Do concurrent enrollment courses impact college participation and completion?
Approximately ⅓ of Utah high school juniors and seniors participated in concurrent enrollment during the 2013-14 school year – wherein students earn both high school credit for graduation and college credit corresponding to the first year of college. 95% of the college credit awarded last year was in general education courses and select technical education… Continue Reading Do concurrent enrollment courses impact college participation and completion?
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 Update – Week 5
2015-2016 Budget With revised revenue projections announced last week, significant budget decisions continue to loom before a final budget takes shape, including Medicaid expansion and possible gas tax revisions. There is still a lot of work to be done on the budget as well as several bills that continue their march through the legislative process.… Continue Reading 2015 Legislative Update – Week 5
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
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… Continue Reading 2015 Legislative Update – Week 4
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… Continue Reading A closer look at student utilization of online courses
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… Continue Reading Utah Educational Savings Plan exceeds $8 billion in assets
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