UTAH TECH UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWS SOURCE | October 08, 2025

Tag: Featured News

Essential midterm survival guide for focus, health, motivation

by Laura McClurePosted on

“I can’t do it.” 

“I’m going to drop out.” 

“I feel so lost.”

“I’m so confused.”

These are all things that college students tend to say when they are stressed and overwhelmed, especially around midterms. 

Midterms are intimidating, especially for students who are new to college. The pressure of having big tests in the middle of the semester, the worry that your grade will drop to an unrecoverable percent and trying to balance social lives, work, school and time for yourself is difficult. All of these things can be a lot and can build up.

However, there are places to aid that stress.

Academic Performance Center

Abby Sheeley, co-coordinator of Utah Tech University’s Academic Performance Center, said, “These anxieties can be eased by beginning to study early, creating a study schedule and utilizing Utah Tech’s resources for help.”

Making sure that your priorities are in check from the very beginning of the semester can make all the difference in the world to how your midterm experience goes. 

The Academic Performance Center is located in the Holland Centennial Commons in room 431. On Mondays through Thursdays, the center is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Fridays, it is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center is closed on the weekends. 

This center offers a place for students to study on their own. This is a quiet place to be and gives the students the opportunity to signal a tutor if needed, as well as allow students to work on their own or with a group. 

Tutors are offered for sessions or for select help during studying. They offer specialized tutoring for majors. Students can sign up for certain uninterrupted times with a tutor to go over notes and get help. 

When students can’t physically be in the building, the center offers online help. Just as the in-person tutoring works, students can schedule an appointment through Zoom to get the help and support they need.

As midterms sneak up on students, this safe space to study and ask for help can come in handy, especially if the fear of failing is overpowering students. 

Peer coaches

Peer coaches are attending students who are assigned to first-year students. They help students focus on what their chosen goals are. This one-on-one partnership allows the first-year student to have someone to go to if they need a friend and mentor. 

They are there to help focus on your studying tactics, find ways to get involved, help find ways to manage your stress or just talk. 

The peer coaches care about each student they work with and want them to succeed. As each coach has their own experiences in life, they have different perspectives on studying techniques, social interactions, cultural ideals and more. 

Sheeley said: “If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to talk to someone, whether that’s a peer, tutor or counselor. Midterms can be stressful, but we have resources on campus that are here to help.”

The support from these coaches continues to help students succeed through first-time midterm experiences. The stress can be overwhelming, so for someone to be there and help walk you through this stressful time can take a load off of the students’ shoulders. 

Booth Wellness Center

Maintaining good mental health is important to get through midterms. The stress can be overwhelming and suffocating. The Booth Wellness Center has resources for students to go to for both physical health and mental health. 

The center offers appointments for students to meet about mental health at no additional cost. Talking about the things that are stressing students out or overwhelming them can help a lot with focus.

Debbie Bartlett, assistant director of the student testing center, said, “The Booth Wellness Center has help available and they are the best resource on campus if you are experiencing excessive stress.”

Creating a balanced perspective in personal lives as well as a balanced schedule with life and school can help students to do better on tests during this year’s midterms. Having balanced perspectives can also have lasting effects and habits for the future.

Utah Tech recreation activities

All over campus there are always activities going on. Whether it be at the Human Performance Center, the Gardner Ballroom or outside, students always have the option to stay active and get involved. 

Students on campus often can find that being active and taking a break from studying or doing school work to go to the gym or go play a sport, actually helps their focus and study strategies. It hits a “reset” button in your brain and releases a protein called Netrin that allows you to focus and remember things better. 

Whether students want to go to the gym, go rock climbing outside, play pickleball or even just walk around on campus, there are benefits to it all. 

Peter Neibert, an athletic training professor, said, “A good balance between study and relaxation ensures peak performance.”

Midterms are a time when life gets crazy and finding the balance for all of it is not an easy feat. Finding what works for you to allow yourself to be successful and also healthy is key. Take the time each day to study thoroughly, but also take a break to have time for yourself for something you enjoy doing. 

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DOVE Center increases campus presence

by Lexy BorgognoPosted on

The DOVE Center is now open three days a week on Utah Tech University’s campus, offering advocacy support for domestic violence and sexual assault. 

Previously available one day a week, a representative is now available to see in-person Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon in the Testing Center as well as Fridays, same time, at the Browning Learning Resource Center room 106. 

