SOU to Host Race Awareness Week

SOU-LOGO-HZ-186-POS
(Ashland, Ore.) —Southern Oregon University will hold its annual Race Awareness Week Nov. 2 – 6, with multiple presentations and panel discussions designed to encourage attendees to think and talk about race and its impact on the community and nation.
“Race has always been a hard topic for our nation to talk about. It will often become a flashpoint following a tragedy or other controversial event where race is a factor, then it falls of the radar,” according to Marvin Woodard, coordinator of SOU’s Multicultural Resource Center and one of the organizers of Race Awareness Week. “Race Awareness Week provides an opportunity for our community to address the issue from a positive, productive standpoint, not an ‘us vs. them’ perspective.”
Highlights of this year’s Race Awareness Week include a presentation by Claudia Alick on “Exploring the Racial Divide.” Her presentation will take place Monday, Nov. 2, at 6 p.m. in the Rogue River Room inside the Stevenson Union on SOU’s main Ashland campus. Alick is an associate producer with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and has been named one of the top 25 theater artists who will shape American theater in the next 25 years.
On Tuesday, Nov. 3, also at 6 p.m. in the Rogue River Room, a panel of students, faculty, and community members will share their experiences as people of color in Ashland and surrounding cities.
Keynote speaker Lee Mun Wah will give a presentation Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 9 a.m. in the Rogue River Room. Lee Mun Wah has garnered national attention for his work as a master diversity trainer, documentarian, folk story teller, writer, and educator. A screening of his documentary “If These Walls Could Talk” will take place Nov. 4 at 6 p.m., also in the Rogue River Room.
Thursday, Nov. 5, Marc Weinblatt of the Mandala Center for Change will present “Theater of the Oppressed: Rainbow of Desire,” a workshop utilizing image and forum techniques to investigate internalized oppression and identify greater social issues and opportunities to act for change. Weinblatt’s presentation will also take place at 6 p.m. in the Rogue River Room. There is a $10 admission fee for this presentation, but all other Race Awareness Week presentations and forums are free and open to the public.
For more information on Race Awareness Week and a full schedule of events, contact Woodard at 541-552-8793 or via email at woodardm@sou.edu.
race awareness 2015
-SOU-
About Southern Oregon University
Southern Oregon University is a medium-sized campus that provides comprehensive educational opportunities with a strong focus on student success and intellectual creativity. Located in vibrant Ashland, Oregon, SOU remains committed to diversity and inclusion for all students on its environmentally sustainable campus. Connected learning programs taught by a host of exceptional faculty provide quality, innovative experiences for students. Visit sou.edu.

SOU Wins National Sustainability Award

SOU-LOGO-HZ-186-POS
(Ashland, Ore.) —Southern Oregon University was named the winner yesterday of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s (AASHE) Best Case Study sustainability award. SOU, which was runner up for the award last year, won for its project “Bee Campus USA as a Model for Pollinator-Friendly Campuses.”

Pictured, from left: Fahmida Ahmed, AASHE board chair; Craig Morris, SOU vice president of finance and administration; Jessica Harper, student farm manager at SOU’s Center for Sustainability; Sydney Lund, student director of SOU’s Ecology and Sustainability Center; Roxane Beigel-Coryell, SOU sustainability and recycling coordinator; Sam Pennington-Vrsek, staff member with the SOU grounds department; and Meghan Fay Zahniser, AASHE executive director.

Pictured, from left: Fahmida Ahmed, AASHE board chair; Craig Morris, SOU vice president of finance and administration; Jessica Harper, student farm manager at SOU’s Center for Sustainability; Sydney Lund, student director of SOU’s Ecology and Sustainability Center; Roxane Beigel-Coryell, SOU sustainability and recycling coordinator; Sam Pennington-Vrsek, staff member with the SOU grounds department; and Meghan Fay Zahniser, AASHE executive director.


