Legislature Approves Capital Funding for SOU Projects

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(Ashland, Ore.) — The full Joint Ways and Means Committee of the Oregon Legislature has approved $3.5 million in bond funding for capital construction projects at Southern Oregon University. Votes of the House and Senate Chambers, and the Governor’s signature are expected to follow.
“These capital projects will provide jobs in southern Oregon,” said Senator Alan Bates, “in addition to improving the access and safety of SOU’s facilities for students, employees, and our community.”
The funding includes an additional $2 million in state XI-Q bonds for the McNeal Hall renovation project, which previously received approval for nearly $22 million in state funding. The additional monies that have been approved for the project will not expand the scope of the renovation, but were necessary in order to address the ongoing increase in the cost of construction since the project was first approved. Debt service on this funding will be paid by the state.
Additionally, the Legislature approved the sale of $1.5 million in XI-F bonds to help fund construction of a new facility for Jefferson Public Radio (JPR) on campus at SOU. “Building a new studio facility for JPR on the SOU campus as part of the Oregon Center for the Arts at SOU will have real benefits for both JPR listeners and SOU students,” said Paul Westhelle, JPR’s executive director. “We look forward to expanding our newsroom, creating a live performance studio that will engage our listeners, and developing new, exciting opportunities to collaborate with the community and the campus.”
Still in the design phase, the JPR project is being constructed as an addition to the SOU Theatre Building, which will simultaneously be undergoing a major renovation and classroom space addition. Groundbreaking is expected to occur this summer, with completion scheduled for mid-2017.
“As we continue to grow and change in order to meet the needs of our students and community, it’s imperative that we have support from the state,” according to SOU President Roy Saigo. “Approval of this funding further illustrates that we have that support, particularly from our delegation representing Southern Oregon, which was instrumental in ensuring that this funding was made available.”
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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: Feb. 23 – 29

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SOU Student, Alumni, Faculty, and Staff Features:
The Atlantic – The Art and Science of Apologizing (features Professor Battistella): https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2016/02/how-to-apologize/470457/
KOBI – NBC5 Special Report: Political Controversy in Oregon (Professor Prakash Chenjeri featured): https://kobi5.com/news/nbc5-special-report-political-controversy-in-oregon-22462/
KGW – Climate Change May Help Oregon’s Wine Industry (Professor Greg Jones featured): https://www.kgw.com/money/business/climate-change-may-help-oregons-wine-industry/53328260
Capital Press – Oregon’s Cool-Weather Grapes Challenged by Warming (Professor Greg Jones featured): https://www.capitalpress.com/Oregon/20160224/oregons-cool-weather-grapes-challenged-by-warming
KOBI – NBC5 Special Report (SOU Professors featured): https://kobi5.com/news/nbc5-special-report-political-controversy-in-oregon-part-2-22520/
 
News on SOU Fine and Performing Arts:

Mail Tribune – Pianist Plays to Bring Her Mother to SOU Graduate Recital: https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20160222/NEWS/160229866/0/SEARCH
Mail Tribune – ‘The Crucible’ Opens at SOU: https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20160225/ENTERTAINMENT/160229743/0/SEARCH
 
News on Recent and Upcoming SOU Events:
Rogue Valley Messenger – The Vagina Monologues at Southern Oregon University: https://www.roguevalleymessenger.com/event/the-vagina-monologues-at-southern-oregon-university/2016-03-03/
 
News on SOU governance and Board of Trustees:
Daily Tidings – SOU Now Plans to Heat with Gas, Not Biomass: https://www.dailytidings.com/news/20160222/sou-now-plans-to-heat-with-gas-not-biomass
Daily Tidings – Our View: Cognitive Dissonance (editorial on biomass decision): https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20160224/OPINION/160229907/0/SEARCH
 
Miscellaneous News:
The Siskiyou – SOU Community Speaks Out: FDA Ban Discriminatory: https://siskiyou.sou.edu/2016/02/25/sou-community-speaks-out-fda-ban-discriminatory/
Daily Tidings – OLLI Announces Spring Class Lineup: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20160225/NEWS/160229856/0/SEARCH
Mail Tribune – OLLI Announces Spring Class Lineup: https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20160225/NEWS/160229719/0/SEARCH

