All classes are taught at the UVU Wasatch Campus. Located just 18 to 28 minutes away from our WARM hotel and resort partners, this incredible facility sits on 50 acres of Heber Valley's northeastern slope and features panoramic views of Mount Timpanogos.
The WARM program combines classroom study with on-the-job learning and competitive pay. Students also receive value-added instruction in the classroom through various immersive educational experiences. Because WARM has structured relationships with hotel partners, students gain valuable experience working in luxury hotels, preparing them to pursue careers in the hotel and resort industry after graduation.
WARM students earn a Bachelor of Science in hospitality management through the Woodbury School of Business, which is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This valued accreditation assures students that, in addition to learning the fundamentals of hotel and resort management, such as learning how to become a resort manager, they receive a quality business school education.
While many hospitality programs require internships, the WARM program offers students valuable work experience throughout the entire five-semester program. Through WARM's innovative approach and unmatched industry partnerships, students learn how to manage a resort and are prepared to enter the workforce in meaningful roles upon graduating.
Classroom instruction helps students be more effective in their internships, and their internships enrich the classroom experience by enabling students to share valuable insights from their jobs.
Because WARM classes are taught using a cohort approach, the classroom experience emphasizes experiential instruction.
Immersive educational examples include group projects, case studies, guest lectures, networking events, property tours, property demonstrations, on-the-job training, consulting projects, workshops, certifications, competitions, small group mentoring, etc.
WARM hotel partners play a crucial role in delivering immersive educational experiences for students. Students gain valuable industry skills through industry work experience, and industry engages students in the classroom through a reciprocal partnership.
If you want to earn a competitive wage and gain unsurpassed luxury hotel work experience, all while earning an AACSB-accredited business degree in hospitality management, this is the program for you.
To be admitted into the WARM program, students should have received passing grades in most of UVU's required general education (GE) elective courses, which are detailed here.
Additionally, students should have completed the Woodbury School of Business prerequisites with a C- or higher before admission. Students missing the required program prerequisites may qualify for a waiver. For more information about the admissions process, review the application page.
If you have more admissions questions, please contact the WARM program coordinator at [email protected].
No. Various factors, such as prior coursework, grades, work experience, and passion for the industry, will be considered equally in determining eligibility.
Before you apply to the WARM program, ensure you have satisfactorily completed all the required prerequisites. It could also be helpful to acquire some hotel industry experience before beginning the program, but this is not required.
International students can qualify for the WARM program and can work off-campus for a WARM hotel partner during program enrollment.
However, please note that qualifying as an international student requires additional steps. Over the course of the program, students will complete 41 weeks of full-time curricular practical training (CPT). Students will begin their first full-time CPT period over the holiday break. To qualify for full-time CPT, students must be enrolled full-time at a university for the two semesters immediately preceding the holiday break. This means that international students enrolling in the fall cohort must take in-person, full-time courses over the summer before starting the WARM program. The only exception to this is for students who completed an academic degree the summer before starting the program; these students qualify even if they studied part-time over the summer.
To ensure international students qualify for one year of full-time optional practical training (OPT) after graduation, students cannot exceed 52 weeks of full-time CPT before graduation. Students should not have completed any OPT under a B.A. or B.S. degree.
To ensure international students do not exceed the 52-week limit, they should complete an associate degree before entering the WARM program. Students who have not previously completed full-time curricular practical training (CPT) while pursuing a bachelor's degree may not need to complete an associate degree before applying.
International student immigration regulations are complicated and specific to individual circumstances. Thus, any details provided here are for informational purposes only. Applicants are subject to final review by UVU International Admissions and International Student Services. If you have questions regarding international student requirements, please contact the WARM program coordinator at [email protected].
If a cohort is below capacity, students may be able to join partway through the program. All WARM prerequisite courses and most courses taken earlier in the program should already be completed. This will be approved only based on enrollment capacity and transfer qualifications.
It is unlikely that many will qualify to transfer into the program. Students may transfer into the program only in the second or third semesters. For questions about transferring into the WARM program, contact the program coordinator at [email protected].
The WARM program is intended for those who have completed their general education requirements, which typically includes juniors and seniors. However, if you completed your GE requirements in high school through concurrent enrollment, you may join the WARM program as a first-year student.
