No open alcoholic beverage container may be transported into or within a residence hall.
3. Paraphernalia used for drinking excessive amounts of alcohol (beer bongs, kegs, etc.), or large quantities of alcohol which could be reasonably judged as more than for personal use are not permitted in the residence halls and will be confiscated. Additionally, the student may be fined and/or receive disciplinary action.
4. Drinking games of any kind are not permitted in the residence halls.
5. If a student purchases and distributes alcoholic beverages to others, that student will be held liable for any incidents, damage, or vandalism which arises as a result of alcohol consumption.
6. A student who is intoxicated may be detained, arrested or placed under protective custody as governed by state law.
7. Any student and/or their guests under the age of 21 may not possess empty alcoholic beverage containers for decoration or any other purpose.
8. No person under the age of 21 shall be allowed in a room where alcohol is being consumed.
9. No person 21 or older shall drink in the presence of minors.
10. Anyone in the presence of alcohol may be held responsible
Assistance Animals
If you have a documented disability acknowledged by Disability Resources, you may be eligible to have a service or emotional support animal in housing facilities. Each request will be handled on a case-by-case basis by submitting a Request for Accommodations to Disability Resources. Requests must be submitted to and approved in writing by Disability Resources prior to the animal occupying the unit/suite/apartment. Students who do not have prior written approval to have an emotional support animal in housing may be found in violation of the Pets policy and may be subject to the procedural and disciplinary steps outlined in the Pets policy. Upon receiving written approval from Disability Resources to have an emotional support animal in housing, the student must meet with their Area Coordinator to discuss and sign an Owner Responsibilities Agreement.
The Owner Responsibilities Agreement requires the student to:
1) contact all roommates in their assigned unit/suite/apartment to notify them of the animal prior to the animal occupying the unit/suite/apartment; and 2) participate in a pre-scheduled inspection of their unit and suite/apartment during weeks 4 and 8 of each quarter to ensure proper care of the animal and housing facility.
Bicycles and Motorcycles
There are bicycle racks conveniently located all over campus. Be sure to utilize appropriate locking mechanisms when using outdoor bicycle racks. Bicycles may not be stored in lounges, hallways, laundry rooms, study rooms, or any other public hall location. No motorized vehicle is allowed in the residence halls. Shasta and McLoughlin Halls are equipped with bicycle hooks within each room. These are to be used for bicycle storage only. Tampering or misusing these hooks may result in damage fees.
Building Exterior Areas
The use of residence hall exterior areas such as ledges, roofs, walls, stairwell grids, windows, etc., is prohibited. Engaging in this type of behavior is extremely dangerous, and could result in serious injury or even death. Climbing out onto Greensprings ledges will result in disciplinary action. Students found in violation may also be subject to University Housing fines for damaged window screens.
Check-Out Procedures
During the course of the academic year, students checking out of their room any time should clean their part of the room so it is ready for occupancy by another student. The student must also make an appointment with their Area Coordinator. The student should then finish the checkout process and turn in keys and fobs at the University Housing Office.
Cooking Appliances
Small appliances are acceptable if the heating element is enclosed such as, coffee makers, popcorn poppers, crock pots, rice cooker, electric kettle, electric skillets, etc. Anything with an open heating coil is not permitted.
You are not permitted to bring your own microwaves or refrigerators into the residence halls. McLoughlin Hall suites and Madrone apartments are equipped with full size refrigerators and microwaves. Shasta and Greensprings residents have the option of renting a Microfridge unit for the year for a reasonable rate. Microfridges are high efficiency appliances that will help us conserve energy and are a lot less expensive to operate, contributing to SOU’s philosophy on sustainability. They are designed to not overload electrical circuits, which improves safety and efficiency.
Cooking Facilities
Kitchen facilities are available for Greensprings residents, who are expected to clean up after use. Dishes, utensils or other items left in the kitchens for more than 24 hours are considered abandoned and may be discarded by the custodial or residence hall staff. Community areas such as the kitchens need to be kept orderly, since they are available for use by all Greensprings residents.
Dining Privileges
Do not remove utensils or dishes from The Hawk Dining Commons. Doing so will only increase the cost of eating in the dining hall. Footwear and shirts must be worn at all times in the foodservice and dining areas.