SOU to Present the Vagina Monologues

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(Ashland, Ore.) — The Southern Oregon University Women’s Resource Center will once again present The Vagina Monologues. The 15th annual presentation of the play, which is based on the award-winning work of author Eve Ensler, will take place Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, March 3-5 at 7 p.m. in the Rogue River Room inside the Stevenson Union on the University’s main campus in Ashland.
This year’s presentation will for the first time feature opening acts, including the SOU Slam Poetry Team, Dulcet Acapella Group, and singer Alyssa McPartland. “This is the first time we’ve featured opening acts, and we’re really excited to be able to provide that,” according to Demitra Olague, Vagina Monologues co-director.
The entire cast of The Vagina Monologues is comprised of SOU students, as are the two co-directors. Olague and Jessica Hole. “The Vagina Monologues are a collection of performances empowering women and people with vaginas,” Hole said.
The Friday, March 4 presentation will feature an American Sign Language interpreter.
Tickets are on sale now at the Stevenson Union Information Desk and the SOU Women’s Resource Center. Advance tickets are $10 for SOU students and $13 for members of the community. Tickets will be available at the door for $12 and $15, respectively.
For more information, visit https://www.sou.edu/wrc/vaginamonologues.html.
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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 Install New Natural Gas Boilers

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(Ashland, Ore.) —The Southern Oregon University Board of Trustees Finance Committee voted on Thursday to replace aging heating systems with updated natural gas boilers. The University had previously considered replacing its existing system with either biomass boilers or a biomass cogeneration facility.
“The Finance Committee and SOU administration have been reviewing and closely examining the issue for more than a year now,” said Paul Nicholson, chair of the finance committee. “At this time we feel that the best decision for SOU and our entire community is to update and replace existing technology,” added Bill Thorndike, chair of the board of trustees.
Of the options being considered, natural gas boilers are expected to have the lowest initial cost and low costs for ongoing operations.
The University will seek capital funding from the Oregon Legislature in order to pay for the project.
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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.

SOU In the News: Feb. 16 – 22

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SOU Student, Alumni, Faculty, and Staff Features:
Mail Tribune – Rogue Tech Hub: Keeping IT Connected (Professor Pete Norquist featured): https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20160218/NEWS/160219642/0/SEARCH
 
News on SOU Academic Programs:

Daily Tidings – University Exchange Student Program Participants Thrive: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20160215/NEWS/160219895/0/SEARCH
 
News on SOU Fine and Performing Arts:

Daily Tidings – Schneider Art Museum Family Day: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20160222/NEWS/160229989/0/SEARCH
Daily Tidings – SOU Stages Arthur Miller’s ‘The Crucible’: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20160222/NEWS/160229988/0/SEARCH
 
News on Recent and Upcoming SOU Events:
JPR – Jefferson Exchange: Telling Stories to Build Stronger Communities (Interview on SOU Social Justice Conference): https://ijpr.org/post/fri-830-telling-stories-build-stronger-communities
The Siskiyou – Annual International Dinner: Tastes From Around the Globe: https://siskiyou.sou.edu/2016/02/19/annual-international-dinner-tastes-from-around-the-globe/
Rogue Valley Messenger – SOU to Host 2nd Annual Foreign Language Film Festival: https://www.roguevalleymessenger.com/event/sou-to-host-2nd-annual-foreign-language-film-festival/
 
News on Politics, Policy, and National Trends Impacting SOU and Higher Education:
Statesman Journal – Legislative Review: Drones, Pay, Student Debt: https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/politics/2016/02/12/legislative-review-drones-pay-student-debt/80292256/
Chronicle of Higher Education – Backgrounds and Beliefs of College Freshmen: https://chronicle.com/interactives/freshmen-survey?cid=trend_au&elq=9c4190848840465a8765705067715ace&elqCampaignId=2434&elqaid=7880&elqat=1&elqTrackId=1fab16f5a7224c2fa28536840684db13
 