Not for most students. International students who completed full-time curricular practical training (CPT) before entering the program must have an associate degree to ensure they qualify for one year of full-time optional practical training (OPT) after graduation.
Students must have completed 49 semester hours and program prerequisites. Some students may qualify for a waiver that allows them to take certain prerequisites during the program. For more information about the admissions process, please review the information here.
If you still have questions, contact the WARM program coordinator at [email protected].
Up to six prerequisite courses may be completed during the program, to be determined by the WARM program coordinator. Upon approval, the coordinator will work with you to create a plan to complete the required prerequisites.
Generally, only a few prerequisite courses may be waived. This amount may be higher (up to six) if an applicant has completed some courses offered in the program. In this scenario, the applicant will complete the program prerequisites in place of program courses already completed through comparable courses.
Students who have completed up to six courses equivalent to those offered in the program may still be eligible. Students who have completed seven or more equivalent program courses are likely better served by completing their degree on the main campus or online. To discuss your specific situation, contact the WARM program coordinator at [email protected].
The WARM program has partnered with WARM hotel partners to ensure students receive quality work experience and competitive compensation. WARM hotel partners help graduates obtain work experience that prepares them for competitive industry positions after graduation.
Wages are competitive and typically higher than in other geographic areas. Pay averages $18 to $24 per hour, but can start lower or higher depending on the position, opportunities for tips, and the required skills.
Relationships with WARM hotel partners have been established to benefit students and our partners. Accepting employment from an organization that is not an official WARM hotel partner may preclude you from mentorship opportunities, benefits predetermined by our partners, and more.
Students are required to work for a hotel that meets the program requirements. If you are interested in working for an organization that is not a WARM hotel partner, you must receive prior approval. This may be advantageous for industry professionals who are already employed and seeking to complete the WARM program without leaving their current employer. To discuss your specific situation, contact the WARM program coordinator at [email protected].
Students benefit from mentorship from industry leaders dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders. Additionally, students often qualify for other employer-specific benefits, such as season ski passes, insurance, discounted hotel stays, discounted food and beverages, and complimentary meals during shifts. Benefits vary by employer. Because many positions are tipped, average wages may substantially exceed partner requirements.
Most hotel partners have expressed interest in hiring WARM students across a variety of positions:
WARM hotel partners hire students for these and many other positions, helping students learn about resort management jobs. Employers determine students' eligibility for various positions. Some positions may require students to be a minimum age (21 for servers).
No, but it can be helpful. Hotel partners make offers to all students, depending on position availability and student qualifications. Students with industry experience may qualify for more positions and receive more offers. Because WARM hotel partners hire for a variety of positions, nearly all past work experience is valuable.
Yes, employment is at will. Students must be employed by a hotel partner, but they can switch between hotel partners. Keep in mind, though, that switching employers may not be ideal or necessary. If you are unhappy in a position, consider contacting an HR representative to explore alternatives. You may be reassigned to a different role or department. Before quitting an employer, consider reaching out to the WARM program coordinator or a trusted faculty member for advice.
A cohort is a group of students who work through a curriculum together to earn the same academic degree. Students in a cohort take the same classes at the same pace. The WARM program uses a cohort approach to streamline program operations and optimize course schedules and workloads. Students take courses back-to-back, reducing the time they must spend on campus. Because all students take the same classes, hotel partners know when students are in class, and students have greater availability for work.
Students can make better use of their time. Classes are offered back-to-back to reduce the time students must spend on campus. Students also have fewer scheduling conflicts with employers since class times are optimized for industry employment schedules. By studying with a cohort, students form strong bonds with their classmates, leading to lasting friendships that can prove useful in future careers.
Students must be employed throughout the entire program: 10+ hours over summer and fall semesters and 30+ hours over spring semester. The program is designed for serious students who intend to work throughout the program. If you are looking for a more flexible program that does not require continuous work, consider enrolling in UVU's online hospitality program.
Students must work 10+ hours over summer and fall semesters and 30+ hours over spring semester at a qualifying hotel property. Students must earn a C- or better in all courses. Students must attend 90% of all classes.
