Dear students,
Southern Oregon University has always been a place defined by resilience, community, belonging and a shared belief in what’s possible – and that spirit remains as strong as ever. We know recent headlines about financial challenges have raised understandable questions and concerns from students. And it’s true – unless changes are made, our university will be experiencing a cash shortfall by the summer of 2027. And while we will remain solvent until then, we will have to be creative in our financing after this summer if we do not have additional revenue.
You are not alone – I am concerned, just like you. But I see light at the end of the tunnel.
As the president of this institution, I want to be clear with you: SOU is not closing – far from it. While our situation is really challenging, the university’s leadership has been meeting with legislative leaders and the governor’s staff, to actively chart a sustainable path forward. That includes working toward a commitment by the state to ensure SOU is financially viable through the end of the biennium – June 2027, and a plan to make sure educational opportunities exist for students in southern Oregon for the long term. This work is only possible because of the dedication of students, faculty, staff and community partners who care deeply about our institution’s future.
You deserve transparency and confidence as you continue your journey here – and we are dedicated to ensuring transparency by answering the questions you raise as they come up. We have been working on an FAQ document (below), to provide you with the best information available as we move forward in this work. We know that things will change – and quickly. We will continue to provide more information as we know it.
FAQs:
● Is SOU the only university facing these issues?
No, the problems that SOU are confronting are not unique to this institution. Recent financial estimates show that by 2031, without changes, all public universities in Oregon will have negative ending cash balances, leaving many in similar places to where SOU finds itself right now. Hopefully, our situation will be a clear warning sign for state lawmakers regarding the severity of the consequences if they continue to underfund higher education.
● How did we get here?
One simple answer is a chronic underfunding of public universities in Oregon. Oregon spends less by far than our neighboring states on institutional support per student FTE, and also less on student financial assistance. For years, we have been able to string together enough one-time funding to operate, but in the absence of those one-time funds and no additional ongoing revenue, the gaps between revenue and costs have become too large to manage.
● Will SOU be merging with another institution?
SOU is not pursuing a merger, and our focus is to continue to operate as an independent regional university. The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) is exploring the possibility of varying degrees of “integration” between Oregon’s public institutions, but there are no concrete plans for what that integration might look like. Rep. Pam Marsh is sponsoring a bill (HB 4124) which would require a state review of how Oregon’s public universities are funded and operated, as well as the organization of our higher education ecosystem. If that review results in a recommendation of specific mergers, it would be considered in the 2027 Legislature, and likely start to be implemented in late 2027 or early 2028 – but that would take time to fully implement.
● Is SOU about to close?
No. As we continue to look at transitioning to a more resilient institution, there will be changes and restructuring – and we don’t yet know what all of that looks like. I want to say clearly, we will continue to operate for the foreseeable future. We will have more to share as we go through the current legislative session and learn about funding and policy directions.
● Will this affect my degree completion? Will I be able to graduate?
Student success is our primary focus. Even with the changes we have proposed in the Resiliency Plan, we will do what is necessary to ensure that you are successful in completing your degree. We will help you earn a recognized credential from SOU that provides opportunity in the job market and success in life.
● Will the dorms close?
No, the dorms will not be closing. There is an allocated portion of the reserve fund for the dorms that cannot be used for anything else; that part of student housing will not be affected by SOU’s current financial situation.
● What can I do to help?
We have been really heartened by the outpouring of care we have heard, particularly from the Campus Conversation on Friday. Our government relations team is working to organize a multi-faceted campaign for students, the broader campus community and leaders in the Rogue Valley to lend your voices to support SOU in this time. The leaders of ASSOU are creating a student letter-writing campaign that will fit into this. You can find out more at the ASSOU Town Hall on February 17, from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m., in the Stevenson Union’s Rogue River Room. This is an effort by students and for students. You can reach out to any ASSOU officer for more information.
● How can I get support if I want to speak with someone confidentially?
Students can connect with La Clinica Student Health and Wellness Center (Make an Appointment) Hours: MTRF: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. W: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students can also connect with a mental health professional 24 hours a day online, from anywhere in the world, through an app or by phone. These resources are free and confidential (https://health.sou.edu/telus/).
Those are answers to the questions we’ve heard most. We will update this document and post it online soon. It’s our every intention to keep you informed as we hear more – you are the reason we exist!
With resolve,