Miscellaneous News:
Design, Develop, Construct Journal – Improving Student Life (pg. 96): https://www.ddcjournal.com/issues/spring2016/
KTVL – Adderall Misuse on the Rise in Young Adults: https://ktvl.com/news/local/adderall-misuse-on-the-rise
The Siskiyou – Medieval Arts Club: https://siskiyou.sou.edu/2016/02/19/the-medieval-arts-club/
KTVL – Tuition May Increase Across Oregon: https://ktvl.com/news/local/tuitions-may-increase-across-oregon
Oregonian/Oregon Live – Oregon Universities Considering Tuition Increases; UO Eyes the Highest Bump: https://www.oregonlive.com/education/index.ssf/2016/02/oregon_universities_considerin.html#comments
 

SOU to Host 2nd Annual Foreign Language Film Festival

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(Ashland, Ore.) —The Southern Oregon University Department of Foreign Languages will host its second annual Foreign Language Film Festival Feb. 26 and 27 on campus at SOU. The festival will feature six films in six different languages and is designed to get students and the community excited about and interested in foreign languages.
“Though the festival is open to all, the films we’ve selected for the first day of the festival are targeted toward high school students while the second day is targeted toward college students and the community in general,” according to Christiane Pyle, SOU German instructor and organizer of the Foreign Language Film Festival.
High schools and community colleges from throughout the Rogue Valley and as far away as Roseburg and Klamath Falls have been invited and are planning to attend the event. One of the films, Das alte Lied (“The Old Song”), will be followed by a panel discussion with the film’s award-winning director, Ula Stöckl, while a second film, Throne of Blood, will be followed by a panel discussion led by SOU faculty member Liz Eckhart.
The film festival aims to renew interest and excitement in foreign languages in general, and in foreign language programs offered at SOU. “This is a very exciting and interesting field of study,” said Professor Ariel Zatarain Tumbaga, another of the festival’s organizers. “We hope that this event will help bring some attention to the wonderful programs at SOU.”
This year’s lineup includes films in American Sign Language, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish, all of which will be subtitled. The showings are free and open to the public, but seating is limited and available on a first come, first serve basis. Refreshments will be available for purchase at all screenings.
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The festival is co-sponsored this year by SOU’s French, German, and Spanish Clubs, as well as the SOU Film Club.
More information, including a full schedule of screenings, can be found online at tinyurl.com/sou-fest. Those interested in attending can contact Tatiana Watkins by phone at 541-552-6436 or via email at watkinst1@sou.edu.
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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: Feb. 9 – 15

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SOU Student, Alumni, Faculty, and Staff Features:
Daily Tidings – Is City Hall a Teardown? (Professor Charles Lane featured): https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20160209/NEWS/160209864/0/SEARCH
Oxford University Press – It’s Fine to Start Sentences with “And” (feature by Professor Edwin Battistella): https://blog.oup.com/2016/02/start-sentences-with-and/
 
News on SOU Academic Programs:

Mail Tribune – SOU Archaeologists Will Study Bones from the Past: https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20160215/NEWS/160219830/0/SEARCH
 
News on Recent and Upcoming SOU Events:
Rogue Valley Messenger – SOU to Host “Play Like a Girl” Night: https://www.roguevalleymessenger.com/event/sou-to-host-play-like-a-girl-night-at-the-ahs-gymnasium/
Rogue Valley Messenger – SOU Hosts 3rd Annual Social Justice Conference: https://www.roguevalleymessenger.com/event/southern-oregon-university-hosts-the-3rd-annual-social-justice-conference/
 
News on Politics, Policy, and National Trends Impacting SOU and Higher Education:
Oregonian/Oregon Live – Report: More Oregonians Finishing Community College While Non-Residents Boost Universities: https://www.oregonlive.com/education/index.ssf/2016/02/report_more_oregonians_going_t.html
Inside Higher Ed – Why is Tuition so High?: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2016/02/09/study-increased-student-aid-not-faculty-salaries-drives-tuition?utm_source=Inside+Higher+Ed&utm_campaign=8bca58981a-DNU20160209&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1fcbc04421-8bca58981a-198630913
Oregonian/Oregon Live – PERS: Oregon Pension Deficit Up 20 Percent, Putting Pressure on Costs: https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/02/oregon_pension_deficit_up_20_p.html#incart_2box
The Chronicle of Higher Education – What Obama’s 2017 Budget Means for Higher Ed: https://chronicle.com/article/What-Obamas-2017-Budget-Means/235250?cid=at&utm_source=at&utm_medium=en&elq=d0984ee6c0254a1a9805e8a4c947c629&elqCampaignId=2411&elqaid=7846&elqat=1&elqTrackId=0c2ce4effa7543dbbdb94499534e69f1
 
