Two perspectives on Southern Oregon University’s latest financial crisis

As Jefferson Public Radio reported, the  Southern Oregon University Board of Trustees voted unanimously last Friday to create its own plan for long-term financial stability rather than adopt entirely the steep cuts and revenue-raising measures the consulting firm Deloitte has recommended. SOU is facing a deficit of more than $12 million which is expected to grow to nearly $17 million by 2030. 

SOU has until next month to adopt a financial stability plan in order to receive $15 million in emergency funding approved by Oregon lawmakers in March. Deloitte’s plan calls for cutting four academic programs, including music and creative writing, and reconfiguring or consolidating nine other programs in subjects like Native American studies and philosophy.  

This is the latest financial emergency the university has faced in recent years it’s attempted to address through workforce and academic cuts. Last September, for example, the SOU Board of Trustees approved a plan to slash more than $10 million over four years by eliminating more than 20 academic majors and minors. SOU President Rick Bailey joins us for a perspective, along with Sage TeBeest, a creative arts program assistant at SOU and the president of SEIU 503 Sublocal 84, which represents classified staff at the university.

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