SOU DINING
There are many options available to students here at SOU. In addition to The Hawk Dining Commons, students can eat at the food court in the Stevenson Union using their Raider Cash. Raider Cash can also be used at The Landing Convenience Store, Java Union Coffee Shop in the Stevenson Union, and Southern Grounds Coffee Shop in the Hannon Library.
Drug Policy
The use of illegal drugs is a very serious matter. Engaging in illegal drugs is inherently dangerous and causes members of our community to feel unsafe. Drug free students embody the spirit of communal living; students under the influence of illegal drugs do not. Any student, who uses, possesses, distributes, or is in the presence of illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, or illegal drug activity on University property or at official University functions is subject to disciplinary action and/or prosecution by state and federal authorities.
MARIJUANA POLICY
Possession or use of marijuana and marijuana paraphernalia is prohibited on campus. Even though Oregon State law allows adults age 21 and older to possess small amounts of marijuana for recreational use, federal law prohibits marijuana possession and use of any kind. Because Southern Oregon University receives federal funds, SOU must adhere to federal laws pertaining to possession and use of marijuana. Students with medical marijuana are prohibited from possessing or using marijuana of any kind and possessing or using marijuana paraphernalia on campus. Marijuana and marijuana paraphernalia that is found on campus will be confiscated and destroyed by CPS staff and/or the Ashland Police Department.
False Fire Alarm
Initiating a false fire alarm violates Oregon State Law. It is inappropriate to cause the Ashland Fire Department to respond to a false call when they may be needed at a real emergency. Residence halls may enforce Oregon Revised Statute #162.375, which states, “A person commits the crime of initiating a false report if the person knowingly initiates a false fire alarm or report which is transmitted to a fire department, a law enforcement agency, or other organizations that deal with emergencies involving danger to life or property. Initiating a false report is a Class C Misdemeanor.” The offense is punishable by a maximum of six months in the county jail and/or a $1000 fine.
Tampering with fire safety equipment; this includes pull stations, smoke detectors, sprinklers or fire extinguishers will result in disciplinary action that could include removal from University Housing and additional assessed fines of up to $250.
Vapor from electronic cigarettes have been known to set off fire alarms in the residence halls resulting in disciplinary action for initiating a false fire alarm.
Fire Regulations
Locked doors and fire doors should not be propped open at any time. Fire drills are held at least once each term to ensure that all residents are familiar with the alarm and with emergency procedures. You must vacate the building each time the fire alarm sounds.
During a fire alarm, rooms should be left as follows:
1. All doors closed.
2. All windows closed.
3. All curtains/blinds open.
Full fire evacuation procedures for your building will be provided to you by your Resident Assistant at the beginning of the academic year.
Students who fail to evacuate the building when an alarm sounds are subject to disciplinary actions.
Flammable Materials, Fireworks, and Explosives
Incendiary materials, fireworks, explosives of any nature, and highly flammable materials, including halogen lamps are not permitted on University property or in the residence halls due to the extreme fire danger involved and to the threat these items pose to the larger community.
Candles should not be lit in the residence halls. Only decorative candles are allowed in the residence halls as long as the wick is cut off or the candle does not show any sign of being burnt.
The burning of incense is not permitted in any of the residence halls. Burning incense poses a danger to the community. Alternatives to incense (such as plug in air fresheners) offer safe and viable solutions.
Gambling
Gambling for profit is prohibited. Gambling can easily create tension and cause unpleasant situations within the residence halls.
Harassment/Sexual Assault/Violent Activity
Activities that promote stereotyping, racism, sexism, or that single out any particular group or oppress any individual in a negative fashion are not tolerated in the University residence halls. Also, any activity that could cause physical or psychological harm to students living in the University residence halls is strictly prohibited.
This policy addresses actions and activities which in any way violate, demean, or jeopardize an individual’s sense of human dignity, personal safety, or respect. If you feel you have been a victim of any of these crimes, please seek the support of your Resident Assistant or Area Coordinator. There are many resources available to you on campus to help support you when challenges such as these arise.
