Hey everyone! I've been intrigued by the idea of studying in a small town like Ashland, Oregon. Are there any colleges there I should be looking into? What's the student life like, and are there any standout programs?
Ashland, Oregon, situated amidst scenic mountains and woodlands, is home to Southern Oregon University (SOU). SOU is a public liberal arts university that enrolls around 6,200 students, making it moderately sized but still embodying a relatively smaller town college atmosphere.
The student life at SOU is quite vibrant, offering plenty of opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities. With over 60 student-run clubs and organizations, there's plenty to do regardless of what your interests are, be that academically themed, sports, arts, or social justice-oriented clubs. This fosters a strong sense of community involvement.
Also, you'll find that SOU puts a significant focus on outdoor activities due to its location in the Rogue Valley. For instance, the Outdoor Program at the school organizes trips and provides outdoor equipment for rent to students, which is great if you love nature adventure.
In terms of academics, SOU offers a wide range of programs. Some departments with particularly strong reputations include their Shakespearean Studies program (benefitting from the proximity to the nationally-renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival), Environmental Science, and Business programs. It is also notable for its Creative Arts programs, including Visual Arts, Emerging Media and Digital Arts, Theatre, and Music.
Remember, while academic standing and student life impressions are important, visiting the campus (in person or virtually), if possible, can give you a sense of the school's culture and atmosphere. This is often a pivotal factor in finding your "right fit" college.
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