SOU BACK TO CAMPUS

In-Person and Hybrid Opportunities at SOU

Vaccination rates and the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic have driven a decision to begin fall term 2021 with primarily remote operations, and then return to a largely in-person experience by Oct. 11 or soon thereafter.

SOU faculty, staff and administrators made a series of difficult decisions to offer primarily remote courses throughout the height of the pandemic and during the surge of delta variant cases. We are excited about the prospects for an eventual return to on-campus experiences this fall. Safety has been and continues to be our top priority. We are proceeding cautiously, and will return to work and learn on campus as soon as public health assessments indicate we can do so without putting ourselves or each other at risk.

Our experiences during more than a year of operating through the pandemic have shown us that remote and online delivery systems can be highly effective – and that they make our academic programs accessible to a wider range of potential students. Even after on-campus coursework resumes, we will continue offering several classes via remote, online or hybrid models, in many cases offering them simultaneously on campus.

The online Class Schedule for fall term reflects the teaching delivery method *(e.g. traditional, remote delivery, online or hybrid) for each class.

SEE CLASS SCHEDULE APPLY TO SOU FIND SCHOLARSHIPS

*Important schedule definitions:

Traditional (in-person) – Course requires in-person attendance, with safety protocols in place.
Remote delivery – Course is typically offered in a synchronous format where students must attend via video conference at specified times.
Online – Course is typically offered in an asynchronous format where materials can be accessed at different times and attendance at a set time is not required. Please note that online courses (and only online courses) incur the Online Delivery Fee, but do not incur other mandatory fees (such as the Student Incidental Fee).
Hybrid – Course that combines traditional, in-person attendance with some online learning activities.

Plans for Fall 2021 Webinars

Watch the latest SOU webinars on current developments, guidance and policy changes regarding the current pandemic surge and our plans for fall term.

SOU Campus Update Webinar

WATCH CAMPUS UPDATE RECORDING

SOU Fall 2021 Return to Campus Webinar for Students

SOU Student Update Webinar

WATCH STUDENT UPDATE RECORDING

Fall term Q&A

Q: Who will be allowed to attend in-person classes on campus?

A: Students who are vaccinated will be able to attend in-person classes after we return to the on-campus experience.

Students who have an approved exemption or have an approved accommodation through the Dean of Students Office, may attend in person but may also have additional restrictions (e.g. face coverings, social distancing, testing) applied to their participation in SOU classes and/or activities.

Students who do not have an approved accommodation or exemption will not be able to participate in campus classes or activities that are in-person. These students should work with their Student Success Coordinator or faculty advisor to find appropriate online or remote options.

Q: Will face coverings be required?

A: We will require face coverings in all public indoor and outdoor spaces, in accordance with the orders of Governor Brown.

Q: I’m enrolled in a course that requires in-person instruction (such as science labs, performance courses, and field experiences). Will these also start remotely?

A: Please refer to the class schedule to see how your course will be delivered. Classes such as labs, performance courses, and field experiences may still begin Sept. 22 in-person, much as they did this past year. You may also connect with the faculty member teaching the course for additional information.

Q: Since I may not be on campus to access student services until Oct. 11, will I still have to pay all of the student fees?

A: Students will receive a 5% refund on some student fees. A refund will be issued automatically toward the middle of October.

Q: Will I be able to attend an athletic event or a performance while classes are being delivered remotely?

A: SOU’s buildings, small group events/meetings, and athletic events will remain open to those who can provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test taken within 48 hours of when the event begins.

Q: When will I be allowed to move into University Housing?

A: Move-in to student housing will proceed as already planned. Housing officials will soon provide information that will detail the process you need to complete in order to verify your vaccination status and adjust your move-in date, if necessary.

Safety Protocols

SOU will continue to prioritize public health and safety, following these principles:

Require COVID-19 vaccinations for all students and employees, other than those who apply for exemptions for medical or religious reasons
Require indoor and outdoor face coverings in all public settings, in accordance with directives from the governor
Abide by any physical distancing guidelines currently recommended by the CDC and OHA
Reduced room density, if needed
Enhanced cleaning
Continued use of technology for some meetings and classes
Continued public health messaging, emphasizing personal responsibility and collective well-being