State commission approves SOU tuition rate

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NEWS RELEASE (available online at https://goo.gl/1mMLmn)
(Ashland, Ore.) — Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission acknowledged Southern Oregon University’s collaboration, momentum and attention to the overall best interests of students by voting today to accept 2017-18 tuition rates adopted last month by the SOU Board of Trustees.
“I truly appreciate the ability of HECC members to grasp the nuances of our recent budget- and tuition-setting process, and to understand the swell of energy and passion on our campus,” said SOU President Linda Schott, who was in Salem to present the university’s tuition plan to commissioners.
HECC members approved the 12 percent tuition increase that SOU’s Board of Trustees unanimously adopted on April 21. The HECC vote finalizes a months-long process by students, staff, faculty members and others to work collaboratively through a budget cycle that was deeply affected by the state’s $1.4 to $1.6 billion funding shortfall.
The HECC must approve tuition increases above 5 percent for any of the state’s seven public universities. Gov. Kate Brown laid out strict criteria that the universities had to meet this year as justification for increases over 5 percent, and the commission approved rates today for SOU, OIT and WOU. Tuition rates for PSU and UO did not receive sufficient votes for approval, and OSU and EOU did not require HECC approval for tuition increases below 5 percent.
SOU’s tuition has risen by an average of 2.5 percent annually over the past four years, and the university currently operates on less revenue than any other public university in Oregon, on a per-student basis. SOU’s tuition increase will result in an additional $18.17 per credit hour for SOU students who are Oregon residents, and similar increases for non-residents.
Students from various universities dominated the public comment session at Thursday’s HECC meeting. Some opposed their universities’ tuition increases and others spoke in favor of the rates, recognizing that deep cuts in programs would cause more damage than higher tuition.
President Schott acknowledged that SOU’s increase will cause difficulties for some students, and said the university has tried to address some of those concerns by offsetting the tuition increase with $500,000 in additional institutional aid for students least able to afford the increased cost. The university will also expand efforts to steer eligible students toward cost-saving options such as programs that allow students to graduate in three years instead of four.
“There is little to celebrate in today’s vote,” Schott said. “We have heard our students – those who have spoken against the tuition increase and those who have reluctantly acknowledged that it is the lesser of two evils. This tuition rate enables us to continue planning an efficient, innovative and successful future for SOU, its students and our community.”
SOU has made $14 million in cuts over the past three years as part of its retrenchment process. Any additional cuts would significantly erode the university’s academic and student support programs.
Tuition at SOU will remain among the lowest of Oregon’s seven public universities. The overall cost of attendance – a combination of tuition, student fees and housing – will go up by about 5.8 percent.
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About Southern Oregon University
As a public liberal arts university, SOU focuses on student learning, accessibility and civic engagement that enriches both the community and bioregion. The university is recognized for fostering intellectual creativity, for quality and innovation in its connected learning programs, and for 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.

Trans-species psychologist to lecture at SOU on animals’ personal lives

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NEWS RELEASE (available online at https://goo.gl/26XjaV)
(Ashland, Ore.) — Southern Oregon University’s “Shapes of Curiosity” lecture series will take a walk on the wild side when trans-species psychologist G.A. Bradshaw discusses “The World Through the Eyes of Our Carnivore Kin” on Thursday evening, May 11, at the Hannon Library.
The lecture, which is free and open to the public, will be at 7 p.m. in the library’s Meese Room (room 305).
Bradshaw will offer glimpses behind the scenes in the lives of creatures often considered fearsome: grizzly bears, cougars, orcas, rattlesnakes and others. Her discovery of post-traumatic stress disorder in free-living elephants launched the field of trans-species psychology.
Bradshaw is the founder and executive director of the Kerulos Center in Jacksonville – a nonprofit organization made up of faculty members and professional advisors from various disciplines who work from around the world to improve animals’ lives through understanding and service. She has also served as an adjunct faculty member in psychology at SOU.
She holds doctoral degrees in forest ecology from Oregon State University and in depth psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara, California. She earned a master’s degree in geophysics from Stanford University and a bachelor’s degree in linguistics (Chinese) from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Bradshaw has published, taught and lectured internationally in both of her doctoral fields. Her work focuses on the psychological well-being of animals and multi-species cultures, and she has researched the effects of violence and trauma recovery on elephants, grizzly bears, chimpanzees, parrots and other species in captivity.
She is the author of “Elephants on the Edge: What Animals Teach Us about Humanity,” which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. Her work has appeared in academic journals such as Nature and American Scientist, and in popular magazines such as Time, Forbes and National Geographic.
The presentation is part of this year’s SOU campus theme, Shapes of Curiosity. The lecture series creates opportunities for students, faculty, staff and community members to engage in intellectually stimulating conversations. For information about the Shapes of Curiosity, contact SOU foreign language professor Dan Morris (morris@sou.edu), who is co-director of the campus theme program.
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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.

