Previous Updates from the Legislative Task Force

05/14/2024 - Email from Task Force Chair

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Since the end of the Legislative Session, we have been carefully reviewing HB 261, 438, and 257 and working closely with the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) to understand the requirements of the new legislation, which will become law on July 1, 2024.

In mid-spring, we established an SUU task force that included faculty, staff, and student stakeholders to review current campus practices and assess guidance received from the USHE Commissioner of Higher Education, the Resolution on Freedom of Expression, and the Resolution Establishing Expectations for Implementing Principles of Free Expression on Campus.

The task force approached its work in two steps. First, we sought to ensure compliance with legal requirements, and second, we worked to identify new opportunities to align SUU’s institutional core values and strategic plan with student success. The goal of all programs and activities at SUU are designed to support the university's mission of being a dynamic teaching and learning community, specifically to support student access and affordability, retention and graduation, and a healthy campus environment.

Below are the results of this process and anticipated changes:

Offices, Programming and Initiatives:

In accordance with HB 261, we will not use the terms “equity,” “diversity,” or “inclusion” in any combination across the university.
Programming, offices, and initiatives cannot be based on prohibited discriminatory practices. Therefore, the Center for Diversity and Inclusion and the Q Center will be closed by July 1, 2024.
The Tutoring Center, Career and Professional Development Center, Office of Student Outreach and Support, and Office of Academic Advising are identified as SUU’s Student Success and Support offices and will continue to operate as they currently do. International Affairs will operate in its current status.
Scholarships, University-Sponsored and Independent student clubs, and professional organizations (i.e. SUU Women’s Network, Pride Alliance) will need to comply with HB261. Training will be provided on the requirements for these areas.

Academics:

Syllabi for all mandatory courses will be posted in a public database beginning with the Fall Semester of 2024. As interpreted by USHE, a mandatory academic course is one that is required for graduation and for which no other course meets the requirement (e.g., ENGL 1010). This requirement does not apply to academic courses that are not mandatory.
Effective Fall 2024, all tenured faculty will be required to complete an FEC report and be subject to an annual review as required by HB 438.
This bill does not change faculty’s academic freedom to teach materials in courses aligned with their expertise and student learning outcomes.

Hiring and Professional Development:

All employment-related actions, such as job advertisements and hiring practices, will not require, request, solicit, or compel a prohibited submission as defined in the new state laws, except where required for accreditation of federal mandate. A rubric will be developed and a process implemented for such exemptions.
All mandatory learning and development training will be reviewed to determine compliance with the new state laws.

Facilities:

All-gender restrooms and locker rooms are critical assets that will be preserved and expanded to ensure safe resources for all students. These facilities will continue to be part of future campus build-outs and new construction. Additional information about restroom use and privacy is forthcoming.

This list is not intended to be fully comprehensive, as the process of implementing this new legislation will be molded as we move forward. These initiatives are subject to review and may evolve as we receive further guidance and feedback. While this email provides additional information, we know it doesn't answer every question. We are here to support you throughout this process and welcome your input and suggestions. A page of Frequently Asked Questions is being developed. Future updates will be posted on this SUU Legislative Task Force website.

Thank you for being an essential part of the SUU community and helping us navigate these changes. Together, we will continue to create an environment where every student, faculty, and staff member can thrive and succeed.

Best regards,

Jon Anderson, Task Force Chair