SOU PLAN
This section contains the SOU Provisional Plan for a nimble and regionally responsive university
Frequently Asked Questions
Academic Questions
Is my major being eliminated? How will I know?
The provisional program can be found above. Please note that this is not the final version and changes may occur between now and the end of August.
All current students in affected programs will be allowed to finish their degrees through a “teach-out” provision.
If my program is eliminated, can I still graduate with my current major?
Yes– if you’re already enrolled in an affected program, SOU is committed to helping you complete your degree. That includes course offerings and advising until you graduate.
Will I have enough classes offered to finish my degree on time?
Yes, you will be able to complete your degree on time. However, the path to graduation may look different depending on your program and where you are in your academic journey. For example, seniors may see little to no disruption in their final year, while sophomores or juniors might experience course substitutions, modified sequencing, or the option to take certain classes online or through partner institutions.
SOU is committed to supporting every student through these transitions. Each academic department will work directly with impacted students to create individualized graduation plans that ensure timely completion of their degree.
If my program is sunsetted, will faculty still be available to advise and teach?
Yes. While some faculty positions are being reduced, students will continue to receive academic support and instruction. Departments are prioritizing continuity of teaching and advising for all enrolled students.
Each student will work closely with their department chair or an assigned faculty/staff member to ensure they have a clear path to complete their degree. SOU is committed to maintaining the academic quality and support students need throughout this transition
What happens to my minor or certificate program?
While some minors and certificate programs may be phased out, any student currently enrolled will be provided with a clear path and timeline to complete their program. SOU is committed to ensuring that all declared minors and certificates can be finished by students who are actively pursuing them at the time of the change. You will receive direct communication and support from your academic department to help you plan your remaining requirements and stay on track for graduation.
Can I switch to a different major easily?
It depends on several factors, including the major you’re interested in, how closely it aligns with your current program, and your current academic standing (e.g., sophomore vs. senior).
To explore your options, you can use the “What If” feature in DegreeWorks to see how your completed coursework would apply to another major. Additionally, your academic advisor is a great resource and can help you evaluate potential pathways, understand any additional requirements, and make a smooth transition if you decide to change majors.
Will my credits transfer to another university if I decide to leave?
Southern Oregon University is a regionally accredited institution, which means your credits are generally eligible for transfer. However, it’s important to know that each college or university sets its own policies and ultimately decides which credits they will accept and how they apply toward their degree requirements.
If you’re considering transferring, we recommend working directly with the prospective institution and an SOU advisor to review your transcript and create a smooth transition plan.
Will the courses I’ve taken still count toward a different degree if I change majors?
It depends on the courses you’ve completed and how closely they align with the requirements of your new intended major. In many cases, general education and elective credits will still apply, while major-specific courses may vary in transferability.
To explore how your current credits fit into a new program, you’re encouraged to use the “What If” feature in DegreeWorks. You can also meet with your academic advisor to review your options and develop a personalized plan if you’re considering a change.
How will this affect graduate school applications?
If you’ve already applied to graduate school, you should reach out directly to the institution to discuss whether any program changes at SOU could impact your application.
In most cases, as long as you complete your degree from an accredited university like SOU, your eligibility for graduate programs should remain unaffected. However, if your academic program undergoes changes, it’s a good idea to communicate with the graduate school to ensure they have the context they need and to ask if any supplemental documentation is recommended.
Are there other majors that are similar to mine that I should consider?
Yes—and exploring those options is a great next step. You can start by meeting with your academic advisor or departmental contact to identify majors that share similar coursework, skills, or career outcomes.
Additionally, SOU’s Career Connections team can help you explore career pathways that align with your interests and recommend majors that support those goals. You can schedule an appointment by emailing careerconnections@sou.edu.
Will program-specific resources like labs, studios, or fieldwork opportunities still be available?
It depends on the program and your progress toward your degree. For many seniors, these resources are expected to remain available with minimal disruption. However, students earlier in their academic journey—such as sophomores or juniors—may experience changes in how certain resources are offered or accessed.
Your department chair or academic advisor will work with you to review your individual academic plan and ensure that any necessary adjustments still support your educational goals.
Financial Questions
Will my tuition or financial aid be affected?
It depends. If you switch programs there might be adjustments based on course fees associated with your new program which could impact your tuition (by increasing or decreasing). Financial aid should not be impacted. However, you should always check with the financial aid office by emailing finaid@sou.edu.
Can I get a refund if I decide to transfer or withdraw?
Refunds will follow the published schedule within the academic calendar.
