An Overview of Southern Utah University

Southern Utah University (SUU) is a regional university. It serves southern Utah as an important center for advanced learning and public service.

Our Heritage

Through our 113 year history, Southern Utah University has evolved from a teacher training institution to a comprehensive regional university. From the time of its founding, SUU has placed students first by featuring personalized and participative classes, combined with competent, qualified and supportive faculty, staff and administration. The university provides skill development opportunities, major academic specialties, outreach services, cultural and athletic activities, economic and business development resources and regional archives. Capitalizing on our unique environment, Southern Utah University prepares its graduates to excel in careers and as citizens by emphasizing the following core values: Academic Excellence, Community and Social Responsibility, and Involvement and Personal Growth.

Our Mission

Southern Utah University, as our founders envisioned, is a dynamic teaching and learning community inspired by its unique natural surroundings. As Utah’s designated public liberal arts and sciences university, SUU engages students in a personalized and rigorous experiential education, empowering them to be productive citizens, socially responsible leaders, high achievers and lifelong learners.

Our Vision

Southern Utah University will be nationally recognized as a premier regional university where exemplary faculty and staff, personalized learning and academic integrity, enable students and graduates to honor thought in all its finest forms and to excel in life.

Our Core Values

Academic Excellence

With superior teaching and engaged learning as its foundation, academic excellence is the hallmark of Southern Utah University. Students are expected to meet the challenges of rigorous programs of study offered at SUU. Unique experiential education programs and dedicated faculty promote both critical and creative thinking and scholarly activity in a supportive learning environment. SUU is committed to sustaining an academic community that encourages students to develop their breadth and depth as scholars and global citizens. SUU supports faculty and staff development designed to respond to the changing demands of higher education and the needs of its students. Assessment of learning outcomes and continual improvement are key elements of the educational experience at SUU.

Involvement and Personal Growth

Southern Utah University encourages student growth and development by providing opportunities and programs designed to broaden social and cultural perspectives through campus and community service, and outdoor, creative, and global engagement activities. The University affirms that active participation in well-designed experience-based programs provides a holistic educational experience and helps prepare students to become engaged members of society. SUU is committed to helping students become confident, creative, and adaptive life-long learners known for their service to the community.

Community and Social Responsibility

Essential to the educational process is a sense of an academic community wherein collaboration, diversity, respect for all people, concern for the environment, civility, and shared governance are cultivated. SUU encourages the discussion and exploration of differing views while recognizing the cherished individual freedom to reach one’s own conclusions. Developing students into productive responsible citizens, both locally and globally, involves the thoughtful exploration and application of ethics and values and the acknowledgment of the responsibilities one has as a contributing citizen of the world.

SUU’s Academic Roadmap 2010-13

SUU is committed to providing all of its students an exceptional educational experience. In 2009-10 an ambitious academic plan was developed with input from all parts of the campus and community. The plan is designed to enhance the quality of an SUU student’s education by aligning academic programs with student support systems to help our graduates become fully engaged and productive members of society through a set of distinctive and personalized learning environments. Five comprehensive experiential education tracks and support centers provide students with the tools needed to integrate the classroom with real world experience. In 2010, the Regents of the Utah System of Higher Education designated SUU as the state’s liberal arts and sciences university and acknowledged its role to provide students with an educational experience typical of a private university at a public university price. For more detailed information about SUU’s Academic Roadmap 2010-13, please go to:http://www.suu.edu/academics/provost.

The University’s History

Possessing a rich pioneer heritage, SUU has a unique history in American higher education. In 1897, Cedar City was notified it had been chosen as the site for the Branch Normal School, the first teacher training school in Southern Utah.

In September of 1897, the school opened its doors for the first time. However, only two months into the session, the Attorney General ruled that Cedar City was not complying with the provision stating that the school must be on land deeded to the state for educational purposes. If a building was not erected by the following September, the school would be lost. Winter had already set in, when on January 5, 1898, a group of townspeople trudged into the Cedar Mountains, setting out to do the impossible. Snow had obliterated the trail they had originally blazed and the wagons could not make it and were abandoned. It was in this phase of their march that an old sorrel horse proved so valuable. Placed at the front of the party, the horse walked steadily into the drifts, pushing and straining against the snow until it gave way. Then he would pause for a rest, sitting down on his haunches the way a dog does, heave a big sigh, and get up and start all over again. “Old Sorrel” was credited with being the savior of the expedition.

The people of Cedar City continued their work from January through July and in September of 1898, the building, now known as Old Main, was completed.

Today the campus comprises 133 acres, landscaped with fountains, tall spruce and pine trees, plazas, latticed walkways and expansive lawns. Beyond campus, the University owns and operates a 1,032-acre farm in western Cedar Valley and a 2,629-acre ranch in Cedar Canyon. The ranch includes a Mountain Center for executive leadership and continuing education programs.

The University’s Ashcroft Observatory is located outside the lighted neighborhoods of Cedar City for better celestial viewing opportunities.

Because of their proximity and grandeur, Zion National Park and Cedar Breaks National Monument are claimed by students as part of the campus. Indeed, geological and life science field trips take advantage of these national treasures. The Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon National Parks lie close by for easy touring. The University’s skiing classroom is at 10,000-foot Brian Head Ski Area, less than an hour away.

