Southern Oregon University Featured in "The Princeton Review’s Guide to 332 Green Colleges: 2014 Edition"

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

April 22, 2014

For more information contact:
D. Roxane Beigel-Coryell, Sustainability & Recycling Coordinator
beigelcod@sou.edu
541-552-8139

SOU is one of the 332 most environmentally responsible colleges in the U.S. and Canada, according to The Princeton Review

The education services company known for its test prep programs and college rankings, ratings, and guidebooks profiles SOU in the fifth annual edition of its free downloadable book, “The Princeton Review’s Guide to 332 Green Colleges.”

The Princeton Review chose the schools for this guide based on a survey it conducted in 2013 of administrators at hundreds of four-year colleges to measure the schools’ commitment to the environment and to sustainability.  The institutional survey included questions on the schools’ course offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation.

Published a few days before the April 22 celebration of Earth Day, the 216-page guide is the only free comprehensive resource of its kind: it can be downloaded at www.princetonreview.com/green-guide and www.centerforgreenschools.org/greenguide.

The Princeton Review created its “Guide to 332 Green Colleges” in partnership with the Center for Green Schools (www.usgbc.org) at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

The 322 school profiles in the guide feature essential information for applicants – facts and stats on school demographics, admission, financial aid – plus write-ups on the schools’ sustainability initiatives.  A “Green Facts” sidebar reports on a wide range of topics from the school’s use of renewable energy sources, recycling and conservation programs to the availability of environmental studies and career guidance for green jobs.

In the guide’s profile on Southern Oregon University, The Princeton Review highlights the school’s  leadership in renewable energy, green building, academic programs, student engagement, and innovation in becoming the first university to offset 100% of its water use.

”SOU is honored to be featured in the Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges,” said Roxane Beigel-Coryell, SOU Sustainability & Recycling Coordinator. “Being green is an important part of our culture at SOU, both for students and the administration.”

Said Rob Franek, Senior VP/Publisher, The Princeton Review, “We are pleased to recommend SOU to the many students seeking colleges that practice and promote environmentally-responsible choices and practices.”

Franek noted his Company’s recent survey findings indicating significant interest among college applicants in attending “green” colleges. “Among 10,116 college applicants who participated in our 2014 ‘College Hopes & Worries Survey,’ 61% said having information about a school’s commitment to the environment would influence their decision to apply to or attend the school,” he said.

Rachel Gutter, director of the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council, commented “In collaborating with The Princeton Review on this annual guide, we have seen that sustainability on campuses continues to be an important deciding factor for today’s four-year college bound students.  We are excited to once again provide prospective students and their parents with a resource to help them navigate this often daunting decision-making process.”

How Schools Were Chosen for the Book

The Princeton Review chose the schools based on a survey the Company conducted in 2013. The survey asked administrators at hundreds of colleges across the U.S. and Canada about their institution’s sustainability-related policies, practices, and programs. Using survey data that covered more than 25 fields, The Princeton Review tallied its “Green Ratings” (scores from 60 to 99) for 832 schools and reported them in the school profiles on the Company’s website and in its college guides in summer 2013. The 332 schools in this guide received scores of 83 or above in that assessment. (Note: The Princeton Review does not rank the schools 1 to 332, nor does it report their Green Rating scores in this book.) Information about the Company’s Green Rating and its “Green Honor Roll” list of 22 schools that received the highest possible score, 99, is at www.princetonreview.com/green.aspx

About Southern Oregon University
Southern Oregon University provides outstanding student experiences, valued degrees, and successful graduates. SOU is known for excellence in faculty, intellectual creativity and rigor, quality and innovation in connected learning programs, and the educational benefits of its unique geographic location. SOU was the first university in Oregon—and one of the first in the nation—to offset 100 percent of its energy use with clean, renewable power, and it is the first university in the nation to balance 100% of its water consumption. Visit sou.edu.

About The Princeton Review

The Princeton Review is a leading test preparation and college admission services company. Every year it helps millions of college- and graduate school-bound students achieve their education and career goals through its test preparation, tutoring, and admissions services, its online resources, and its more than 150 print and digital books published by Random House LLC. The Company delivers its services via a network of more than 4,000 teachers and tutors in the U.S.A. and Canada, and through its international franchises in 14 other countries. The Company also partners directly with school districts and non-governmental organizations to provide students with college readiness services including college selection, test preparation, financial aid advice, and admissions support. The Princeton Review is headquartered in Natick, MA, and is privately held.  For more information, visit www.princetonreview.com and www.facebook.com/ThePrincetonReview.  Follow the Company’s Twitter feed @ThePrincetonRev

About the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council

The Center for Green Schools at USGBC is making sure every student has the opportunity to attend a green school within this generation. From kindergarten to college and beyond, the Center works directly with staff, teachers, faculty, students, administrators, elected officials and communities to drive the transformation of all schools into sustainable places to live and learn, work and play. For more information, visit centerforgreenschools.org or find us on Twitter and Facebook.

