December 2023
Institutional Update
President McIff
Hello, everyone.
As December comes to a close, I can’t help but think about the incredible work that has been accomplished over the last year. I asked Cabinet members to identify the top 3-5 accomplishments from their areas over the last several months. Here is a very small sample of wins they identified:
- Completed articulation agreements with tech colleges to create associate degree pathways
- Created the new budget dashboard and paperless processes
- Developed and implemented a strategic enrollment plan and a new first-year experience program
- Started the employee Leadership Academy and held our first Snow Day on the Hill
- Launched student housing in Richfield and executed another successful FSY summer program in Ephraim
- Established a training center in Delta and unveiled the Snowmobile!
- I’m sure everyone can identify their own top-five list. Your impact has been felt by students, colleagues, and community members.
As we look to January and the upcoming legislative session, I feel confident about the perception of Snow College around the state. Because of you and your work, Snow is viewed by statewide leaders as responsible, resourceful, hard-working, practical, creative, and effective. And thanks to you, we achieved our annual goals in completion and high-yield graduates, which should result in legislative performance funding we’ll use to continue accomplishing our goals.
Speaking of goals, thanks to all of you for working to achieve the annual goals we announced this fall. My hope and belief is that every single employee can make a positive difference in at least one of the objectives. By pooling our collective talents and abilities in targeted ways, we can ensure a successful future for students and the entire institution. Celebrating our wins and striving for continuous improvement, we’ll make 2024 our best year yet!
THANK YOU for making Snow College a very special place. I feel privileged to work with you, learn from you, and call you my friends. Have an enjoyable and relaxing holiday!
Your friend,
Stacee
Finance and Administrative Services
With areas like public safety and Title IX, you might think that no news is good news. That is often the case, but this month, good news is good news. As you may have heard, the Governor’s budget recommendation was released earlier in December. While the actual budget is the legislature’s duty, the Governor’s budget is a good starting point for their discussions. If something is left out of the Governor’s budget, it’s easier for the legislature to leave it out of their budget. We want as much as we can in the Governor’s budget, so here’s what’s in there:
- The new Social Science Classroom and Lab building which will replace the existing Home and Family Studies building is included.
- Additional funds to purchase property in Nephi (adjacent to our property we purchased last year).
- Performance funding is in there. This funding is directly tied to our enrollments, completions, and majors from which students graduate. This is a team effort and EVERYONE from across campus has contributed to this success. Thank you!
This is a very favorable budget for Snow College and I believe it’s reflective of the good work done across campus. You all are awesome!
Technical Education and Industry Connections
The fashion show provides a platform for Snow College's cosmetology students to showcase their exceptional talent. The audience was treated to an array of impressive creations, each demonstrating the innovation, skill, and attention to detail that makes Snow College's cosmetology program renowned in the industry.
Additionally, the fashion show aimed to support cosmetology students financially by raising scholarship funds and offering scholarships. This year, three outstanding students were recognized for their remarkable performance, each receiving a generous $500 scholarship for securing 1st place in their respective categories. Equally commendable were the three 2nd place winners, rewarded with $300 each. Furthermore, three talented students secured 3rd place awards, receiving $100 scholarships for their achievements. In a special category, the audience also participated by voting for their favorite entry, with one student being awarded a $300 scholarship for winning the audience choice vote.
Over $10,000 in scholarships have been awarded over the years. As the fashion show grows in popularity year after year, it remains an important event that celebrates the creativity, determination, and generosity shared by all those involved in the cosmetology community.
Student Life
Student Life and its Student Association continue to plan and execute weekly events and support campus clubs and organizations. Currently, we have 42 active clubs with 9 of those being new. We've added a new advisor incentive of a $50 meal card for their service, and increased funding opportunities for clubs to help with attendance and retention. We are excited to have access to clubs in the new student portal and will market this tool at the next Club Rush on January 17, 2024.
For student events, we hosted 33 in the Fall semester with a total overall attendance of 13,500. The final semester event was Breakfast and Bingo in GSC. Students had a great time visiting with each other, eating a lot of french toast, hash browns, and sausage, and winning some fun prizes. Who knew Aquaphor and a duck lamp would be such a big hit! Thanks to all those from food services, campus security, reservations, facilities, IT, and others who help make our events a success. Here's to a great Spring semester!
Who's New?
