Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 573 - SOUTHERN OREGON UNIVERSITY
Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 573 is dedicated to Southern Oregon University (SOU). These rules outline the governance, operations, and policies of the university as an independent public body within the Oregon higher education system.
Historically, many divisions within OAR Chapter 573, such as those concerning procedural rules, faculty grievances, student conduct, and fees, have been repealed. This is largely due to a significant shift in governance for Oregon's public universities. In 2015, Southern Oregon University, along with several other state universities, transitioned to an independent Board of Trustees, granting them more direct authority over university affairs. Consequently, many internal policies and procedures previously codified in state administrative rules are now managed directly by the SOU Board of Trustees and published as university policies rather than OARs.
While many sections have been repealed, some might still contain historical context or specific rules that remain in effect until superseded by new university policies.
Key Remaining/Relevant Areas (though often limited):
Division 50 - Regulations Governing Use of Vehicles: This is one of the few divisions that often remains active, detailing rules for parking, traffic, and vehicle operation on university property. These rules often incorporate state and city motor vehicle laws.
Responsibilities and Role of Southern Oregon University's Board of Trustees:
Following the 2015 governance change, the Board of Trustees of Southern Oregon University became the primary governing body for the institution. Their responsibilities are extensive and typically include:
Strategic Planning and Mission: Developing and advancing the university's mission, vision, and strategic goals.
Financial Oversight: Approving the university's budget, setting tuition and mandatory fees, and overseeing the financial integrity and performance of the university.
Presidential Appointment and Oversight: Determining the employment of the university president and ensuring a strong board-president partnership, including annual performance evaluations.
Academic Programs: Approving new academic programs and significant changes to existing ones.
Policy Development: Establishing university-wide policies, which cover areas that were once detailed in the OARs, such as student conduct, faculty affairs, human resources, and campus safety.
Advocacy: Advocating for the university and the advancement of higher education.
Compliance: Ensuring the university operates in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and its own policies.
Building and Naming: Approving the naming of university buildings and outdoor spaces.
Southern Oregon University's Mission:
Southern Oregon University's mission, as defined by its Board of Trustees, generally centers on being:
An inclusive campus community dedicated to student success, intellectual growth, and responsible global citizenship.
Committed to a challenging and practical liberal arts education centered on student learning, accessibility, and civic engagement.
Focused on providing academic programs, partnerships, public service, outreach, sustainable practices, and economic development activities that address regional needs.
Known for its outstanding programs that draw on and enrich its unique arts community and bioregion.
In summary, while OAR Chapter 573 provides the foundational legal references for Southern Oregon University, the day-to-day governance and detailed operational policies are now primarily managed and established by the independent Southern Oregon University Board of Trustees, with much of the content of the OAR chapter having been repealed and moved into internal university policy documents.
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