Hospital CEO to join SOU Board of Trustees

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NEWS RELEASE (available online at https://goo.gl/9LtvdF)
(Ashland, Ore.) — Sheila Clough, the chief executive officer of Asante Ashland Community Hospital, has been appointed by Gov. Kate Brown to fill the 15th seat on the Southern Oregon University Board of Trustees and was confirmed today by the Oregon Senate.
Clough has served as CEO of the Ashland hospital for the past 3 ½ years and has held management positions in health care for 25 years. In seeking appointment to the SOU board, she cited the academic and economic benefits that the university provides.
“As a resident of Ashland and the CEO of a critical community service provider and prominent employer in the area, I have a vested interest in the long-term sustainability of SOU,” Clough said. “I am honored by my appointment to this volunteer board and look forward to supporting the strategies and vision that will ensure the university’s continued success.”
Clough joined Asante in September 2013 as CEO of Asante Ashland Community Hospital and led the hospital’s integration into the Asante system and its financial turnaround. The recovery plan she implemented resulted in an $8 million turnaround for the hospital from 2013 through 2016. Patient satisfaction at the hospital improved from the 50th percentile in 2013 to better than the 80th percentile in 2016, and the hospital’s employee engagement ranking went from the 7th percentile to the 91st percentile over the same period.
“The board welcomes Sheila Clough, whose accomplishments at Asante and leadership role in the community, we believe, are indicative of what she will bring to the table,” said Bill Thorndike, chair of the SOU Board of Trustees. “Sheila understands the complementary roles of a governing board and the executive team that operate an institution such as SOU. Her expertise in health care will broaden the board’s perspective and her business knowledge will be invaluable.”
Prior to joining Asante, Clough served in a progression of leadership roles from 1998 through 2013 with Ministry Howard Young Health Care in Woodruff, Wisconsin, eventually rising to the role of president and chief operating officer. Howard Young operated an acute care hospital, a critical access hospital and an assisted living facility.
Clough earned a bachelor’s degree in medical technology from the University of Minnesota and an MBA for health care executives from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is a member of the American College of Health Care Executives and in 2014 passed the organization’s board examination to be named a fellow of the college.
She is an active member of the Ashland Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Lithia Springs Rotary Club, and she has developed a new partnership with Ashland High School to focus students’ attention on the possibility of careers in health care.
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About Southern Oregon University
As a public liberal arts university, SOU focuses on student learning, accessibility and civic engagement that enriches both the community and bioregion. The university is recognized for fostering intellectual creativity, for quality and innovation in its connected learning programs, and for 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 Student Health and Wellness Center granted three-year accreditation

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NEWS RELEASE (available online at https://goo.gl/vPbi9m)
(Ashland, Ore.) — Southern Oregon University’s Student Health and Wellness Center has been re-accredited by the largest certifying agency in the U.S. for student health centers and other ambulatory health organizations.
The three-year accreditation from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care differentiates SOU’s medical and mental health center from other outpatient facilities by certifying that it meets the criteria for high-quality patient care that is laid out in an independent evaluation process. The SOU Student Health and Wellness Center last received accreditation in 2014.
“We believe our patients and clients deserve the best,” said Anna D’Amato, executive director of the SOU center. “When you see our certificate of accreditation, you will know that AAAHC – an independent, not-for-profit organization – has closely examined our facility and procedures. It means we, as an organization, care enough about our patients to strive for the highest level of care possible.”
The accrediting agency sets nationally recognized standards for quality medical and mental health care, and accredits more than 6,000 ambulatory health care facilities and organizations – from student health centers to ambulatory surgery centers to medical and dental group practices.
Not all ambulatory health care organizations seek accreditation, and not all that undergo the rigorous process achieve certification. The process includes an extensive self-assessment and an on-site survey by AAAHC experts – physicians, nurses and others actively involved in ambulatory health care.
The SOU Student Health and Wellness Center’s mission is to promote optimal health and well-being for students through quality educational, primary medical, mental health and health promotion services. The center’s services are confidential, convenient and economical, and facilitates students’ unique healing and learning processes. Its staff of doctors, nurse practitioners, counselors, nurses, health educator, medical assistant, lab/dispensary tech and administrative and support staff see thousands of students annually.
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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. It is the first university in the nation to balance 100 percent of its water consumption. Visit sou.edu.

