Southern Oregon University

08/25/2026

More Than a College Gym

What if your college gym came with a 44-foot climbing wall, indoor track, fitness studios, a spin studio, and more than 75 cardio and weightlifting machines?

At Southern Oregon University, the 50,000-square-foot Student Recreation Center gives students plenty of ways to stay active, try something new, and take a break from studying. For most currently enrolled students, membership is covered by student fees.

College life is about more than the classroom. Find a place to move, recharge, and challenge yourself at SOU.

Explore the Student Recreation Center: https://recreation.sou.edu/student-recreation-center/

08/23/2026

What does it mean to have a voice on campus?

At Southern Oregon University, students can help shape the university through the Associated Students of Southern Oregon University (ASSOU), SOU's student government.

ASSOU advocates for issues that matter to students on campus, in the community, and across Oregon. Students can get involved through elected leadership positions, committees, advocacy efforts, and other opportunities to have a say in the decisions that affect campus life.

It's leadership with a purpose: listening to fellow students, building coalitions, and working to make the SOU experience better for the community.

Learn more about ASSOU and how to get involved: https://studentlife.sou.edu/assou/

08/22/2026

A film doesn't come together with one person behind the camera. It takes a team.

SOU's Digital Cinema students put those collaborative skills into practice through the university's annual Student Film Festival, where student filmmakers bring their original work to the screen.

The festival gives students an opportunity to share their films with an audience while putting the skills they've developed through their coursework into practice, from storytelling and cinematography to production and collaboration.

It's a great example of how creative work at SOU can bring students together and give them a chance to share what they've made with the community.

Learn more about SOU's Digital Cinema program: https://sou.edu/academics/digital-cinema/

08/21/2026

Your SOU community doesn't have to end when you graduate.

The Raider Network connects SOU students and alumni through professional connections, career advice, networking, and shared experiences. It's a way for current students to learn from people who have already taken their next steps, while giving alumni opportunities to stay connected to the university and one another.

From career conversations to professional networking, the Raider Network extends the SOU community well beyond campus.

Learn more about the Raider Network: https://alumni.sou.edu/

08/20/2026

Great educators don't just teach, they inspire.

After more than 20 years at Southern Oregon University, education professor Dr. Margaret Perrow leaves a legacy of preparing future teachers, fostering a love of writing, and mentoring countless students throughout their academic journeys. Her impact reaches far beyond the classroom through her leadership of the Oregon Writing Project and her commitment to helping future educators find their voice.

Read her story:
Link in bio

08/19/2026

What can an internship actually teach you?

For SOU English major Sarah Sturley, an internship with Jefferson Public Radio provided hands-on experience in digital preservation while giving her a chance to explore a possible career path.

Sarah worked with JPR's archives, helping digitize and organize historical audio and media. The experience allowed her to apply skills from her English studies in a professional setting while developing new interests and practical experience.

That's the value of experiential learning: getting the chance to test what you've learned in the real world.

Read Sarah Sturley's internship story: https://sou.edu/academics/sou-english-major-sarah-sturleys-internship-at-jefferson/

08/18/2026

College is more than what happens in the classroom. It's also where you find your people, discover new interests, and become part of a community.

At SOU, Student Activities creates opportunities for students to connect, get involved, develop leadership skills, and contribute to campus life. Students can join a club, get involved with student government, volunteer with campus events, participate in programs through the Stevenson Union, or help shape the campus experience through organizations like EPIC.

With more than 60 student organizations, there's plenty of room to find a community that fits your interests or create one of your own.

Explore student activities and get involved at SOU: https://studentlife.sou.edu/activities/

08/18/2026

The Digital Cinema at SOU is getting some well-deserved national recognition! 🎬

Our Digital Cinema program has been named one of MovieMaker Magazine’s 30 Best Film Schools in the U.S. and Canada, recognized for its hands-on learning, real-world production experience and strong connections to the film industry.

Pretty great company to be in, and a great reflection of the work happening right here at SOU.

ASHLAND, Ore. - Southern Oregon University's Digital Cinema program made MovieMaker Magazine's list of the "30 Best Film Schools in the U.S. and Canada" for the third year in a

08/18/2026

At Southern Oregon University, mentorship can be an important part of helping students find their footing, build confidence, and succeed.

The University Coaching & Academic Mentoring (UCAM) program specifically supports neurodivergent students as they work toward academic and personal success. Students receive personalized coaching, weekly one-on-one meetings, strategies for building executive functioning skills, and opportunities to develop a sense of community and belonging at SOU.

UCAM recognizes that student success isn't one-size-fits-all. Its coaching model is built around relationships, mutual respect, and helping students develop the skills and independence they need to thrive.

Learn more about University Coaching & Academic Mentoring: https://ucam.sou.edu/

08/17/2026

Yes, we know it’s only August. But it’s never too early for a little Holiday spirit. 🎄

Ashland is in the running for Hallmark’s "Merriest Christmas Town" Contest, and we need your help to put our community on the map!

Cast your vote for Ashland and help show Hallmark why our town deserves a little extra holiday magic this year.

🎄 Vote for Ashland: https://merriestchristmastownscontest.hallmarkchannel.com/

And don’t forget to share so your friends can vote, too!

Ashland Chamber of Commerce