ST. GEORGE, Utah (KUTV) — The Utah System of Higher Education has released official enrollment numbers for Utah Tech University and Southern Utah University. Both universities are experiencing increased enrollment for the fall 2024 semester.
Utah Tech also shared that its freshman class is the most diverse in the school’s history, with 24% of students coming from diverse backgrounds.
“We understand the value that students of diverse backgrounds and perspectives bring to our classrooms, campuses, and communities, and that’s extremely important to us,” said Tom, associate professor of enrollment management at Utah Tech University. said one Darlene Dilley.
This freshman class will be the first to enroll since the 2023 Supreme Court ruling banning affirmative action.
Dilley said Utah Tech is open-admission, and the admissions process has not been changed by the Supreme Court’s ruling that race-based admissions programs are unconstitutional.
“We are 100% accepted and proud of that. We believe that everyone should be able to receive a college education and earn a degree if they choose. I believed in that and supported it even before the action,” Dilley said.
Dilley said demographic data comes from students’ self-identification on their applications and FAFSA forms. Students can choose not to indicate their race, but this may skew the data slightly. However, only about 2% of students refuse to respond, according to the university.
Another change to college campuses this school year is the implementation of House Bill 261, the Equal Opportunity Initiative. The bill was passed in January 2024, but was first implemented in July.
This bill would restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, including offices based on a person’s identity.
Utah Tech fourth-year student Naji Haska Runs-Thru, who heads the Native American Student Organization, said she sees the bill limiting some of the resources available to minority groups on campus.
“The passage of HB261 has had a negative impact on Indigenous Student Organizations and other student unions and organizations on campus. It impacts their financial ability to hold events. It impacts the spaces in which we meet. ,” Runs Through said.
She said the university previously had a Center for Inclusion and Belonging, but it is now closed due to HB261 restrictions.
“This was a space for DEI and minorities to come together on campus. Without it, it would be difficult for those organizations to find meeting space, as if they were scattered in the corners of our beloved campus.” ,” Runs Through said.
In Runs Through, it’s not just the physical space that’s affected. She feels that their sense of community is limited.
“Community is so important. It’s hard to see what Indigenous student organizations could have done before this bill and now. There’s so much they can’t do after this bill,” Lands Through said.
Dilley said there are still resources for diverse populations on campus.
“I can’t say we have fewer resources[since HB261]. These resources exist for all students,” Dilley said. We are continuing to provide individual instruction and instruction.” “We stand with our state and just want to make sure every student who chooses to attend Utah Tech receives the support that will help them succeed and graduate.”
Southern Utah University did not respond to requests for details about student demographics. However, they shared that the freshman class includes students from Utah’s 29 counties, all 50 states, and 91 countries.
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