Southern Oregon University

09/06/2026

Faculty Collaboration: SOU + PSU Climate Resilience

Some of the biggest challenges facing Southern Oregon don't fit neatly into one academic department.

This spring, faculty from Southern Oregon University and Portland State University came together in Ashland for a Climate Coalition Workshop focused on water, wildfire, climate research, teaching, and community engagement.

The collaboration brought together SOU faculty and students from Environmental Science, Policy & Sustainability, Sociology & Anthropology, Communication, Education, Biology, and Chemistry alongside PSU faculty and students.

The group also worked with regional partners including the Rogue River Watershed Council, Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District, The Nature Conservancy, the City of Ashland, Medford Water Commission, and the Southern Oregon Forest Restoration Collaborative.

The goal? Build stronger connections between research, education, and the communities facing these challenges.

Read more about the collaboration: https://news.sou.edu/2026/04/sou-psu-collaborate-on-climate-resilience/

09/05/2026

Student Leadership: Native Students at the Oregon Capitol

Student leadership can mean bringing your experiences and your community's priorities to the people making decisions.

In June, SOU students Luke Wolgamott and Savannah Holliday joined Native student leaders from across Oregon for Tribal Student Grant Lobby Day at the Oregon Capitol.

Representing SOU alongside students from Oregon's seven public universities, they met with legislators and staff to share their experiences and discuss the importance of continued investment in programs such as the Oregon Tribal Student Grant.

Their conversations gave student voices a direct place in the state policy process.

Read the story: https://news.sou.edu/2026/06/sou-native-students-bring-voices-to-oregon-capitol/

09/04/2026

College is easier when you know you have somewhere to turn when you need a little extra support.

The Raider Pantry at Southern Oregon University provides free food and personal care items to SOU students experiencing food insecurity. Students can access groceries and essential items at no cost, helping make sure that financial challenges don't have to get in the way of staying focused on college.

It's one of the many resources available to support the whole student, both inside and outside the classroom.

Learn more about the Raider Pantry: https://studentlife.sou.edu/food-pantry/

09/04/2026

Last chance to vote for Ashland!

ASHLAND, Ore. – It’s your last couple of days to help bring a Hallmark movie to Ashland, Oregon. This year, Ashland was named one of 25 finalists in Hallmark Channel’s Merriest Christmas Towns contest. The finalists are being evaluated on community spirit, holiday traditions, neighborhood char...

09/03/2026

Campus Community Feature: Lollipop Moments

Sometimes it's the little things that make a campus feel like home.

At SOU, students can recognize faculty and staff members who have made a difference through Lollipop Moments, a campus initiative created in partnership with student government, President Rick Bailey, and the Dean of Students Office.

The idea is simple: when a faculty or staff member goes out of their way to help, encourage, or support a student, that student can recognize them with a "Lollipop Moment."

Lollipops are available at the Housing, Library, and Stevenson Union welcome desks, as well as the ASSOU and Dean of Students offices. Students can scan the QR code on the lollipop or go online to share their recognition.

It's a small way to celebrate the people who help make SOU a community.

Learn more about Lollipop Moments: https://news.sou.edu/2026/02/lollipop-moments-celebrate-faculty-staff/

09/02/2026

Student Organization Spotlight: Sign Language Club

Looking for a way to keep learning outside the classroom while connecting with other students?

SOU's Sign Language Club creates a space for students to practice American Sign Language, learn more about Deaf culture, and connect with Deaf students and the broader community.

The club welcomes both students who have taken ASL courses and newcomers who want to learn. Members can practice communicating in ASL, build connections, and learn about Deaf events beyond campus.

It's one example of the many ways SOU students can turn an academic interest into a community.

Learn more about the Sign Language Club: https://hawknest.sou.edu/club_signup

08/31/2026

Living at SOU means being part of campus life from the moment you walk out your door.

SOU’s residence halls put students close to classes, campus activities, dining, recreation, and the people who make college feel like a community. Students living on campus have opportunities to build friendships, develop leadership skills, and connect with faculty and staff while adjusting to college life.

And there are different housing options depending on where students are in their college journey. Shasta Hall is primarily a first-year community, McLoughlin Hall is designed primarily for returning and transfer students, and Madrone Hall offers apartment-style living for students at least at sophomore standing.

For many students, where you live becomes an important part of your college experience.

Explore housing options at SOU: https://sou.edu/housing/

08/30/2026

Your Thing Might Already Exist.

Love photography? There’s a club for that.
Into music? There’s a club for that.
Really into board games? Yep, there’s a club for that, too.

With 60+ student clubs and organizations at SOU, there are plenty of ways to find people who share your interests, discover something completely new, and make campus life your own.

And if your particular interest isn't represented yet, you can start a club of your own.

See what you could get involved in:
https://studentlife.sou.edu/clubs/

08/28/2026

A film doesn't come together with one person behind the camera. It takes a team.

SOU's Digital Cinema students put those collaborative skills into practice through the university's annual Student Film Festival, where student filmmakers bring their original work to the screen.

The festival gives students an opportunity to share their films with an audience while putting the skills they've developed through their coursework into practice, from storytelling and cinematography to production and collaboration.

It's a great example of how creative work at SOU can bring students together and give them a chance to share what they've made with the community.

Learn more about SOU's Digital Cinema program: https://sou.edu/academics/digital-cinema/