Pushing, shoving, threatening, or striking any SOU student or staff member is a violation of residence hall policy and may result in disciplinary action including but not limited to eviction from the residence halls and/or arrest.
Health and Safety
Actions which create a hazard to the health and safety of residents or cause damage to property are not permitted in the residence halls. Throwing any object from windows or landings, tampering with fire safety equipment, smoke alarms, or electrical circuit breakers, confining or detaining people against their will, fighting with water, engaging in sports or other physical activities inside the residence halls, setting fires, or creating unsanitary conditions and other potentially dangerous situations are not allowed. The use of chemical repellants is prohibited.
HEALTH AND SAFETY INSPECTIONS (& ACCESS)
University Housing staff will enter your room to conduct regularly scheduled routine maintenance/safety/health checks. During health and safety inspections, the staff members will look for things that might contribute to maintenance, safety or health problems. They will not search the rooms, but are obligated to report any violations of residence hall policies they observe during their inspection. You will be notified of room checks at least 24 hours in advance, or they also may occur during school holidays or occupancy checks.
Except in emergencies, when a repair has been requested, or when it is impractical, the University will give at least 24 hour notice of its intent to enter a unit/suite/apartment.
Keys
Report lost keys immediately to the University Housing Office. Lost keys can be used to gain entrance into your room, putting you and your belongings at risk. Replacement costs for lost or misplaced keys are $125 for room keys and $50 for fob(s). In case of a lock-out, residents may borrow room keys/fobs from the University Housing Office at no charge. However, failure to return borrowed keys the same day they were borrowed will result in changing the locks on your room at your expense.
Mail and Email
You are responsible to check and read any information placed in your mailbox and sent to your SOU Email account. Please check your mailbox and email on a daily basis. These are the official means of communication with you by the University.
Your mailing address is:
Your Name
450 Wightman St., (Your Box number)
Ashland, OR 97520-5020
Maintenance
If you have a maintenance issue in your room, you can submit a work request by visiting the University Housing Maintenance webpage. If you believe the problem to be an emergency, contact your Resident Assistant, Area Coordinator, or the University Housing Office. By submitting a work request you are authorizing appropriate facilities staff to enter your room to address the problem.
New Roommate(s)/Consolidation
If your roommate/suitemate moves out, you must keep the vacant side of the unit clean and empty for the possibility of receiving a new roommate/suitemate. A new roommate/suitemate may be assigned to a vacant space in your unit/suite/apartment anytime during the remainder of the academic year. Housing staff will make every effort to provide advanced notification that a new roommate/suitemate is coming, however a new roommate/suitemate may arrive without prior notice. You may be subject to disciplinary action if the vacant side of your unit is not clean and empty when a new roommate/suitemate arrives, if you turn away a newly assigned roommate/suitemate, or if you discourage a prospective roommate/suitemate.
Noise and Quiet Hours
Noise is to be kept at a level which is not disruptive to others’ ability to sleep or study. Residents are responsible for holding themselves and others to acceptable sound levels as defined in this policy. Residents may contact a Resident Assistant to quantify an acceptable noise level. Residents are expected to respectfully approach others directly about noise concerns. The on-duty Resident Assistant can assist residents in addressing noise when the issue persists.
Designated quiet hours in housing:
● Sunday through Thursday from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m.
● Friday and Saturday from midnight to 10 a.m.
● Courtesy hours are 24/7
● Last two weeks of each term are: Quite week and Finals week which are 24 hour quiet hours
During these times noise must be contained to a bedroom unit. Residents are expected to demonstrate courtesy and considerations towards others at all times. If a neighbor requests a reduction in the noise, whether it is during or outside of the designated quiet hours, respect and compliance are expected.
Pets and Animals
The only pets allowed in housing are fish, in tanks no greater than 10 gallons. You may not house or harbor a cat, dog, fowl, reptile, arachnid, or any other animal in your unit/suite/apartment or in the vicinity of any residential building. Students who have allegedly violated the Pets policy will have a maximum of 48 hours to find an alternative off-campus living arrangement for the pet. A student who has been found responsible for violating the Pets policy may be placed on housing probation and will be billed the labor cost on an hourly basis for the routine inspection to assess the condition of the facility related to the pet. The student will also be responsible to pay for any cleaning, maintenance or pest control treatment that is deemed necessary as a result of the pet during the inspection. A student who has not complied with the 48-hour removal requirement, or who is found responsible for violating the Pets policy for a second time, may be immediately evicted from housing. Per the Assistance Animals policy, service and emotional support animals that are approved in writing through the Disability Resource Office are permitted in housing facilities.