Will I still receive my scholarships if I switch majors?
If your scholarship is directly tied to your major it could be. Students are encouraged to work directly with financial aid to learn more.
Will work-study jobs be impacted?
It depends. Student employment in programs that are impacted might be impacted and the university will be contacting any student whose work-study position is impacted.
Advising Questions
Who can I talk to about my academic options?
Students impacted will be contacted by their department chair or faculty advisor to discuss academic options based on their unique situation.
Will there be individual advising for impacted students?
YES- students will be meeting with their department chair or faculty advisor to learn more about the teach-out plan or other options.
Are counselors available to talk about the stress and uncertainty I’m feeling?
YES- students can schedule an appointment at La Clinica Student Health and Wellness Center() or use the FREE 24/7 counseling available through Telus
What are the deadlines for making decisions about my major or transferring?
It is important for students to make a decision about their major by the end of Fall term (December 12, 2025). Transferring will depend on the deadlines associated with the college or university you transfer too.
Teach-Out and Transition Questions
What is a “teach-out plan,” and how does it affect me?
A teach‑out plan outlines how students will complete degrees in a discontinued or sunsetting program, often by ensuring course offerings continue for remaining cohorts until graduation. A teach-out plan is usually unique to the individual student based on where they are in their degree program.
Will I be required to take online or hybrid courses to complete my program?
It depends. In some programs this might be part of the teach-out plan that is created while others may complete courses in-person. Students will be working directly with their department chair and/or faculty advisor. Note that this is also subject to change based on staffing.
If faculty leave, who will teach my courses going forward?
SOU is committed to maintaining the academic quality and support students need throughout this transition. This means that other faculty or qualified individuals will be teaching the courses.
University Status and Stability Questions
Is the university at risk of closing entirely?
No. SOU is making these transformational changes to ensure that SOU will continue to be an institution of access and academic excellence for future generations of Raiders.
What is the administration doing to recover financially?
SOU administration continues to develop innovative and best practice strategies to ensure the fiscal sustainability of the university. This means we will continue to advocate for State support, seek external funding through grants, and pursue revenue partnerships (like the Older Adult Living Facility) to keep the rising costs off of student tuition.
How will I be updated about ongoing changes?
SOU is committed to providing regular campus emails with updates and important information. SOU will also add the communications to this website.
Are student voices being considered in these decisions?
SOU’s main priority through all of this has been students and reducing the impact that is experienced. SOU administration has been working with the shared governance partners, including ASSOU. Students can share feedback at presidentsoffice@sou.edu
Will student services (career connections, health, housing) continue as usual?
YES. Student Support services will continue to function as usual.
Transfer & Exit Options Questions
How do I start the transfer process if I choose to leave?
If you have decided that you want to transfer to another institution you can reach out to Raider Student Services or review how to order transcripts here: https://sou.edu/student-services/records/transcripts/
Will other universities accept all my credits?
Southern Oregon University is a regionally accredited institution, which means your credits are generally eligible for transfer. However, it’s important to know that each college or university sets its own policies and ultimately decides which credits they will accept and how they apply toward their degree requirements.
If you’re considering transferring, we recommend working directly with the prospective institution and an SOU advisor to review your transcript and create a smooth transition plan.
Can the university help me find a similar program at another school?
YES. You can schedule to meet with someone in Career Connections .
Will my transcript show that my program was eliminated?
No. Your transcript will reflect that you completed your degree.
Will leaving the university affect my visa status (for international students)?
It depends. Students that are at SOU on a student Visa should reach out to international programs.
If I leave and come back later, will I have to reapply or start over?
SOU allows students to take a break and return. However, if you decide to leave and return if your major is one that was impacted, it will not be available after a break in attendance.
Communication and Transparency Questions
Why weren’t students informed earlier?
Due to the delicate nature of the transformation and other guidelines the SOU administration is updating students quickly as the timeline and guidelines allow.
Who can I contact with my questions or concerns?
Students can email: presidentsoffice@sou.edu
Where will official updates be posted?
Yes. There will be regular communications from President Bailey via SOU email and those emails will be posted on this site: https://sou.edu/president/messages/
How can I get involved in decision-making or advocacy efforts?
Students are encouraged to share their feedback via email at presidentsoffice@sou.edu Students are encouraged to meet with your student leadership (ASSOU) who communicates with SOU Administration regularly.
Contact the Office of the President
SOU Office of the President
1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Ashland, OR 97520
Office: 541.552.6111
Fax: 541.552.6337
presidentsoffice@sou.edu
