Southern Oregon University released a financial stabilization plan that would eliminate three undergraduate programs and reduce staffing by the equivalent of about 66 full-time jobs, alongside broader administrative restructuring. The proposal is tied to a one-time $15 million infusion from the Oregon Legislature, approved earlier this year with a mandate for SOU to submit a balanced budget for 2027-29. The university estimates the changes would save roughly $12 million annually, including removing programs in human service, music industry and production, and financial mathematics. Leaders also plan to move from multiple dean oversight to a single-dean structure to reduce “structural silos,” as well as end certain staff roles across student services and reduce administrator positions. The board is scheduled to vote on the proposal, after employees voiced concerns during a community meeting about weakening the institution amid recent belt-tightening. SOU’s officials described the crisis as both financial and “an identity” challenge, citing diminished public funding, AI-driven disruption, and a shrinking pool of traditional-age students.