Report: More U.S. families choosing 529 plans to save for college
A new College Savings Plans Network (CSPN) report shows 2014 was another good year for the Utah Educational Savings Plan (UESP) and the nation’s other 529 college savings programs as total assets under management, number of accounts, and average account balance reached new record highs. Statistics CSPN released earlier this month underscore the continuing appeal… Continue Reading Report: More U.S. families choosing 529 plans to save for college
University of Utah develops UOnline Initiative
From MOOCs to “flipped” classrooms, technology has forever changed how higher education is delivered to students. In the Utah System of Higher Education, one in four students take at least one class online, and 81 degrees and certificates are offered entirely online. The University of Utah has recently developed the UOnline Initiative to help meet… Continue Reading University of Utah develops UOnline Initiative
Weber State University reaches out to K-12 students with ‘Brain Week,’ Latinos in Action conference
Brain Awareness Week Forty students from the Weber State University Neuroscience program volunteered to spend their spring break discussing the brain with about 1,300 students in area elementary, middle and high schools. During March 9-13, these students learned about the basic anatomy of the brain, including structures, functions, and interesting cases throughout history. Students also… Continue Reading Weber State University reaches out to K-12 students with ‘Brain Week,’ Latinos in Action conference
Utah College Application Week: 2014 Overview
Last November 2014, the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) sponsored Utah College Application Week events at high schools around the state. Higher education leaders, partnering with K-12, worked with thousands of Utah high school seniors as these students applied to college. The events were especially geared towards students who would be the first in their families… Continue Reading Utah College Application Week: 2014 Overview
2015 Legislative Interns (Part 2)
As mentioned in a previous post, while the Utah State Legislature is in session, 93 college students from around the state of Utah get the opportunity to intern for state legislators. This internship gives college students the opportunity to take part first hand in the legislative process and interact with state leaders on key issues. Whether… Continue Reading 2015 Legislative Interns (Part 2)
Setting the stage for student success in Utah
In addition to helping facilitate student success in regards to access, retention and completion, leaders in the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) are committed to ensuring students receive a high-quality education at Utah’s eight public colleges and universities. What defines a high-quality education? It is defined by a focus on faculty engagement, student learning… Continue Reading Setting the stage for student success in Utah
2015 Legislative Interns (Part 1)
While the Utah State Legislature is in session, 93 college students from around the state of Utah get the opportunity to intern for state legislators. This internship gives college students the opportunity to take part first hand in the legislative process and interact with state leaders on key issues. Whether student interns are tracking legislation,… Continue Reading 2015 Legislative Interns (Part 1)
Faculty and staff salaries at Utah’s public colleges are consistently below national peers
It is well-known that the academic labor market is a national market, and candidates are willing and able to move across the country for an open position. Unfortunately, salaries for faculty and staff at institutions in the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) are significantly less than those at peer institutions across the country. Not only does this… Continue Reading Faculty and staff salaries at Utah’s public colleges are consistently below national peers
Key legislation before US Congress to strengthen 529 plans
This past month both the US Senate and House of Representatives introduced legislation to make enhancements to 529 College Savings Plans. These tax-free plans are used by millions of families to save for their children’s future higher education expenses. These plans have proven to help limit or eliminate future student loan debt, while aiding to… Continue Reading Key legislation before US Congress to strengthen 529 plans
Honoring Black History Month at Utah’s colleges and universities
From a speech by Nelson Mandela’s grandson and an acclaimed one-woman show, to step teams, art exhibits and documentary screenings, Utah’s colleges are in the midst of honoring Black History Month. Below are some highlights from select institutions: University of Utah Theme: “Because of Them, We Can: A Celebration of the Black Experience” Black History Month… Continue Reading Honoring Black History Month at Utah’s colleges and universities