We welcome the following individuals to the Snow College Team:
| Avery Broomhead | Part-Time Records Clerk |
| Bob Conder | Adjunct Theatre |
| Diana Montano | Head of International Student Services Ephraim Campus |
| David Bone | Part-time Library Assistant Ephraim Campus |
| Jake Breinholt | Maintenance Worker Ephraim Campus |
| Gracia Hancock | Part-time Administrative Assistant – Career Services Richfield Campus |
| Joel Warren | Adjunct Geology |
| Mandy Terry | Adjunct Music Department |
| Teresa Allred | Adjunct Foreign Languages Department |
New Assignments:
| Cidney Shinsel | Director of Disability Services Ephraim Campus |
Staff Report
New to Snow College or wonder what the fuss is about with using your Top 5 Talents with CliftonStrengths to become more engaged and to use your strengths? We will host a CliftonStrengths Lunch & Learn on January 10 for all Staff Employees – look for an invite and details after January 2. We will buy codes for those staffers who have never gone through the assessment before so you can join the rest of us in using your talents well!
Mark your calendars: Snow Fit is doing laser tag on Richfield on Jan 4 from 11-1 and Ephraim on Jan 5 from 11-2. More details coming soon.
Staff Awards & Recognition committee received over 25 nominations for Employee of the Semester. Chair Denise Tippets said, “This is the most nominations we have ever received.” The committee has a big job reading and weighing all of the nominations. They will announce winners in January. Don’t forget to recognize your fellow employees for everyday efforts too! Ask Denise and her committee for You're a Rockstar cards and You are Awesome cards to let fellow Staffers know you have seen them doing awesome things.
See event dates, committee membership, and more at snow.edu/staff. Representing permanent part-time and full-time staff, the Snow College Staff Association offers professional development, wellness activities, supports employee benefits, and more. “Together we can do Snow much!”
Policy Highlight
Travel Reimbursement Policy #369
The Snow College Board of Trustees recently approved a new travel policy. This new travel policy applies to all employees. If you plan to travel or supervise someone who is traveling, please familiarize yourself with this policy.
The Travel Reimbursement Policy at Snow College serves the purpose of providing guidelines for the authorization and reimbursement of travel expenses related to College business. The policy emphasizes the prudent use of College resources and encourages Travelers to evaluate the necessity of travel, opting for virtual attendance when possible. The document introduces the Travel Authorization and Reimbursement Form (TAR) as a crucial element for documenting all College travel. The policy outlines the decision-making process for travel choices, emphasizing the importance of considering cost-effectiveness and adherence to the Schedule of Allowable Travel Rates. The reimbursement process involves completing the TAR form within 30 days of travel conclusion, accompanied by original receipts and pertinent conference documents. The policy establishes specific guidelines for lodging, meals, and miscellaneous expenses, including maximum tips and allowable expenses. Violations, abuses, or misuse of the policy may result in disciplinary action. Overall, the policy aims to ensure responsible and transparent financial practices in College-related travel activities.
Richfield Update
Richfield continues to host a range of engaging events that not only foster community bonds but also create opportunities for personal growth and entertainment.
In early November, the Richfield Area Chamber hosted its annual dinner on the Richfield campus. This event provides attendees with an opportunity to come together and celebrate the achievements of local businesses and community leaders. This gathering acts as a platform for networking, collaboration, and fostering new relationships. At the dinner, special guest speaker Corbin Allred graced the event with his presence. As an accomplished actor, he shared his inspiring journey with the audience, leaving a lasting impression on attendees. Allred's words resonated with the community, serving as a reminder of the value of perseverance and resilience.
Recognizing the importance of creating a joyful atmosphere, the Richfield Campus’s student leaders also organized a special event featuring the comedian, John Cassidy. The community, including students, had the opportunity to witness Cassidy's witty humor and exceptional balloon animal skills. This event not only brought laughter and entertainment but also created a sense of unity among the attendees.
By actively engaging with the broader community and being inclusive in their programming, Snow College's Richfield campus continues to foster an environment of unity, growth, and cultural enrichment.
What's New at Snow?
The First Year Experience program at Snow College, under the direction of Brittany Cornelsen, is here to assist students in their transition from High School to College. Students will have the opportunity to participate in New Student Orientation. With support from our First Year Experience, all new students will find success at Snow College through resources such as peer-to-peer mentoring connections, orientation, and sharing of campus resources throughout the semester; with great opportunities to connect to others within their major, interests, and passions. We love our students and hope SNOW COLLEGE can become their HOME away from HOME.
By The Numbers
Concurrent Enrollment served 42, mostly rural high schools throughout Utah during the Fall 2023 semester. We served 1,686 individual students who were registered for approximately 3,500 college courses, earning both high school and college credits.
Scholarships
Do you know of anyone looking for scholarships? Let them know about our new scholarship software! Scholarship Universe houses all of our institutional scholarships as well as 1000’s of external scholarships that have been verified as legitimate, there is something for everyone to apply for. Our internal applications are open now for the 2024-2025 school year and close March 1st so apply now. If students are still looking for help with Spring semester they can still log in and apply for the external scholarships that have varying deadlines. To sign up, visit the Scholarships website.