General Information

Mission

Utah Valley University is an integrated university and community college that educates every student for success in work and life through excellence in engaged teaching, services, and scholarship.

Values

UVU’s culture supports our mission of student success. Student success encompasses both terminal degrees and the holistic education of students, and we believe that we can fulfill this mission best in an environment that allows all individuals to thrive personally and professionally. To this end, UVU operates in accordance with three core values: exceptional care, exceptional accountability, and exceptional results.

Exceptional Care

We invite people to “come as you are” and let them know that “UVU has a place for you.” Care means that we strive always to “see” the person in front of us — their strengths and weaknesses, struggles and triumphs, past and potential, and inherent dignity and worth. This does not mean that we set low expectations or make excuses for poor efforts. Instead, our commitment to exceptional care means that we set the bar high and provide challenging, honest conversations and feedback because we are deeply invested in seeing every member of our community succeed.

Exceptional Accountability

We are strongly committed to working ethically and effectively. We approach each situation from a position of integrity, knowing that everything we do can help or hinder a positive student experience. We honor the resources and mandates we have been entrusted with and strive always to do our best to honor that trust. We respect each member of our community, seek to understand and fulfill our responsibilities, and recognize both individual and collective successes.

Exceptional Results

We are committed to creating opportunity systematically for as many people as possible. Our engaged curricula, programs, and partnerships address the intellectual and practical needs of our service area and the larger community. We seek to prepare our students to thrive in a rapidly changing economy and an interdependent, complex world. We aspire to greatness in all that we do, while also measuring progress against rigorous metrics that show our students are becoming competent and ethical professionals, lifelong learners, and engaged citizens.

Action Commitments

Include

Through open admission and other practices, UVU provides accessible and equitable educational opportunities for every student who wants to receive a rewarding postsecondary education.

Engage

UVU delivers rigorous, meaningful, and experiential learning opportunities driven by a shared responsibility for student success.

Achieve

UVU champions a university experience that helps students realize their educational, professional, and personal aspirations.

Roles

As a regional state university, Utah Valley University:

• Provides quality academic learning opportunities for students through programs at the certificate, associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels. To encourage responsible citizenship, emphasis is placed on engaged teaching and learning as well as scholarly work, research, creative achievements, career and technical education and community and professional engagement
• Provides access to higher education and offers a broad range of opportunities from developmental education through honors programs. The institution provides services designed to meet the educational and personal needs of students, to foster student success, to prepare students for meaningful lifework, and to provide access through a variety of modalities, including satellite campuses and the use of technology
• Promotes economic and cultural development to contribute to the quality of life of the region and state. The institution fosters economic development and provides a talent-force to meet the needs of a dynamic economy by offering credit and non-credit programs and services for individuals and organizations. UVU provides cultural experiences that enrich the community and offer significant and varied opportunities for continuous learning

Historical Development

Utah Valley University was established as Central Utah Vocational School in September 1941 with the primary function of providing war production training. Post-war training needs found the school offering programs throughout the region and at the Utah County Fairgrounds. The three school districts within Utah County combined efforts to purchase a thirteen-acre site close to Provo High School.

In 1963, the name was changed to Utah Trade Technical Institute to emphasize its growing role in technical training. The name change to Utah Technical College at Provo in 1967 was accompanied by the authority to award the Associate of Applied Science Degree. The Associate of Science Degree was added in 1972.

The initial 185-acre Orem Campus was dedicated in 1977. In 1987, the name was changed to Utah Valley Community College and the Associate of Arts degree was added by the Utah State Board of Regents.

In 1993, the name was changed to Utah Valley State College reflecting the change in mission to offer high demand bachelor's degrees.

The Utah State Legislature approved, in February 2007, a name change to Utah Valley University that became effective July 1, 2008. The Utah State Board of Regents approved the corresponding mission change in December 2007 to give authority to offer master level degrees; this also became effective July 1, 2008.

Accreditation

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

Accreditation of an institution 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 such, 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 institution. Individuals may also contact:

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

The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is an independent, non-profit membership organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the regional authority on educational quality and institutional effectiveness of higher education institutions in the seven-state Northwest region of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.

