On July 1, the University of Utah implemented changes to comply with the limits and rules outlined in HB 261, “Equal Opportunity Initiatives.” The boundaries set by the new state law led to the decision to close identity-based cultural centers and central offices dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion work. Under the guidance from state lawmakers and the Utah System of Higher Education, the university will still provide student services, resource referrals, and cultural and community engagement for all students. Much of this work is happening in two new centralized departments.
Here are some frequently asked questions about what has changed on campus and what hasn’t:
Yes.
Provost Mitzi Montoya noted the impact and history of the student resource centers that are closing—53 years for the Women's Resource Center, 21 for the LGBT Resource Center and more than 50 years for the Center for Equity and Student Belonging and its predecessor, the Center for Ethnic Student Affairs—in her "Provost Perspectives" newsletter June 27.
"I recognize that these changes are difficult," said the senior vice president for academic affairs. "However, as this new organization takes shape, I am confident that our students, faculty and staff will continue to receive the personalized support and services they need to thrive and succeed as we foster an ongoing culture of care.
All around us are radical shifts, but as educators, it is our calling to rise to the challenges of the day and find a better way forward. Our U of U community has not changed. As we lead by example, supporting each other in association and academic excellence, focusing on individualized care for each student, we will foster an environment where every student can excel and reach their full potential, despite the challenges we face."
Yes. Most of the 15 employees of the Division of Equity Diversity and Inclusion and 30 student resource center staffers are still working on campus to support students, faculty and staff.
Many student resource center staff have been reassigned to Student Affairs’ new Center for Student Access and Resources where they will continue to provide support to students—helping with advising, scholarship cohorts, and referrals to campus resources including mental health counseling and victim advocates, .
The university plans to seek USHE approval for a new Center for Cultural and Community Engagement.
Yes. For example, if you are more comfortable talking to a person of color, member of the LGBTQIA+ community, or someone who practices your faith, Student Affairs managers will do everything they can to match you with a staff member you are comfortable with.
Students can form any clubs and affinity groups they would like. The U has clubs for everyone from skateboarders to conservative thinkers. Learn more about starting a student group here.
In addition to the student clubs and organizations, there are community groups including:
- Equality Utah and the Utah PRIDE Center for the LGBTQ community
- Black Chamber of Commerce, National Pan-hellenic Council fraternity and sorority statewide chapters and NAACP for the Black community
- Utah Coalition of La Raza for Latine community
- Pacific Island Chamber of Commerce and Utah Pacific Islander Health Coalition
- Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs
Yes. University leaders are committed to preserving the university’s role as a gathering place and convener for historical celebrations and cultural events.
Working together, Student Affairs, the President’s Office and other campus event managers are already planning celebrations that will begin with the Fall 2024 semester. Check @theU and the university’s official social media accounts for updates about upcoming events.
The Center for Community and Cultural Engagement is a vibrant hub for connection, cultural celebration, and education, located on the 4th floor of the A. Ray Olpin Student Union, Rooms 408 and 409.
In response to legislative changes under HB 261, the center was established to provide a welcoming space for all students, including those who previously visited the LGBT Resource Center, CESB, the Black Cultural Center, and the Women's Resource Center.
At the center, students can engage in meaningful discussions, celebrate diverse cultures, and access programming, education and celebrations aimed at elevating multicultural issues and community care.
The Center for Community and Cultural Engagement is staffed by passionate and creative professionals, many of whom came from the former centers. CCE focuses on community engagement, cultural education, and awareness celebrations and will continue to host events like: Women’s Week, Pride, and Black History Month programs.
The Center for Student Access and Resources (CSAR), established in response to legislative changes under HB 261, provides vital resources to enhance students' academic journeys.
The center manages cohort programs focused on student retention, graduation, and career readiness. Additionally, the center will have student resource navigators, who will help students by connecting them with resources, opportunities, and support throughout their academic journey, preparing them for life both on and off campus.
Other available resources include workshops, skill-building activities, and a student lounge located in Room 411 on the 4th floor of the A. Ray Olpin Student Union.
If you received a scholarship through one of the former centers, your award will still be honored. Cohort programs from the former centers will now be hosted by the Center for Student Access and Resources. The center is open to all students and will assist those searching for scholarships and preparing their applications.
Guidance issued by the Utah System of Higher Education following the passage of HB 261 states that cultural centers focused on specific identities “should be organizationally separate and distinct from student success and support services” and “as separate organizational units, must not provide student success and support resources.” Instead, such resources should be accessed through the institution’s “offices of student success and support, or previously established student services offices.” This change significantly altered the historic role of these centers, which were previously designed to offer a variety of resources to students.
Additionally, guidance from the Utah System of Higher Education states that centers focused on specific identities must be approved by the Utah Board of Higher Education and "must be focused on cultural education, celebration, engagement, and awareness to provide opportunities for all students to learn with and from one another."
To comply with HB 261, the Women’s Resource Center, LGBT Resource Center, the CESB, and the Black Cultural Center student support services that are allowed under the law were incorporated into the Center for Student Access and Resources. The cultural and community engagement functions of the four centers are being incorporated into the Center for Cultural and Community Engagement.
The Utah Board of Higher Education outlined a new process for establishing cultural centers on Utah campuses at a meeting on June 6 (R131). The University of Utah plans to request approval for the new Community and Cultural Engagement Center this year.