Nice article but the transition from UVSC to UVU is problematic on several levels. First, it is a classic case of mission crepe. Second, it was primarily driven by Utah County residents and members of the legislature who felt they "deserved" a University in their own backyard. Many have been disgruntled that Ogden has a University in Weber State (a school that knows its mission and fulfills it at a high level) but they didn't. The problem with this thinking is that in Utah we have a "system" of higher education. When individual parts of a system quit working as a team there are breakdowns. We need community colleges (SLCC and UVSC) as much as we need research institutions (UofU and Utah State) and everything in between (SUU and WSU). This system provides a spectrum of opportunities for our student population and their differing needs. The result of this transition is a watered down university and a few people who feel better about themselves as a result. Next they will want a law school and a football team that plays in the Mountain West Conference.

First, I'm just going to go out on a limb here and guess that you're affiliate with one of those universities that "know their mission." The Utah Higher ed system does indeed need a wide variety of institutions in order to respond to the needs of the community. Communities in Utah are not static, however, and neither are the institutions that serve them. As the article pointed out, UVU has evolved in response to BYU's ever increasing selectivity. Residents of Utah County and neighboring counties need a regional university and Utah Valley University meets that demand.
To argue that UVU is a watered down institution simply because it is open enrollment or because it retains elements of a community college is both ludicrous and elitist. Who are you to define "university." You throw "mission crepe" around like an explative. Our state is dynamic and our institutions of education need to be equally dynamic. UVU does that to an exceptional degree. It is fortunate that your cynicism was not heeded in years past, or else Weber would still be a tiny LDS academy and Utah State nothing more than an agricultural college.

I am tired of the radio spots that sound like political ads promoting UVSC. To me, education shouldn't become political where you have individual schools lobbying for this or that. Just my opinion though.

Do Orem residents realize that to be a University that the make up of the UVU faculty will have to change dramatically over the next several years. This means many more professors from outside Utah. Accrediation will force that change. Is Orem ready for this. What is means in that in 10-15 years Orem might have a mayor just like the former Rocky Anderson.

Were it not for the "U" Salt Lake could have never elected such liberal mayors.

UVU spells the END OF HAPPY VALLEY!

Very beneficial. My educational experience there (an Associates Degree and a Bachelors degree) has allowed me to position myself to making six figures in three years since graduation (2005 - Bachelors degree). While I don't have the rose-colored glasses that some may have (or rather, forest green...there are administrative challenges and personnel issues that still must be addressed in order for this to succeed long-term, but ultimately those challenges will weed themselves out over time), ultimately the educational experience, the relationships developed, and the doors opened because of UVSC has led to success in my career. It is great to see that those various levels of growth potential will still be available, but now with added opportunities for those looking for even more.

I strongly disagree with your assessment. Here are a couple of things to consider:

1.UVSC (UVU) is the third largest institution of higher education in the state (behind the U and BYU). UVSC is not a community college and it has not acted like one for many years (e.g. the school started offering bachelors degrees in the early 90’s).
2.UVSC is located in the second most populated area in Utah (Provo-Orem). The only option for a “University level” education in the area is BYU. This is a problem for two reasons. First, a large portion of BYU students are out-of-state. Second, there are some people in the area who are not LDS and prefer to attend a state college.

UVU will be a great asset for the young people living in Utah, Wasatch, Sanpete, and Summit counties. My only problem with the transition is that it should have taken place about five years ago.

UVUphoria: Name change won't alter focus on serving community, but I will tell you the higher tuition sure will help them and tax the students! That is the one reason I OPPOSE the making of this school into a University.

That has to be the most absurd thing I've ever heard. New faculty will not change the political dynamics of Utah county. 3rd grade arithmetic could tell you that.
There are 178,000 residents in Salt Lake City and 2,700 faculty members at the University of Utah. Assuming the extremely unlikely scenario that all 2,700 live in SLC, how do you propose they forced the other 175,000 people in the city to elect Rocky Anderson? Lets have a reality check here. The flaws in your argument are so glaring as to be beyond laughable. New professors being hired at UVU will have only one effect - an improvement in the local economy and in the quality of education offered to thousands of Utah County residents.

I think it's time now for new indepedent community colleges to be built in Utah County so that UVU can focus on being master's unviersity. Perhaps a campus in Springville, Lehi (or Saratoga Springs), and Payson would be good fits...

You list two points and both are not accurate or logical.

