Welcome Back

Congratulations! We all have completed our first week of school, a little more tired and stressed, but excited for what has passed and what could happen for the duration of the rest of the term. No longer in summer mode, we now have the distinct pleasure of being accountable for waking up, getting ourselves to class and subjecting ourselves to countless hours of homework.

The talk around campus appears to revolve around the new academic schedule, inducing strong feelings for all affected. Many students have heard rumors that their professors will be handing out more homework, due to the shorter term, but that’s untrue. This week, the Associated Students of Southern Oregon University will be hosting a 9 Week Term Open Forum in the Rogue River Room of the Stevenson Union to address the questions and concerns regarding the new academic calendar at SOU. The forum will feature Jon Eldridge, V.P. of Students Affairs, Terry DeHay, Professor of English and Writing and Sherry Ettlich, the faculty union negotiator, along with others who were involved with the negotiations over the summer. As students, we’re able to take action and voice our concern. This open forum is one way to get our questions answered and let our opinions be heard.

Here at The Siskiyou, due to the shorter term, will publish seven issues for the fall term, every Monday. This year, the editorial staff hopes to create the highest quality weekly newspaper available to the students, faculty and staff of SOU in an unbiased manner. In doing so, we hope to make the paper a highlight for all of their experiences here, providing quality news relevant to all.

New to the paper, we are proud to introduce “Spotlight,” which will showcase the best things to check out for the week, including music, theatre and art events, as well as restaurants and weekly club events. Sports coverage will now include intramural games. Feature articles will be not be limited to just athletes, but to students and/or staff, all of which will be supplemented with visually stunning photographs. This week, we touch base on the budget cuts and the new academic calendar, the Accelerated Baccalaureate Program, things to do around Ashland and also, cover the sports that have taken place over the last few weeks. Make sure you check out the photo essay on page 12.

Along with the content in the news, entertainment, sports and commentary sections, the editorial staff has also included short descriptions on each editor, along with a photograph. Tell us your thoughts and spread the word about all the new things The Siskiyou has to offer and visit our new website (www.siskiyouonline.com) or look over the issue and tell us what you think with a Letter to the Editor (siskiyou@students.sou.edu). Have a good week!