Students who earn below a C- in any course may not be eligible to graduate. Students who earn below a C- in a program course may be placed on program probation. Students may retake the course through an alternative means. Not passing multiple courses may be grounds for expulsion from the program.
Semester schedules have been created to accommodate the needs of the Park City hotel industry. Students will study full-time over the summer and fall semesters. During this period, students are expected to work part-time. Most students working part-time will work two to three shifts of six to eight hours per week. Students will study part-time over the spring semester. During this time, students are expected to work full-time. Most working students will work four to five eight-hour shifts. Part of the credit students earn is internship credit, which requires minimal effort beyond the work performed on the job.
In total, most students are expected to devote 50 to 60 hours per week to work and school (including homework). This program is not for everyone; applicants should assess how much time they are willing to commit to ensure they are up to the task.
Tuition is $300 per credit. The total cost over the entire five-semester program is $18,000. Tuition is the same for Utah residents and non-residents.
Yes, students in the WARM program qualify for financial aid available to all undergraduate students, including grants and student loans. No scholarships are currently available to WARM students, aside from the Utah resident scholarship. For information on eligibility or to apply for financial aid, visit UVU's financial aid page.
New cohorts begin each fall. There are currently no other cohort start dates available. If this does not align with your plans, consider delaying your start to the next fall cohort or enrolling in UVU's more flexible online hospitality management program. Some students may qualify to join the existing cohort in the spring. Contact the WARM program coordinator for details.
Junior courses are held on Mondays and Wednesdays and in the evening on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Day courses begin at 8:30 am or later and conclude by 1 pm. Evening courses begin at 5:30 pm or later and conclude by 9 pm.
Some customization is necessary for students who have received a prerequisite waiver and plan to take prerequisite courses instead of already completed program courses. Most students take the courses as scheduled. Students wishing to complete the program part-time must take WARM core courses in the standard sequence; other courses may be taken out of sequence, including following the five-semester program in a sixth and seventh semester. Some courses taught in the fourth semester (second fall semester) may be taken early by students who have completed many first-semester courses before starting the program. Students wishing to deviate from the typical course sequence should work with the WARM program coordinator.
Yes, there are several options available. Additionally, many students rent basement apartments or houses together. For housing assistance, contact the WARM program coordinator.
No. Most students drive between the Wasatch Campus and their work locations in their own cars. Carpooling is possible, but students should have a plan in place to ensure they can get to work in Park City. Inside Park City, public transit provides access to all our hotel partners in Deer Valley and Park City.
All our hotel partners are in a winter-destination market, so you should expect to periodically drive in snow. However, Park City diligently plows roads to all the resorts. Driving in snow typically means traveling on 1-2 inches of snow or slush. Deeper snow on roads is less common.
WARM students typically encounter challenging snow conditions while commuting to work two to four times per season. In such circumstances, you can park in a public lot in Park City and take public transportation to hotel partners located at a higher elevation.
When driving in winter conditions, keep an emergency bag in your car stocked with winter essentials, including extra clothing and blankets. You will likely want a vehicle with four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Snow tires offer greatly improved handling and traction on winter roads; having chains in your vehicle (and knowing how to install them) is recommended if you don't have snow tires.
Park City is just 20 minutes from the Wasatch Campus, and Jordanelle Reservoir is just 10 minutes away. Ample outdoor recreation opportunities include alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking, cycling, hiking, fishing, golfing, and water sports. Many hotel partners offer free or discounted season passes, and used ski equipment can be purchased at a significant discount. Utah is home to five National Parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. These destinations are easily accessible for a weekend trip with friends.
The UVU Wasatch Campus is a satellite campus, so it does not have all the resources of the Orem Campus. Students are welcome to participate in Orem Campus events, which are just 40 miles away. The UVU Wasatch Campus has a gym that is open daily, along with a pool table, a ping pong table, and a gaming system. Because students are part of a cohort that includes others living nearby, informal socializing among students is expected. Additionally, the WARM program hosts several social events throughout the year.
The WARM program does not offer students complimentary ski passes. However, some hotel partners offer employees free or discounted season passes. Employer benefits vary; please contact the hotel's human resources department for more details.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for program information and general support.