Posting of Notices
Only residence hall staff members may post notices, flyers, banners, etc., in the residence halls. Only SOU Dining Staff may post flyers, notices, banners, etc., in The Hawk Dining Commons. All materials posted in the residence halls, or dining hall, from campus groups or outside agencies must be preapproved by the University Housing Office.
Privacy
Your room is your private domain to the extent that it is not being used for illegal, disruptive, or dangerous purposes. During vacation periods, your room will be inspected for compliance with maintenance, health, and safety standards. University officials may also enter your room if they have reasonable cause to suspect dangerous or criminal activities within or believe that someone’s health and safety are in jeopardy.
Public Display of Obscene or Sensitive Materials
The University Code of Student Conduct states that students are “to be positive contributors to the University, Ashland and the surrounding communities,” “… to treat others courteously and with respect,” and “to exhibit conduct appropriate to a learning atmosphere and to respect the rights, dignity and worth of every individual in the University community.” Engaging in behavior that is violent, abusive, indecent or profane is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct. Students of SOU should strive to build community through open and honest communication that is based upon a mutual respect. This type of positive behavior allows communities to flourish.
Residence Hall Equipment and Furnishing
Students are not permitted to remove furnishings from their permanent designated locations within the residence halls. This includes any University owned furniture and fixtures in a student’s room and all furniture, appliances, decorations, artwork, etc., which is intended for use by all residents (social lounges, study spaces, etc).
Room Changes
Generally, students may not change rooms within the first ten business days of each term and during the last ten business days of each term. Students desiring a room change should contact their Area Coordinator to discuss a room change request. The student must have the appropriate professional staff members involved in the room change process. When students receive keys for a room change, they must move promptly and within the time parameters set as to avoid fees. First time room changes approved by professional staff are of no charge. However, there will be a $25 administrative fee for each additional room change. If a student fails to get the University Housing Office’s approval prior to any room change, an additional $150 fee is charged to the student for improper room change.
Room Personalization
While we attempt to furnish each room with the basic essentials, we recognize that a comfortable living environment is individualized, so adding furniture to a room is permitted as long as it does not create a health or fire safety hazard or damage the room in any way. Other than bunking beds in the manner to which they are designed, no furniture is to be stacked. Please keep in mind these guidelines when decorating your room:
The following are not permitted:
1. Dart boards
2. Modification of electric utilities
3. Painting of the room
4. Use of stickers or tape on furnishings, mirrors, windows, doors, walls, ceilings, cabinets, etc.
5. Items hung from the ceiling (tapestries, blankets, flags, posters, etc.) that block easy access, restrict view into the room, inhibit light fixtures or smoke/fire detectors, or create room dividers
6. Penetration of ceilings or walls (screws, nails, thumbtacks, etc.)
7. Lofts and bed raisers
8. Waterbeds
9. Any posters/flags/items/pictures that others may find offensive
Safety and Security
The Campus Public Safety Office is responsible for the entire campus community. Safety and security are the responsibility of every resident and staff member. To ensure a safe and secure environment in the residence halls we ask that you:
1. Lock your door whether you are in or out of your room.
2. Make sure your residence hall is secure by not propping open doors, lending out your keys, or letting people into your building whom you do not know.
3. Get to know your neighbors and recognizing and reporting conduct that is out of the ordinary.
4. Report lost keys/fobs immediately to the Housing Office.
5. Properly label and engrave your belongings.
6. Make sure your belongings are covered by insurance, either under your parent's’ policy or your own.
Smoke Detectors
If your smoke detector malfunctions, submit a work request or notify a Resident Assistant as soon as possible. Tampering with a smoke detector, including removing its battery, is a violation of residence hall policy. Smoke detectors are critical in keeping everyone safe within the residence halls.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in any of the residence halls and dining facilities including utilization of electronic cigarettes. Smoking within the residence halls is a fire hazard. Smoking outdoors, including utilization of electronic cigarettes, must be done away from the buildings at a minimum of 25 feet so as to prevent any smoke from entering into the residence halls. Smoking next to the buildings or inside the buildings can result in University disciplinary action and a $25 fee.
