SUU Discontinues the Required EDGE Program

Published: July 16, 2019 | Read Time: 5 minutes

On Friday, July 12, University academic leadership announced that the EDGE program has been discontinued.

The SUU EDGE program has been a very successful effort, achieving accolades for the institution in State and National higher education circles. It has certainly supported SUU’s stated mission as a “dynamic teaching and learning community that engages students in experiential education leading to personal growth, civic responsibility, and professional excellence.”

In an email to the campus community, Interim Provost and Executive Vice President Robert Eves, alongside the six academic deans, stated:

“Having an institution-wide experiential requirement has taught us much, and we feel that we are ready to build on the lessons learned and move into a new era of experiential education.”

University leaders will examine how experiential education might better be integrated within major programs. It will be the responsibility of colleges, schools, departments, and programs to decide how best to expand these valuable opportunities and build on those lessons learned from the EDGE program.

“Experiential learning is deeply ingrained in the fiber of the institution and its programs, and will continue to be a major part of how we define ourselves as an institution,” said Eves. “We are moving to the next logical step and will provide a deeper, richer, experience for our students, one that is more closely tied to their major fields of study. We encourage departments and programs to consider their curricula and determine how best to provide graduates with an experience that will be the crowning application of all they have learned during their SUU studies.

We look forward to working together to create new, more meaningful experiences for our students that will contribute to our success in achieving our strategic mission.”

If you are taking an EDGE class this summer and would like to withdraw and receive a refund please contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@suu.edu by July 29th. Please be aware that there may be financial repercussions for dropping EDGE this summer. See questions and answers below for more details.

There are still a number of moving pieces and more decisions that need to be made. University officials are continuing to work through all the nuances of these changes and will provide additional information as it becomes available.

Q: Is the EDGE Program still a graduation requirement?

A: No. On Friday, University academic leadership announced that the EDGE program has been discontinued.

Q: So how will I get experiential education while at SUU?

A: EDGE is not being replaced with another program at this time. Instead, students will work with their respective colleges and deans to create experiential learning opportunities or pursue one of many existing opportunities. Colleges may or may not add a capstone or experiential education requirement for their majors. This is all to be determined in the months and years to come by each academic college.

Q: Will I need to change or update my catalog?

A: Completion of EDGE courses is no longer required for graduation. You will NOT need to update your catalog to have the graduation requirement removed; we will do this for you.

Q: What if I want to finish the EDGE Program?

A: EDGE 3000/4000 level classes will continue to be taught this fall for any student who would like to complete the program and/or needs the upper division credits for graduation, financial aid, etc. If you are currently enrolled in one of these classes and would like to drop the course, you are welcome to do so, but before doing so, make sure it doesn’t impact your financial aid. EDGE 3000/4000 will NOT be offered after fall semester.

Q: Do I need to withdraw from EDGE 1010 if I am currently registered?

A: EDGE 1010 is being offered this summer; students are invited to remain in the class if they choose. However, it will be discontinued at the end of summer and not be taught in the fall. If you are enrolled in the class for fall semester, it will be dropped from your schedule. If you are registered for the class this summer you may withdraw if you chose, but will not be automatically dropped.

Q: If I withdraw from any EDGE class this summer, am I entitled to a refund of my tuition?

A: Yes. If you are taking an EDGE class this summer and would like to withdraw and receive a refund please contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@suu.edu by July 29th. Please be aware that there may be financial repercussions for dropping EDGE this summer. See questions and answers below for more details.

Q: Are there any other concerns I should be aware of before dropping EDGE this summer?

A: If you are receiving federal financial aid, veterans benefits, or any other financial assistance, please contact the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office to determine the impact of dropping your EDGE course. If you are receiving no such financial assistance, please submit an email to the Registrar’s Office at registrar@suu.edu requesting to have the course removed from your registration and records.

Q: Are there potential financial repercussions if EDGE is dropped from my schedule?

A: Yes. If dropping an EDGE class this fall places you below the number of credits you need for scholarships and/or financial aid, please register for additional classes. Should you decide to not replace an EDGE class and you drop below a certain credit load, please be advised that this could have negative consequences for your federal and institutional financial resources, as well as any private scholarships you may receive. Feel free to reach out to Financial Aid at (435) 586-7735 with any questions you may have. Your Student Success Advisor and the ACES are ready to work with you to find a replacement course if you need help.

Q: Who do I contact if I want to better understand why EDGE went away?

If you have questions as to why the program is being discontinued, please consult with your college dean for further information:

School of Business: Dean Mary Pearson - pearsonm@suu.edu 
College of Education & Human Development: Dean Shawn Christiansen - christiansen@suu.edu 
College of Humanities and Social Science: Dean Jean Boreen - jeanboreen@suu.edu 
School of Integrative and Engaged Learning: Dean Patrick Clarke - clarke@suu.edu 
College of Performing and Visual Arts: Dean Shauna Mendini - mendini_s@suu.edu 
College of Science and Engineering: Dean Frank Hall - frankhall1@suu.edu 

Thank you for your understanding as campus adjusts to this information. We will continue to communicate additional information to you as it becomes available.

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Contact Information:

435-586-5400
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