A Tour of the Campus

Campus facilities vary from the historical Old Main and Braithwaite Fine Arts Gallery building built in 1898 and 1899 to the newly constructed Emma Eccles Jones Teacher Education Building, the Carter Carillon and the J.L. Sorenson Physical Education Building that mark the northern edge of SUU’s campus. The Dixie Leavitt Business Building, South Hall, the Gerald R. Sherratt Library and the Sharwan Smith Student Center are located in the center of campus, while the Science Center, the General Classroom Building, the Auditorium, the Centrum Arena and the athletics facilities skirt the edges of the grounds. As the home of the Utah Shakespeare Festival, SUU also features one of the world’s most authentic Shakespearean stages and the Randall L. Jones Performing Arts Theatre. For a virtual tour of the campus, please go to: http://www.suu.edu/prostu/virtual.html

Guided tours of the University are available by appointment. Please contact the SUU Admissions Welcome Center at (435) 586-7741 to schedule tours, or visit http://www.suu.edu/belong.

Accreditation

Southern Utah University  is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Accreditation of an instruction of higher education by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited college or university is one which has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation.

Accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole. As so, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered, or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution.

Inquiries regarding an institution’s accredited status by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities should be directed to the administrative staff of the university. Individuals may also contact:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
8060 165th Avenue N.E., Suite 100
Redmond, WA 98052
(425) 558-4224

Many of Southern Utah University’s academic programs have special accreditation or endorsement from the following organizations:

• Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET)
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
• American Chemical Society (ACS)
• Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business-International (AACSB)
• Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
• Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD)
• National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD)
• National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
• Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC)
• Utah State Office of Education (USOE)

The university is affiliated with the following organizations:

• American Association for Higher Education (AAHE)
• American Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO)
• American Association of Museums (AAM)
• American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU)
• American College Dance Festival Association (ACDFA)
• American Council on Education (ACE)
• American Hotel and Lodging Association (AH&LA)
• American Library Association (ALA)
• Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business - International (AACSB)
• Association for Continuing Higher Education (ACHE)
• Association for Institutional Research (AIR)
• Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
• Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U)
• Association of Arts Administration Educators (AAAE)
• Association of Collegiate Conference & Events Directors - International (ACCED-I)
• Association of University Museums and Galleries (AAMG)
• Broadcast Education Association (BEA)
• The College Board
• Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit (CPCESU)
• Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)
• Council of Colleges of Arts and Sciences (CCAS)
• EDUCAUSE
• European Network of Cultural Administration Training Centers (ENCATC)
• International Council of Fine Arts Deans (ICFAD)
• International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (ICHRIE)
• International Technology Education Association (ITEA)
• Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF)
• Microsoft Systems & Developer Network Academic Alliance (MSDNAA)
• Mountain Plains Adult Education Association (MPAEA)
• National Academic Advising Association (NACADA)
• National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO)
• National Association of Rural Health (NRHA)
• National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA)
• National Athletic Training Association (NATA)
• National Business Education Association (NBEA)
• National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
• National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC)
• National Communication Association (NCA)
• National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
• National Dance Education Organization (NDEO)
• National Institute of Outdoor Drama
• National League for Nursing (NLN)
• National Policy Board for Educational Administration (NPBEA)
• National Rural Education Association (NREA)
• National Theatre Conference (NTC)
• North American Association of Summer Sessions (NAASS)
• North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA)
• Novel Education Academic Partner (NEAP)
• Professional and Organizational Developmental Network in Higher Education (POD)
• Shakespeare Theatre Association of America (STAA)
• Society for College and University Planning (SCUP)
• Theatre Communications Group (TCG)
• United States Institute of Theatre Technology (USITT)
• University Continuing Education Association (UCEA)
• Utah Academic Library Consortium (UALC)
• Utah Art Education Association (UAEA)
• Utah Association for Adult, Community & Continuing Education (UAACCAE)
• Utah Campus Compact (Service Learning & Civic Engagement)
• Utah Council for Undergraduate Research (UCUR)
• Utah Music Educators Association (UMEA)
• Utah Museums Association (UMA)
• Utah Theatre Association (UTA)
• Western Association of Summer Session Administrators (WASSA)
• Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE)
• Western States Communication Association (WSCA)

Carnegie Foundation Community Engagement Classification

Southern Utah University is one of approximately 300 higher education institutions in the United States to be recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as a Community Engaged University. This classification acknowledges the university’s commitment to and demonstration of community involvement, with an aim of improving teaching and learning, and creating reciprocal partnerships within their communities. Community engagement is broadly defined as a commitment to service, incorporating academic service-learning, cooperative education, extension coursework, learning centers, volunteerism, and other forms of outreach and partnerships. Unlike the Carnegie Foundation’s other classifications that rely on national data, this is an “elective” classification in which institutions are required to submit documentation and examples of institutionalized practices of community engagement, demonstrating alignment among mission, culture, leadership, resources and practices. The national recognition accompanying the Community Engagement classification underscores and enhances Southern Utah University’s ongoing efforts to become a more engaged university and fulfill a wide range of institutional and community responsibilities. For more information about community engagement at SUU, please go to http://suu.edu/serve&learn/.

Students and Faculty

Each semester, Southern Utah University enrolls more than 8,000 students in its academic and applied technology programs. Students come from all 29 counties in Utah, all 50 U.S. states, and 55 foreign countries. Of total enrollment, 57% are women, 43% men. About 70% of all students live on campus or in apartments near the campus.

The University attracts faculty who are dedicated to excellence in teaching, creative in generating new knowledge, and generous in using their expertise to solve society’s problems. The faculty recognize that high-quality teaching is their primary goal, giving students the opportunity to work with some of the finest and most caring professors in the state.