For the project, SOU collaborated with Bee City USA to establish a Bee Campus USA designation. The designation recognizes campuses that commit to a set of practices that support pollinators, including bees, butterflies, birds, and bats, among other species. Through a six-month process SOU was able to align its practices to meet the newly established guidelines and in April 2015 was named the nation’s first Bee Campus USA.
In its application for the AASHE award, SOU noted that the project had several key goals, including “to work with Bee City USA to establish a Bee Campus USA designation; to organize for SOU to meet the requirements of Bee Campus USA designation; and, to establish broad support across the campus and in the community for pollinator-friendly policies and practices.”
Through their collaboration, SOU and Bee City USA established seven key pollinator-friendly practices that can be used as goals for all campuses nationwide. They include establishing a permanent university committee that develops a Campus Pollinator Habitat Plan, hosting annual events that celebrate pollinators, surveying and encouraging service learning projects that benefit pollinators, offering courses and workshops on pollinator ecology, posting educational signage that educates the public about campus pollinator-friendly practices, maintaining recognition as a Bee Campus USA designee, and maintaining a website that shares Bee Campus USA news.
“We were very excited when we were named the nation’s first Bee Campus USA,” said SOU President Roy Saigo. “This recognition confirms the importance of the hard work that went into not only earning that designation, but helping to develop the guidelines as well. This is just one of the many ways that SOU demonstrates our commitment to sustainability.”
The work to create the Bee Campus USA program comes at a critical time, as many pollinators are experiencing unprecedented losses: continuing declines of honeybee colonies reached the highest rate for summer losses ever recorded this past year; Monarch Butterfly migration is threatened due to habitat losses; and multiple pollinator species such as the lesser long-nosed bat are threatened with extinction. “Hardworking pollinators are responsible for about 1/3 of our food and 85 percent of the world’s flowering plant species,” according to Phyllis Stiles, director of Bee City USA. “We are grateful to SOU for helping to pioneer this important new program to harness the influence of educational campuses to expand pollinator habitat, and educate their students and communities about ways to protect pollinators.”
1475503
A brief video illustrating SOU’s commitment to pollinators can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaILzmHTp58.
Authors of the award-winning case study are Jamie Hickner, teaching supervisor and instructor of English, education, and University studies; Michael Oxendine, landscape services supervisor; and Roxane Beigel-Coryell, sustainability and recycling coordinator. The case study is available online at https://www.aashe.org/resources/case-studies/bee-campus-usa-model-pollinator-friendly-campuses.
-SOU-
About Southern Oregon University
Southern Oregon University is a medium-sized campus that provides comprehensive educational opportunities with a strong focus on student success and intellectual creativity. Located in vibrant Ashland, Oregon, SOU remains committed to diversity and inclusion for all students on its environmentally sustainable campus. Connected learning programs taught by a host of exceptional faculty provide quality, innovative experiences for students. Visit sou.edu.

SOU In the News: Oct. 20 – 26

SOU-LOGO-HZ-186-POS
SOU Student, Alumni, Faculty, and Staff Features:
KDRV – SOU Students Send Support to UCC Victims and Families: https://www.kdrv.com/news/local/SOU_Students_Send_Support_to_UCC_Victims__Families.html
Great Northwest Wines – Idaho Wine Industry Awaits Establishment of Eagle Foothills AVA (Professor Greg Jones featured): https://www.greatnorthwestwine.com/2015/10/19/idaho-wine-industry-awaits-establishment-of-eagle-foothills-ava/
Mail Tribune – Medford Police Chief Announces Retirement (chief is an SOU alumnus): https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20151023/NEWS/151029780/0/SEARCH
KDRV – Medford Police Chief Announces Retirement: https://www.kdrv.com/news/Medford_Police_Chief_Announces_Retirement.html
Statesman Journal – Wild Rogue Backpacking Route Opens in Southern Oregon (student featured): https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/travel/outdoors/2015/10/24/wild-rogue-backpacking-route-opens-southern-oregon/74541208/
 
News on SOU Academic Programs:
Jacksonville Review – Exciting News from the Trenches: https://jacksonvillereview.com/exciting-news-from-the-trenches/
Jacksonville Review – Artifacts 11: Mourning Buttons: https://jacksonvillereview.com/artifacts-11-mourning-buttons-by-carol-knapp/
 
News on SOU Environment and Sustainability Initiatives:
AASHE – AASHE Announces 2015 Sustainability Award Winners: https://www.aashe.org/highlights/press-releases/aashe-announces-2015-sustainability-award-winners
 