1. You say UVSC is the third largest school in the state. That is false because SLCC has more students. Plus it sounds like you are making a link between number of students and the status of the school. That is also false. The number of students in a school doesn't impact whether it should be a community college or a university. Harvard has less students than Weber State...should it be a community college.
2. Again, population base isn't the only factor for picking where Universities should or should not reside. If your thinking were followed, Stanford would be in San Fransisco, UofColorado would be in Denver...

What does matter most is whether the school is prepared to become a University meaning masters and PhD level faculty, rigorous academic standards, etc. The Utah County argument of "we are big therefore we deserve a University" is both childish and small minded.

Well, maybe Orem won't elect Rocky Anderson, but the poster has an excellent point. With the exception of a few religious institutions (BYU, Bob Jones, etc) Universities are generally a bastion of liberal thinking and ideals. it just goes with the territory - look at any major, or minor, university community in the country. (my belief is the increased education is the cause of this...)

To be an accredited University will require a diverse population of college professors and candidates, further diluting the Utah Valley ranks.

There is NO QUESTION that the "universitizing" of UVSC/UVU will lead to a more liberal community in its surroundings.

I for one, welcome that.

Good thing Utah County isn't scared of all these educated people moving in. i think it speaks well of the community.

Even though businessmen and legistators from Utah County have now purchased University status doesn't change that fact that a majority of UVU instructors do not hold Ph.D.s.

As a result, many courses are taught by adjunct professors, who are usually local professionals, many of whom do not even hold Masters degrees. Additionally, these adjunct professors must tend to their "day jobs" while moonlighting as "professors", which means that they typically do not hold office hours for students. Consequently, the quality of instruction is limited simply to the classroom and there are very few resources for students beyond the classroom.

Now that the UVU coronation process is FINALLY over, I hope that the State Board of Regents will work on strengthing ALL the schools in the state system of Higher Education instead of pandering to self-interested, squeeky-wheel Utah County politicians and businessmen.

We'll Mr. Ridiculous it's not just the faculty that will change dramatically, it will also be the student body.

PS. I have a bachelor's degree in mathematics. So much for your math comment.

I am so excited for it to become officially Utah Valley University tomorrow! It's so exciting! People don't realize all that is offered here at UVU. It's grown up and does a lot that i think is unrecoginizable. It's a constant growing campus that will only get better! :)

What's up with UVSC graduates paying a few bucks to have their diploma changed to UVU? They didn't graduate from UVU, they graduated from UVSC.

If the school closed would they say they hadn't graduated at all?

Call it like it is.

Just a few comments to those who think the transition to UVU is a bad thing:

I believe that UVU will have to grow-up even more than they have in the past with this new opportunity and change. Certainly an institution has to earn the title "university." But just as certain, it will not be an overnight process. Without research, but based on what I feel is common sense, no university has started with a complete PhD-filled faculty. Over time, they will grow into their new name.

BYU is a difficult school to get into, more so than when I started. UVU will fill a real need for quality education for many. Differing learning styles and socioeconomic statuses suggest online or other education alternatives may not work like a community-focused institution such as UVU will. Distance to other Utah universities with increasing gas and transportation costs are a real barrier to seeking university education elsewhere in Utah.

I suggest stopping with the negativity, accepting the change, and helping UVU become the institution and asset to the valley and state it can and will be!

Public funding for Universities has already been strained and Utah has more than enough public Universities, adding UVSC to the pot has just created an increased shortage of public funds. The U has their world class Medical Programs, USU engineering, Weber excels in a variety of smaller programs and certifications, SUU has an incredible Liberal Arts program, all these schools have been and will continue to be hurt by the diversion of funds to UVSC (UVU), and DSC (Dixie State). Our legislature is no different than congress, do what is best for your constituents damn the consequences for the nation or in this case higher education for the entire state. Congrats to all those who aided in this process.

To: Dave

Utah has more than enough public Universities? Try to tell that to the hundreds of college graduates who want to pursue a Masters degreee in the Orem-Provo area. Last time I checked the number of public Universities in the second most populated region in the state was 0. The only option (as has been mentioned a number times) is privately owned BYU. And, even with BYU...everyone knows that it caters to out-of-state LDS students. Additionally, as hard as it is to beleive, not every college student in Orem-Provo is LDS. BYU is not a feasible option for them either. I think that UVU is sorely needed and will be a great thing for young people in the area. Why would anyone be opposed to providing more educational opportunites and resources to our kids?

Who Cares, It is just another University or Party Palace School, I am tired of hearing it , Whatever Works, We will see what happens Are we trying to compete with BYu or something it sure sonds like it

TO: UVU: A good thing

Try moving like the majority of people pursuing a Masters.