In addition to helping students learn, Southern Utah University faculty assist business, industry, educational institutions, government agencies, and professional groups with educational programs in upgrading the knowledge and skills of employees.

Centers

SUU hosts a number of unique Centers on its campus. These Centers support a wide variety of academic programs and administrative activities related to SUU’s mission. Please see General Education & Experiential Education   for a listing of the academic centers associated with the Experiential Education Requirement (EER).

Beverley Taylor Sorenson Center for Innovative Education

Director: Prent Klag
ED 307 ~ (435) 586-7803
klag@suu.edu

The Beverley Taylor Sorenson Center for Innovative Education encourages faculty to develop, promote, implement, evaluate, and disseminate unique educational programs and projects, for the benefit of Utah’s K-16 students. The Center provides opportunities for enhanced life-long learning, fosters a community of leaders in the field of education, and improves tools and resources for educators and mentors.

Center of Excellence for Teaching and Learning

Director: Kyle Bishop
LIB 315 ~ (435) 586-5408
facultycenter@suu.edu

SUU is committed to supporting faculty development through a number of specialized programs and grants. The Center of Excellence for Teaching and Learning supports the continuous improvement of teaching by offering needs-based training, sponsoring workshops and roundtables, coordinating Faculty Learning Communities (FLCs), incorporating technology in the learning environment, and by promoting best practices through a faculty mentoring program.

Center for Shakespeare Studies

Director: TBD

The Center for Shakespeare Studies (CSS) is the academic and programmatic home for the interdisciplinary minor in Shakespeare Studies shared between the English, History and Sociology, and Theatre Arts & Dance departments. The CSS works in cooperation with the Utah Shakespeare Festival (USF) to support the educational mission of the Festival. The CSS offers opportunities for students to do internships in Shakespeare Studies and Dramaturgy with theatre companies such as USF and it fosters SUU’s exploration of Renaissance studies across multiple academic disciplines. The CSS and Sherratt Library assists with supporting the Wooden O Symposium, an international forum for papers and panels on Shakespeare and topics related to his era or to his plays hosted each summer on the SUU campus. The CSS works with the USF Education office, District Schools, and the State Board of Education to ensure programmatic activity related to Shakespeare has a direct impact on the K-12 school systems in Utah. For more information about the CCS contact 435-865-8561.

Hispanic Center for Academic Excellence

Director: Rosanita Cespedes
OM 216 ~ (435) 865-8726
rosanitacespedes@suu.edu

In response to demographic trends that indicate that the number of Hispanics coming to live in Utah is steadily growing, SUU has just recently sought and received the permission of the Board of Regents to found on our campus a Hispanic Center for Academic Excellence.

The mission of the nascent Center is multi-faceted. The Hispanic Center for Academic Excellence plans to work to build strong working relationships between SUU and area Hispanics. As a long-term goal, the Center hopes to recruit more Hispanic students to come to study at and graduate from SUU, and to serve as a resource for those students while they are on campus. In spring of 2007, the Hispanic Center Tutor Project began sending SUU students into Iron County Schools to tutor children in the English as a Second Language programs.

Further, the Center will promote research on and the dissemination of information about issues relating to Hispanics in Utah. The Center will rely on the participation of area Hispanics and Hispanics students for ideas and energy. Anyone interested in getting involved can contact the Director.

Michael O. Leavitt Center for Politics & Public Service

Director: Steve Bennion
ST 173 ~ (435) 586-7868
leavittcenter@suu.edu

The center provides an important service on SUU’s campus as an interdisciplinary hub for leadership opportunities, experiential learning, citizenship education, humanitarian service and public policy research. The non-partisan center works to disseminate political information, facilitate internships, and spark debate about the ever-changing world of politics and the issues that have an impact on the people of Utah.

Sargon Heinrich Global Engagement Center

Director: Kurt Harris
GEC ~ (435) 586-1995
harrisk@suu.edu
https://www.suu.edu/academics/studyabroad/index.html

The Sargon Heinrich Global Engagement Center fosters empathy, cultural and global understanding, experiential learning, and personal enrichment by providing SUU students, faculty, and staff with the resources and guidance necessary to enhance their learning and research in safe, intellectually stimulating programs in a variety of locations worldwide.

Vision Statement: The Global Engagement Center will provide all SUU students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to study and work in their fields of interest in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East. Through our study abroad, international exchange, and internship programs, we will enable the entire SUU community to experience the richness of other cultures, to honor diversity, to practice empathy, and to find personal fulfillment.

Study Abroad and Other Programs: SUU students can add an international dimension to their education through the Global Engagement Center’s study abroad, internship, and National Student Exchange (NSE) programs. Students may earn SUU credit by enrolling in short-term summer, semester-long, and year-long programs, as well as engage in internships, worldwide. They may also study at select public and private institutions in 48 states, 7 Canadian provinces, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands through the NSE. Students interested in study abroad, internship, or NSE opportunities should visit http://suu.edu/academics/studyabroad/ or contact Tessa McNeel in the Sargon Heinrich Global Engagement Center at (435) 586-1995 or global@suu.edu.

Utah Center for Arts Administration

Director: Ray Grant
ED 303 ~ (435) 586-5445
raymondgrant@suu.edu

The Utah Center for Arts Administration (UCAA) provides services and training for arts organizations and their managers in the Southern Utah region. It offers affordable consulting services such as marketing plans, audience surveys and development audits at reduced prices for arts organizations. The Center also offers seminars and workshops to help further the development of arts managers in Utah and the surrounding areas. Future plans include online courses and a certificate program for working arts administrators who are unable to attend a university full-time. The UCAA affords SUU Arts Administration graduate and undergraduate students an opportunity to use the skills and training which they are developing during their studies. For more information contact the UCAA Director at 435-865- 8561.

