Frequently Asked Questions
Sustainability at Southern Oregon University
What sustainability-related academic programs can I study at SOU and/or What sustainability based courses does SOU offer?
SOU offers several sustainability-focused academic programs, including Sustainability, Environmental Science and Policy, and Sustainable Tourism Management. Students can explore sustainability topics in many disciplines throughout campus as it is integrated across numerous academic areas. No matter your major, you can explore sustainability topics and build skills that connect to your field.
Visit our Degrees & Learning page to learn more.
Can I get involved in sustainability efforts even if I’m not studying sustainability?
Yes, We encourage diverse perspectives to join the conversation around sustainability on campus and in the community. Something about interdisciplinary solutions. Any major can, volunteer, intern, or attend sustainability events. SOU also offers a Community Resilience and Leadership Student Fellows Program that allows students to follow their passions in sustainability regardless of the major they are studying. Be on the lookout for Sustainability based student jobs across campus on the Workday Jobs Portal.
Visit our Get Involved page to learn more.
How does recycling/ zero-waste efforts on campus work? What can I do to help?
At SOU, we give careful consideration to how we purchase, use, reuse, divert, and dispose of each material that comes through our campus. SOU has an on campus recycling center that diverts waste away from the landfill, contributes to a high quality, low contamination waste stream, and creates a circular waste and economic system.
If you want to help divert waste you can use a refillable water bottle, take advantage of SOU dining’s reusable to go container program, fill up your water bottles at one of the many refill stations or see what is available at the many “free stuff” tables across campus.
Visit our Waste Management page to learn more. This page breaks down what should be thrown out, what can be recycled and all other recycling efforts on campus.
Are there ways for students to access affordable or free food on campus?
Yes. SOU offers several options for students looking for accessible food options. The Student Food Pantry provides weekly access to groceries and essentials for all enrolled students, and there are additional community food resources available in the Ashland area.
Visit SOU’s Food Pantry page to learn more.
How can I suggest or start a new sustainability project on campus?
Students can reach out to the sustainability office with questions on campus sustainability efforts using the message function at the bottom of this page. They can also propose projects via the Green Fund to request funding for student-led initiatives.
Visit our Green Fund page to learn more.
How does SOU address climate change and energy use on campus?
SOU updated its Climate Action Plan in 2022 setting out its plans and commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and become net-zero by 2040. The action plan includes 10 commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to set us on the pathway to achieve net-zero emissions.
On our campus, we have twelve solar arrays. Those arrays provide electricity for portions of our campus. The combination of solar arrays with energy efficient upgrades in our buildings helps reduce our energy use. Each year, we continue to innovate and create new ways to address our energy demand and the changing climate.
To learn more, please visit our climate action, and energy efficiency pages.
How does SOU’s sustainability work benefit the local community and environment?
SOU’s sustainability efforts support the local community and environment through expanded solar energy and resilience infrastructure, habitat and biodiversity work, and programs that build sustainability skills and workforce connections.
How can community members get involved in sustainability initiatives on campus?
Community members can get involved by attending programs, partnering on events or projects, hosting internships, sharing expertise, volunteering at The Farm, joining the CSA, or contributing resources.
Visit the Institute for Applied Sustainability page or Support and Give page to learn more.
Does SOU sustainability collaborate with external partners, nonprofits, or local governments on sustainability?
Yes. We often partner with community nonprofits, schools, and other organizations on events, grants, farm to school programming, internships, community-focused curricular programming.
What is the governance structure for sustainability at SOU?
Sustainability at SOU is guided through a shared-leadership model that includes student government, campus committees, and the Sustainability Council, all working in collaboration with the Sustainability Office and Institute for Applied Sustainability teams. This structure ensures students, faculty, and staff all have a voice in shaping campus sustainability efforts.
What metrics does SOU track for sustainability?
SOU is internationally accredited through STARS as a GOLD rated University recognizing our work across Academics, Operations, Planning & Administration. SOU tracks its Scope 1,2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions through SIMAP. This allows us to track our progress compared to other institutions from around the world. Our energy use and efficiency are tracked through the EnergyStar Portfolio Manager.
Visit our Climate Action, and Energy Efficiency pages to learn more.
