INFO ABOUT UVU
UVU is a teaching institution where students learn, do and become. At UVU, the fusion of academic and hands-on learning is referred to as "engaged learning." Along with the institution's long-rooted commitment to serving the needs of the community, UVU's emphasis on engaged learning led to its classification as "community engaged" by the Carnegie Foundation. UVU's Center for Engaged Learning oversees a $400,000 grant program in support of engaged learning projects.
At UVU, students participate in internships, community service and curriculum that includes the "how" along with the "what" and "why."
STUDENT ACCESS
As a university, UVU remains committed to serving the needs of a growing student base. With more than 28,000 students, UVU is now the second-largest four-year institution in the Utah System of Higher Education (behind University of Utah), and is providing higher education to more Utahns than any other university.
In addition to maintaining its long-held policy of open admissions, UVU remains a relatively cost-effective option for students. Tuition at UVU is little more than half of the national average.
FACILITIES
University status coincided with the opening of UVU's state-of-the-art, 200,000 square foot library, complete with the latest in digital and traditional learning resources. The "greenest" state-owned building in Utah, UVU's library won two awards of merit from Intermountain Construction magazine in 2008 for its energy efficiency. Recently, UVU also renovated the old library to become the Losee Center for Student Success, and the university welcomed the addition of the new Alumni & Visitor's Center at the southeast corner of campus.
In spring 2010, the state approved $45 Million in funding for a new science building, which will be completed in December 2011. The facility was one of Utah's top building projects heading into the 2010 legislative session due to UVU's severe space constraints. The university currently serves its burgeoning student body with the fewest square feet per student (121.5) among all institutions in the Utah System of Higher Education. The UVU science building will provide an additional 160,000 square feet, including 27 labs, 12 state-of-the-art classrooms and a 400-seat auditorium.
ACADEMICS
UVU is the university of choice for more than 28,000 students who study everything from aviation to dance to digital media. By including opportunities for real-world experience in the curriculum, UVU courses prepare students for success in the classroom and beyond.
In addition to 57 baccalaureate programs, UVU now offers master degrees in education, nursing, and business administration. These degrees prepare students to fill pressing needs in the community. UVU also remains committed to career and technical programs. UVU offers a wealth of training either on campus or through a partnership with Mountainland Applied Technology College.
VALUE & IMPACT
UVU is a good investment, both for the state and for students. Every state dollar invested in UVU is returned more than six-fold. All told, UVU contributes more than $300 million to Utah County's economy, and 84 percent of UVU graduates remain in Utah to rev the Beehive State's economic engine.
By obtaining associate's and bachelor degrees, UVU graduates' increased earning has an annual economic impact of nearly $45 million. UVU bachelor-degree graduates also earn more than graduates of any other public institution in Utah, according to the most recent Utah Foundation Report.
FACULTY
UVU students not only enjoy small class sizes, but they are also privileged to learn from some of the country's top minds.
A few faculty highlights:
Steve Wasserbaech, professor of physics, was one of only a handful of U.S. scientists selected by CERN for a year-long appointment at the site of the world's largest particle physics lab in Geneva, Switzerland.
Haagen Klaus, assistant professor of anthropology, heads a 30-year project in Latin America aimed at learning more about bygone civilizations. By uncovering burial sites for sacrificial victims, Klaus is unraveling mysteries about ancient social orders. His research was featured by National Geographic.
Paul Dishman, professor of marketing, is helping the young country of Montenegro rev its budding economy through a Fulbright Scholar grant to lecture and research at the University of Donja Gorica.
STUDENTS
UVU's commitment to student access amid rising enrollment is being met by greater academic commitment from the student body. In addition to their commitment in the classroom, UVU students are engaged in real-world learning and community projects. These projects—which range from analyzing water supplies in Mexico to preparing gourmet meals for black-tie crowds—help students achieve the goal of graduating with a diploma in one hand and a resume in the other.
Digital media student Kevin Bowden won the Utah Film Commission's "Spot On" contest for his 30-second short titled "Utah, Your Masterpiece." Now, he will direct a professional reshoot of his film, which will air as a commercial at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival.
ARTS & CULTURE
In 2009, UVU was designated by Steinway & Sons of New York as an official All-Steinway School, putting Utah's newest university in the elite company of programs such as Julliard and the Yale School of Music. The designation comes as the result of more than $1 million in donations, allowing UVU to upgrade to the vaunted Steinway pianos. The top-shelf instruments provide a richer experience for music students and better position UVU to attract world-class faculty such as Julliard-trained Hilary Demske, who recently joined UVU.
ATHLETICS
In 2009, NCAA Membership Services notified UVU that the governing body for collegiate athletics unanimously approved UVU's acceptance as an official member of NCAA Division I. The move came after a seven-year provisional period and completed UVU's unprecedented move straight from NJCAA to the top level of NCAA competition.
In UVU's first year in the Great West Conference, the Wolverines captured league championships in soccer as well as men's and women's cross country. UVU's Katey Turner was named MVP of the conference soccer tournament after scoring game-winning goals in two contests. For cross country, Mary Nothum was named women's "runner of the year", Brooke Hodson and Jason Lynch won their respective "newcomer of the year" awards, and coach Scott Houle was dubbed "coach of the year" for both the men and women.
On the world stage, UVU alumni Chris Fogt (bobsled) and Noelle Pikus-Pace (skeleton) were proud members of the U.S. Olympic team for the 2010 games in Vancouver.