News on SOU governance and Board of Trustees:
The Siskiyou – Dr. Saigo Not Staying: https://siskiyou.sou.edu/2015/10/19/10831/
Daily Tidings – Saigo Drops Suggestion He Extend Term as Interim SOU President: https://www.kdrv.com/news/local/SOU_Students_Send_Support_to_UCC_Victims__Families.html
Mail Tribune – SOU Interim President Opts Out of Contract Extension: https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20151021/NEWS/151029908/0/SEARCH
 
Miscellaneous News:
Daily Tidings – Cooking Oil Fire Damages SOU-Owned House, Displaces Two: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151019/NEWS/151019866/0/SEARCH
Daily Tidings – City of Ashland Backs Amigo Club Efforts (SOU mentioned): https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151019/NEWS/151019856/0/SEARCH
Mail Tribune – Cooking Oil Fire Damages SOU-Owned House, Displaces Two: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151019/NEWS/151019856/0/SEARCH
The Siskiyou – Active Shooter: What to Do: https://siskiyou.sou.edu/2015/10/20/active-shooter-what-to-do/
The Siskiyou – Students and Senators Agree on Student Debt Problem: https://siskiyou.sou.edu/2015/10/20/students-and-senators-agree-on-the-debt-problem/
KDRV – Fire Displaces Ashland Family: https://www.kdrv.com/news/Fire_Displaces_Ashland_Family.html

