Utah Tech University students were told to expect change, but no one said it would feel like this.
This moment has become bigger than tuition spikes or canceled electives. It’s about who we are, what we value and what future we’re building at Utah Tech. It’s about deciding whether our education system is meant to serve people or cater to the Utah government and its expectations.
What is HB 265?
Because of Utah HB 265, Utah Tech University must reallocate $2.5 million.
To comply with HB 265, as of April 23, Utah State University has 14 programs, degrees and certificates that will be discontinued. Weber State University has cut 17 majors, seven certificates and eight minors.
Most of the degrees cut are College of Humanities and Social Science and Arts degrees. This includes loss of faculty and staff, and programs.
Cultural impact
Utah Tech has always advertised itself as being the most affordable university in Utah, with a fast-growing student population and a multitude of programs. It’s part of why we, Sun News members, chose this university. But now, we are noticing a shift in how Utah colleges are prioritizing science, technology, engineering and mathematics degrees while allowing the humanities to wither.
CHASS programs are being cut across the state. Departments, colleges and faculty are being cut from universities because of this bill. Why? Because it’s not considered “high demand” in Utah’s economic projections. The narrative being pushed forward is that art, literature, philosophy and social sciences don’t matter as much anymore. They don’t produce jobs fast enough. They don’t fill quotas. They don’t fund themselves.
But CHASS majors are critical thinkers, creators, educators and leaders.
First-generation college students are among the most vulnerable to the fallout of these funding cuts. Some of us on staff—who are first-generation students—came to Utah Tech without a plan, left to navigate higher education alone, while working jobs and trying to make sense of systems we were never taught.
Our CHASS classes have been lifelines for us. They’ve provided mentorship, guidance and a sense of belonging in a space that can often feel overwhelming. We came to Utah Tech to be in the CHASS department, and found a home here.
Now, these programs are at risk of being hollowed out or eliminated entirely.
CHASS is also the main majors chosen by women in Utah. Cutting humanities and art majors primarily chosen by women, while boosting majors primarily chosen by men—business and science—appears to be eliminating the chance for women to be successful.
This HB affects anyone whose dream job doesn’t involve a lab coat. This isn’t just about budget cuts—it’s about representation.
It relays the message that some students matter more than others. In an effort to promote equity, the Utah State Legislature has brought upon students a devastating era of division.
What we want to see
We know budgets are real. We understand that tough decisions are part of running a university, and you cannot control what the state tells you to do when they are taking away money. But what students are asking for is simple—fairness and a fighting chance for CHASS and arts, for our voices to be heard.
Don’t target one college. Don’t eliminate an entire branch of education because it’s not the main percentage of students. If you make cuts, make them across the board. Look at every program and department, including athletics. We understand there are NCAA restrictions and stipulations across the board, but why should one department take the hit for cuts?
Or with university events, have less. We understand it is healthy to have these social events at a university, but that’s one option to cut back.
Students graduate when they feel supported, seen and valued, not when their majors are merged or cut without warning. Utah Tech has a graduation rate of 35%, and discontinuing majors will only steer away potential students from our university.
This situation isn’t fair, but pretending it doesn’t hurt doesn’t make it better.
The worst part is there’s no set solution. We want to see a reliable, long-term solution plan that will benefit everyone at Utah Tech. Don’t look at us as percentages and numbers, but look at us as humans who are here to learn and grow. We want to continue to receive the education rooted in “active learning. active life.”
This is a loss for everyone involved. And that’s what makes it so devastating. We wish we weren’t in this situation in the first place, but now that we are, we have no choice but to speak up.
Here’s what we’re saying
Lawmakers: The workplace is going to change and evolve over the years. Understand that not every student wants to be an engineer.
Utah Tech Strategic Reinvestment Committee: Fight for CHASS and arts. Please don’t bow to pressure if it means erasing the programs that brought us here in the first place. Give us clear evidence, guidance and communication on why specific majors are being cut.
Students: Stay involved. Show up to meetings. Call our state representatives. Talk to your professors. Make it impossible to ignore us.
We’re not passive anymore. We see what’s happening and refuse to let it happen quietly.