Service-Learning & Service-Learning Scholar Program

Service-learning provides students with ways to link community service to their course work. Service is aligned with the instructional objectives of a course, and students apply what they learn in the classroom to settings while addressing community needs. In addition to relating theory to practice, this service-learning enhances students’ sense of citizenry in a democratic society. Furthermore, service-learning supports and fulfills SUU’s institutional mission, vision, and core values. For more information, please visit the Service-Learning & Community Engagement web site at http://suu.edu/serve&learn/, or contact the Director of Community Engagement, Dr. Earl Mulderink at (435) 586-2723 or mulderink@suu.edu.

Students can enroll in service-learning designated courses that are advertised in the online Class Schedule and the Catalog. Moreover, students are invited to participate in the undergraduate Service-Learning Scholars program. Students who fulfill the program requirements will be honored at recognition at their College Convocation program and with a transcript notation. Students and faculty involved also will be honored at a ceremony in the spring semester. For more information about the Service-Learning Scholars program, please visit the Service & Learning Center web site at http://www.suu.edu/serve&learn/ or contact Earl Mulderink at (435) 586-2723.

Success Academy

SUCCESS Academy applicants are select students in grades 10-12 who have chosen to participate in the early college high school program.

Admission Criteria for Success Academy Students

Students wishing to participate in limited University experiences in the 10th grade must meet the following requirements:

• Earn a minimum composite score of 17 on the ACT
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the end of grade 9

Students wishing to participate in limited University experiences in the 11th & 12th grade will follow Southern Utah University’s guidelines and procedures for concurrent enrollment.

All course prerequisites must be met by the student before taking approved courses.

Undergraduate Research and Scholarship Program

The Undergraduate Research and Scholarship Program at Southern Utah University (UGRASP) is committed to fostering a community of scholars across all disciplines. As part of its mission, the program encourages and supports student-mentor collaborations in research and creative expression, preparing students to become the scholars, scientists, and leaders of tomorrow. In addition to providing financial assistance through student and faculty project grants, UGRASP organizes the Student-Faculty Scholarship Day each spring. This day long campus wide event showcases students’ scholarly and creative activities, culminating in an award and recognition ceremony for outstanding presentations. At the state level, students involved in UGRASP participate in the annual Utah Conference for Undergraduate Research, and many of these students go on to receive regional, if not national recognition. A dedicated network of department Undergraduate Research Liaisons provides students with discipline specific advice and information on the value and procedural details of research and scholarship. To learn more about UGRASP, please visit us at http://suu.edu/ugrasp/ or e-mail UGRASP@suu.edu

Student Programs and Services

Southern Utah University provides a variety of services, programs, and activities to help students obtain the maximum benefit from their university experience.  For further information about these services, including Academic and Student Support Services; Student Involvement; and Sharwan Smith Center Services, please visit the website for the Office of the Vice President of Student Services at: www.suu.edu/studentaffairs/

Chartwells Dining Services

Chartwells Dining Services are located in the Sharwan Smith Center, and provide meals and snack items to students, staff and faculty, as well as catering services. For information about Chartwells Dining Services, please visit http://www.suu.edu/ss/housing/dining/ or call 435-586-7780.

Computer Resources

The Office of Information Technology provides computer, networking, and information technology support to the academic and administrative functions of SUU.

SUU provides student access to a variety of computer resources in 23 computer labs on campus. Every student currently enrolled has been provided with an e-mail account at no cost to the student. Available software is extensive and sufficiently diverse to serve the needs of a university environment. For more information, consult the SUU web site for lab locations, hours, and software.

In addition to the student labs, several areas on campus are provided for students to connect personal laptop computers to the campus network, and approximately 775 computer connections are available in the apartment rooms of Juniper Hall and the new Eccles Living Learning Center. Wireless access provides a convenient way for students to access the Internet. Students with notebooks or PDAs that support 802.11b/g wireless can connect at up to 54mb per second.

University Housing

Student housing is available through the office of University Housing, which administers single-student housing on campus. For information about on-campus housing options at Southern Utah University, please visit the Office of University Housing website at: http://www.suu.edu/ss/housing/

Radio/TV Facilities

Radio and T.V. facilities meet the need for mass communication at SUU. A licensed FM-radio station, KSUU-FM, functions as part of the broadcasting curriculum in the communication department. The station is on the air 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Programming consists of an Album Adult Alternative (Triple-A) music format, locally produced and Utah Public Radio news, National Public Radio (NPR) programming, and serves as the exclusive radio broadcaster of SUU Thunderbird Athletics. The Communication Department also programs SUTV Channel 9 on the local cable television system. Programming on SUTV consists of SUU sports, regular live newscasts, educational material, interview programs, public affairs, and material from the arts. For further information, please visit http://www.suu.edu/hss/comm/facilities.html

Athletics

Men’s/Women’s Intercollegiate Athletics

For both spectators and competitors, the athletic program offers a wide variety of opportunities to SUU students. SUU competes in the Summit League. Men compete in basketball, golf, cross country, track and field and baseball. Women compete in basketball, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, cross country and track and field. The football team competes in the Great West Football Conference and the gymnastics team competes in the Western Athletic Conference. A full schedule of games and competitions is maintained in each of these activities. The schedules are available on the SUU website at www.suutbirds.com.