The reasoning behind opening more days a week is to bring awareness to the fact that DOVE is an available resource and to see how the wider range of days works for students and their schedules. The two locations are also to see where the center is being utilized. 

Hailey Henstrom, rape and sexual assault education advocate for DOVE, is the representative that will be on campus during the three days. She offers advocacy to students, staff and faculty. 

Henstrom’s outlined advocacy includes: 

“Sometimes people remain in unsafe situations, whether they can’t leave or they don’t want to leave yet,” Henstrom said. “And so just figuring out, if you’re going to stay in this situation, that’s OK, that’s your choice. You know your situation best. But how can we prepare you to be as safe as possible in that situation?”

Advocacy is not legal advice, medical advice or therapy. Henstrom said when individuals ask what they should do, DOVE advocacy representatives can’t tell them what to do but can direct people to resources who are qualified to help more intensely. 

As the DOVE representative on campus, Henstrom is offering educational presentations about sexual assault, domestic violence and DOVE resources. She can go into classrooms and even clubs to talk about these.  

She also distinguishes the myths surrounding sexual assault and violence. With social norms and stigmas associating these solely with women, Henstrom said sexual assault and domestic violence doesn’t discriminate against gender, age, disability, race, ethnicity or sexual orientation. 

“It’s really an issue of power and control, and it can happen to anyone,” she said. “And so if I want students to know one thing, is that regardless of who you are or what your background is, you are welcome at the DOVE Center and we believe you, we want to help you and you deserve to get those resources.”

From the first days fall semester to Thanksgiving break is called the “red zone” — where there is a spike of sexual assaults on college campuses, accounting for 50% of sexual assaults seen in one academic year. Henstrom said this is another reason why DOVE is crucial on campus.

Brenda Medrano, student resource coordinator, is the DOVE Center liaison on campus. This means she is in charge of working with that partnership with DOVE and ensuring students know what the center is and how to access their resources. 

Medrano also makes sure students understand the center is an organization outside of campus, meaning DOVE doesn’t report to the university. 

“Sometimes students feel more safe doing that first before working with our Title IX office,” Medrano said. “But we always give them the option of the resources on campus. But also, it’s important for our students to know the outside resources.”

DOVE works with TItle IX and the dean of students when needed, but as an entity outside the university, the nonprofit isn’t bound to the same restrictions that university employees are bound to, like mandatory reporting. 

Henstrom said: “Sometimes, especially on campus, people are intimidated by making a report to the police or to Title IX, and it’s a very confusing system for a lot of people. So we can talk through what that looks like for that person, and then they can make a more informed decision.”

Hazel Sainsbury, director of equity compliance and Title IX coordinator, said students can also reach out to the Office of Equity Compliance and Title IX for federal protections.

She said, “It’s important that as a university community we take ownership of keeping our environment safe by speaking up and championing our values when we know of someone who is not being treated with dignity and respect.”

Moving forward, the hope is that DOVE will have a more centralized location on campus to become even more accessible to students. 

To schedule an appointment on campus or view more resources, visit the DOVE Center website. Walk-ins are also welcome during the designated hours at the Testing Center and Browning. The domestic violence 24/7 helpline is 800-799-7233.

“If a student is not ready to talk about their experience, it’s not my role or any other applicant’s role to make them,” Henstrom said. “Really, it’s their experience. It’s their journey, and they need to talk about it whenever they’re comfortable. And if you want to talk about it, this is a space where that information won’t be shared. We’re not here to judge you. We are going to believe you.”

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Community, students unite at Homecoming carnival, car show

by Curtis KeddingtonPosted on

The shine off of polished vintage cars and the sound of carnival games surrounded Utah Tech University as it hosted its annual carnival and car show. 

Through the school’s Homecoming Week, Utah Tech had the opportunity to boost student spirit on campus while connecting with the St. George community.

“One thing I love that Utah Tech does is that there’s always something going on, and I think that helps to bring the community together,” Gavin Glasgow, a junior finance major from Little Rock, Arkansas, said.

While some activities are geared more toward students, this event was aimed at both students and the community, which was clear from the attendance at the carnival. 

“I was surprised to less students and more families here,” Easton Brooks, a sophomore secondary education major from Herriman, said. “I think intermingling the students and the people outside the campus allows outsiders to meet the students and get familiar with them, and the campus is great for everyone.”