Fire ecologist to speak at SOU about community resilience to fire

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NEWS RELEASE (available online at https://goo.gl/aBeLbn)
(Ashland, Ore.) — University of Washington fire ecologist Susan Prichard will discuss the need to include managed fire as a tool to ease the threat of catastrophic wildfires in a presentation on Thursday, May 4, in the Southern Oregon University Science Auditorium.
Her talk, “Becoming Fire Adapted: Community & Ecosystem Resilience to Fire,” will be hosted by SOU’s Environmental Science and Policy Program. Other sponsors of the event include the Ashland Forest Resiliency partners, the Fire Learning Network, Lomakatsi Restoration, the City of Ashland, the Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Forest Service. The event is free and open to the public.
Those who attend Thursday’s presentation, which will begin with a half-hour reception at 7 p.m., will see equipment used in controlled burns and learn how fire-adapted communities are making their neighborhoods more fire resistant.
Prichard, who earned her doctorate in ecosystem science at the University of Washington, works with the Forest Service’s Pacific Wildland Fire Sciences Laboratory in Seattle and lives in Washington’s Methow Valley, which has experienced large fires, pervasive smoke and property losses in recent summers.
She says that Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest regularly burned portions of their lands as recently as 150 years ago to improve safety, food production and forage for deer and elk. Prichard maintains that today’s communities need to embrace manageable fires – and put up with the smoke they produce – as they seek to avoid huge, uncontrollable wildfires.
In addition to her duties with the Forest Service wildfire laboratory, Prichard has served since 2003 as a research scientist with UW’s School of Environmental and Forest Sciences. She served as a research assistant for the five years prior to that with the university’s College of Forest Resources.
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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.

U.S passport application services available at SOU

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NEWS BRIEF (available online at https://goo.gl/igFqnX)
(Ashland, Ore.) — An officially designated Passport Acceptance Facility, operated by the Office of International Programs at Southern Oregon University, has been in operation for the past two years and is open to everyone in the community.
The passport facility is located in Room 322 of SOU’s Stevenson Union building on the university’s main Ashland campus at 1250 Siskiyou Boulevard. Please see the Passport Acceptance Facility page for current operating hours.
Prospective passport applicants are asked to visit the U.S. Department of State website (travel.state.gov) and click on “U.S. Passport” for instructions on how to apply. For general inquiries about the passport office, applicants may call the main phone number of SOU’s Office of International Programs at (541) 552-6336.
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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. It is the first university in the nation to balance 100 percent of its water consumption. Visit sou.edu.

SOU to host 40th annual Oregon Indian Education Association conference

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NEWS RELEASE (available online at https://goo.gl/8Ot59R)
(Ashland, Ore.) — The Oregon Indian Education Association’s 40th annual conference, to be held April 20 and 21 at Southern Oregon University, will feature a special presentation by tribal attorney Tara Houska, the national campaigns director for Honor the Earth and Native American affairs advisor last year to Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.
The conference, “Radical Hope and Indigenous Futures: Native Knowledge Transforming Oregon Indian Education,” is sponsored by SOU’s Native American Studies and affiliate programs. Registration for the full, two-day conference is $120 for the general public and $75 for students and elders, but SOU students will be admitted free to most of the event’s various presentations. Admission rates for portions of the conference are available on the OIEA website.
Those who attend the conference may choose among 18 presentations during four sessions on Thursday and seven presentations during two sessions on Friday. A film festival will be held Thursday evening. The conference will seek to incorporate indigenous knowledge into public education and promote quality educational services to Native American students and their families.
Houska, who is a citizen of the Couchiching First Nation, practices as a tribal attorney in Washington, D.C. Her talk will be during a special luncheon session on Thursday.
The OIEA emphasizes that teaching Native American histories and contemporary issues at every level of public education benefits all students by encouraging them to engage with their regions, cultivate civic engagement and learn to be responsible global citizens.
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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. It is the first university in the nation to balance 100 percent of its water consumption. Visit sou.edu.

SOU’s daylong Arbor Day 2017 celebration

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NEWS RELEASE (available online at https://goo.gl/SW2CyB)
(Ashland, Ore.) — Southern Oregon University’s Landscape Services Department will continue its commitment to sustainability by hosting its annual Arbor Day event on Friday, April 14, featuring a new, guided botanical tour.
The virtual guided tour will include more than 100 different and unique trees – each with a physical identification plaque and a QR code for additional information. The day’s events will begin at 9 a.m. and continue until after 4 p.m.
Keynote speakers will address various Arbor Day topics, a ceremony will be held to acknowledge SOU’s designation as a Tree Campus USA, the first 200 volunteers will be offered free lunch at the Hawk, and more than 6,000 plants will be planted by volunteers.
Community members are welcome to attend the family-friendly event and get their hands dirty with SOU’s landscape team, volunteer staff, faculty and students.
An Arbor Day Disc Golf Tournament will conclude the day’s festivities at 4 p.m.
Major sponsors of SOU’s Arbor Day Event include Plant Oregon and SOU dining.
For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/802513893234129/. Those with questions may contact Landscape Services supervisor Mike Oxendine at oxendinem@sou.edu
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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. It is the first university in the nation to balance 100 percent of its water consumption. Visit sou.edu.