SUU student-athletes enjoy excellent overall athletic facilities. The Eccles Coliseum includes fields for football and track and field. Within the Coliseum complex is the Jay Dee Harris and Alice C. Harris Center, which houses the intercollegiate athletics department track and field and the University’s gymnastic program. East of the Coliseum are recreation grounds, the baseball and soccer fields and the Kathryn Berg softball park. The Centrum, SUU’s combination special events center and classroom facility, houses 5,300 chair back seats for basketball, gymnastics and other sporting events. Men’s and women’s basketball offices are also located in the Centrum. The Multi-Purpose Building, located south of the Centrum, is home to soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball, tennis, and the athletics academic advisor. Also located in the Multi-Purpose Building is a new student academic study center that is available to all students on campus.

Whether you want personalized training, competitive sports, club activities, or just to relax, the state-of-the-art J. L. Sorenson Physical Education facility includes basketball courts, racquetball courts, weight rooms, indoor suspended track, Olympic size swimming pool, and other fitness areas. Six tennis courts are located south of the Harris Center. Skiing facilities are 40 minutes away. Information on sports eligibility and financial aid is available through the Office of Intercollegiate Athletics at (435) 586-1937.

Intramural Sports/Open Recreation

The Intramural/Open Recreation Program is part of the Campus Recreation Program under the auspices of SUU student activities. There are temporary employment opportunities for officials, scorekeepers, lifeguards, facility supervisors and instructors for this program.

The Intramural Program is provided for the benefit of the SUU campus community. A wide variety of team and individual sports are offered. Such activities as flag football, basketball, softball, volleyball, tennis, racquetball and golf are just a few of the events offered. The campus community has access to open recreation, which includes the gymnasium, swimming pool, and indoor track in the J.L. Sorenson Physical Education Building. Aerobics and water aerobics may also be available. Information is available through the Office of Campus Recreation or by calling (435) 586-7774.

Fitness Center

The Fitness Center, located on the first floor of the J.L. Sorenson Physical Education Building, boasts some of the finest state-of-the-art equipment available including stair climbers, treadmills, elliptical machines, and stationary bikes. The large assortment of free weights and single-station exercise equipment gives students the opportunity to manage weight, build muscle mass or relieve stress. Students may enroll in PE 1090 for a semester and get credit for getting in shape or purchase a monthly or semester membership to access the facilities. Fitness Center attendants are available to give tours of the facility. An individual workout program can be designed to fit most all needs. Membership fees are to be paid at the campus Cashier’s Office. For hours and rates call (435) 865-8211.

Outdoor Recreation Center

The Outdoor Recreation Center (ORC), located in the Sharwan Smith Center 176B, is SUU’s resource for adventure trips, educational seminars, and rental equipment. Whether you are interested in trying something for the first time, or you are a seasoned veteran, the ORC can provide you with the information you seek to be successful. The ORC offers a variety of trips such as hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, canyoneering, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and others. The ORC sponsors workshops that teach outdoor fundamentals, such as climbing techniques, clothing and equipment, and outdoor cooking. For more information contact (435) 865-8704, or visit https://www.suu.edu/outdoors/outdoor-center.html

Climbing Wall

The Climbing Wall, located in the JL Sorenson Physical Education Building, is managed and operated by SUU Outdoors. The climbing wall staff offers workshops that teach the basic skills of rock climbing to both the campus and local community. Whether you are a seasoned climber or climbing for the first time, the climbing wall offers a variety of great opportunities for personal growth and skill development. For more information contact (435) 865-8704, or visit https://www.suu.edu/outdoors/rock-climbing-wall.html

Ropes Course

The Rope Course, located adjacent to the University President’s house, is operated by SUU Outdoors. The ropes course provides great opportunities for groups to work together to accomplish a common objective. It can be a catalyst to group cohesion and help groups learn how to work together. For more information contact (435) 865-8704, or visit https://www.suu.edu/outdoors/ropes-course.html

University Advancement and Regional Services

Vice President: Stuart Jones
Old Main 1st Floor ~ (435) 586-7775
jones@suu.edu

Executive Assistant: Robin Heilgeist
Old Main 1st Floor ~ (435) 586-7775
heilgeistr@suu.edu
Fax: (435) 865-8391

Advancement Office

One of the keys to SUU’s growth and development is its relationship with the alumni and friends of the University. Within the Advancement Office of the University, there are three important departments: alumni and development, which both strengthen the institution’s ties to its constituents and raise funds for scholarships and academic programs; and Government Relations and Regional Services, which represents the University’s interests with local, state, federal and tribal governments and policy makers, and pursues state and federal resources and appropriations for the advancement of SUU’s mission. For further information, please visit the Advancement Office website at: http://www.suu.edu/ad/advancement/

Development

The Development Office oversees the fundraising efforts of the University. Through these efforts, the University seeks to obtain resources through the annual fund, corporations and foundations, grants and contracts, athletic development, planned gifts and major gifts from alumni and friends of the University.

The Development Office also conducts such special events as the Scholarship Jubilee, annual fund phone-a-thons, Old Main Society inductions, scholarship luncheons, estate planning seminars and special resource development campaigns.

Alumni Relations

Southern Utah University Alumni Relations supports and celebrates the University by fostering a lifelong spirit of loyalty, service, and fellowship among alumni, emeriti, faculty, students, parents and friends of SUU.