The carnival featured various activities that gave different options for everyone in attendance. Utah Tech students ran many of the booths, which had games such as the ring toss, Plinko and Skee-Ball. Several of the different booths also had a variety of carnival snacks such as snow cones, churros, popcorn and cotton candy. Several different food trucks like the Corn Dog Company were also serving food near the booths. 

Along with the carnival, a car show also took place along with it. The car show featured a variety of different vintage cars that allowed those with only a surface-level interest, along with car experts, to enjoy it and learn more.

“I just love cars and everything about them; the way they sound, the way they’re built, just everything about them,” Aiden Ezziyara, a freshman electrical engineering major from Salt Lake City, said. 

The car show also showed how many people in the St. George community have a shared interest in cars, which made it a great place to have a car show. 

“There’s a lot of people down in St. George that have cars and that like cars,” car show participant Roger Beutler said. ”Then, of course, down here you can have them out almost all year anyway. I just think that this is a great place for car shows, similar to how Vegas is.”

Beutler’s interest in car shows started through his interest in Mustangs when he got his first one and has continued to now, where he has six Mustangs. Stories such as this demonstrate how events like a car show can introduce people to cars and help that interest grow. From Mustangs to Hellcats and Bel Airs, there was something for everyone to get interested in cars, learn more about them and the culture surrounding them.

Through activities that bring together both students and people outside the campus, Utah Tech continued to build a welcoming community.

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Alyssia Johnston crowned Miss Utah Tech 2024

by Kate PearsonPosted on

The stage lights come up, shining on 19 young women competing to become the next Miss Utah Tech University. Each has come to win with a cause they are fighting for and hours of preparation.

The Miss Utah Tech pageant has been around since 1951 and has become a yearly Homecoming Week tradition.

“These women are advancing a message of empowerment through their efforts in communication, talent and their own unique community service initiatives as part of a Miss America organization that celebrates a new era of progressiveness, inclusiveness and service and success for women,” Sarah Boysun, Miss Dixie State 2014, said.

There are five key aspects of the pageant are called pillars. They include service, style, scholarship, success and sisterhood. These pillars factor into the events the women compete in. The first four are represented as the four points on the Miss America crown. After a woman completes her service, she joins the sisterhood of “forever queens.”

To become the next Miss Utah Tech, one needs to score well throughout the phases of competition.

  • First, before the pageant, contestants enter a 10-minute interview with the judges for 30% of their overall score.
  • To begin the pageant, each woman is asked a question on stage. This accounts for 10% of their score.
  • The next phase is relatively new to the competition. It is the health and fitness section where the contestants talk about the ways they keep healthy and model exercise wear. This segment is worth 20% of their score.
  • Then comes the talent section, which is 20%. Contestants demonstrate a talent they possess. Talents this year included singing, dancing, sign language, acting, writing and more.
  • The last segment is the evening gown competition. Contestants show off a dress they would wear on the red carpet. This accounts for the last 20%.

The competition demonstrates the service, style and success pillars of the pageant. These pillars are furthered through their time as Miss Utah Tech. The scholarship awarded to the winner is included in the fourth pillar. This year the scholarship was awarded differently.

“We are changing how our scholarship is awarded. So, instead of receiving a full tuition scholarship waiver, which doesn’t necessarily stack on top of academic scholarships, they receive a $2,000 cash prize,” Morgan Olson, executive director of the pageant and 2019, 2020 Miss Dixie State, said.

This is not the only change made this year.

Olson said, “This year, we started a new tradition of presenting our outgoing queen with a crown box to be able to remember the year.”

Marie Sewell, Miss Utah Tech 2024, was given the crown box this year as the first ever Miss Utah Tech to receive one.

“This year has been one of the most transformative years of my life. I never thought I would learn so much about myself or witness the growth I experienced in the process,” Sewell said. “I only wish I could hug my 18-year-old self and tell her that her dreams are possible and that she is enough.”

Sewell passed her crown to Alyssia Johnston, a senior marketing major from Pocatello, Idaho. Johnston’s community service initiative is giving children in poverty the ability to succeed in sports. It is called “The Monthly Move Project.”

“It gives children in poverty the opportunity to succeed in athletics that they may never have been able to do in the first place,” Johnston said.

Johnston had competed in the pageants before and served as royalty. She’s seen many friends become Miss Utah Tech, and now it is her turn.