About the U.S. Green Building Council

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, the Center for Green Schools and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org, explore the Green Building Information Gateway (GBIG) and connect on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

For more:

The Princeton Review: Jeanne Krier, 212-539-1350, pressoffice@review.com, or Kristen O’Toole, 888-347-7737 ext. 1405, kotoole@review.com
U.S. Green Building Council: Jacob Kriss, 202-595-3992, jkriss@usgbc.org

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Southern Oregon University Announces President's Medal Recipients


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
April 16, 2014                                   
 
For further information contact: 
Liz Shelby
Chief of Staff, Southern Oregon University
shelby@sou.edu
541-552-6111
 
Senator Bates and Representative Buckley will be recognized at an awards ceremony at Southern Oregon University on April 30
(Ashland, OR.) – Senator Alan C. Bates and Representative Peter J. Buckley have been selected to receive the 2014 Southern Oregon University President’s Medal.
“It is truly an honor to receive the President’s Medal,” said Senator Alan Bates. “Southern Oregon University is an important entity in the complex and delicate fabric that represents both the past and future of southern Oregon. I am humbled to be recognized in this manner.  It’s a pleasure to work alongside those who strive for a bright and successful future for SOU.”
The Southern Oregon University President’s Medal is awarded each year to a member of the community. “This is the highest service award presented by SOU,” said SOU President Dr. Mary Cullinan. “The President’s Medal recognizes individuals who have served the University, the region, and the greater community in an exemplary manner. It represents qualities such as compassion, integrity, and service. Receiving the medal is a true honor.”
“While I appreciate the acknowledgement of our work, Senator Bates and I both know there is still a long way to go to turn around Oregon’s investment in higher education,” said Representative Peter Buckley. “We’re committed to doing everything we can to help SOU thrive.”
Senator Bates and Representative Buckley will be recognized at an awards ceremony at Southern Oregon University on April 30.
 

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SOU Awarded Prestigious LEED® Green Building Certification

SOU LOGO HZ 186 POS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 14, 2014
For more information contact:
D. Roxane Beigel-Coryell, Sustainability & Recycling Coordinator
beigelcod@sou.edu
541-552-8139

Sustainable building practices were employed throughout the design and construction of the Raider Village residence and dining complex. 
Southern Oregon University (SOU) announced today that it has been awarded LEED® Gold for the new Raider Village residence and dining complex. The LEED rating system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the foremost program for buildings, homes and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human health performance.

“SOU is pleased to receive LEED Gold Certification for the new Raider Village,” says Drew Gilliland, SOU Director of Facilities Management & Planning. “This is the campus’ largest project to date. We are proud to have surpassed our goal of LEED Silver Certification for all new construction and look forward to continuing to meet and exceed this goal with future projects.”
The Raider Village is the newest development in sustainable campus living and a unique experience that has no equal in the Oregon University System. The Village includes 195,000 sf of new student housing, 24,000 sf of dining opportunities and over 6.8 acres of renovated landscaping, parking and pedestrian paths. Raider Village is an interactive learning community of environmental stewardship and inspiration.
SOU achieved LEED certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions aimed at achieving high performance in: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. “SOU’s Raider Village LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. “The urgency of USGBC’s mission has challenged the industry to move faster and reach further than ever before, and SOU serves as a prime example with just how much we can accomplish.”
Sustainable building practices were employed throughout the design and construction of the Raider Village residence and dining complex. The project sourced 26% of materials within 500 miles and diverted a staggering 86% of construction waste from the landfill. Students enjoy daylit common spaces, thermostat controls for each unit, and bicycle storage in each room. The site also features six electric vehicle charging stations, improved pedestrian crossings to enhance walkability, and 160 covered bicycle stalls throughout Raider Village.
Additional sustainable building strategies featured in Raider Village include:

  • 11.2% on-site renewable energy generation for all new buildings including solar water heating and photovoltaic electricity generation;
  • 45% water reduction beyond building code with water conserving plumbing fixtures;
  • Lighting sensors and advanced controls to reduce energy use in vacant spaces;
  • Non-potable water used for landscaping;
  • Reduced on-site parking;
  • LoVOC or NoVOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) materials and furnishings used inside buildings and during construction.

About US Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. https://www.usgbc.org/
About Southern Oregon University
Southern Oregon University provides outstanding student experiences, valued degrees, and successful graduates. SOU is known for excellence in faculty, intellectual creativity and rigor, quality and innovation in connected learning programs, and the educational benefits of its unique geographic location. SOU was the first university in Oregon—and one of the first in the nation—to offset 100 percent of its energy use with clean, renewable power, and it is the first university in the nation to balance 100% of its water consumption. Visit sou.edu.
 