The Alumni Relations Office is housed in the J. Reuben Clark, Jr. Alumni House, which is located on the northeast corner of 300 West and University Boulevard. The Alumni Relations staff oversee the SUU Grad Fair where students order cap and gowns and prepare for graduation, host Alumni back to campus at Homecoming, host an annual golf tournament, and oversee major events throughout campus. In addition, they advise the Student Alumni organization which provides service, career networking with SUU Alumni, and leadership opportunities.

The Alumni staff also maintains current contact information (mailing addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses) for all alumni and friends of the University. Regular communication containing news, information and events about SUU and the Alumni Association is sent through the SUU In View Alumni Magazine and the electronic newsletter named News from the Nest.

SUU Alumni Chapters and Network Representatives are found in numerous locations throughout Utah and across the country. These Chapters and Representatives serve as points of contact for the University and Alumni and offer social and career networking opportunities.

Other alumni networking and information sources can be found on the Alumni website (suu.edu/alumni), on the blog (suualumni.blogspot.com) or on Facebook. Please email alumni@suu.edu or call 435-586-7777 to keep Alumni Relations informed on your moves as well as career and family highlights.

SUU Alumni: Engaging the past to build the future.

Government Relations and Regional Services

For information regarding Government Relations, please contact the Vice President of University Advancement and Regional Services, Stuart Jones, at (435) 586-7775.

Director, Regional Services: West Curtis
Administration 111 ~ (435) 586-7775
curtis@suu.edu
Fax: (435) 865-8236

Executive Assistant: Kathleen McDowell
JL Sorenson PE Building ~ (435) 586-7738
mcdowell@suu.edu
Fax: (435) 865-8236

Southern Utah University’s Office of Government Relations and Regional Services represents the University’s interests with local, state, federal and tribal governments and policy-makers, and pursues state and federal resources and appropriations for the advancement of SUU’s mission.

The Office of Government Relations has a special “community engagement” focus of working closely with local governments and state and federal agencies throughout the region as a partner and resource, assisting them with such things as economic and business development, community planning, cross-jurisdictional collaboration, and natural resource issues. The Office is also a champion for rural Utah priorities and policies and provides rural leadership development opportunities. This Regional Services community engagement role is designed to fulfill SUU’s mission as a regional university as outlined in the SUU Strategic Plan.

In fulfilling SUU’s regional community engagement mission, and attempting to bring the resources and expertise of the University-as well as those of our numerous partners-to bear throughout the region, the Office of Government Relations and Regional Services works directly with, and is SUU’s point of contact and clearinghouse on matters dealing with, the following entities:

• Utah Governor’s Office and Executive Branch departments and programs
• various federal agencies and programs
• regional & local government
• Utah System of Higher Education
• state and federal policy matters, appropriations and funding requests.

Additionally, Government Relations and Regional Services has numerous on-campus, University-specific assignments and programs. Please visit http://suu.edu/ad/regional/ for links to and detailed information about all the Government Relations and Regional Services Centers and programs listed below.

The Utah Center for Rural Life

Director, SUU Regional Services: Wes Curtis
Administration 111 ~ (435) 586-5418
curtis@suu.edu
Fax: (435) 865-8236

Recognizing the challenges facing rural Utah, the University established the Utah Center for Rural Life to respond to the unique needs of rural communities. By offering support in leadership training, coordination of scarce resources, and providing opportunities for adaptation to change, the Center helps rural leaders and communities achieve success. The Center is a partner with the Governor’s Rural Partnership Board and Utah Rural Development Council, and it provides a vital link between state and local governments, channeling resources and attention so rural interests and concerns may be voiced and addressed. The annual Utah Rural Summit and the State of Rural Utah presentation to the Utah Legislature are sponsored by the Center.

Utah Rural Summit

Director, SUU Regional Services: Wes Curtis
Administration 111 ~ (435) 586-5418
curtis@suu.edu
Fax: (435) 865-8236
Website: www.suu.edu/ad/regional/rural-summit.html

Since 1988 the annual Utah Rural Summit has been the state’s premier forum for policy discussion and leadership capacity building relative to community and economic development issues affecting rural Utah. The Summit features nationally renowned speakers coupled with local implementation strategies to help rural communities succeed in the global economy. The Utah Rural Summit-Where Rural Utah Meets!-occurs in early August each year on the SUU campus.

Utah Rural Development Council

Director, SUU Regional Services: Wes Curtis
Administration 111 ~ (435) 586-5418
curtis@suu.edu
Fax: (435) 865-8236

The Utah Rural Development Council (URDC) was established in 1994 as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s State Rural Development Council program. The URDC exists to maintain and improve the quality of life in rural Utah and to strengthen rural communities through action, advocacy, and policy development. The Council works with the Governor’s Rural Partnership Board as a proactive catalyst, working to remove barriers detrimental to rural development and to advance rural opportunities and issues.

Utah Center for Rural Health

Executive Director: Dennis Moser, MHA
Electronic Learning Center ~ (435) 865-8453
moser@suu.edu
Fax: (435) 865-8425

The Utah Center for Rural Health offers programs and services to ensure that rural communities have access to quality healthcare through community/academic partnerships with a focus on rural health workforce development. In addition to technical assistance and community support projects, Center programs include:

Southern Utah Area Health Education Center (AHEC)

Southern Utah AHEC encourages rural middle, high school and college students to pursue health careers through “pipeline” programs ranging from career awareness, exploration and preparation. Students entering health professions training programs are supported through medical clinical training and graduate medical education experiences in rural communities. Upon completion of medical training, healthcare providers continue to receive support through continuing education and other academic resources. The AHEC program is a collaborative program through the University of Utah, School of Medicine.