Miscellaneous News:
The Siskiyou – Did You Check Your Privilege?: https://siskiyou.sou.edu/2016/02/10/did-you-check-your-privilege/
The Siskiyou – Remembering Alex Howell: https://siskiyou.sou.edu/2016/02/13/remembering-alex-howell/
Daily Tidings – More Seats for Multiculturalism: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20160209/NEWS/160209853/0/SEARCH
Around the O – Seven Voices are Better than One: University Day in Salem: https://around.uoregon.edu/content/seven-voices-are-louder-one-university-day-salem
Campus Reform – SOU Tells Students Size DOES Matter When It Comes to Privilege: https://www.campusreform.org/?ID=7272
National Review – University Plasters Campus with Posters Asking Students to Check “Size Privilege”: https://www.nationalreview.com/article/431192/university-check-size-privilege

SOU to Host Social Justice Conference

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(Ashland, Ore.) — The Southern Oregon University Multicultural Resource Center, in partnership with the University’s Social Justice Committee, will hold its 3rd annual Social Justice Conference Friday and Saturday, Feb. 19 and 20.
The conference, which is open to students and members of the local communities that SOU serves, is designed to educate, motivate, and advocate those who desire to gain understanding and strategies in their commitment to issues of social justice, including the environment, healthcare, and the power of language and image. Presentations are based on this year’s SOU Campus Theme, “Reimagining Communities: Transcending Realities.”
Registration for the conference is just $10 for students and $20 for non-students and can be completed online at https://form.jotform.com/woodardm/-sou-2016-social-justice-conference.
Online registration closes Thursday, Feb. 18. For more information, call 541-552-8793.
 
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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: Feb. 2 – 8

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SOU Student, Alumni, Faculty, and Staff Features:
Daily Tidings – Teaching the Teachers: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20160201/NEWS/160209980/0/SEARCH
Mail Tribune – ‘Big Craig’ Left Imprint on Valley: https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20160202/SPORTS/160209950/0/SEARCH
Mail Tribune – Dick’s Sporting Goods to Build 89,000-Square-Foot Medford Store (Professor Joan McBee featured): https://www.mailtribune.com/article/20160202/NEWS/160209961/0/SEARCH
KOBI – Friends and Fellow Teammates Mourn the Loss of SOU Student: https://kobi5.com/news/local-news/friends-and-former-teammates-mourn-the-loss-of-sou-student-21043/
Oxford Dictionary Blog – Regretoric: The Rise of the Nonapology Apology and the Apology Tour: https://blog.oxforddictionaries.com/2016/02/nonapology-apology-tour/
KDRV – Dutch Bros. to Honor SOU Student Feb. 9: https://www.kdrv.com/news/local/Dutch_Bros_to_Honor_SOU_Student_Feb_9.html
ESPN – David Laney Taking His Ultra-Running Success to the Roads: https://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/14714324/endurance-sports-marathon-trials-different-challenge-ultra-champion-david-laney
Statesman Journal – A Little Bit of Spain Taking Root in Oregon (Professor Greg Jones featured): https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/life/2016/02/05/little-bit-spain-taking-root-oregon/79864240/
KTVL – Wrestlers and Soldiers Honor Teammate: https://ktvl.com/news/local/wrestlers-and-soldiers-honor-teammate
 
News on SOU Academic Programs:

Oregonian/Oregon Live – Colleges Collaborating, Teaching Innovative Programs for Tomorrow’s Emerging Careers: https://blog.oregonlive.com/education_plus/2016/01/colleges_collaborating_teachin.html
 
News on Recent and Upcoming SOU Events:
The Siskiyou – Bon Appetit!: https://siskiyou.sou.edu/2016/02/05/bon-appetit/
 