Solicitation
Solicitation of any kind and the selling of articles or materials within the residence halls are prohibited. Should you witness any solicitation please contact your Resident Assistant, Area Coordinator, or the University Housing Office.
Sustainability
SOU is committed to providing a sustainable and healthy atmosphere for its students. As such, you are encouraged to take part in this by maintaining an awareness of energy conservation, recycling, and water usage. Help our community by not overusing water or leaving lights on when you are not in the room.
Visitation Policy
In order to protect everyone’s rights, each student assumes certain responsibilities when they have guests. Each resident is responsible for the conduct of their guests, both in the residence hall room and on campus. This policy includes guests from other floors and halls. Roommates are jointly responsible for guests and their behaviors. Both roommates may be called into the student conduct process if a guest violates residence hall policy.
Unaccompanied people who do not have business in the halls or who are not guests of a resident will be asked to leave immediately. Please call the staff member on duty or Campus Public Safety (541-552-6911) if you need assistance.
A student may have an overnight guest for up to three nights in a row with a maximum of seven nights in an academic year with the approval of your roommate.
Telephones
Land line phone access is not provided in the residence halls. Students are asked upon check-in to provide their cell phone number to University Housing staff. Staff will use this number should they need to contact you regarding university and/or housing related matters only, or in the case of an emergency.
Trash and Recycling
You will be provided a trash container, a blue commingled recycling bin and a red glass recycling bin in your room. You are responsible for emptying these receptacles at the Recycling Centers/Rooms in your building. Do not empty your wastebasket into common area trash cans in bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, etc, as this can overflow the barrels quickly. Cleanliness is an important element in sustaining a healthy environment.
Additionally, we ask that you make a commitment to recycling cardboard during move-in and throughout the year. We expect you will join us in our mission to keep Southern Oregon University and the environment free of unnecessary waste.
Vandalism and Public Area Damage
It is the responsibility of every resident to eliminate damage and vandalism and to identify those responsible. The cost of damages and vandalism, for which no one assumes responsibility, may be divided and billed to individual floor members or to all students in a residence hall/complex. If you witness vandalism or destructive behavior, immediately contact your Resident Assistant or Area Coordinator.
Weapons and Ammunition
Weapons, airsoft guns, ammunition, fireworks, and explosives are prohibited in the residence halls. These items pose a safety issue to the community, and can cause serious injury or death. They are intimidating items that will not be tolerated within the residence halls. Weapons include, but are not limited to; firearms, BB guns, paintball guns, martial arts paraphernalia, hunting weapons, explosive devices, knives, switchblades, devices that produce a projectile through a barrel, and/or replicas of any of the abovementioned items.
Closeable pocket knives and kitchen knives are allowed. Any knife being used inappropriately, will be confiscated by Campus Public Safety. Students must make arrangements to store firearms and ammunition outside of the residence halls. Students can contact Campus Public Safety at 382 Wightman St. or call (541-552-6258) for information on storage.
Move-In/ Check-Out
We want to ensure that you have all of the inforamtion when it comes to moving in and out of the residence halls. As you review the information below, please reach out if you have additional questions.
Fall Term Move-In Day
Move-In Day is Thursday, September 20th beginning at 9am. You will receive an email, to your SOU email account, about the time that you will be able to check-in to your room. If you need to schedule a different time, please email the Univeristy Housing Office.
When planning for your Move-In, please check the University Housing Polices for items you can and cannot bring to campus.
Fall Term Closing
As you prepare for your Winter Break, please review these guidelines before leaving:
- Close and lock your windows
- Close your curtains
- Turn off all lights
- Lock your door
- Unplug everything (except for fish tanks and refrigerators)
- Take your fish home
- Please clean out fridge and set to lowest setting (if applicable)
- Remove all trash and recycling from room
- Turn heater to lowest setting (if room is equipped)
- Remove all personal items from the bathroom area for maintenance inspection
Health & Safety Checks
University Housing will be conducting Health & Safety Checks after you leave for your break. While we are not looking for policy violations, if we do find one in sight, we will remove the unapproved item, and document the violation. You will then meet with you Area Coordinator to resolve the incident.