Utah Rural Health Scholars Program

The Rural Health Scholars Program, a cornerstone of the Utah Center for Rural Health, is an enhancement program for pre-health students planning to apply to graduate-level programs. These students include but are not limited to: pre-medical, podiatry, optometry, dental, pharmacy, physical therapy and physician assistant.

The program provides opportunities for students in the following areas: research, community service, job shadowing, patient exposure, MCAT/DAT/PCAT prep, application assistance, enhanced advising, cultural immersion experiences in health care, medical skill training, Medical Spanish, and special seminars. SUU has an outstanding record of students admitted to medical, dental and other health professions schools. Students and counselors interested in health careers opportunities and training options should contact Rita Osborn, ELC 114, 435-865-8520 or osborn@suu.edu.

Rural Health Association of Utah

The Rural Health Association of Utah “provides a unified voice to enhance the quality of rural health through leadership, advocacy, coalition building, education and policy development.” The Association provides a vehicle to assure that rural health interests are represented at the local, state and national level. It also serves as a clearinghouse for information for rural healthcare providers and communities. The Association is directed in collaboration with the Utah State Office of Rural Health.

Head Start and Early Intervention Programs

Executive Director: Thomas Morgan
(435) 586-6070
thomasmorgan@suu.edu
Fax: (435) 586-5232
Website: www.suu.edu/headstart/ 

Assistant Head Start Director/Child Services Manager: Roxanna C. Johnson; Family and Community Partnerships Manager: Judy Kempter; Family and Community Partnerships Coordinator: Xochitl Cuara; Human Resources Manager: Christa Cardon; Child Development Coordinators: Sheila Bowler, Debra Barker; Marilyn Crandall; Enrollment Coordinator: Darlene Storie; Health Coordinator: Kathy MacRae, RN; Health Specialist: Katie Bowler; Office Manager: Amy LeFevre-Rice; Facilities and Transportation Coordinator: James Beatty; Early Intervention Program Manager: Vergeania P. Davenport; Compliance Specialist: Christine Weber; Translator/Home Visitor: Bertha Botello; Speech Aide/Home Visitor: Stephanie Carpenter; Transition Coordinator/Toddler Class Teacher: Collette Orton; Family Resource Coordinator: Stephanie Reid.

Head Start

More than seventy Head Start Staff provide a broad range of services to 440 low-income pre-kindergarten children and their families through the SUU Head Start program. The overall goal of Head Start is ‘to promote the school readiness of low-income children by enhancing their cognitive, social and emotional development in a learning environment that supports children’s growth in language, literacy, mathematics, science, social and emotional skills, creative arts, approaches to learning, physical health and development. Through a curriculum individualized to each child, teachers enhance the physical, social and cognitive development of children. Besides preschool education and socialization experiences for Head Start children, Head Start staff members assist enrolled families as needed. Based on family needs assessments support is given as needed in the areas of ‘health, education, nutrition, social and other services. Head Start stresses strong parent and community involvement. SUU Head Start serves children and families in the following counties: Beaver [Beaver and Milford]: Garfield [Panguitch and Escalante], Iron [Parowan, Enoch, Cedar City (5 classes)]; Kane [Kanab]; Millard [Delta and Fillmore]; and Washington [Hurricane (3 classes), St. George ( 4 classes), Dixie Sun Elementary (2 classes) and Washington City (2 classes).] SUU students receive hands on experience and, with other community volunteers, assist in carrying out Head Start activities. Phone (435) 586-6070 for additional information.

Early Intervention

The Early Intervention Program provides specialized services for infants and toddlers who are experiencing developmental delays. The service area covers Beaver, Garfield, Iron & Kane counties. Eligible children are visited in their natural environment, most likely their home or childcare center, a minimum of once a month. A Toddler class is held at the Head Start/Early Intervention building in Cedar City for children two to three years of age. Two sessions are offered, Monday thru Friday mornings. Based on the needs of individual children; a child may attend once or twice a week. In this social environment toddlers learn communication and self help skills which enhances their learning and prepares them for transitioning into school district preschools or other programs after they turn three. Eligible children receive individualized services from licensed therapists and professional educators. This program is funded through the Utah State Department of Health under the supervision of Baby Watch Early Intervention Program. The program year is July 1 thru June 30. Referrals come from sources such as local health departments, pediatricians, hospitals and parents. Call Vergeania Davenport at (435) 586-6070 X 18 for further information.

SUU Business Resource Center, Small Business Development Center, and Procurement Technical Assistance Center

Executive Director: Craig Isom
77 North Main Street ~ (435) 586-5497
isom@suu.edu
Fax: (435) 586-4310

Regional Director of SBDC & PTAC: Joni Anderson
77 North Main Street ~ (435) 586-8883
andersonjoni@suu.edu
Fax: (435) 586-4310
Website: www.suu.edu/business/brc/

SUU’s Business Resource Center’s (BRC) mission is to be southern Utah’s leader in facilitating small business development and entrepreneurship education. The SUU BRC engages in numerous activities to help start-up and existing small businesses succeed. It coordinates and marshals the various resources needed by business owners to succeed in the local economy.

The BRC services are primarily provided by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southern Utah University and its partners. Resources such as free one-on-one counseling services are available to small business owners and potential entrepreneurs. Assistance is provided for comprehensive business planning, market research, financial statement analysis, cash flow analysis, financial projections and other management issues. The SBDC also offers low cost training workshops on various business subjects.