SOU In the News: Emergency Response Coverage

SOU-LOGO-HZ-186-POS
KOBI – Investigation Continues Into Threat that Closed SOU: https://kobi5.com/news/local-news/investigation-continues-into-threat-that-closed-sou-2503/
KOBI – SOU Ashland Campus Closed Wednesday Due to Threat Will Reopen Thursday: https://kobi5.com/news/local-news/breaking-sou-ashland-campus-closed-wednesday-due-to-threat-2449/
KOBI – SOU Students Stand in Solidarity with UCC: https://kobi5.com/news/local-news/sou-students-stand-in-solidarity-with-ucc-2582/
KOBI – SOU to Hold Active Shooter Training Sessions: https://kobi5.com/news/sou-to-hold-active-shooter-training-sessions-2426/
KOBI – Medford, White City RCC Campuses Evacuated: https://kobi5.com/news/medford-white-city-rcc-campuses-evacuated-2309/
KDRV – SOU Officials Discuss Campus Safety: https://www.kdrv.com/news/local/_SOU_Officials_Discuss_Campus_Safety.html
KDRV – Active Shooter Training at SOU: https://www.kdrv.com/news/local/Active_Shooter_Training_at_SOU.html
KDRV – SOU Campus to Reopen Thursday Morning: https://www.kdrv.com/news/local/SOU_Campus_to_Reopen_Thursday_Morning.html
KDRV – DA: People who Make Threats Can Face Charges: https://www.kdrv.com/news/local/DA_People_Who_Make_Threats_Can_Face_Charges.html
KDRV – Police Continue to Monitor SOU Campus: https://www.kdrv.com/news/local/Police_Continue_to_Monitor_SOU_Campus.html
KDRV – Unconfirmed Threat Closes SOU Campus: https://www.kdrv.com/news/local/Unconfirmed_Threat_Closes_SOU_Campus.html
KDRV – SOU Ashland Closed Wednesday Due to Threat: https://www.kdrv.com/news/local/SOU_Ashland_Closed_Wednesday_due_to_Threat.html
KDRV – SOU to Host Events in Support of UCC: https://www.kdrv.com/news/local/SOU_to_Host_Events_in_Support_of_UCC.html
KDRV – SOU Campus Safety: https://www.kdrv.com/news/UCCShooting/SOU_Campus_Safety.html
KDRV – Active Shooter Training at SOU: https://www.kdrv.com/news/Active_Shooter_Training_at_SOU.html
KDRV – UPDATE: SOU Cancels Classes at Higher Education Center: https://www.kdrv.com/news/SOU_Classes_Remain_as_Scheduled.html
KTVL – SOU Holds Active Shooter Training: https://www.ktvl.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/ktvl_vid_18079.shtml
KTVL – SOU Honors Umpqua Community College: https://www.ktvl.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/ktvl_vid_17996.shtml
KTVL – SOU Praised for Online Proactiveness: https://www.ktvl.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/ktvl_vid_17995.shtml
KTVL – SOU Students Say They Feel Safe: https://www.ktvl.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/ktvl_vid_17964.shtml
KTVL – SOU to Reopen Thursday: https://www.ktvl.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/ktvl_vid_17963.shtml
KTVL – Unconfirmed Threat Closes SOU’s Ashland Campus Classes: https://www.ktvl.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/ktvl_vid_17953.shtml
KTVL – SOU to Host UCC Support Events Thursday: https://www.ktvl.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/ktvl_vid_17936.shtml
KTVL – No Explosives Found on Rogue Community College Campuses, Investigation Ongoing: https://www.ktvl.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/ktvl_vid_17910.shtml
KTVL – Classes Cancelled for Rogue Community College and SOU’s Medford Campus: https://www.ktvl.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/ktvl_vid_17906.shtml
KTVL – All Rogue Community College Campuses Evacuated for Bomb Threat: https://www.ktvl.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/ktvl_vid_17905.shtml
KTVL – SOU Response to UCC Shooting: https://www.ktvl.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/ktvl_vid_17875.shtml
Mail Tribune – SOU Training Gives Tips on What to do if There’s an Active Shooter: https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20151016/NEWS/151019735/0/SEARCH
Mail Tribune – SOU Set to Reopen Thursday After Threatening Handwritten Note Prompts Closure: https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20151007/NEWS/151009706/0/SEARCH
Mail Tribune – SOU Ashland Campus Closed Because of Unconfirmed Threat: https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20151006/NEWS/151009713/0/SEARCH
Mail Tribune – SOU Plans Vigil, Barbecue Fundraiser in Support of UCC on Thursday: https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20151006/NEWS/151009737/0/SEARCH
Mail Tribune – Rogue Valley Groups, Institutions Reach Out to Support UCC Victims and Their Families: https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20151006/NEWS/151009722/0/SEARCH
Mail Tribune – Bomb Threat Forces Evacuation, Closure of RCC’s Three Campuses: https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20151005/NEWS/151009791/0/SEARCH
Mail Tribune – Our View: Send a Message to Those Who Issue Empty Threats: https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20151006/OPINION/151009774/0/SEARCH
Daily Tidings – Our View: Learning to Survive: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151016/OPINION/151019914/0/SEARCH
Daily Tidings – Learning How to Survive: SOU Holds First Active Shooter Defense Class: https://www.ktvl.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/ktvl_vid_18079.shtml
Daily Tidings – SOU to Hold Active Shooter Class: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151008/NEWS/151009850/0/SEARCH
Daily Tidings – Talking it Out: SOU Students Gather for Vigil, Barbecue in Wake of UCC Massacre: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151008/NEWS/151009831/0/SEARCH
Daily Tidings – SOU Set to Reopen Thursday After ‘Threatening’ Handwritten Note Prompts Closure: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151007/NEWS/151009868/0/SEARCH
Daily Tidings: Our View: No Laughing Matter: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151006/OPINION/151009904/0/SEARCH
Daily Tidings: SOU Plans Vigil, Barbecue Fundraiser in Support of UCC on Thursday: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151006/NEWS/151009886/0/SEARCH
Daily Tidings – SOU Campus Closed Because of Unconfirmed Threat: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151006/NEWS/151009875/0/SEARCH
Jefferson Public Radio – Southern Oregon U. to Reopen After Threat Causes Campus Closure: https://ijpr.org/post/southern-oregon-u-reopen-after-threat-causes-campus-closure
Jefferson Public Radio – Threat Shuts Down Rogue Community College: https://ijpr.org/post/threat-shuts-down-rogue-community-college
Jefferson Public Radio – The Jefferson Exchange: The Umpqua Aftermath and Other School Shootings: https://ijpr.org/post/umpqua-aftermath-and-other-school-shootings
Herald and News – Threat Shuts Down SOU Campus, Will Reopen Thursday: https://www.heraldandnews.com/breaking/threat-shuts-down-sou-campus-will-reopen-thursday/article_288f969e-6d3c-11e5-9a1f-8b848ce47061.html
Herald and News – SOU Threat Causes Campus Closure: https://www.heraldandnews.com/news/northwest/sou-threat-causes-campus-closure/article_69496be8-8939-5e76-a377-91ccb0a75b95.html
Herald and News – Threat Causes Southern Oregon University to Cancel Classes: https://www.heraldandnews.com/news/oregon/threat-causes-southern-oregon-university-to-cancel-classes/article_d3478a8b-1634-54a4-b810-e7ed29906efc.html
The Siskiyou – Closed Campus Follow-up: https://siskiyou.sou.edu/2015/10/14/closed-campus-follow-up/
The Siskiyou – Students React to Campus Closure and Where to Go from Here: https://siskiyou.sou.edu/2015/10/07/students-react-to-campus-closure-and-where-to-go-from-here/
The Siskiyou – Threats to Campus Close SOU for the Day: https://siskiyou.sou.edu/2015/10/07/threats-to-campus-close-sou-for-the-day/
The Siskiyou – UCC Shooting Has SOU Evaluating Procedures: https://siskiyou.sou.edu/2015/10/02/ucc-shooting-has-sou-evaluating-procedures/
The Siskiyou – A Message from President Roy Saigo: “Safety Is My Number One Priority”: https://siskiyou.sou.edu/2015/10/02/a-message-from-president-roy-saigo-safety-is-my-number-one-priority/
Oregonian/Oregon Live – Threatening Note that Canceled Southern Oregon University Classes Referenced Umpqua Community College Mass Shootings: https://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2015/10/threatening_note_that_cancelle.html#incart_river
Oregonian/Oregon Live – Southern Oregon University to Reopen After Threatening Note is Found: https://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2015/10/southern_oregon_university_to.html
Oregonian/Oregon Live – Threat Prompts Southern Oregon University to Cancel Classes: https://www.oregonlive.com/marijuana/index.ssf/2015/10/threat_prompts_southern_oregon.html#incart_river
Chronicle of Higher Education – After Killings in Oregon, Colleges Face Threats—and Take No Chances: https://chronicle.com/article/After-Killings-in-Oregon/233721
KAJO – Parents Thank SOU Officials for Online Messages, Warning of Threat: https://www.kajo.com/news/local/stories.php?subaction=showfull&id=1444454102&ucat=2
KAJO – Southern Oregon University Campus Closed Today Due to Undisclosed Threat: https://www.kajo.com/news/local/stories.php?subaction=showfull&id=1444196455&ucat=2,4
KAJO – Local Colleges Honor Umpqua Community College Shooting Victims and Families: https://www.kajo.com/news/local/stories.php?subaction=showfull&id=1444374619&ucat=2
Fox News – Colleges in Oregon, Kentucky Cancel Classes Due to Threats: https://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/10/07/colleges-in-oregon-kentucky-cancel-classes-due-to-threats/
Seattle Times – Threat Causes Southern Oregon University to Cancel Classes: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/threat-causes-southern-oregon-university-to-cancel-classes/
NBC News – Southern Oregon University Campus Shut Down Over Handwritten Note: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/southern-oregon-university-campus-shut-down-over-handwritten-note-n439846
KATU – Southern Oregon University to Reopen Thursday After Threat: https://www.katu.com/news/local/Southern-Oregon-University-SOU-closes-campus-over-threatening-message-331022382.html
Oregon Public Broadcasting – Threats Keep Thousands of Oregon Students Out of Class Since UCC: https://www.opb.org/news/article/threats-disrupt-classes-from-ashland-to-portland/
Oregon Public Broadcasting – SOU Threat Causes Campus Closure: https://www.opb.org/news/article/southern-oregon-university-threat-causes-campus-closure-/
University Herald – Southern Oregon University Threat: Campus Closes Wednesday, Police Investigation Underway: https://www.universityherald.com/articles/24535/20151007/southern-oregon-university-threat-ashland-campus-closes-wednesday-police-investigation-underway.htm
Register Guard – Potential Threat Causes Southern Oregon University to Cancel Classes: https://registerguard.com/rg/news/local/33586490-75/potential-threat-causes-southern-oregon-university-to-cancel-classes.html.csp
 
