ASHLAND, Ore. (Sept. 25, 2025) — Southern Oregon University (SOU) will eliminate 10 bachelor's degree programs, 1 graduate program, and multiple minors, while laying off 18 employees, under a sweeping restructuring plan approved by the university's Board of Trustees. The cuts come amid ongoing financial stress, declining enrollment, and a declared state of financial exigency.
Officials say the reductions are part of a strategy to stabilize SOU's finances over the coming years. Through voluntary retirements, the elimination of vacant positions, and funding shifts to external sources, the university expects to remove roughly three dozen jobs overall.
In a 7-2 vote, trustees adopted the plan, which envisions reducing SOU's annual educational budget by more than $10 million over four years. The institution also plans to narrow its academic scope: after the cuts, it will offer 30 majors and 19 minors aligned with workforce demand.
Financial Pressures and History of Cuts
SOU has grappled with long-term challenges. Full-time equivalent enrollment fell nearly 22% from 4,108 students in 2015 to 3,209 in 2024. Though Oregon's state budget increased higher education funding modestly for 2025–27, SOU says such allocations do not keep up with rising personnel costs and fixed obligations.
Earlier in 2025, the university declared financial exigency — a condition allowing more aggressive cuts outside standard procedures under collective bargaining agreements. President Rick Bailey said the decision was necessary to enable "transformative" changes. According to internal documents, the university had been directed to find $5 million in savings for the 2026 fiscal year—an amount later deemed insufficient.
Under the approved plan, the university will eliminate majors including mathematics, chemistry, international studies, Spanish, and more. Some programs originally considered for elimination — such as creative writing and economics — will continue under modified curricula or be re-evaluated later.
Reactions & Risks
Some trustees and faculty opposed the cuts. Board member Hala Schepmann, chair of the chemistry and physics department, called the plan "the nuclear option," warning the reductions would erode foundational academic strength. Trustee Barry Thalden, who voted against the plan, cautioned that cuts of this magnitude threaten student retention and institutional reputation.
Students and community stakeholders have expressed concern that the reductions will accelerate a decline in program diversity and push away prospective students. The university pledged to support displaced students in continuing their academic paths.
Broader Trends & Implications
SOU's restructuring is emblematic of wider pressures confronting regional public universities: shrinking enrollment, constrained state support, rising costs, and increased federal oversight of grant funding. As institutions weigh core identity against sustainability, some are narrowing academic scope or pivoting toward workforce-aligned majors.
Whether SOU's bold move will stabilize its finances or precipitate further decline remains to be seen. What is clear is that the university is attempting a hard reset: fewer programs, leaner operations, and a sharper focus on what it can sustain.
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