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53 °F 5 Day Forecast Saturday, November 29, 2003 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | eSouthernOregon | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend October 11, 2003 Kelley Chaffee of Grants Pass is majoring in communication at Southern Oregon University�s Medford campus, and says she likes the convenience of classes in Medford. Mail Tribune / Jim Craven SOU learns lesson in tale of two cities Medford establishes record enrollment as alternative to Ashland By JILL BRISKEY Mail Tribune The list of classes and degrees aren’t the only things growing at Southern Oregon University’s Medford campus. Student enrollment jumped 25 percent in September, according to Medford campus director Vicki Purslow. A record total of 900 students signed up for weekend and evening classes offered by SOU at various locations throughout Medford. "At this point, I’m happy to say that we’re at capacity," said Purslow. "It’s very exciting ... we’re absolutely full." At its Ashland campus, SOU officials reported a 2.2 percent increase in fall enrollment in September. Approximately 5,267 registered for classes there in September. In addition, enrollment for new students at the Ashland campus jumped 6 percent. Advertisement Students and instructors say the increase is tied to the many services now offered at the Medford campus on Bartlett Street — such as registration, financial aid, a bookstore and academic counseling. In addition, the flexibility of night and evening classes featured in Medford is an attractive option for students who want to pursue a degree while raising a family and working full-time. "They design the schedules for people who work full-time. It’s perfect," said student Jeff Gutridge, a full-time Medford sales manager with a family. He’s nearly earned his business degree. "If I had to go to the Ashland campus, this wouldn’t happen. It’s a wonderful program." "It fits really well into my schedule," added student Kelley Chaffee, a Grants Pass resident working to earn a degree in communication while studying to become an insurance agent. "It’s right here in the center of town. There’s plenty of parking, not like in Ashland." Instructor Jodie Ruggiero teaches communication classes at both the Ashland and Medford campuses. "Medford really offers what students need. It’s like an academic, one-stop shopping center," said Ruggiero. "It’s a great blend of students. I really do enjoy the diversity." This fall, SOU is offering 53 classes at its Medford campus on Bartlett Street, North and South Medford high schools, the Education Resource Center inside the Rogue Valley Mall and the Job Council on Market Street. The Medford campus offers bachelor’s degrees in the following subjects: communication, psychology, business and human services. In addition, students can now earn a minor in computer science. "We’re really no different than any other building on the Ashland campus," said Purslow. "Students have a lot of options." Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback 3 WEEKS FREE! ADVERTISERS SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times