2015 Legislative Update – Week 4
Higher Education Luncheon Regents, Trustees, Presidents and student leaders gathered on Friday for the annual higher education luncheon in the Capitol Rotunda, attended by an estimated two-thirds of legislators. It was a good opportunity to visit informally and stress the importance of our legislative priorities. 2015-2016 Budget Revised state tax revenue figures agreed upon by […]
A closer look at student utilization of online courses
Of the 167,317 students enrolled at a Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) institution in Fall 2014, over one in four students is enrolled in at least one online course. Online course delivery has grown exponentially in the past 5 years. USHE now offers 81 degree and certificate programs entirely online. Such explosive growth in […]
Utah Educational Savings Plan exceeds $8 billion in assets
Rapid growth in assets under management leads to cost efficiencies that benefit account owners investing for college. The Utah Educational Savings Plan (UESP) announced today it has surpassed $8 billion in assets under its management in more than 277,000 accounts, a milestone underscoring the value that investors find in Utah’s low-cost, fast-growing 529 college savings […]
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 […]
2015 Legislative Update – Week 3
2015-16 Budget – Performance Funding The Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee discussed performance funding for the Utah System of Higher Education in several of its meetings. Key components of a basic framework have been identified, and legislation is anticipated to specify performance funding as a category in future USHE budget requests. If funding is provided implementation […]
The impact of a 2% budget cut
As part of the one-time budget reduction made by the Executive Appropriations Committee before the 2015 legislative session, all appropriations subcommittees were requested to identify a 2% cut to existing base budgets, including higher education. The stated intent is to “stress test” areas of the state budget to help inform budget priorities for the upcoming […]
USHE response to 2014 legislative intent language
In 2014, the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee, and subsequently the State Legislature as a whole, adopted intent language for the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) to report on completion, transfer, job placement, cost and the transition from developmental to college-level math. Highlights from the report include: Graduation rates Completing a bachelor’s degree in 100% of time […]
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 […]
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 […]