SOU unveils unique MBA in Arts Administration program

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NEWS RELEASE (available online at https://goo.gl/TBTcTg)
(Ashland, Ore.) — Southern Oregon University continues to set itself apart in arts education, currently with the introduction of a one-of-a-kind MBA degree in Arts Administration that opens numerous career paths for students in the performing and visual arts. The program is currently accepting students.
Undergraduate students can earn the new MBA in Arts Administration in as few as five years – four to complete a bachelor’s degree with a business minor in one of SOU’s arts programs, and a fifth year to complete the master’s in business administration degree. Arts students can alternatively complete their bachelor’s degrees without the business minor, then move on to a two-year MBA program.
“This MBA program builds on SOU’s excellence in the arts, expanding it into the business side,” said Greg Jones, director of the university’s Division of Business, Communication and the Environment. “It provides new opportunities for students to capitalize on their arts education.”
The MBA in Arts Administration is the result of collaboration between SOU’s School of Business and the university’s Oregon Center for the Arts. The new degree is intended for those who are interested in leading arts organizations, galleries or museums, or directing, producing, marketing or managing in the arts.
“This program is unique in the nation in that most arts administration programs are arts programs and not MBA programs,” said David Humphrey, director of SOU’s Oregon Center for the Arts. “An MBA degree is highly marketable, especially if students want to work in the arts.
“I am excited about this program in that it provides a career path for those arts students who do not wish to perform or exhibit,” he said.
The MBA in Arts Administration program equips students for local, regional or national arts management, combining business strategy and community insights to create connections with artists and the arts. It is intended for those pursuing bachelor’s degrees in any of the five Oregon Center for the Arts programs: Art, Emerging Media and Digital Arts, Creative Writing, Music and Theatre Arts.
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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. It is the first university in the nation to balance 100 percent of its water consumption. Visit sou.edu.

SOU Earth Week: a call to action

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NEWS RELEASE (available online at https://goo.gl/vt0Ic5)
(Ashland, Ore.) — A broad range of activities that fit within the theme “A Call to Action” will be highlighted during Southern Oregon University’s second annual and student-driven Earth Week celebration from April 15 through 23.
Events will include film screenings, an educational fair, an anti-pipeline rally and a presentation on pipelines and resistance. The celebration is being organized by Sustainability at SOU, a university-sponsored program of sustainability initiatives that focus on student involvement.
“Student leaders across multiple programs and sectors of SOU have spent months preparing for an educational, engaging and inspiring week,” said Sydney Lund, student director of SOU’s Ecology and Sustainability (ECOS) Resource Center. “Each event will offer students and community members a clear take-home message about how to become involved with climate action within their personal lives and the Rogue Valley.”
Earth Week at SOU will feature public events both on and off the university campus.
Earth Week highlights
“Ruin and Rose” film screening, 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, April 17, Rogue River Room of the Stevenson Union. The film explores the future of water resources on earth and incorporates ski and snowboard footage into an unforgettable movie experience.
“Earth Day Extravaganza,” 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, Stevenson Union Courtyard. The education tabling event will offer information about how to become involved with climate action in the Rogue Valley; SOU Dining will provide free food and the first 125 students will receive free “Sustainability at SOU” cups.
“Siskiyou Film Festival Roadshow,” 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, Rogue River Room of the Stevenson Union. KS Wild (The Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center) comes to campus with its Siskiyou Film Festival, featuring four of the organization’s most popular films. Two filmmakers will be on hand for a discussion following the films.
“No Pipelines Rally,” noon to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19, Stevenson Union Courtyard. Students and the public may take action against the proposed Jordan Cove Pipeline, which would move liquefied natural gas through 400 Oregonian watersheds. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission denied permits for the project a year ago and refused to rehear the case a few months ago, then agreed in February to allow developers to refile their applications.
“Pipelines and Resistance: An Evening with Tara Houska,” 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, Stevenson Union Arena. Houska, a citizen of Couchiching First Nation, will discuss environmental justice around pipelines and resistance.
A full list of SOU Earth Week events can be found at https://sustainability.sou.edu/news/.
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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. It is the first university in the nation to balance 100 percent of its water consumption. Visit sou.edu.