Extended Stays
Students needing to stay past Friday, December 7th at 4pm, need to register with the University Housing by completing the following form: Extended Stay Request Form. Students will have until Monday, November 26th, by 5pm to register to stay past the closing deadline. There will be a fee to stay past Friday, December 7th at 4pm.
Winter Break Housing
Students wishing to stay over Winter Break, can sign up with Univeristy Housing, by completing the following form: Winter Break Stay Request Form. Approved residents will stay in a designated hall for the winter break, as availability permits.
Cost: $175 per week or $500 for the entire break (weeks are defined for billing purposes as Sunday through Saturday)
The Hawk Dining Commons will be closed for the entire break.
Students wishing to arrive early from Winter Break for Winter Term, can register to arrive back to campus on Saturday, January 5th, with an early arrival charge. This will not include meals at The Hawk.
Room Changes
Once you've picked up your keys for your new room, you will have 2 (two) calendar days to complete your room move. You must return your keys beweeen 8pm & 10pm. At that time, you will complete a walkthrough of your room with a Resident Assistant.
You are responsible for fully cleaning your room and/ or bed space. Vacuums and hand trucks are available for check-out at the Univeristy Housing Office.
Have a microfridge in your current room? You are responsible for moving it to your new room.
Mid-Year Move-In
If you are moving in for the Winter Term or Spring Term, please go directly to the University Housing Office, located in Greensprings Hall to pick-up your keys and move-in to your room. You will receive an email, to your SOU email account, with more details on where you are living about a week prior to your check in date.
For Winter Term, the residence halls open at 8am on Sunday, January 7th.
For Spring Term, the residence halls open at 8am on Sunday, April 1st.
Mid-Year Check-Out
If you are checking out of your residence hall during the academic year, during Winter Break, or Spring Break, please follow these guidelines:
- Remove ALL personal belongings
- Double check all dresser drawers, desk drawers, and closets
- All furniture surfaces must be wiped down
- Floors are clean (mopped/ vacuumed)
- Clean around, under and behind all moveable furniture
- Remove all trash and recycling from room and common areas
- Close and lock your windows & close blinds
- Remove all things from bathroom area and help clean bathroom (if applicable)
- Remove all things from kitchenette and living area and help clean spaces (if applicable)
- Donateable items brought to lobbies (if available)
- AC fan speed turned down (if applicable)
- Turn in keys to the University Housing Office
- Contact collegefridge.com to schedule your microfridge unit to be removed
End of Year Check-Out
Your Resident Assistant will schedule closing meetings to review expectations for moving out of the residence halls. Students are expected to be moved out of their room 24 hours after their last final, or by 4pm on Friday, June 15th, which ever comes first.
Below are guidelines for how you should leave your room.
- Remove ALL personal belongings
- Double check all dresser drawers, desk drawers, and closets
- All furniture surfaces must be wiped down
- Floors are clean (mopped/ vacuumed)
- Clean around, under and behind all moveable furniture
- Remove all trash and recycling from room and common areas
- Close and lock your windows & close blinds
- Remove all things from bathroom area and help clean bathroom (if applicable)
- Remove all things from kitchenette and living area and help clean spaces (if applicable)
- Donateable items brought to lobbies (if available)
- AC fan speed turned down (if applicable)
- Turn in keys to the University Housing Office
- Contact collegefridge.com to schedule your microfridge unit to be removed
- Improper Check-Out Fee: $150
- Complete express checkout form
- Checkout 24 hours from your last final
- Checkout by 4pm on June 15th
- Show-up to an individual checkout appointment with your RA
- Improper Cleaning Fee: Minimum $150
- Missing Furniture: $150 - $500
- Missing Wastebasket/ Recycling Bins: $20
- Mirrored Closet Door Replacement: $450
- Carpet Replacement/ Cleaning: Laobr & Materials
- Painting: Minimum $100 & Labor
FAQ
Before looking through our FAQs, it may be beneficial to browse through two very helpful documents that detail moving to SOU and the policies and procedures you will be expected to follow while living here. You may find that the answers to your questions are in these documents:
Do I have to live in a residence hall?