KGW – Threat Causes Southern Oregon University to Cancel Classes: https://www.kgw.com/story/news/local/southern-oregon/2015/10/07/threat-causes-s-ore-university-cancel-classes/73517908/
KVOA (Tuscon) – Southern Oregon University Ashland Campus Closed Wednesday Due to Threat: https://www.kvoa.com/story/30207657/breaking-southern-oregon-university-ashland-campus-closed-wednesday-due-to-threat
Statesman Journal – Southern Oregon University Closes Campus After Threat: https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/2015/10/07/southern-oregon-university-closes-campus-after-threat/73503602/?from=global&sessionKey=&autologin=
KEZI – Southern Oregon University Campus Closed After Threatening Note Found: https://www.kezi.com/news/Southern_Oregon_University_Campus_Closed_after_Threatening_Note_Found.html
KPTV – Southern Oregon University Closed Due to Unconfirmed Threat: https://www.kptv.com/story/30205709/southern-oregon-university-closed-due-to-unconfirmed-threat
Inside Higher Ed – Threat Leads Eastern Kentucky to Call Off Classes: https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2015/10/08/threat-leads-eastern-kentucky-call-classes
Bend Bulletin – Threats Force Two Colleges to Cancel Classes: https://www.bendbulletin.com/nation/3580194-151/threats-force-2-colleges-to-cancel-classes