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SOU Hosts First Annual Arbor Day Celebration

MEDIA ALERT
April 8, 2014
For more information contact:
Michael Oxendine, SOU Facilities Management and Planning
oxendinem@sou.edu
541-552-6117

SOU Students, staff, and faculty will be joined by Ashland High School, Ashland Middle School, and the community to accomplish something great together!
(Ashland, OR) — On Wednesday April 9, 2014, SOU Landscape Services along with Facilities Management & Planning, ECOS, SOU Dining, SOU Green House, and SOU Civic Engagement Program will host our first annual Arbor Day Celebration sponsored by Plant Oregon.
We will host several environmental organizations that will be in the Stevenson Union Courtyard all day to answer questions and provide current environmental information.
From 10:00am to 11:45am we are going to have free Arboriculture, Environmental Awareness, and Arbor-focused research presentations in the Diversions Room of the Stevenson Union.
At 12:00pm, we would like everyone on campus to join us at the Stevenson Union Courtyard to help us plant thousands of perennial flowers; one for every student enrolled this year.
Afterwards we invite everyone to attend our Arbor Day Block Party at the HAWK.  SOU Dining will be offering great discounts on lunch and also free samples.
SOU Students, Staff, and Faculty will show the world what they can accomplish when they pull together and work as a team to make SOU a better, more sustainable place.
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About Arbor Day:
The Arbor Day Foundation with a mission “to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees” was founded in 1972 by John Rosenow. The foundation is supported by donations, selling trees and merchandise, and by corporate sponsors. https://www.arborday.org/

About Plant Oregon
From large, specimen trees and native plants to small, ready-to-plant restoration species, Plant Oregon’s nursery is filled to the brim with thousands of happy, healthy trees and shrubs. Plant Oregon also provides a wide array of landscaping services, from full landscape consulting, design, and installation to hydroseeding, irrigation, and restoration projects. We make and sell high quality compost and wood chips, and we are also the one and only distributer of the well-known and loved HOLMAC tree digging machine in North America. https://www.plantoregon.com/pilot.asp
About Southern Oregon University
Southern Oregon University provides outstanding student experiences, valued degrees, and successful graduates. SOU is known for excellence in faculty, intellectual creativity and rigor, quality and innovation in connected learning programs, and the educational benefits of its unique geographic location. SOU was the first university in Oregon—and one of the first in the nation—to offset 100 percent of its energy use with clean, renewable power, and it is the first university in the nation to balance 100% of its water consumption. Visit sou.edu.

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Oregon Higher Education Board endorses institutional board for Southern Oregon University


PRESS RELEASE
For further information contact:
Liz Shelby, shelby@sou.edu, 541-552-6733
April 4, 2014
Today, the Oregon State Board of Higher Education Board voted to endorse with conditions an institutional board for Southern Oregon University.  Per House Bill 4018, which the Oregon Legislature passed in February and the Governor signed earlier this week, negotiations on the conditions will begin between the President and the OSBHE, and recommended to the Governor within the next 45 days.  Over the next 15 months, SOU will transition to the new governance model.  The Board of Trustees will officially assume governance on July 1, 2015.
Rep. Peter Buckley, who attended today’s Board meeting in Portland, stated, “This is an extremely important change for SOU. For so many years, the university has been governed by people from outside our region who have meant well, but in my view, have never fully understood the needs or the great potential of our university. We will now have the chance to have top local leaders in education, business and our communities help guide SOU and the vital role it plays in our region.”
SOU has received support for an institutional board of trustees from our faculty, our students, our business and community leaders, and our legislative delegation in southern Oregon. All have expressed great interest in working with SOU’s institutional board members to help achieve the state’s 40-40-20 educational goals. Supporters also see the significant value that an institutional board will bring to the region by promoting even stronger ties between university curricular planning, workforce needs, and private contributions.  This will also increase professional career options for SOU graduates while helping to keep them employed in southern Oregon.
President Mary Cullinan who was also at the Board meeting this morning, stated, “With our powerful connections to our region and our distinctive programming and mission, Southern Oregon University welcomes the opportunity to assume the responsibilities of its own governing board while continuing powerful collaboration with our partners in Oregon and around the country.”
About Southern Oregon University
Southern Oregon University provides outstanding student experiences, valued degrees, and successful graduates. SOU is known for excellence in faculty, intellectual creativity and rigor, quality and innovation in connected learning programs, and the educational benefits of its unique geographic location. SOU was the first university in Oregon—and one of the first in the nation—to offset 100 percent of its energy use with clean, renewable power, and it is the first university in the nation to balance 100% of its water consumption. Visit sou.edu.

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