Public colleges and universities across Utah have signed a memorandum of understanding to participate in the Utah Cooperation Cohort, a statewide initiative focused on fostering collaboration and cooperation across differences on college campuses and in communities across the state.
The agreement formalizes a partnership between Interfaith America, a national nonprofit that works with colleges and universities to foster cooperation across differences, the University of Utah and participating Utah System of Higher Education institutions to create the Utah Cooperation Cohort, a network dedicated to fostering collaboration and cooperation across differences and building relationships between diverse communities.
Interfaith America founder and president Eboo Patel presented to the Utah Board of Higher Education on the Utah Cooperation Cohort during the Board meeting, where the memorandum of understanding was announced.
“I am both deeply familiar with and a great admirer of higher education institutions in Utah,” Patel said. “I very much view Utah as a pioneer in constructive diversity work…[which means] appreciating our differences and cooperating across them for the common good. By establishing cooperation across differences as a cornerstone ethic in the Utah higher education system, you are meeting the needs of your current and future employers.”
Through the Utah Cooperation Cohort, participating institutions will make presidential-level commitments to support initiatives that foster collaboration across differences, contribute funding to a joint grant program and designate personnel to help administer and promote the program.
The initiative will support projects such as research, curriculum initiatives, internships and fellowships, service opportunities and other programs designed to strengthen cooperation and collaboration across campuses and communities.
Interfaith America and the University of Utah will jointly manage the program, including coordinating grant programs, convenings and communities of practice for participating institutions.
“This initiative reflects the strong collaboration among Utah’s colleges and universities and our partners to help students learn how to work across differences, engage in their communities and contribute positively to the state,” said Geoffrey Landward, Utah commissioner of higher education. “By working together on this effort, our institutions are helping prepare students not only for careers, but for leadership and civic engagement.”
The memorandum of understanding will remain in effect for an initial one-year term, with the option to renew the agreement in future years.