In addition, some programs or majors have other specialized accreditation. See Specialized Accreditation, Certification, and Approvals.

Gainful Employment information is provided in compliance with the U.S. Department of Education’s disclosure requirements for programs eligible for Title IV financial aid that prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation as required in 34 CFR 668.6(b). All programs list the following information: CIP Code, Level of Program, Program Length, Tuition and required fees, Estimated costs for books and supplies, Debt at program completion, Program completion in Normal Time, Job Placement, and Related Occupations. Gainful Employment Program Disclosure is listed on all marketing materials for potential students.

Other Important Student Information

Student Right to Know

Utah Valley University hosts information regarding the Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act of 1991 on the HEA Student Consumer Information website. The Student Right-to-Know Act of 1991 requires all colleges and universities participating in Federal Student Aid Programs to disclose campus security policies, crime statistics, and information on students receiving athletic-related student aid, graduation rates, and other basic information about the university. To access a copy of the current Campus Security Report please visit www.uvu.edu/police.

Alcohol, Tobacco & Drugs

Utah Valley University, historically and at present, seeks to encourage and sustain an academic environment that promotes the health, safety, and welfare of all members of its community. In keeping with these objectives, alcoholic beverages, unlawful drugs, or other illegal substances shall not be consumed, used, carried, sold, or unlawfully manufactured on any property or in any building owned, leased, or rented by UVU, or at any activity sponsored by the university. See UVU Policy 157. Any individual known to be in violation will be subject to University disciplinary action and to substantial legal sanctions pursuant to Local, County, State and Federal laws. Smoking is prohibited in all University buildings and concourses. See UVU Policy 158.

All students can access a copy of the UVU Drug Policy online each semester. It explains the policy and university sanctions that may follow as a result of inappropriate drug and or alcohol use and the known health risks associated with inappropriate use.

Confidentiality of Student Education Records (FERPA) and Annual Notification to Students

In accordance with Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), this section provides students with:

• A summary of their rights under FERPA.
• Information about certain exceptions to consent including school officials and what constitutes legitimate educational interest.
• Information regarding sharing records with other agencies and institutions.
• Definitions of directory information and your right to prevent its disclosure.
• Basic procedures for exercising their FERPA rights.

Students have the right to:

1. Inspect and review their education records.
2. Seek amendment of their education records if they believe they are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of their privacy rights. This includes the right to a hearing if a request for amendment is denied.
3. Provide signed and dated written consent before disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in their education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent (i.e., School Officials).
4. File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the university to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

School Officials with Legitimate Educational Interest

School officials are those members of the institution who act in the student’s educational interest within the limitations of their need to know. These may include faculty, administration, clerical and professional employees, and other persons who manage student education records and information including student employees or agents. It may also include contractors, volunteers, and others performing institutional functions.

A school official is considered to have a legitimate educational interest when they need specific information from a student's education records to perform their duties for the university. UVU can release a student's education records information to school officials who require access for legitimate educational purposes without the student's written consent.

As stipulated in Utah Board of Higher Education (UBHE) Policy R1012-9:

• “School officials” also include the Utah Board of Higher Education and its contractors, consultants, volunteers, or other parties to whom the Board has outsourced services or functions when acting under its statutory authority or as a contractor of the institution; and
• “Legitimate educational interests” also include the essential purposes of the Utah Board of Higher Education as defined in Utah Code Section 53H-1-203, other state and federal laws, and Board policy.

Sharing Records and Information with Other Agencies or Institutions

Utah Valley University may forward a student's education records (such as transcripts) to other agencies or institutions upon request, if the student is seeking to enroll, intends to enroll, or is currently enrolled at those institutions, provided the disclosure is for purposes related to the student's enrollment or transfer. The student's written consent is not required.

Directory Information

Directory information is information contained in a student's education records that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. Directory information at UVU is name, student ID, telephone number(s), UVU email address, photographs, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, home city and state, verification of current enrollment, dates of enrollment, degrees conferred (including dates of conferral), major or field of study/concentration, and honors received.