SOU In the News: Oct. 6 – 19

SOU-LOGO-HZ-186-POS
SOU Student, Alumni, Faculty, and Staff Features:
Mail Tribune – Like Mother, Like Son: https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20151013/NEWS/151019901/0/SEARCH
Daily Tidings – Southern Oregon College Students Gave Their All in WWII: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151013/NEWS/151019950/0/SEARCH
Daily Tidings – Ashland Author Memorializes Slain UCC Professor in Poem: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151009/NEWS/151009814/0/SEARCH
Oxford University Press – Words from Books (Professor Edwin Battistella featured): https://blog.oup.com/2015/10/history-print-books/
Daily Tidings – The Democracy Project at SOU: The Status and Role of Women in India: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151018/NEWS/151019875/0/SEARCH
 
News on SOU Academic Programs:
The Siskiyou – SOU’s Newest Master’s Degree is an Adventure: https://siskiyou.sou.edu/2015/10/14/sous-newest-masters-degree-is-an-adventure/
Siskiyou Daily News – Yreka High Proud of Academic Pathways Program (SOU mentioned): https://www.siskiyoudaily.com/article/20151014/NEWS/151019921/1994/NEWS
 
News on SOU Fine and Performing Arts:

Mail Tribune – Mad Scientists of Music: https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20151002/ENTERTAINMENT/151009880/0/SEARCH
Daily Tidings – Mad Scientists of Music: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151011/ENTERTAINMENT/151019986/0/SEARCH
Mail Tribune – Ashland’s First Friday Art Walk Showcases New Exhibits by Regional Artists: https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20151001/ENTERTAINMENT/151009987/0/SEARCH
 
