October 2024

Institutional Update

Last week we shared our annual enrollment report. Our Enrollment Management team led the way with our recruitment and retention efforts, but enrollment is everyone so this is a team victory! What’s especially impressive is that we were about 200 students down from last year because – as you may recall – we discontinued the AOL and Arizona football programs. That means to show any growth, we had to make up that deficiency andgain additional students. WE DID IT! Thank you!

Showing an increase is important. Both major Utah newspapers have published stories about USHE enrollment, and many external stakeholders are sharing about this year’s numbers. It may seem a little extreme to focus so much on one report. This report, however, is one measure that communicates our viability and sustainability to those who are most deeply invested in our funding. Legislators, state leaders, trustees, and others expect this annual snapshot of growth, and this report has been the mechanism for providing that summary over the years. As we’ve shared before, we seek to show small, consistent growth (1%-3% is our annual target) to assure our stakeholders that we are thriving. Once people get to know us, they understand how unique – and very good – we are, and that communication takes time and strong relationships.

I am committed to fostering those relationships and want you to know that I tell our story every chance I get. I meet regularly with elected officials, K16 administrators, teachers, parents, students, neighborhood groups, or anyone who will listen! I hope you will do the same. When we are ambassadors for Snow, we help create a contagious positive energy. That energy carries over to our work, and our students feel it, too.

Our students are often our best recruiters, and that is because of the experiences they have with you. Thank you for the big and small actions you take each day to influence students. At a staff training earlier this month, one of our employees shared her daughter’s experience. The daughter was ready to completely withdraw from classes and give up because of the stress and pressure of adulting. She was encouraged to reach out to her teachers and ask for help. Asking for help felt intimidating, but after several hours of convincing that “your teachers are on your side,” the student sent an email. The faculty member’s reply to her email was kind and supportive and made all of the difference. The student is still enrolled and enjoying her college experience. These types of encounters matter, and I know they happen often. YOU are the reason for our enrollment success. Thank you!

Stacee

Academic Affairs

The Snow College Teaching and Learning Center hosted a very successful Pedagogy and Practice Conference on Friday, October 11. The keynote speaker for the conference was Dr. Lon Schiffbauer from Salt Lake City Community College. Dr. Schiffbauer spoke on the challenges and educational potential of generative artificial intelligence programs in his address, "From Doom to Boom: Why AI Can Be the Catalyst for Deeper Learning, Not the End." Fifteen Snow College faculty members shared insights from their pedagogy and practice throughout the conference. The Pedagogy and Practice Conference was made possible by the tremendous efforts of Jonathan Bodrero and Andrew Bashford, the Faculty Development co-directors.

External Affairs

Did you know?

• Food services has over 30 employees- it takes a lot of work to keep the kitchen going from breakfast to dinner!
• We have 920 beds in student housing on the Ephraim campus- the past 3 years they have been over 93% occupied during fall semester.
• We have 120 beds in student housing on the Richfield campus. Only our second year with housing on that campus! We are leasing 2 apartment buildings which have been converted to student housing.
• Housing is paying off the bond which was used to pay for the building. We have 12 years remaining, the payment is just over $1,000,000 per year.
• Auxiliary services are not able to receive state money- they must generate their own money needed to survive. Any additions or upgrades are self-funded. Great work by each of the employees of these areas to stay in the positive!
• How old is Nuttall hall? Your grandparents could have resided there!
• There is a campus store on both campuses.
• Cross country athletes run 5 miles in their races!
• They also compete in the half marathon- running 13.1 miles.
• Wrestling has different rules and styles for men and women.
• A goal post in football is the same height as a basketball hoop-10 feet.
• Homecoming is October 26th. You can be in the parade!

Student Affairs and Enrollment Management

Encouraging Students to Complete Their Associate Degree Before Transferring

As Snow College employees, we all play a vital role in helping students achieve their educational goals. One of the most impactful ways we can support them is by encouraging students to complete their associate degree before transferring to a four-year institution.

The Graduate from Snow initiative highlights the significant benefits of earning an associate degree. Students who complete their degree are more likely to succeed after transferring (on average 27% more likely than those who start at the university), better prepared academically, and are often more competitive in educational and job markets. Completing their degree here also ensures they won’t lose progress when transferring, as they will have completed essential general education requirements, making the transition to a four-year institution smoother and faster, not to mention that it can save them thousands of dollars. Why would anyone leave, right?

We can foster persistence and confidence by helping students understand the value of finishing what they’ve started. When advising, mentoring, or simply interacting with students, remind them that graduating from Snow College can save time and money and ensure they leave with a credential in hand, positioning them for long-term success.

For more details, visit Graduate from Snow. Let's work together to encourage our students to stay, finish, and thrive!