Directory information may be released without the student's written consent unless the student exercises their right to withhold its release. If the student chooses to exercise their right to withhold directory information, the following consequences may apply (not an exhaustive list):

• University personnel cannot discuss anything with the student over the phone or even confirm their enrollment at UVU unless they first volunteer their UVID and security phrase. If the student does not or cannot volunteer this information over the phone, they must appear in person or contact the university via email with their UVU student email address.
• Information regarding the student's status will be suppressed, such that if a student loan company, prospective employer, family member, friend, or anyone else enquires about the student, they will be informed that we have no record of attendance at UVU.
• The student's name will not appear on Dean’s Lists.
• The student's name will not appear in the UVU graduation/commencement publications.

UVU has two no-release/confidentiality options. One option allows the student's name, UVID, and confidentiality status to be disclosed/confirmed while withholding everything else. The other allows nothing to be disclosed. Exceptions apply.

Procedures

The following are the basic procedures for exercising FERPA rights. Contact the Registrar’s Office for additional details.

Procedure: Inspect and Review Education Records

Many education records are available to students electronically through the online UVU student portal. If the student cannot review their records online, or certain records are not found online, they may submit a written request to the Registrar’s Office identifying the records they wish to inspect (contact information below). The Registrars Office requires a standard form to be completed and will provide that form when contacted. The Registrar’s Office will make appropriate arrangements for review and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. Under FERPA, the University has 45 days to comply with your request. The University does not have to provide copies of records, though it may do so at its discretion. A fee may be charged for copies of records. Students may purchase their official transcripts at any time through the National Student Clearinghouse, UVU’s transcript partner.

Procedure: Request Amendment of your Records (and Request a Hearing)

If a student believes information in their education records is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of their privacy rights, the student can submit a written statement to the Registrar’s Office clearly identifying the part of the record they want to have amended and why they believe it is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of your rights. The Registrar’s Office may request additional information or action from the stuednt, including the completion of a standard form. The Registrar’s Office will always notify the student of the decision in writing. If the Registrar’s Office decides not to amend the record as requested, the student has the right to request a hearing.

Procedure: Provide Written Consent

If a student wishes to provide written consent for UVU to share certain information from their education records with others, two methods may be used.

1. The student may add a delegate to their student account via the Student Information Release Authorization (SIRA) system (https://apps.uvu.edu/sira). Adding a delegate allows UVU employees to discuss and share specific information from the student's education records with another person of their choice. Delegate permissions can be expired or revoked at any time.
2. Give one-time consent for a very limited purpose and duration. Information and forms found at https://www.uvu.edu/registration/ferpa.

Procedure: Withhold Directory Information

A student may request their directory information to be blocked/withheld/suppressed at any time through the Student Information Release Authorization (SIRA) system (https://apps.uvu.edu/sira). Contact the Registrar’s Office for more information.

Procedure: File a Complaint with the U.S. Department of Education

Students may file a complaint at https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/file-a-complaint concerning alleged failures by the university to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

Additional FERPA Information

More information about FERPA is available from the Registrar's Office.

Call: (801) 863-8468
Text: (801) 876-6499
Email: ferpa@uvu.edu
Visit: Browning Administration (BA) 113 (near the Hall of Flags)

Mail: Registrar’s Office, 800 West University Parkway, Orem, UT 84058, MS 213

Student Information Release Authorization (SIRA) system: https://apps.uvu.edu/sira.

Stop Campus Hazing

At Utah Valley University, we are committed to fostering a campus culture that values respect, dignity, and safety for all students. Hazing in any form is strictly prohibited and stands in direct opposition to our community standards and core values. Instances of hazing should be reported to the Office of Student Rights and Accountability. 

Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury including:

• whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity
• causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity
• causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances
• causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts
• any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct
• any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law
• any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law

Consistent with the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act, the Office of Student Rights and Accountability maintains a “Campus Hazing Transparency Report” that summarizes each hazing violation by a student organization that is institutionally established or recognized. 

Civil Rights

Utah Valley University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), disability, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related conditions, citizenship, genetic information, or other basis protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services. The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination: EOAA/Title IX – 801-863-5704 – 800 W University Pkwy, Orem, 84058, Suite BA 203.

Complete policies and procedures regarding Civil Rights (UVU Policies 152, 153, 154, 157, 158, 160, 161 162, 165) can be found at www.uvu.edu/policies, then click on Policy Manual.

