Dear Raider Family,
First of all, let me be clear – SOU is not closing. We are committed to preserving the institution that we all love, and understand its critical role for the region and the state. But we also know that to preserve our university, we have to meet the moment – this particular, challenging moment – head-on.
I also want to acknowledge the emotions that everyone is feeling right now. None of us – students, faculty, staff – are immune from those feelings, me included. Institutional change always brings with it uncertainty, anxiety, fear, anger and much more. This is change that unfortunately we’ve become accustomed to as a university – we’ve experienced transitions over and over for the past 18 years, and as you well know, the frequency of these required transitions has only accelerated over time.
As we prepare for the 5 to 7 p.m. board meeting tonight, where the consultants from Deloitte will outline the themes and findings from their study of our operations, I’m mindful of everything we’re feeling. As I’ve mentioned before, we expect that they will suggest radically different structures across administrative service areas, moving auxiliaries much closer to self-reliance than ever before and a dramatic re-focus in our academic portfolio.
In moments like these, it is easy to despair. It is also commonplace to point a finger at colleagues, or groups of colleagues, to try and find someone to blame for our situation. The reality is that we are all – together – operating in an incredibly challenging environment, particularly here in our state. As you’ve heard me say before, there is no villain in this story – we are all students, faculty and staff trying to navigate very difficult times as one institution, one family.
For our students, we know that many of you have looked at other options, and none of us will ever suggest anything that isn’t in your best interest. I would ask, however, that before you make a decision affecting the rest of your educational pathway, you please give us a few weeks for this plan to come out, and for us to work with you on finding an optimal path forward. I still believe in my mind and my heart that for most of you, your best path is still with us at SOU. Many of the things that drew you to us in the first place are not changing – the love, the community, the excellence, the human connection – all of those things will never change about us. And we will remain laser focused on your success.
As I’ve stated before, we all have to take care of each other, and ourselves. As a reminder, I encourage all of us to seek assistance if needed from the many available resources. For our students, counseling for mental health crises and other concerns is available through our La Clinica Student Health & Wellness Center; in-person or remote sessions can be scheduled through the online health portal or by calling the La Clinica SHWC at (541) 494-4875. Assistance is also available from our Care Coordinators Office. SOU benefits-eligible employees may visit the Human Resources website for information and resources supporting mental and emotional well-being. Employees can also seek guidance through Canopy, our Employee Assistance Program, by calling 1-800-433-2320, texting 503-850-7721, emailing info@canopywell.com or visiting the organization’s website.
In the coming days, while we endure the news of forthcoming changes, I will also share a vision of what we can look like on the other side of this transformation. But I know now that we need to give the space for all of the emotions we’re experiencing. Please know that as SOU family members – students, faculty, staff and community members – you are all loved. There is a path for us to move forward, and we will chart it together.
With love and respect,
