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… Continue Reading 2016 Legislative Update – Week 6

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… Continue Reading Students can finish general ed requirements and easily transfer institutions using certificates of completion

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… Continue Reading Concurrent Enrollment legislation will better assist students to college success

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,… Continue Reading 2016 Legislative Update – Week 5

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… Continue Reading Performance funding rewards Utah’s public colleges & universities for achievement in key areas

USHE institutions provide most of the post-secondary career & technical education in Utah

Career and Technical Education (CTE) consists of technical training and education in shorter intervals–from less than one year to two years–and prepares students for specific skills needed to enter the workforce. Institutions within the Utah System of Higher Education provide 73.4% of all post secondary CTE in Utah. By providing over 70 percent of CTE in Utah,… Continue Reading USHE institutions provide most of the post-secondary career & technical education in Utah

USHE budget priorities include crucial statewide initiatives, such as IT security & Regents’ Scholarship funding

The Utah System of Higher Education’s budget priorities for the 2016 Legislative session include two crucial statewide programs: enhanced cyber security at Utah’s public higher education institutions and funding for the merit-based Regents’ Scholarship. Enhanced Cyber Security: $2,500,000 The Chief Information officers (CIOs) of institutions within the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) are requesting funds to better… Continue Reading USHE budget priorities include crucial statewide initiatives, such as IT security & Regents’ Scholarship funding

2016 Legislative Update – Week 4

Higher Education Day on the Hill Regents, Trustees, Presidents and student leaders gathered on Friday for the annual higher education luncheon in the Capitol Rotunda. Attended by over 75 legislators, including members of legislative leadership, it was a good opportunity to re-emphasize USHE’s budget and capital development priorities. The Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee The Higher… Continue Reading 2016 Legislative Update – Week 4

Utah’s colleges and universities get creative to increase institutional efficiency

Earlier this month, USHE presidents provided updates to the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee on their progress on implementing the Board of Regents’ Completion Strategies, as well as improving institutional efficiencies. USHE presidents are constantly reprioritizing resources within their institutional budgets to expand new programs, reduce bottleneck courses, and maintain overall institutional efficiency. Presidents shared some of the… Continue Reading Utah’s colleges and universities get creative to increase institutional efficiency