Facing long-term structural deficits driven by declining enrollment, static state funding, and rising costs, Southern Oregon University’s board has approved significant program eliminations and layoffs. The plan includes cutting 10 bachelor’s degree programs, 12 minors, and one graduate program, alongside laying off 18 employees and eliminating additional roles through retirements and vacant position closures. These measures aim to stabilize the university’s finances after declaring financial exigency. SOU’s enrollment has declined nearly 22% over the past decade, and federal funding uncertainties for low-income students compound fiscal pressures. The university will also reassign some positions to off-payroll entities like affiliated foundations to mitigate costs.