Policy

The university prohibits all forms of protected class discrimination, harassment, and retaliation that violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), Title IV of the Higher Education Amendments Act of 1972 (Title IV), Title VI of the Higher Education Amendments Act of 1972 (Title VI), or related applicable laws. The university shall respond promptly and effectively to reports of protected class discrimination, harassment, and retaliation and shall take appropriate action to stop and prevent the recurrence of such conduct on the complainant and/or the university community.

Prohibited Conduct

Violations of policy 165 include acts of protected class discrimination, harassment, and retaliation within the meaning of Title VII, Title IV, Title VI, or related applicable laws. The university shall respond promptly and effectively to reports of protected class discrimination, harassment, and retaliation and shall take appropriate action to stop and prevent the recurrence of such conduct on the complainant and/or the university community. The university shall take steps to prevent retaliation and shall take strong, responsive action to threats or acts of retaliation. Individuals who, in bad faith, deliberately make false or malicious accusations of violation of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment and/or expulsion from the university. A finding of no violation by the investigator(s) does not in itself constitute proof of a false or malicious accusation. The university may discipline any person who is found to have violated this policy.

Freedom of Speech and Peaceful Assembly

Policy

Because free expression and the free exchange of ideas are central to the goals of a university, Utah Valley University is committed to the principles of free speech and assembly guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Utah Constitution, and in accordance with generally accepted concepts of academic freedom. The university is committed to protecting and enhancing the free exchange of ideas and to artistic expression, the right to free speech, and academic freedom in the university and on the university campus without prior restraint or censorship, subject to limitations on unlawful/unprotected speech and to clearly stated, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory rules regarding time, place, and manner.

Preparation Strategies

• Plan your peaceful assemblies through the Dean of Students Office
• Reserve an appropriate location from the list below
• Schedule appropriate amplification, if necessary
• Contact University Police for traffic and crowd control, if necessary
• Post fliers and/or cardboard signs according to the university Signage Policy
• Pay rental charges, if required
• Commit to obey local, state and federal laws and University policies
• Agree not to disrupt the educational process of the university

Prohibitions

• Disruption or obstruction of university functions, organized meetings, or other assemblies in such a way as to invade the rights of others to assemble and the rights of speakers to free expression
• Violence
• Assemblies inside buildings where minors or vulnerable populations are predominantly present
• Damage to University or private property
• Use of administrative or academic offices
• Jeopardizing public order or safety
• Interference with entrances and exits to buildings or the normal flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic
• Interference with classes and teaching, and activities related to teaching or research

Penalties

Persons violating the time, place, and manner restrictions relating to protests and demonstrations may be subject to arrest or other action authorized by law after notice is given of the restrictions being violated and the personas refuse to cease and desist. Student violations of UVU Policy 541 Student Code of Conduct may face disciplinary action.

Locations Appropriate For Peaceful Assembly

Locations are subject to availability; some locations may not be available at all times due to previously scheduled engagements. Speakers may speak in any outdoor area, as long as such speech does not violate time, place, and manner restrictions in UVU policy 161 section 4.8.6.

Locations include rooms inside the Sorensen Student Center, Grand Ballroom, Theater, Centre Stage or meeting rooms; Athletic fields/Lawn areas; Events Center: Arena, or Presidential Level; Student Life and Wellness Center Plaza; and Pope Science Courtyard.

Scheduling

Although it is not necessary for persons planning protests, demonstrations, or speakers to obtain prior permission from the university, the university encourages such personals to contact the campus Event Services to reserve or schedule a place in advance to ensure availability.

Sound equipment shall be used only at volume levels that do not disrupt or disturb teaching, research, or other duly authorized meetings or activities at the university, and in accordance with city ordinances.

Utah Safety Law

In 1965, the Utah State Legislature passed a law requiring every student, teacher, and visitor in any public or private school to wear industrial quality eye protection devices while participating in or observing the following: industrial educational activities involving hot or molten metals; operation of machinery or equipment that may throw particles of foreign matter into the eyes; heating, treating, tempering, or kiln firing of industrial materials; chemistry or physics laboratories when using caustic, explosive, or hot chemicals, liquids, or solids.