In August 2023, the University of Utah and Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) will welcome their first students to the Juniper Building at the Herriman Campus. The joint venture has been years in the making, and the innovative campus will serve the postsecondary education and economic needs in the flourishing southwest quadrant of Salt Lake County.
“We are excited to partner with Salt Lake Community College to increase access to the U. Being a student at the U means you can rub shoulders with some of the greatest thought leaders in the world, and we want all learners who are interested to have the opportunities that come from attending the U,“ said Provost Mitzi Montoya.
The Juniper Building will house undergraduate programs in high-demand fields such as business, education and the social and behavioral sciences. Students who study at the Herriman Campus will enroll in lower-division courses through SLCC and earn an associate degree before seamlessly transferring into their upper-division courses through the U to earn their bachelor’s degree. Transfer students enrolled in Herriman programs will be able to complete their bachelor’s degree in flexible modalities, taking a combination of in-person and online courses. The first two academic programs that the U will offer at the upper division in the Fall 2023 Semester are economics (B.S.) and family, community and human development (B.S.). The U will roll out additional academic programs at the upper division in 2024 and beyond.
“This endeavor represents a momentous step forward in our shared work with Salt Lake Community College in increasing access to higher education in a rapidly growing area. The health and vitality of our state and the greater Salt Lake valley rely on a robust postsecondary ecosystem that adapts to changing student needs and is responsive to a growing economy,” said Senior Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Undergraduate Studies T. Chase Hagood. “Our collaboration on this project demonstrates the commitment both institutions have to ensure student success through providing resources, facilities and opportunities that enhance exceptional educational experiences by developing new pathways that benefit students and the state of Utah.”
Jason Taylor, assistant dean for transfer student success at the University of Utah is looking forward to the many advantages this new building has to offer. “Any University of Utah student can access a variety of spaces, including study areas, student computer labs, a dining area, a Digital Learning Center and Simple Studio, a food pantry and several student support services,” Taylor said. “Transfer students are an important part of the university mission and community, and we are thrilled with the opportunities this campus and partnership provides for prospective and current University of Utah students.”
The Juniper Building will also be home to the first Engage U Center operated by the U. Engage U is a first-step initiative for the University of Utah—an innovative approach to meeting future U students where they are. Engage U navigators and staff will provide new, current or prospective students with on-demand, personalized advising and holistic support as they navigate the U and seek information about admission, course registration, engagement opportunities and student success.
At 90,000 square feet, funding for the Juniper Building was appropriated by the Utah State Legislature in 2021, with additional support from SLCC, the U, private donors and infrastructure investments from Herriman City. The grand opening of the Juniper Building at the Herriman Campus will be in August 2023.
The Juniper Building is located at 14551 S. Sentinel Ridge Blvd., Herriman, UT, 84096.
To learn more and see updates please visit herriman.utah.edu.