Frequently Asked Questions

Who can attend your classes? 
Our classes are open to anyone in the community. Youth classes are available to ages 4-18, and some are also available for families. All Youth Programs will indicate age and/or grade levels in the course description.Community Education classes are open to ages 15 and up. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) classes are open to adults with flexible daytime schedules.

How Do I Register?
Click the sign in button in the column to the left. The first time you sign in, you will create a student account; each subsequent visit, you will just enter your login name and password. Then click the courses link on the left to browse through our catalog and add your choices to your shopping cart.

For Youth Programs you must create an account for each child you wish to register - you need to do this only once per child. To register for a child you must sign in with that child's login name and password. Note, The online form must be completed by persons 13 years or older. If you have any questions, e-mail us at ecpcontact@sou.edu.
We also have four more easy ways to register.

Are there any special registration procedures for Youth Programs?
The most important thing to remember is to set up an account for and sign in as the child you want to register for to ensure that s/he (not you) is registered for the class. You need set up an account for each child only once.

How do I see full course information online?
Click on a subcategory to see what classes are listed for that general topic. You will see title, date, time, cost, instructor name, location for each class in that subcategory. All items in blue are links to more information, including class description and instructor biography. To get the address of and directions to the location click on the location. (Actual classroom number is included in your confirmation once you register.) Some classes have important additional information. These will be noted with 'important' in red and a blue link titled 'more'.

I'd like to get your brochures and/or add myself to your web-based system to register online, but I'm afraid my mailing and/or email address will be sold to mail order lists/retailers. What is your privacy policy?
We don't sell our lists. For more information see our privacy policy.

Do you send confirmations?
If you register online or give us an email address, we will send you a confirmation by email. If we don't have your email address we will mail you a confirmation.

The Division of Continuing Education reserves the right to change class locations, schedules, fees, or instructors when necessary. We will contact you about changes to any classes you are registered for.

When is your office open?
Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm.

How do I get to your office?
Go to the Contact link on top navigation bar for directions to our offices.

What about parking?
There is free Visitor parking directly in front of our office during regular business hours. Parking near classrooms usually requires a parking permit; look for the bright yellow parking booth in campus parking lots, where you can buy a short-term parking pass.

Where do classes meet?
Classes meet at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, SOU's Medford Campus, North Medford High School, and other locations in the region. Specific directions and parking information are sent with your course confirmation and are available online by clicking on the location in the course listing.

Do I need to bring anything special to class?
Materials, textbook information, special clothing and so forth will be listed in the course description. Make sure to check the special notices of any class you are interested in taking. If a textbook is used, it will be available for purchase at the SOU bookstore in Ashland or from the instructor. If the instructor provides materials, there may be an additional fee to be paid directly to the instructor. For many art classes we provide you with a list ahead of time to purchase yourself or the instructor will give you a list of suggested materials at the first class. For youth classes all materials are covered in the class fee.

Do we get credit or grades for these classes?
No, classes are not-for-credit. There are no grades given except for certificate programs. If you want to take SOU credit classes, please visit the SOU Admissions page.

May I bring a recording device to class?
Please no photography, tape or video recording during classes without prior permission from the instructor.

Do I need to preregister?
Preregistration and payment are required to reserve a place in all classes. We accept registrations on a first-come, first-served basis up to the first class meeting, space permitting - but the decision to hold or cancel a class is based on preregistration enrollment.

Many classes fill up prior to the class date so we encourage you to register early. Classes with low enrollment may be canceled prior to the day of class.

What happens if the Division of Continuing Education cancels a class?
If insufficient enrollment or any other reason necessitates canceling a class, we will contact those who have registered and refund prepaid fees. However, we often cannot make the decision to hold or cancel a course until the first class meeting.

If we have to cancel a class we will offer you three options: 1) transfer you to another class; 2) credit your account for the full price of the class plus $10; or 3) give you a full refund.

What is your refund policy?
We must receive notice of cancellation no later than two working days prior to the class start date to give a refund. Notifying the instructor of intent to withdraw is not sufficient; you must contact our office by phone. For summer Youth Programs, a $25 cancellation fee is assessed regardless of when you cancel.

To whom do I pay the material fee?
Pay material fees directly to the instructor at class unless notified otherwise. For youth classes, all materials are covered in the class fee.

Can I purchase gift certificates?
Yes, you can share the magic of lifelong learning! Purchase a gift certificate for a specific class or for a dollar amount that can be applied to a class of the recipient's choice. Give the smartest gift ever. Call 541-552-6331.

Do you have discounts for senior citizens?
No, these classes are not discounted. However, be sure to check out our Osher Lifelong Learning Institute for a wonderful range of inexpensive classes.

Are these programs supported by state tax dollars?
No, our classes are self-supporting - no public funds are used.

Youth Programs Questions:
If my family is on a limited income, can my child still participate in your programs?
Yes. Youth Programs offers financial assistance to students for all YP classes through the generous donation of our supporters. The maximum award is 1/3 of the class fee. Income qualification is based on the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch guidelines.

How can I apply for a youth scholarship?
Call us at 541-552-6452. We will soon have an application form available online. The deadline to apply is no later than a week before the class starts. To reserve a space in a class, please enclose a deposit of two-thirds of the class fee.

Southern Oregon University is committed to providing equal opportunity in it recruitment, admissions, educational programs, activities, and employment without discrimination on the basis of age, disability, national origin, race, color, marital status, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Inquiries may be directed to: Associate Provost, 1250 Siskiyou Blvd., Southern Oregon University, Ashland, OR 97520, or via phone at 541-552-6114.