News on Politics, Policy, and National Trends Impacting SOU and Higher Education:
Register Guard – Sen. Wyden: As Election Looms, College Affordability Comes to the Forefront: https://registerguard.com/rg/news/local/33978810-75/wyden-highlights-education.html.csp#
Inside Higher Ed – Geography Matters: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2016/02/03/when-students-enroll-college-geography-matters-more-policy-makers-think?utm_source=Inside+Higher+Ed&utm_campaign=2a29ad0a73-DNU20160203&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1fcbc04421-2a29ad0a73-198630913
 
News on SOU governance and Board of Trustees:
KTVL – SOU Searches for New President: https://ktvl.com/news/local/sou-searches-for-new-president
 
Miscellaneous News:
The Siskiyou – SOU Kidnapping Ruled as Hoax: https://siskiyou.sou.edu/2016/02/02/sou-kidnapping-ruled-as-hoax/
KOBI – Possible Kidnapping Reported at Southern Oregon University: https://kobi5.com/news/possible-kidnapping-reported-at-southern-oregon-university-20995/
KTVL – SOU Student Remembered: https://ktvl.com/news/local/sou-student-remembered
KDRV – Police Say Reported Kidnapping Was a Hoax: https://www.kdrv.com/news/local/SOU_Says_Possible_Kidnapping_Reported_.html
Daily Tidings – Students Want a Ban on Banning Students: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20160201/NEWS/160209976/0/SEARCH
Daily Tidings – Our View: Rental Roulette: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20160203/OPINION/160209964/0/SEARCH
The Siskiyou – Students Seek Fair Housing Policies: https://siskiyou.sou.edu/2016/02/04/students-seek-fair-housing-policies/
The Siskiyou – Student Housing: Breaking it Down: https://siskiyou.sou.edu/2016/02/04/student-housing-breaking-it-down/
KTVL – SOU Student Group Supports Clean Energy Campaign: https://ktvl.com/news/local/sou-support-clean-energy-campaign
Daily Tidings – The High Cost of Debt: https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20160204/NEWS/160209928/0/SEARCH
KAJO – Students Fighting for Renewable Energy Production: https://www.kajo.com/news/local/stories.php?subaction=showfull&id=1454832525&ucat=2

SOU Selected for National First-Year Experience Initiative

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(Ashland, Ore.) — Southern Oregon University today announced its selection by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) to participate in the three-year “Re-Imagining the First Year of College” (RFY) project, a sweeping initiative aimed at transforming the first year of college to enhance students’ success in their undergraduate years and in the 21st century workplace.
The first year of college has emerged as the critical barrier to student success, the point at which undergraduate institutions experience the greatest loss of students. The objective of the RFY project is to help project participants – and ultimately the broader AASCU membership of 420 state colleges and universities – to implement changes that enhance the first-year student experience and increase student retention and graduation rates, particularly among historically underserved populations.
As part of AASCU’s RFY project, SOU will select and implement proven, innovative strategies and programs, adapting them to the campus’s unique environment and needs. The evidence-based strategies focus on four core areas to help first-year students succeed: institutional intentionality, curriculum, faculty and staff roles, and student roles. SOU also will participate in a learning community along with the 43 other state colleges and universities selected for RFY. The learning community will enable RFY participants to attend national conferences and educational webinars, receive one-on-one mentoring, access online tools and resources, and share ideas, successful strategies and lessons learned with each other.
“We are pleased that these AASCU institutions will commit their enormous talent and knowledge to the success of this initiative, which I believe will have a profound effect on undergraduate education in the 21st century,” said George Mehaffy, vice president for academic leadership and change at AASCU. “The state colleges and universities we selected for RFY represent a broad swath of the institutional landscape and exhibit strong leadership and other qualities that are conducive to effecting broad-scale and sustainable change. Together, with the engagement of all campus stakeholders – from students to academic leadership – we will strive to transform the first-year student experience and ensure student success,” he added.
AASCU will kick off the RFY initiative with academic leaders attending the association’s 2016 Academic Affairs Winter Meeting in Austin, Texas from Feb. 4-6, 2016. RFY is being funded by generous grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and USA Funds.
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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.
About AASCU
The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) is a Washington, D.C.-based higher education association of more than 400 public colleges, universities, and systems whose members share a learning- and teaching-centered culture, a historic commitment to underserved student populations, and a dedication to research and creativity that advances their regions’ economic progress and cultural development.