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

Dear Colleagues,

Public higher education in America stands at a defining crossroads. Across the country, colleges and universities are being asked to do "more with less", to respond to rapid societal changes, and to reaffirm our public value on an ever-evolving landscape. At the University of Utah, we are embracing the moment—not as crisis, but as a call to reinvention and opportunity to confirm anew our commitment to every student's success.

Reinvention means more than adaptation to the current situation; it means reimagining the structures, strategies, and student experiences that define us. Through university-wide Activate projects we are developing initiatives that are not simply refining work—but transforming it. Together, we are building a student-centered university by removing unnecessary friction, aligning policy with purpose, and infusing access, excellence, and belonging in everything we do.

This work is bold, necessary, and deeply rooted in the public mission of our institution. Reinvention requires us to ask new questions, challenge outdated assumptions, and invite creative collaboration across colleges, divisions, and disciplines. It’s about ensuring that every undergraduate student—regardless of background—has the tools, support, and community they need to thrive at the U and beyond.

Thank you for the roles you play in this reinvention. Your insight, your commitment, and your willingness to lead through change despite uncertainties make this work possible.

As always, Go Utah! 
Chase 

Driving Plato's Chariot: Lessons on Student Ethical Development

By Gary Pavela, DeForest McDuff, Gregory Pavela

The Best People with Nicolle Wallace

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Launching in Fall 2025, Utah Day 1 Books Access Program is a bold new initiative designed to give undergraduate students immediate digital access to required course materials on the first day of class—for a predictable single charge of $259 per semester. 

By removing barriers to essential course content, Utah Day 1 Access supports the student-centered goals that drive Navigate U, and ensures all students begin each term equipped with the materials they need to succeed. 

Utah Day 1 Books Access represents significant headway in addressing persistent challenges in higher education—such as improving student retention, accelerating time to graduation, and reducing equity gaps in access to course content. 

Utah Day 1 Books Access aligns with Navigate U by ensuring all students are able to receive an exceptional educational experience at the U.

Attend a free webinar about the Utah Day 1 Book Access Program by registering through one of the links below.

Last week, secondary students from the Uintah and Ouray Reservation and Navajo Nation gathered at the University of Utah for the annual Storytelling Camp.

Students were offered hands-on experiences in photography, podcasting, mural painting, bookmaking, animation, and graphic design. They created art and media projects rooted in their identities and tribal cultures, gaining digital literacy and self-expression skills along the way.

Twenty-four different employers and professionals set up a "Career Cafe" giving students an opportunity to explore and ask questions about the world of work. A group of students also traveled to KRCL Salt Lake City’s studio to promote the camp's Storyfest celebration on an episode of RadioACTive.

Recreational activities included swimming, bowling, and an outdoor party at Kahlert Village complete with a DJ and Swoop. Several students shared that as they return to the camp each year, the best part continues to be the friendships and sense of belonging they form.

At the annual University Academic Advising Community Conference, Julia Vincent was highlighted as the 2025 Advising Administrator of the Year and Shelby Peterson as the 2025 New Outstanding Academic Advisor of the Year! Julia is the Director of the Navigate Hub for Exploring Students, and Shelby is an Early Engagement in Advising Coordinator within Campus Advising Solutions. Congratulations. Very well deserved!

For the second year in a row, Crimson Transfer Honor Society (CTHS) won the U Giving Day Student Championships Gold Award . CTHS raised the most money out of any student organization on campus and received an extra $500 to put toward scholarships for transfer students

Dr. Annie Isabel Fukushima, associate dean of Undergraduate Studies and director of the Office of Undergraduate Research spoke to the Office of the Vice President for Research about her work as a university department leader and advocate of research. Learn more about how she views her role in supporting professors and mentors who work with students  at the U.

Undergraduate Studies is launching a monthly reading reflection series focused on John P. Kotter’s 2021 book Change: How Organizations Achieve Hard-to-Imagine Results in Uncertain and Volatile Times. 

If you’d like to participate, please email Danielle.Susi-Dittmore@utah.edu to express your interest. 

Join us in welcoming our colleagues from the Office for Sustainability Education and take this opportunity to connect with fellow staff and faculty from Undergraduate Studies.

Thursday, June 19
11:30  AM– 1:00 PM

Drop by the Sill Center for a refreshing treat!

Join US for some summer fun on July 17! Watch your inbox for an email with more details.

Undergraduate Studies is looking for volunteers to review scholarship applications. Specific timelines are determined based on the number of applications and member availability but the standard review period is typically 2-6 weeks. 

Additional questions may be sent to Dannielle.Moriondo@utah.edu 

Join SLCC and the U on Saturday, June 21 to march in the Fort Herriman Towne Days parade! We want strong participation from the U alongside SLCC, so please consider joining us!! 

Stay for the festival after the parade for a fun-packed day, including carnival games, local vendors, video gaming trucks, live music, line dancing lessons, and fireworks!

When: Saturday, June 21, 8:30 am-12 pm (parade 10 am-12 pm, tentative arrival by 8:30 am for lineup)

Where: Butterfield Park: 6212 West Butterfield Park Way Herriman, UT

Breeanna Nguyen is a dedicated higher education professional with a strong background in academic advising, student support, and program coordination. She brings over a decade of experience working with diverse student populations, including transfer, first-generation, and underrepresented students. With a master's degree in management and leadership and a passion for creating accessible educational pathways, Bree is committed to fostering student success through personalized advising and strategic program development. Outside of work, she stays busy raising her kids and running a small family farm. Bree is also an avid crafter, horror enthusiast, and enjoys camping, swimming, and spending time outdoors with her family. 

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.

Watch the latest episode.

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