Student Resources
In the STEM Division, we value the success and persistence of our students, and in that regard, we have created a place where students, and their families, can find out information which is important to understand and review. On this page students can view the "Five Minute Fundamentals" videos which focus on general student information around resources on campus, advising in the majors, and orientations with student interfaces such as InsideSOU and DegreeWorks. Students should also review the videos on Degree Basics, Undergraduate Studies, and Campus Resources to refresh their knowledge of important campus knowledge, and academic policy.
Five Minute Fundamentals
In the Five Minute Fundamentals, the STEM Division has created a series of brief videos for students to watch, which assist in breaking down large amounts of campus information into manageable pieces to learn and retain knowledge which is critical to their time here at SOU. Please keep in mind, these videos are to supplement a student's learning, but cannot replace any sort of advisor insight, or other campus resources, and are here for information purposes. Students will have the ability to pick-and-choose different areas of student knowledge to learn, or refresh themselves, about the following areas:
Basic Student Information
Basic Student Information:
In this section, students will find information essential to starting courses at Southern Oregon University, and navigating the campus as a new, or returning, student.
Basics: Advising Vocabulary
In this video, we cover the basic vocabulary that we use at SOU for advising and degree components. Students who are new to the campus are encouraged to watch this video before watching the other videos on this page.
Basics: Degree Basics, Degree 101:
In this video, we cover the essential components and knowledge of the degree programs relevant to the STEM Divison programs. We discuss the composition of the degrees, degree types, and the relationship between dual degrees and double majors.
Basics: InsideSOU Tour
In this video, we give a quick orientation of the InsideSOU account for students, and explore important areas for new students to be aware of. All students are encouraged to explore their student account fully, and should ask questions about any of the links! Please keep in mind, we do not cover all of the links in the student account, but those essential for new students to SOU. For additional exploration, please feel free to make an appointment with a Student Success Coordinator.
Basics: DegreeWorks Introduction
In this two-part series, we explore the basic functions of DegreeWorks. Discussion includes topics such as the purpose of DegreeWorks, its functions and limitations, use for exploration, and basic information of its layout and how courses are applied.
Basics: What is a Catalog (Catalog Year)?
In this video we cover the essential information pertaining to a catalog, though most student will refer to a specific "catalog year". Though it is not covered in the video, students should know that a catalog year is an iteration of a catalog. Catalogs are released every academic year, and each contain the requirements for all degree programs of a given year. Students should use DegreeWorks or the actual SOU Catalog site to explore the requirements for their programs under specific catalog years. A student may utilize any catalog year under which they attended, but not outside of it. For example a brand new student on the 2018-2019 catalog cannot utilize catalogs before the 2018 academic year, if they did not attend. Additionally, all of the curricular components (Majors/Minors/Certificates) of a student's degree program must be on the same catalog year, meaning that if a student is pursuing a Biology major with a Chemistry minor, both the major and minor must be on the same catalog year.
The catalogs, released each academic year, are valid for 8 academic years. Students may switch to catalog years for periods of time which they attended, but they should speak with an advisor before doing so. Sometimes, specific academic programs are not present in different years of the catalogs. By way of example, if a student is on a catalog year wherein a specific minor or certificate is offered, but the program is not available after that year... by switching catalog year to a later time, the student may forfeit the minor or certificate from the older catalog.
In this video, students will learn answers to basic questions such as:
What is a Catalog?
What is contained in a Catalog?
Where can I find SOU's Catalog?
How can I find my Catalog Year?
Basics: There is a "hold" on my account???
In this video, we explore what a "hold" is, and what it may mean for a student. We cover the most common types of holds, where to locate them, and how to resolve them. If a student has questions about holds mentioned, or not mentioned, in this video, please contact your Student Success Coordinator for more information.
University Studies
University Studies
In this section we will discuss the purpose, structure, and requirements of the University Studies requirements at Southern Oregon University. This makes up an important piece of all STEM Students' degree programs.
University Studies 101 - What is University Studies?
In this video we discuss the basic components of the University Studies curriculum, and the fundamental ideas behind them.
University Studies - Foundations
In this video, we specifically address the Foundations requirements of University Studies, and how they may look for incoming first-year students who have little-to-no collegiate credit, and students with significant advanced standing, such as transfer students.
University Studies - Explorations
In this video, we specifically address the Exploration requirements of University Studies, and how they incorporate into the degree programs. We take the time to discuss how these courses can apply specifically to STEM students in their future endeavors, and how certain courses may be recommended.
University Studies - Integrations
In this video, we specifically address the Exploration requirements of University Studies, and how they incorporate into the degree programs. We take the time to discuss how these courses can apply specifically to STEM students in their future endeavors, and how certain courses may be recommended.
University Studies - Integrations
Academic Advising:
In this section, we cover the essential structure of advising for new students in the STEM Division, for first-time students, and for transfer students.
Advising A - How Does Advising Work?
Advising B - How Are Major Advisors Assigned?
Advising C - Meeting with an Advisor/Course Planning
Campus Tools and Resources:
Disability Services
Southern Oregon University is an inclusive campus environment. Disability Resources is here to ensure equal access for students with disabilities to all of SOU's great classes and programs. We provide academic accommodations for students with documented disabilities and information and resources for all segments of SOU.