SUU’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) provides procurement technical assistance to businesses wanting to sell to the federal government, State of Utah, and other large organizations in the region, both public and private. The PTAC is a free service offered to all eligible small businesses. Through PTAC, small businesses are linked to government sponsored web services designed to connect local small businesses with government contracts. These services are available to all businesses, whether they have been in business for years or are just starting up.

SUU’s Outdoor Initiative

Interim Director, Regional Services: Brian Cottam
JL Sorenson PE Building ~ (435) 865-8023
cottamb@suu.edu
Fax: (435) 865-8236

SUU’s Outdoor Initiative (OI) vision is to be renowned for innovative learning experiences within our unique natural environment, providing world-class opportunities for outdoor education and recreation, and cultivating a life-long curiosity and appreciation for the land. Government Relations and Regional Services is the point of contact for this campus-wide initiative begun in 2007 as well as manages the OI Fund, which has funded numerous outdoor-related projects and partnership across the University and community.

Utah Prairie Dog Recovery Implementation Program

Coordinator: Elissa Black
(435) 865-8050
elissablack@suu.edu
Fax: (435) 865-8550

In partnership with numerous local, state, federal, tribal and nongovernmental partners from across the region and state, the Office of Government Relations and Regional Services hosts the Utah Prairie Dog Recovery Implementation Program (UPDRIP). UPDRIP’s purpose is the coordination and management of a cooperative effort intended to implement the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services’ Utah Prairie Dog Recovery Plan while balancing and accommodating land uses and needs of the human population within the species’ range.

Intergovernmental Internship Cooperative

Campus Coordinator: Seth Ohms
Outdoor Engagement Center ~ (435) 586-1981
sethohms@suu.edu
Fax: (435) 865-8236

Agency Coordinator: Steve McCarthy
Outdoor Engagement Center ~ (435) 586-7821
stevenmccarthy@suu.edu
Fax: (435) 865-8236

In cooperation with multiple state and federal natural resource and land management agencies throughout southwest Utah and northern Arizona, the Intergovernmental Internship Cooperative (IIC) develops public lands leaders of tomorrow by providing SUU students interested in agency careers with internship and other service & learning opportunities. Agency partners include local units of the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Forest Service, the Utah Department of Natural Resources, and the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah.

SUU Mountain Ranch and Mountain Ranch Resource Advisory Council

Interim Director, Regional Services: Brian Cottam
JL Sorenson PE Building ~ (435) 865-8023
cottamb@suu.edu
Fax: (435) 865-8236

The SUU Mountain Ranch is a 2,383-acre forest and range property located 12 miles east of the main campus off State Route 14 up Cedar Canyon. It is administered by the University’s Mountain Ranch Resource Advisory Council and the SUU Office of Government Relations and Regional Services. Acquired in the mid-1940s to support the then-Branch Agricultural College’s sheep herd and livestock research as well as other educational purposes, the SUU Mountain Ranch is still used primarily for these purposes. The Ranch’s 2,183 contiguous acres surround the picturesque SUU Mtn Center, are adjacent to Iron County’s Woods Ranch Recreation Area and the Dixie National Forest, including designated U.S. Forest Service Wilderness, and provide access to the backcountry of Cedar Breaks National Monument. The Ranch also serves as the state’s only Demonstration Forest through a unique Memorandum of Understanding with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands. The SUU Mountain Ranch is an unmatched education and recreation destination.

SUU/National Park Service “Alliance for Education”

Interim Director, Regional Services: Brian Cottam
JL Sorenson PE Building ~ (435) 865-8023
cottamb@suu.edu
Fax: (435) 865-8236

Government Relations and Regional Services serves as the primary contact for SUU’s “Alliance for Education” agreements with Bryce Canyon National Park, signed in July 2006, and the Zion Group- including Zion National Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument and Pipe Spring National Monument-which was signed in November 2008. The Alliance for Education formally establishes cooperative and mutually beneficial working relationships that further the missions of both the University and our national park partners

Southwest Utah Planning Authorities Council

Interim Director, Regional Services: Brian Cottam
JL Sorenson PE Building ~ (435) 865-8023
cottamb@suu.edu
Fax: (435) 865-8236

Created by a gubernatorial executive order in 1994, the Southwest Utah Planning Authorities Council (SUPAC) is a forum for regional leaders-state and federal agencies, county and local government, tribal government, higher education, and the public-to address natural resource, public lands, community development and other land-use and planning issues across southwest Utah. Regional Services staff provides administrative support for SUPAC, as well as co-chairs the Council with the Governor of the Utah.

Utah Summer Games

Founded in 1986, the Utah Summer Games is a multi-sport festival which offers Olympic-style competition to the state’s amateur athletes of all ages and abilities. A charter member of the National Congress of State Games, the USG was among the first of what is now 39 states to hold state games. Competitions in the Games are held each June in and around Cedar City, with SUU serving as host to the annual opening ceremonies as well as numerous events in the Games’ many sports.

The mission of the Utah Summer Games is to provide Utah residents with a wholesome avenue for positive personal development through sports and physical activity, to recognize dedication and achievement, to provide all residents with an opportunity to utilize quality sports facilities, and to create an amateur sports network of administrators and volunteers throughout Utah to further the development of grassroots amateur athletic programs. The USG is endorsed by the U.S. Olympic Committee, and has proved to be an important facet of the University’s mission.