Consider sending your state income tax refund directly to your UESP account
Want to pocket more money for college? While preparing your 2014 Utah state income tax returns, consider sending your state income tax refund directly to your Utah Educational Savings Plan (UESP) account. Your refund will be applied equally among accounts owned by you and, if you file taxes jointly, your spouse. On the last page […]
2015 Legislative Update – Week 2
There is additional legislation with potential impact to higher education. Much of the focus continues on the budget, and the Higher Educations Appropriations Subcommittee continues to meet this week. 2015-2016 Budget. Six USHE presidents gave excellent presentations to the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee (Presidents Wight and Huftalin presented previously). Their messages all provided relevant insights on […]
Research on Capitol Hill event showcases undergraduate research at UU, USU
Utah’s Research on Capitol Hill is an annual celebration of undergraduate research, and was held January 29, 2015, in the Rotunda of the State Capitol. It features undergraduate research projects from students studying at the University of Utah and Utah State University. Students of all disciplines share the results of their investigations with legislators. The event […]
Utah college students lag nation in taking advantage of available financial aid opportunities
Completing and submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the single most important thing a student can do to get assistance paying for college. By completing this application, students find out how much financial aid they qualify for, including Pell Grants. Also, students usually can’t qualify for need-based or merit-based aid without a FAFSA on […]
Improving counselor training in college and career readiness
February 2-6 has been declared School Counseling Week in Utah. “School counselors are actively committed to helping students explore their abilities, strengths, interests, and talents, as these traits relate to career awareness and development,” said Governor Herbert in a declaration. The Governor’s timing of this declaration not only coincides with national events recognizing the role of […]
Legislative Update – Week 1
The 2015 Session of the Utah State Legislature got underway Monday, January 26, and will conclude Thursday, March 12. It is anticipated there will be several bills with potential impact to the Utah System of Higher Education, all of which will be carefully tracked by the Commissioner’s Office and institutions. 2015-2016 Budget According to the […]
Board of Regents Advance Performance Funding Proposal for 2015 Legislature
The Board of Regents approved a performance funding model as part of its 2015-16 legislative budget request. The USHE budget request includes support for employee compensation, student participation, distinctive mission, and performance funding, all of which serve to further the strategic directions of the Board of Regents—affordable participation, timely completion, and innovative discovery. Performance Funding […]
Board of Regents updates its strategic directions and goals
To further define the Board of Regents proposed strategic directions and goals for 2015, the Board has approved three main goals to focus on to “to provide a high quality, efficient, and economical public system of higher education through centralized direction and master planning” (Utah Code Annotated, 53B-1-101). During the past several months the Board has held informal […]
USHE institutions set goals to increase college completion rates
Increasing the number of students who successfully complete college with a degree or certificate has been a top priority of the Board of Regents for nearly a decade, and it was reaffirmed with the Board’s new strategic objectives approved last week. In July 2013, the Board passed a college completion resolution, identifying five initiatives proven […]
Engineering and Computer Science Initiative
Established in 2001, the Engineering and Computer Science Initiative established a goal to increase the number of students graduating from engineering, computer science, and related technology programs. The Legislature approved SB61: Enhancements to the State Systems of Public and Higher Education, sponsored by Sen. Lyle Hillyard. Funding for this initiative has impacted on degrees awarded […]