News on Recent and Upcoming SOU Events:
Daily Tidings – A Gathering of the Writing Tribe: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151005/NEWS/151009902/0/SEARCH
KOBI – Sixth Southern Oregon Pride Festival Draws Hundreds to Ashland: https://kobi5.com/news/sixth-southern-oregon-pride-festival-draws-hundreds-to-ashland-2651/
KDRV – Oregon Senators Outline College Affordability Bills at SOU: https://www.kdrv.com/news/local/Senators_Address_Tuition_Costs_in_Southern_Oregon_.html
KDRV – SOU United Nations Day Event: https://www.kdrv.com/community/calendar/SOU_United_Nations_Day_Event.html
Mail Tribune – Southern Oregon Pride Takes to the Street: https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20151009/ENTERTAINMENT/151009878/0/SEARCH
Daily Tidings – Southern Oregon Pride Takes to the Street: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151009/ENTERTAINMENT/151009913/0/SEARCH
JPR – The Jefferson Exchange: Reasons to Celebrate S.O. Pride: https://ijpr.org/post/reasons-celebrate-so-pride
JPR – The Jefferson Exchange: Vandana Shiva on GMO Resistance: https://ijpr.org/post/vandana-shiva-gmo-resistance
The Siskiyou – Pride on Ashland Streets: https://siskiyou.sou.edu/2015/10/14/pride-on-ashland-streets/
KOBI – Five on 5: SO Pride Parade: https://kobi5.com/features/five-on-5/claudia-alick-janelle-wilson-so-pride-parade-2528/
Daily Tidings – Wyden, Merkley Vow to Reduce Student Debt: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151014/NEWS/151019930/0/SEARCH
Mail Tribune – Wyden, Merkley Vow to Reduce Student Debt: https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20151014/NEWS/151019793/0/SEARCH
JPR – Wyden, Merkley Highlight Efforts to Lighten Student Debt Burdens: https://ijpr.org/post/wyden-merkley-highlight-efforts-lighten-student-debt-burdens
 
News on SOU governance and Board of Trustees:
KDRV – SOU Officials Discuss Campus Safety: https://www.kdrv.com/news/local/_SOU_Officials_Discuss_Campus_Safety.html
 
Miscellaneous News:
Mail Tribune – SOU Dorm Rooms Flooded After Student Breaks Sprinkler Head: https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20151011/NEWS/151019918/0/SEARCH
KDRV – SOU Partners with Zipcar to Offer Car Sharing on Campus: https://www.kdrv.com/news/local/SOU_Partners_with_Zipcar_to_Offer_Car_Sharing_on_Campus.html
Daily Tidings – Zipcar Rolls Onto SOU Campus: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151013/NEWS/151019946/0/SEARCH
Daily Tidings – The Democracy Project at SOU: Promoting Global Citizenship Through International Travel: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151012/NEWS/151019973/0/SEARCH
Daily Tidings – SOU Dorm Rooms Flooded After Student Breaks Sprinkler Head: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151011/NEWS/151019983/0/SEARCH
JPR – The Jefferson Exchange: A Boost to Biz from SBDC: https://ijpr.org/post/boost-biz-sbdc
The Siskiyou – Students Still Displaced After McLaughlin Flood: https://siskiyou.sou.edu/2015/10/15/students-still-displaced-after-mclaughlin-flood/
JPR – The Jefferson Exchange: Women’s Wrestling Starts at SOU: https://ijpr.org/post/thu-830-womens-wrestling-starts-sou
Daily Tidings – As It Was: A Favorite Haunt at Southern Oregon University: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20151014/NEWS/151019931/0/SEARCH
NBC – Five on 5: Count Me In Campaign (Chava Florendo and student Maria Gomez interviewed: https://kobi5.com/features/five-on-5/chava-florendo-count-me-in-campaign-maria-gomez-sou-student-2994/

SOU Launches 'Count Me In' Campaign

SOU-LOGO-HZ-186-POS
(Ashland, Ore.) — The Southern Oregon University Foundation will launch its second annual “Count Me In” fundraising campaign on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 8 a.m. The campaign—which will run for 100 hours—will raise money for the SOU Scholarship, which is awarded to students based on financial need. The SOU Scholarship is designed to help students bridge the funding gap between other forms of financial aid and the cost of attendance at Southern Oregon University.
The campaign will engage SOU alumni and supporters via social media with the goal of raising enough money to provide 100 scholarships to SOU students with high financial need. “Our students work hard every day to achieve their academic dreams,” according to Janet Fratella, vice president for development and executive director of the SOU Foundation. “Scholarships inspire them to succeed.”
During last year’s “Count Me In” campaign, more than 440 participants contributed over $210,000.
The campaign can be followed on social media by using the hashtag #SOUCountMeIn, or at countmein.sou.edu.
-SOU-
About Southern Oregon University
Southern Oregon University is a medium-sized campus that provides comprehensive educational opportunities with a strong focus on student success and intellectual creativity. Located in vibrant Ashland, Oregon, SOU remains committed to diversity and inclusion for all students on its environmentally sustainable campus. Connected learning programs taught by a host of exceptional faculty provide quality, innovative experiences for students. Visit sou.edu.