Living on campus at Southern Oregon University provides first year students with academic advantages as well as easing the transition to University life. Therefore, single freshman students who enroll at SOU within one year of high school graduation must live in the residence halls. Living on campus offers many advantages to our students: Convenience, Cost, and Community. For more on the benefits of living on campus, check out Advantages to Living on Campus.
What are my chances of getting the hall I want?
Here at SOU University Housing we use an exciting online program where you will pick your own room and roommates. The date and time on which you gain access to this online portal to hand pick your room is determined by the day and time you finish your housing contract and based on the size of your roommate group; finish your contract sooner and be in a group of 4 and you have a much better chance of getting into your preferred building.
What about requesting a single room or a specific roommate?
As it states above, the sooner you sign your contract, the better chances there are that you can select a single room during your self selection timeslot.
If you would like to have a specific roommate, it's important that you and your roommate request and confirm each other on your housing contract through the roommate groups module. The sooner your contract is signed, the more likely it is that you and your preferred roommate will be able to live together in the hall of your choosing.
How is the roommate selected? What if we don't get along?
On your housing portal and contract, you have the ability to create a profile with information about you and who you would prefer as a roommate. You also have the option to fill out a questionnaire that will help prospective students find you. Finally, the portal allows you to search through others looking for a roommate; you can even message each other through the system! From there, you will form a roommate group of either 2 or 4 people.
Learning to live with a roommate can be quite an adjustment. We feel that learning to get along with a roommate and learning to embrace diversity while better defining yourself is an integral part of the on-campus experience. If, however, you feel you cannot live with a particular roommate, you may contact your Resident Assistant to discuss other options.
What can I do if I don't get my preferences?
If your preferred community and/or type of room is not available at the time you go into self-selection, we have waiting lists for both double and single rooms in all our halls. Throughout the year, we offer spaces to people as they become available.
Can I live in the residence halls for just a term?
Our residence hall contract is designed so that it lasts until the end of the school year in June. For more information on how contracts work, please see below.
Note: Freshmen within one year of High School graduation are required to live on campus all year.
How do the contracts work?
The academic year contract is where you agree to live on campus for the entire year. It has no sign up charge but you are charged contractual breakage fees if you move out before the expiration of the contract/academic year. There are exceptions...if you graduate, withdraw from school, or meet other criteria established by the Housing Policy Committee, you may be exempt from paying penalties. Contact the University Housing Office or review your contract for more details.
Who can I talk to if I need help?
Your hall is staffed by resident assistants and headed by an area coordinator. All staff have been trained not only to deal with crisis situations, but are also there to provide support, information, and programming. The hall staff has been hired through a competitive selection process, and there is a staff member on duty from 8pm-6am every night to provide security, guidance, or a friend in which to talk. They are there to maintain safety and enforce policy.
What furnishings will I find in my room?
All student rooms are equipped with bed (extra long twin in Shasta, Greensprings, and Madrone; standard full in McLoughlin), a desk and chair, closet, bureau and a waste basket. The rooms also include cable TV service and wireless internet.
What should I bring?
Basically, anything you think you'll need in order to feel at home (please note there are restricted items that you cannot bring - please reference the Guide to Residence Life and Community Living for more information). Remember that you'll probably be sharing a room with another person, so try not to bring so much you'll both feel crowded. We highly recommend calling your roommate so you can coordinate what to bring. Please reference your U Live with University Housing email to see a list of items to bring and not to bring.
Will I be able to study in my hall?
Of course. All of our halls have study lounges with wireless internet access, and you can always study in your room. If you find that you cannot study because someone within your community is too loud, simply ask them to keep their volume down. Most will reciprocate knowing that they will need the favor returned someday. If they are uncooperative, you may always ask your hall staff to intervene. University Housing values creating an environment that is supportive of your academic success. Therefore, we do have quiet hours in each of our residence halls. They begin at 10pm on week nights and at 12am on weekends. Outside of these times however, courtesy hours are maintained within all of our communities. For more information regarding quiet hours, please reference our Guide to Residence Life & Community Living.
