T. Chase Hagood, Ph.D.
Vice Provost for Student Success

Dear Colleagues,

At the University of Utah, our policies are more than rules or regulations expressed on paper or in online regulations libraries — they are the frameworks that shape every student’s opportunities to learn, progress, and ultimately succeed at the U. That’s why we have undertaken a thoughtful revision of Policy 6-100: Instruction and Evaluation, ensuring it reflects today’s academic realities while preserving our highest standards of instruction and anticipating higher education of tomorrow. 

The proposed revisions bring greater transparency and stronger support to students’ academic journeys. They extend deadlines for course withdrawals, expand flexibility with credit/no credit elections, standardize accommodations for illness or emergencies, and strengthen safeguards that keep students on track toward timely completion and shore up our institutional commitment to academic integrity. Faculty and staff will also see clearer grading responsibilities, improved registration processes, streamlined operations, and new opportunities for instructional training and excellence.

Collectively, these changes affirm our shared commitment to student success, faculty support, and institutional excellence. This is more than a policy update—it is a reaffirmation of who we are as an institution of higher education. We are a community dedicated to creating exceptional educational experiences for every student — an instructional and evaluation policy must reflect those values. 

Review the proposed revisions, and join us at an upcoming town hall.

As always, Go Utah!
Chase 

Instructors teaching mandatory courses in fall 2025 are required to post their core syllabus in Simple Syllabus by October 15, 2025. Resources for instructors and college compliance contacts are available on the digital learning website.

This fall, Academic Affairs is launching a new regional structure that integrates academic advising and career coaching under the leadership of the Vice Provost for Student Success. The new structure is a critical part of the Student Experience Project (SEP), a series of efforts aimed at creating a more navigable, equitable, and integrated student-centered support system at the U, spanning services, scholarships, communications, technology, and engagement.

Read more about the regional structure on the SEP website.

With over 700 students enrolled in Quest courses this semester, the Quest Academic Learning Community is off to a strong start! This exciting program is designed to connect students, spark curiosity, and build community. The Quest House is open nightly from 5–8 p.m., with free tutoring on Mondays and Wednesdays, and lively Quest Nights every Tuesday—upcoming events include Mocktails & Bingo, Learn to Upcycle, and Yoga Night.

The energy around Quest is palpable, and we can’t wait to see what this first year of the program will bring.

The University of Utah’s Sustainable Campus Initiative Fund (SCIF) empowers students to turn sustainability ideas into action, transforming campus into a living laboratory where learning and problem-solving intersect. With up to $300,000 available in grants this year, students from diverse disciplines collaborate with faculty and community partners to tackle real-world challenges—everything from food access research to renewable energy solutions—gaining hands-on experience and developing essential skills for future leadership.

Read more about how these student-led projects advance campus sustainability and foster a culture of collaboration, shared responsibility, and innovation that prepares graduates to address society’s most pressing environmental issues.

This summer saw a refresh and reorg of the Career Closet at U Career Success (UCS). The Closet offers 950+ items of professional clothing for any student to borrow at no cost, a resource nearly 700 students took advantage of last year. In August UCS celebrated a 3-year, $75,000 sponsorship with the Cintas organization to support cleaning costs and additional size-inclusive clothing.

Students may drop in to GARFF 1300 at any time during office hours to try on, borrow, and return needed items—or book a time with a stylist to feel their best. The Closet also accepts donations of gently-used clothing that students use feel to their best for interviews, networking events, employer site visits, presentations.

Several students from the Ute Indian Tribe began the Fall 2025 semester at the University of Utah with energy, resilience, and determination. From landing interviews and finding supportive classes to tackling financial holds and creating fresh academic plans, their first week was filled with both small victories and meaningful challenges. Supported by Undergraduate Studies programs like Quest, Transfer Student Success, First-Generation Success, and the Learning Center, these students are building momentum toward their goals. Their stories remind us that while the journey isn’t without obstacles, every strong beginning creates opportunities for growth, confidence, and joy.

Two hundred forty-four students are being awarded funding in Fall 2025 through the Office of Undergraduate Research. Awardees include  Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) scholars, Wilkes Scholars, Honors Thesis Completion recipients, Early Exploration Scholars, Dee Foundation Scholarship recipients, and Utah Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters Scholarship recipients. Thank you to faculty, campus partners, and donors that make research possible.  Congratulations to student and faculty mentors!

The Office of Undergraduate Research is looking for faculty mentors for the 2026 Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR). All current faculty, both tenure-track and career-line, are encouraged to apply. Mentors typically spend 35-40 per week working with undergraduate researchers. Visit the OUR website for more information and to access the application. 

Interested faculty mentors can also view a recording of the Faculty Mentor Information Session about SPUR to learn more about the program.  Application deadline is October 3, 2025.

There will be a virtual town hall for academic advisors and career coaches on Friday, September 19 from 10-10:30am. This Q&A session is an opportunity to ask questions about the new regional structure. Please register in advance to receive the meeting link.

CTE is  offering a 15-credit graduate certificate in Teaching in Higher Education. The certificate consists of 4 online semester-based courses taught through CTE, as well as one elective. Check out the certificate page to learn more.

Join faculty from across Utah to discuss Community Engaged Scholarship in Divisive Environments, facilitated by Dr. Thomas A. Bryer. Participants can register for one or both days.

Register for FREE thanks to support from Community Engagement offices in the Utah Campus Community Engagement Network (UCCEN) and the University Presidential Leadership Fellowship funded by the Mellon Foundation. Email megan.medina@utah.edu with any questions.

Opportunities abound for students seeking internships and full-time positions at the two major events for Fall 2025: STEM Internship & Career Fair on September 23 and Campus-Wide Internship & Career Fair on September 30. Employers at these events are eager to build rapport with potential candidates while highlighting what makes their workplaces unique. Whether students are actively seeking positions or exploring options, networking at career events is a painless practice for their futures. More major-specific expos follow throughout the Fall.

Fair and expo details and registration at careers.utah.edu

Hot tip: Photographers will take professional headshots at no cost to students at both fairs.

The deadline to apply for UROP is approaching! Submit your application before October 31 to be considered for the Spring 2026 semester!

Ally Rocks has 10 years of experience at the University of Utah, where she has supported academic programs, student services, and community initiatives across several departments, including the College of Education, the Center for Science and Mathematics Education, and the Office of Admissions. In these roles, she managed academic programs, coordinated events, and built partnerships that supported students and expanded access to education. Ally holds a Master of Arts in Media Arts from Joshibi University of Art and Design in Japan and a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from New Mexico State University in her hometown of Las Cruces, New Mexico. She also teaches embroidery for the U of U Lifelong Learning program and has a passion for art and craft. 

Juli is a first generation graduate from Southern Utah University (go T-Birds!). She grew up in Mexico, where the culture shaped the way she sees the world and how much she values learning from others. She's a big fan of indoor plants, loves collecting knickknacks, and enjoys any chance to spend time with friends and family–helping others and creating meaningful connections is what drives her every day!

Hosted by T. Chase Hagood, Ph.D., this podcast brings stories, insights, and experiences from voices across the higher education sector. Fostering community and collaboration — the podcast highlights the challenges and successes of leading transformative change in higher education.

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