ACT Conference focuses on student access to higher education
Last week, Utah Valley University hosted the 2016 Utah ACT State Organization Conference. The conference strives to bring education and career readiness professionals a broad range of topics that meet the diverse needs of preparing students for college and career success. Attendees discussed key education strategies intended to foster positive change in schools throughout Utah, […]
Is a college degree still worth it? Yes, but challenges exist
Several reports and articles of the last few months have reinforced the long-standing axiom – a college education is one of the best long-term investments an individual can make. This is especially the case in Utah. According to Mark Knold, the Supervising Economist at the Utah Department of Workforce Services: “Attaining more education corresponds with […]
Efforts to increase FAFSA completion in Utah
Anyone attending college or planning to attend college should complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is the only way to receive federal financial aid for college in forms of Pell Grants, work-study, federal student loans, and some scholarships. Utah continues to be last in the nation for percent of eligible […]
2016 Legislative Update – Week 7
The 2016 Legislature adjourned on March 10, 2016. News coverage summarizing the legislative session are available here, here, and here. The following is an unofficial summary of the 2016 Legislative Session related to the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE). A formal report will be provided by the Commissioner at the meeting of the Board of […]
2016-17 Student Regent Application Now Available
The 2016-17 Student Regent Application is now available for any interested student planning to attend a USHE institution during the 2016-17 academic year. Governor Herbert will appoint the Student Regent for a one-year term and plays an important role in representing the voice of USHE students to the Board of Regents. Applications must be submitted by April 5, 2016.
2016 Legislative Update – Week 6
2016-2017 Budget The Executive Appropriations Committee approved its first round of funding items on Friday evening. For higher education, initial items include the state-funded portion of a 2% merit increase in compensation (plus funding for increases in health benefits), $5 million ongoing for market demand programs, $5 million in one-time funds for performance funding, and […]
Students can finish general ed requirements and easily transfer institutions using certificates of completion
General education is a required component of any associate (AA/AS) or bachelor’s degree in Utah’s public colleges and universities. Students must take at least 27 college credits in core courses such as English, math, science, and history to complete their general education requirements. General education courses help students become well-rounded, expose them to different subjects, and ensure they have a […]
Concurrent Enrollment legislation will better assist students to college success
HB 182, Concurrent Enrollment Education Amendments, co-sponsored by Rep. Val Peterson and Sen. Ann Millner improves the administration of concurrent enrollment (CE) courses statewide, streamlines the enrollment process, and will better inform students of how concurrent enrollment courses can best help them pursue their postsecondary goals. Already one of the most robust programs in the […]
2016 Legislative Update – Week 5
2016-2017 Budget With revised revenue projections announced last week, significant budget decisions continue to loom before a final budget takes shape. There is still a lot of work on the budget as well as several bills that continue their march through the legislative process. Key Legislation *HB 182, Concurrent Enrollment Amendments by Rep. Val Peterson, […]
Performance funding rewards Utah’s public colleges & universities for achievement in key areas
In January 2015, the Board of Regents and co-chairs of the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee Senator Stephen Urquhart and Representative Keith Grover, established performance metrics for a portion of the new funds appropriated for the Utah System of Higher Education by the 2015 Legislature. This year USHE’s 2016-2017 budget priorities includes $15,000,000 for Performance Funding, using the […]
