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May 30, 2008

MEMORANDUM

TO: State Board of Regents

FROM: David L. Buhler

SUBJECT: Proposed Revision to Regents Policy R312 (UVU Change in Classification)-Action Item

Issue

Regents Policy R312 currently classifies Utah Valley State College (Utah Valley University:effective July 2008) as a Baccalaureate College/Associate College. Utah Valley State College was grantedUniversity status and approved to offer masters degrees in 2008. Thus, Utah Valley University will be re-classified under Masters Colleges and Universities in R312.

Background

Regents Policy R312, Configuration of the Utah System of Higher Education and Institutional

Missions and Roles, classifies each of the Utah System of Higher Education institutions into one of fivecategories: Doctoral/Research Universities, Masters Colleges and Universities, BaccalaureateColleges/Associates Colleges, Comprehensive Community Colleges/Associates Colleges, and TechnicalColleges. Regents Policy R312, which was first adopted by the Board in May 2003, requires the Regentsto review institutional roles and missions every five years in light of the educational needs and resources inthe State of Utah. At this time, additional work and consideration is needed on the more extensiverevisions to R312. However, an amendment for changing the classification of Utah Valley State Collegeand changing the name to Utah Valley University is needed now in conformity with state law, which willbecome effective July 1, 2008.

Specifically, Utah Valley University will be classified as a Masters College and University. An

institution classified as a Masters College and University awards at least 50 masters degrees and fewerthan 20 doctoral degrees per year. Although Utah Valley University does not currently meet the definitioncriterion of 50 masters degrees they are expected to do so in the next decade. Thus, this caveat will beadded to R312 to accommodate Utah Valley University as a Masters College and University. Finally, UtahValley Universitys new mission statement will be incorporated to R312. These three changes (institutionalname change, re-classification, and new mission statement) are outlined in the attachment.

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Commissioners Recommendation

The Commissioner recommends that the Regents approve the Request to change Utah Valley State

Colleges (Utah Valley University: effective July 2008) classification in R312 from a BaccalaureateCollege/Associate College to a Masters College and University.

__________________________________David L. BuhlerInterim Commissioner of Higher Education

DLB/JMCAttachment

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R312, Configuration of the Utah System of Higher Education andInstitutional Missions and Roles

R312-5. Master's Colleges and Universities: Type II.(Weber State University, Southern Utah University, Utah Valley University)

5.1. Definition - Type II institutions Masters Colleges and Universities typically offer a wide range ofassociate and baccalaureate programs, and are committed to graduate education through the master'sdegree. Master's granting institutions generally award 40 or more master's degrees per year across threeor more disciplines. No course work or awards above the master's level are offered. Masters Colleges andUniversities generally include institutions that award at least 50 masters degrees and fewer than 20doctoral degrees per year.

*Utah Valley University was approved to offer masters degrees in 2008. They have not awarded 50masters degrees but expect to do so in the next decade.

5.1.1 Enrollment Profile- Very high undergraduate. Fall enrollment data show both undergraduate andgraduate/professional students, with the latter group accounting for less than 10% of FTE enrollment.

5.9. Utah Valley University Institutional Mission Statement

Utah Valley University Mission Statement (2007): Utah Valley University is a teaching institution whichprovides opportunity, promotes student success, and meets regional educational needs. UVU builds on thefoundation of substantive scholarly and creative work to foster engaged learning. The university preparesprofessionally competent people of integrity who, as lifelong learners and leaders, serve as stewards of a

globally interdependent community.