The fifth pillar is sisterhood. Many past winners or “forever queens” were present in the audience during the pageant. Several of them won in the ’60s and ’70s. One of Utah Tech’s traditions is recognizing these “forever queens.” This year they had portraits of all the past queens on display in the Eccles Building lobby. Each year they also do a social with the alumni that attend as well.

Olson said: “It’s a wonderful opportunity to be able to remember that while this organization may be small, we are mighty. It’s good to be able to connect with these older alumni and be able to acknowledge and appreciate the changes that not only Utah Tech University has gone through, but also the Miss America Opportunity.”

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Blazer Dash races into Homecoming Week with a colorful kickoff

by Alyssa BaylesPosted on

On your marks, get set, go! Chalk was thrown in the air as students rushed through the starting line, indicating Homecoming Week at Utah Tech University had started.

To start the week off, the Utah Tech Student Association hosted the Blazer Dash Sept. 23. This event included the chalk color run, car smash, food vendors and a t-shirt-making stand. Music was played throughout the night inviting students to mingle with each other and participate in the events to feel the school spirit.

Blazer Dash has not been an event during Homecoming Week for the past couple of years. Nick Fajardo, a senior history major from St. George, is the Stampede president and was one of the faces behind the scenes of the event. He said the event was brought back to highlight Homecoming Week and school spirit. Part of creating the school spirit was bringing sports teams, cheer team, Blaze dance team and Brooks the Bison to the event.

“It’s [Blazer Dash] a fun kickoff for Homecoming Week, and to bring that energy while including the whole school,” Fajardo said.

The event started with red and blue chalk being handed out as participants checked into the race so that they could decorate themselves beforehand. Chalk was additionally thrown at the starting line and throughout the course. Once “go” was chanted, students weaved across campus from the Gardner Student Center all the way down to the Greater Zion Stadium. At the finish line, students were welcomed by the Blaze, as well as football and volleyball players to cheer them across the line.

The first 25 students to cross the finish line received a free food voucher from any of the vendors at the event. Francisco Hernandez, a freshman computer science major from Enterprise, was amongst the first 25 students to cross the line. Hernandez said he didn’t expect himself to win one of the food vouchers.

“I think pushing yourself, even if you don’t really gain anything from it, is kind of nice,” Hernandez said.

For students, this was an event to take a break from school and to enjoy the start of Homecoming Week. Abigale Hardy, a sophomore accounting major from La Verkin, was one of the many students who attended the event with her friends. Hardy said chalk runs are an event she always enjoys attending.

“At the elementary school that’s in my town, every year we do a chalk run,” Hardy said.

Paige Harris, a sophomore history major from Orderville, was also one of the competitors for the chalk run. She said she attended the event to hang out with friends and enjoy the food trucks, which is also why she enjoys Homecoming Week.

“I don’t want to just sit at home, so I’m like, ‘let’s go out and do something,'” Harris said.

However, not every student attending the event had to be involved in the chalk run and could still enjoy other aspects. After the race, the car smash occurred where students took turns smashing an old car. Spray-painted on the car was football’s competitor this week: Abilene Christian University. Additionally, the first 100 students at the t-shirt-making booth were able to spray paint t-shirts and make their own designs.

From the red and blue chalk run to smashing a car with the opposing team’s name, Homecoming Week was kicked off with the Blazer Dash. Check out the rest of the week’s schedule to continue to bring the Trailblazer spirit.

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Veterans and Military Services supports, guides, provides resources for students

by Alyssa BaylesPosted on

As part of supporting our nation’s heroes, Utah Tech University offers the Veterans and Military Services program to service members, military veterans and their families.

This program creates an inclusive environment through the Veterans Lounge, offers the VITAL program to help students adjust to the academic setting, and provides the Veterans and Patriots Club to foster a sense of community. Due to all the program offers, Utah Tech was recently voted No. 1 in Utah and No. 4 in the West for the “Best for Vets.“

With about 225 veterans and military-connected students, the Veterans and Military Services program offers a variety of resources to help every student find a place. Karl Watters, director of Veterans and Military Services, said the goal is to provide a high level of service as they pursue academic, personal and career goals.

One of the first resources is the Veterans Lounge, which is located in room 116 of the Browning Learning Resource Center. Stepping into the room, veterans and military-connected students are welcomed by couches and a computer lab, along with snacks and food. Watters said this is a safe space for students to decompress, reintegrate and build a social network.