Will the residence hall be open during breaks?
The residence halls are open both Thanksgiving and Spring Breaks. The Hawk does not maintain academic year hours during breaks and you may need to prepare your own meals or eat out during these breaks. For students needing housing during Winter Break, a conference hall will be open for residence hall students. Students needing housing over the Winter Break should contact the University Housing Office for more information.
Where do I eat?
Your student ID card is good at any of the eateries on campus. The Hawk, located in Raider Village, is an all you care to eat dining facility that boasts 8 different made-to-order stations such as custom salads, sandwiches, burgers, home-style menus, pasta, and more.
The Student Union offers a variety of eateries which includes Erbert's and Gerbert's Sandwich Shop, Bravo (Pizza and Calzones), Chilaca Mucho Burrito, Stack Burger, and Java Union.
How do the meal plans work?
A meal plan consists of weekly meals and raider cash.
Meals are used in the Hawk and allow students to eat all they care to eat per meal swipe. A meal plan will have from 10 meals per week to unlimited meals, depending on size. Allotted weekly meals DO NOT transfer over from one week to the next.
Raider Cash can be spent at any campus dining location as well as coffee shops on campus. Meal plans have from $100 to $700 per term, and more can be added throughout the term. Raider Cash transfers from Fall term to Winter term, and from Winter term to Spring term, but DO NOT transfer over academic years.
If you find that a meal plan is too small, you can increase its size at any time.
Decreasing your meal plan can only be done during the first 5 days of each quarter.
Freshman must select either the Red or Black Meal Plan. Residents of Madrone are the only ones who are eligible to purchase a Madrone meal plan.
Summer Housing
Living on campus while taking summer classes is an easy transition. Whether you are taking classes or working on campus, summer housing is easy and convenient for our SOU Students.
Applying for summer is easy, as it is the location as your academic year application. For more information applying: https://inside.sou.edu/housing/aplinksmain.html
Summer Rates
All Summer Housing Residents will be located in Madrone Hall in a single room for the length of their stay. Your Housing Assignment dates will automatically mirror the dates you are registered for classes for Summer Term, and you will be billed based on the rates below, unless you let us know otherwise before the start of your Summer Assignment. Please note, the rates below include the meal plan and a weekly charge for the room itself.
All Summer Housing Residents are required to select a meal plan from the 2 offered below. The rates below are charged on a weekly basis and provide the meals and Raider Cash listed. Any unused meals at the end of the week will be forfeited and any unused Raider Cash accumulated during your stay will be forfeited at the end of your overall stay in Summer Housing. Please note, we are unable to do a daily pro-rated charge; a flat weekly rate will be billed to your SOU Student Account for any Monday to Sunday period you stay within Housing with the exception of one free Sunday to move in before the start of your Summer Term Session. Failure to move out of your room by the Sunday following your last class will result in additional charges for the proceeding week(s).
All meals are served at The Hawk Dining Commons. Raider Cash can be used at any dining location on-campus including Elmo's, Java Union, Southern Grounds, and the Landing Convenience Store. Guest passes allow you to share a meal with a friend or family member at The Hawk and cannot be used at other on-campus dining locations.
Weekly Housing Rates
- Housing with 10 meals a week and $35 in Raider Cash per week - $405
- Housing with 5 meal a week and $25 in Raider Cash per week - $355
All meal plan rates are subject to final approval by the Southern Oregon Board of Trustees.
Important Dates
Important Housing Dates
Move-In Day - Thursday, September 20th
Week of Welcome - Friday, September 21st - Friday, September 28th
Fall Term Begins - Monday, September 24th
Thanksgiving Break - Thursday, November 22nd & Friday, November 23rd (Halls will remain open)
Halls Close for Winter Break - Friday, December 7th @ 4pm (Students can leave items in their rooms)
Winter Break - Saturday, December 8th - Sunday, January 6th
Halls Open - Sunday, January 6th @ 8am
Winter Term Begins - Monday, January 7th
Spring Break - Saturday, March 23rd - Sunday, March 31st (Halls will remain open)
Spring Term Begins - Monday, April 1st
Halls Close - Friday, June 14th @ 4pm
