email : Webview : UPDATE to our path forward

A message from President Rick Bailey

Dear Raider Family,

Sorry that this message is coming to you late in the day. As for all of you, this has been a pretty challenging day. After meeting with shared governance and union leadership this morning, there is no question for me where hearts and minds are. Uncertainty and anxiety about the recommendations we will see on Monday have created challenges for all of us, and I do understand the toll that it takes on our campus and our own social and emotional wellness.

This past Tuesday, we saw the themes and observations that the consultants from Deloitte are considering as they put their recommendations together. To set your expectations, they have signaled that the recommendations we see on Monday morning will not be a written document, but rather a slide deck with more details than the ones they used for the conversation with the board on Tuesday. We anticipate that the recommendations will require partnerships with another institution or institutions for many of our administrative functions, a move for auxiliaries to be far more self-sustaining, and a much more focused academic portfolio. A challenge for us is that while some of these components can be implemented by SOU independently, many others will likely require coordination with (and perhaps intervention by) the Higher Education Coordinating Commission and the Office of the Governor. We are currently working to secure a commitment from the state to secure the other pieces of the transformation. We will need that confidence in order to engage in what will be a challenging year ahead.

On Monday, hopefully no later than mid-morning, expect a campus message from my office that includes a link to the recommendation report. We will send that link out, as well as a link to attend the webinar presentation that afternoon (3-5 p.m.) from the Deloitte consultants. All of the details on our timeline, and access links that we have so far, are available online at our Pathway to Sustainability website, located here.

Below, I am also including a message that I sent to students today, so that you know everything we are communicating to them, as well.

As we endeavor through the weeks ahead, let us remind ourselves that we have a responsibility as caretakers of this institution we love to find a path forward – one that preserves the university for future generations of students, faculty, staff and community. We owe it to future community members, and future stakeholders, and future employers, and future alumni. Everyone is counting on us to find a way. As challenging as this gets, let’s please continue to be loving and gracious with each other, and work together toward solutions that will chart our path ahead. Thanks, everyone.

With love and respect,

Rick Bailey
President, Southern Oregon University

Dear students,

I know that many of you are feeling uncertain and anxious – and quite likely frustrated – both by the often-conflicting rumors and erroneous reporting regarding SOU’s future, and by the lack of solid information from me and the university. I have tried throughout this challenging process to be transparent and keep you up-to-date, even though much is still uncertain. With this message, I urge you to put speculation aside while I share everything we know, as of today.

The SOU Board of Trustees held a special meeting on April 28 to review an initial report from Deloitte, the consulting firm that is making recommendations about potential paths forward for the university. The consultants shared major themes and preliminary findings about their overall analysis of SOU. No specific recommendations were made on program offerings during that presentation. Our Path to Sustainability website details as much as we know about the Deloitte project, including links to the slide deck used during this week’s special board meeting and a link to watch a recording of the full presentation.

Many more details about Deloitte’s recommendations – and our options and steps going forward – will become available to all of us next week. Deloitte will publish its completed report and analysis on Monday, May 4; we will share information about how to view a corresponding webinar as soon as it is available to us.

Our Board of Trustees will then hold a listening session on Tuesday, May 5, to hear comments from SOU students and employees about the Deloitte recommendations. The board will hold another special meeting next Friday, May 8, to vote on a resolution acknowledging those recommendations and providing direction to us about implementation of a university transformation – which may include some modifications from the recommendations submitted by Deloitte. Our implementation actions, as well as progress reports and financial updates, will be given to the board and the state Higher Education Coordinating Commission on a monthly basis starting later this month.

Here is an outline of some key dates ahead:

· Monday, May 4 (by mid-morning): The completed report drops. You will receive an email with a link to access the report, which will be in presentation form.

· Monday, May 4 (3-5 p.m.): You will be invited to join the virtual webinar session to hear the findings in real-time with us.

· Tuesday, May 5 (5-7 p.m.): The board is hosting a listening session for students and staff.

· Friday, May 8 (5-7 p.m.): The board will vote on a final version of the recommendations and direct implementation.

· Week of May 11: Drop-in advising/registration support for students will be available on the 3^rd floor of the SU. Details are forthcoming.

· Friday, June 12: You will have full clarity on the path forward and any impacted programs by the last day of the term.

Please be assured that all of us are committed to transparency. We will be learning details of Deloitte’s recommendations in real-time alongside you. I apologize for the challenges this process has created, and I will communicate with you regularly as we navigate the steps ahead.

Why is this happening?

Higher ed is changing nationwide – fewer high school graduates and rising costs mean we have to adapt. We’re using this as an opportunity to rethink and adapt the SOU experience for the long haul.

What can you do?

The best way to help us plan for a future that serves you is to register for classes now.

· Enrollment numbers directly impact our decisions on staffing and services.

· No risk: You can still get a 100% refund if you withdraw by late September.

· Advising/registration support available: We will have drop-in times available the week of May 11 (location and times TBD) for students needing support in registration using the new Workday system.

The challenges ahead are significant, but so are the opportunities. SOU is committed to helping shape a new model for higher education – one that is responsive, relevant and designed for student success. We invite you to be a part of that future.

Support is available

I recognize that uncertainty can bring up a range of responses and emotions that varies from one person to another. I urge any of you who are feeling overwhelmed or confused, or who just need to talk through the situation, to please take advantage of the support that is available:

· La Clinica Student Health & Wellness Center will offer drop-in, confidential group support sessions with a behavioral health clinician on Wednesday and Thursday (May 6- 7), 4–5 p.m. in the Stevenson Union, Dankook Room (SU room 314).

· This is a space to process concerns and connect with others.

· You can also schedule a private appointment anytime at health.sou.edu, or access free, 24/7 support through our counseling app provided by TELUS Health.

With love, respect, and a commitment to open communication,

1250 Siskiyou Boulevard
Ashland, OR | 97520 US