Disability Resources
Shawn Foster
1250 Siskiyou Boulevard
Ashland, Oregon 97520
Phone: 541-552-6213 (opt 2)
Confidential fax line for documentation: 541-552-8462
Success at Southern
Success at Southern, a TRiO Student Support Services Program, is committed to increasing the college retention and graduation rates of eligible participants. By providing a variety of services to meet students' needs, we assist eligible participants in clarifying their goals, succeeding academically in their chosen program of study, and graduating with a bachelor's degree in a timely manner.
Success at SouthernStudent Support Services
1250 Siskiyou Boulevard
Ashland, OR 97520
Email:success@sou.edu
Phone:(541) 552-6062
Fax:(541) 552-8462
Career Preparation
Career Preparation
Learning Commons, Hannon Library
541-552-6131
Southern Oregon University students are encouraged to take an active role in their career development as early as their first year at SOU. SOU Handshake allows students to find internship and employment opportunities on campus, in the Rogue Valley, or across the country. Career Preparation also provides access to Optimal Resume, a tool that guides students through the process of creating great resumes and cover letters, and Focus 2, a web-based career planning resource that helps students assess their skills and interests and find careers to match their unique strengths. Career Preparation coordinates career-related events such as an annual career fair, and the Career Preparation Coordinator is available to work with students during individual appointments or through group presentations and workshops.
Office of International Programs
Stevenson Union 322
541-552-6336
The Office of International Programs (OIP) provides support to the Southern Oregon University campus community by offering the following services and programs:
- Study Away Programs, International Internships and Advising
- International Student Recruitment and Admissions
- International Student & Scholar Services and Advising
- SOU’s Intensive English Program (IEP)
- Passport Acceptance Facility (PAF)
Study Away Programs, International Internships and Advising
Many students consider the time they spend studying or working abroad to be one of their richest college experiences. Opportunities range from short summer sessions to year-long programs in 60 countries. Study away and internship programs are easily arranged and enable students to live overseas while earning college credit at SOU. Financial aid applies to most programs.
The Study Away Advisor and a knowledgeable team of Study Away Peer Counselors educate SOU students about the wonderful and diverse opportunities to study, and intern, abroad. Program durations range from three weeks, a quarter/semester, a year or longer. The advisor provides information about selecting a program that best suits a student’s goals and guides the student through the application process. The Study Away Advisor is part of the International Programs professional staff and assists with issues that may arise pre-departure or on-site. Please visit our website or stop by the office for more information about the services and programs we offer.
International Student Recruitment and Admissions
International Student & Scholar Services and Advising
The International Student Advisor, the International Student Services Coordinator, and the International Programs Coordinator assist students to successfully transition to SOU, Ashland, and the U.S. The OIP advisors and coordinators are the primary contacts for students seeking help understanding admission requirements, visa regulations, financial issues, on-campus housing, and other important topics. The international student services team partners with students to organize social events and other activities throughout the year. International students are encouraged to remain in close contact with the OIP support staff during their enrollment at the University.
SOU’s Intensive English Program (IEP)
The Southern Oregon University Intensive English Program (IEP) is for non-native speakers of English who need to improve their English language proficiency. Courses provide students with the opportunity to develop oral and written proficiency for academic study at SOU. The IEP has six levels. New students take an English Placement Test to determine their appropriate level. Upon successful completion of the IEP, students meet English Language Proficiency admission requirements and matriculate into regular academic classes.
The IEP is part of Southern Oregon University. Undergraduate students who do not have the required English proficiency are eligible for Conditional Admission will enroll in the full-time IEP. All visa and other U.S. government documents will be handled through the SOU Office of International Programs. IEP students are not required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or other scores in order to receive a Conditional Admission to SOU. For more information on the IEP program, please visit our website or call 541-552-6336.
Passport Acceptance Facility (PAF)
Information Technology
Computing Services Center
541-552-6900
In support of the academic mission of the University, the Information Technology (IT) Department provides technology and information resources for the entire campus community. Assistance and training is provided to students, faculty, and staff in the use of administrative systems, computer hardware, software, technology-equipped classrooms, and telecommunications.
Students have access to the campus network, a wide array of facilities, and both online and in-person services. Internet access is available throughout both campuses of the University, including our residence halls and family housing, via wired and wireless networks. Most classrooms on campus are technology-equipped. Students are provided with an email account and network storage for their files. Registered students automatically receive accounts to access all online services, including the SOU network, email, learning management system, and other web services. Use of computing facilities and services is free to enrolled students.
Students may access email, network files, courseware, and administrative systems from anywhere they have an Internet connection. A wide variety of services is available for students to conduct business with the University online. These services include bill paying, registering for courses, running a degree evaluation report, purchasing parking permits, accessing grade information, ordering transcripts, and more.
There are approximately forty computer classrooms and labs across both university campuses for both general and curriculum specific use, including specialized software needed for hands-on experience. A virtual lab is available both off-campus and on-campus from any supported device. Open lab computing is available in the Computing Services Center and the Hannon Library. Printing stations are available throughout campus. Students pay a fee for printing. The IT Help Desk is available in-person, over the phone, and online to assist and advise students on a wide range of technology and computing issues.
