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

Dear Colleagues,

As we begin a new academic year, I’m reminded of the incredible power we have when we work together. Each student who walks onto our campus brings a unique story, set of aspirations, and limitless potential—and it is through our shared commitment that we help those stories unfold in meaningful ways.

Our work isn’t about any single program, office, or initiative—it’s about the Sum of US. It’s about the ways advisors, faculty, staff, and peers collaborate to ensure that every student finds belonging, opportunity, and support. It’s about the synergy that happens when our efforts align with a common purpose: helping every student have an exceptional educational experience.

This year, let’s continue to celebrate our successes, learn from our challenges, and innovate together. Every connection you make, every conversation you have, and every moment you spend supporting a student adds to something larger than ourselves.

Here’s to a year of shared achievement, bold ideas, and the collective energy that makes the University of Utah not just a place to learn—but a place to thrive.

As always, Go Utah! 
Chase 

The Caring University
By Kevin McClure

Office Hours with EAB
Episode 224: New College Rankings Focus on Student Success

To better align course offerings with student needs, optimize resources, and support timely graduation, the University of Utah is proactively implementing course enrollment minimums. Using predictive analytics, real-time enrollment monitoring, and collaborative scheduling we are working to consolidate under-filled sections to free capacity for high-demand courses, reduce bottlenecks, and ensure faculty time, classroom space, and funding are invested where they matter most. These strategies—rooted in national best practices—create a more responsive, equitable, and sustainable academic environment.

Read more about the updated Course Threshold Guidelines on the Office of the Registrar's website via the Data Informed Scheduling Section.

Nadia Faleh was ready to give up after struggling in a biology class tied to her major. However, a conversation with Success Coach Claudia Sauz helped her rethink what failure really means. With coaching support, she retook the class, rebuilt her confidence, and is now a mentor and lab TA. Coaching didn’t just get her back on track—it helped her see herself in a whole new way.

Read the full story from InsideTrack.

Rayna Wiles has been appointed as the University of Utah’s University Innovation Alliance (UIA) Fellow, succeeding Lindsay Coco, Ph.D. In this role, she will represent the U in the national consortium of public research universities dedicated to advancing student success, especially for low-income, first-generation, and students of color.

For more details on this transition, read the full article on us.utah.edu. 

An incredible group of dedicated U of U and SLCC staff, faculty, and students represented the Herriman Campus in the 2025 Herriman Towne Days Parade.  They loved engaging with over 3,000 individuals & families from the southwest quadrant of the valley, and Swoop and Brutus were a huge hit with the kids!  

In partnership with Cool Hand Series, UPEP hosted a screening of Blindspotting at Utah State Correctional Facility. Actors Daveed Diggs and Rafal Casal held a Q&A, followed by a screenwriting workshop in both the men’s and women’s units. In the coming months, UPEP students will write scenes that will be filmed by professional directors. 

Two hundred sixty students participated in the Summer 2025 Undergraduate Research Symposium at the Alumni House on July 31. Poster prize winners were recognized at the symposium and received monetary prizes. Additionally, the award-winning posters will be showcased in the J. Willard Marriott Library in the Level 1 classroom hallway, adjacent to the library café. This high-traffic location provides our campus community with the opportunity to explore the impactful work of the university’s top undergraduate scholars. View the list of winners on the OUR website.

The Office of Undergraduate Research is pleased to share their annual report reflecting on the high impact practices of undergraduate research at the U!

2024-2025 highlights:

Join the Office for Sustainability Education every Thursday, beginning August 21, from 10 am to 2:30 pm at Tanner Plaza (between the Union and Student Services Building) to shop fresh, eat local and support community vendors. You’ll find seasonal produce, handmade goods, delicious snacks and more — right here on campus. All staff, students, faculty and community members are welcome!

A huge thanks to Staff Council, Harmons Grocery and Farm Fresh to You for making this market possible!

The U’s largest free on-campus pop-up thrift shop is back on August 15th! At the end of each school year, students donate gently used clothing, dorm essentials, kitchen supplies and unopened food. The Office for Sustainability Education has diverted those items from the landfill by redistributing them to fellow students at the start of the next semester — all for free. Be a part of this program that supports students’ basic needs, promotes a circular economy, and moves the U closer to a zero-waste campus.

Friday, August 15, 12 – 4 pm at the Union Ballroom

It’s a one-afternoon-only event — don’t miss it!

Stop by the Union Patio on Wednesday, August 27,  from 11am – 1 pm during a welcome event for the Center for First-Generation Success. Explore first-gen resources, get to know other first-gen students and staff, and grab a snack.

Jesus joined the Navigate Hub for Exploring Students in May 2025. He is a first-generation graduate of Weber State University where he earned his bachelor's degree in Social Work and a master's degree in Professional Communication. Jesus has been advising since 2019 with GEAR UP/TRIO programs, first-year learning communities, and pre-professional programs. He was raised in California and moved to Utah in 2011 and now enjoys paddle boarding, snowboarding, tennis, pickleball, and traveling for concerts in his free time. 

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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