SOU to Reopen Campus Thursday, Oct. 8 at 5 a.m.

SOU-LOGO-HZ-186-POS
 
(Ashland, Ore.) — Upon consultation with law enforcement, the administration of Southern Oregon University has determined that campus will reopen Thursday, Oct. 8, at 5 a.m.
The decision to close campus was made in response to threatening communication received Tuesday evening. The campus closure allowed SOU and its law enforcement partners to fully assess the situation and threat. No further evidence has been found to substantiate the threat.
“Although there is no indication of a continuing threat, all members of the campus community should have a heightened awareness of their surroundings and immediately report any suspicious activity, including threatening or concerning activity on social media,” according to Frederick Creek, SOU’s director of campus public safety. “Reports can be made by dialing 911, contacting Campus Public Safety at 541-552-6911, or by utilizing an Emergency Blue Light Phone.”
There is currently an increased uniformed and non-uniformed Campus Public Safety and Ashland Police Department presence on campus.
-SOU-
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.

UPDATE: SOU Campus Closure

UPDATE:
Southern Oregon University’s main campus in Ashland will remain closed throughout the day Wednesday. All classes and activities scheduled to take place on campus have been cancelled.
Forensic evidence collected from the location where the threat was found Tuesday evening has been sent for processing. However, at this time there is no estimate for when it will be processed or when details will be available.
A search of University facilities conducted jointly between Ashland Police Department and SOU found no additional threat to the campus.
SOU administration continues to assess the situation working closely with APD. SOU Campus Public Safety and APD will maintain an increased presence on campus.
Additional updates will be provided online at news.sou.edu, social media, and SOU Alerts as necessary.

SOU Alert

Due to an unconfirmed threat currently under investigation by Ashland PD, the main SOU Ashland campus will be closed Wed., Oct. 7.
Classes and other activities on Ashland campus are cancelled. The Higher Ed Center in Medford is not impacted and will remain open.
Only essential personnel, including Campus Public Safety and Food Services staff, are to report to work on the Ashland campus.

SOU to Host Events in Support of UCC

SOU-LOGO-HZ-186-POS
(Ashland, Ore.) —In support of Umpqua Community College, Southern Oregon University will hold a series of events this Thursday, October 8, on its main Ashland campus:
10 a.m.: Vigil (open to the public)
The Third Eye on the Britt Lawn
An open space to come together in reflection, healing and solidarity, this vigil will provide opportunity to share thoughts and reactions to this event with the goal of collective healing and support. Members of local faith communities will be present for those seeking spiritual reflection or guidance, as will personnel from SOU’s Student Life, Student Health and Wellness, and Student Support and Intervention. Discussion and sharing will be lead/facilitated by janelle wilson, Associate Director of Student Life for Social Justice and Service, and Jody Waters, Associate Provost.
11 a.m.: Barbecue and fundraiser for UCC (open to the public)
Stevenson Union Courtyard
Presented by the SOU chapter of Student Veterans of America and with food donated by SOU’s Commuter Resource Center, 100 percent of proceeds will go to support victims’ families in Roseburg.
2 p.m.: Community Meeting (for SOU students, faculty, and staff only)
Hannon Library 352 (The White Board room)
SOU Administration, Campus Public Safety, Student Support and Intervention and others will be on hand to address concerns and issues brought up by events of the past week. Attendees are encouraged to come with a sincere intent to share and to listen and to speak with honesty and respect about matters that concern our community.
Community members are welcome to attend the vigil and barbecue. We request that our friends representing media outlets honor the spirit of the vigil by not taking video, photographs, or interviewing during the 10 a.m. event. Parking will be free on campus until 2 p.m.
-SOU-
About Southern Oregon University
Southern Oregon University is a medium-sized campus that provides comprehensive educational opportunities with a strong focus on student success and intellectual creativity. Located in vibrant Ashland, Oregon, SOU remains committed to diversity and inclusion for all students on its environmentally sustainable campus. Connected learning programs taught by a host of exceptional faculty provide quality, innovative experiences for students. Visit sou.edu.