Due to the Veterans Affairs organization being very large and difficult to navigate, the Veterans and Military Services also help the students receive their VA educational benefits.

“We provide two school certifying officials, who are subject matter experts in navigating the VA educational system so that students are able to maximize their financial benefits,” Watters said.

Additionally, peer mentoring is offered through the VITAL program. Watters said it is a way to aid students in adjusting to the academic setting by helping them overcome obstacles and supporting the completion of their educational goals.

Another addition to the Veterans and Military Services program is the Veterans and Patriots Club. Vice president of the club Benton James, a junior digital media major from Tallahassee, Florida, said the goal of the club is to involve students with a support system of each other. James also said that he found friends within his first week of joining the club because he was able to tell stories and jokes that fellow veterans would understand.

“It’s good to affiliate myself with other people who are really hard-working but also know how to have a good time,” James said. “You know, you can’t take life too seriously.”

James said this is a great source of support for anyone who might be struggling with mental health. With veterans being two times more likely to commit suicide, he said showing support and reaching out is always a great way to step in. Additional support can be found through the Veterans Crisis Line.

James said: “It’s those little daily acts of kindness. It’s those opportunities to spend time with each other that really make an impact over the course of time.”

The Veterans and Patriots Club also welcomes anyone wanting to join, not just veterans or military-related students.

Lewis Kunzler, a senior digital film major from Brawley, California, served 10 years in the army until he eventually found his way to Utah Tech in 2020. At the university, he has been able to find his community through the program, along with his passion for digital film. Kunzler said he never thought he would have been able to apply himself to school, but now he has already made a variety of short films and found his voice as an artist.

“Being around those guys made me feel like I was back home all over again,” Kunzler said. “It allowed me to find a community of people who’ve gone through the same experiences I had.”

As a way of honoring and recognizing their sacrifices, the Veterans and Military Services program provides vital resources to help service members, veterans and their families in their journey toward academic and personal success.

“Being able to go to that [Utah Tech] school changed my life,” Kunzler said. “It allows me to be me and figure out who I am post-army, not just the soldier wearing combat boots.”

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Utah Tech international students’ thoughts on voting, 2024 election

by Alyssa BaylesPosted on

This story is published as part of U.S. Democracy Day and the Utah College Media Collaborative, a cross-campus project bringing together emerging journalists from Salt Lake Community College, the University of Utah, Utah State University and Utah Tech University.

Across the United States, most international students will not be among the lines that will be formed at voting stations in anticipation of who will be named the next president.

Did you know there are over 1 million international students in the United States, and at Utah Tech University, there are around 180 international students? However, this is a portion of the population that will not be voting but will be as affected by the upcoming election’s outcome.

Most international students are temporary residents, which makes them ineligible to vote. In order to vote, you must be a U.S. citizen, meet your state’s residency requirements, be 18 years or older and be registered to vote. The process of becoming a U.S. citizen is often too time-consuming for international students within the period they will be a student; therefore, voting is not an option.

Leonardo Mendez Iporre, a junior finance major from Bolivia, said both citizens and noncitizens are affected by the upcoming election due to policies and taxes. Mendez Iporre thinks it’s important to vote, but he also thinks it is important to go through the process to have the right to vote. He said he feels he would be disrespecting America if he could vote because it is not his country yet.

“However, if you went through the process… and are here contributing to a better future in America, then you should have a say because it also became your country,” Mendez Iporre said.

Regardless of not being able to vote, Mendez Iporre is finding other ways to be involved in the election by paying attention to the news, making informed decisions and spreading awareness of voting.

Mendez Iporre said: “If you really want to spread awareness, it is just listening to people and putting out your arguments. If you have solid arguments, they should be enough to spread your ideas.”

Samuel Tschumi, a sophomore biology major from Switzerland, is on the same page as Mendez Iporre, that only once citizenship is gained should international students be allowed to vote. Additionally, he said that it is crazy how much politics divides friends and family.

“I feel like it’s kind of sad that only two parties are represented in American elections because I feel like it’s what divides the nation, the fact that they have to pick a side,” Tschumi said.

Tschumi said he believes he does not have enough background information to make an informed decision even if he could vote. Therefore, he is not too involved in the upcoming election but just observing.

“It’s more something to gain citizenship and then getting the right to vote than allowing international students to vote,” Tschumi said. “We are here for a short time, most of us, and so even if we have our opinion, I don’t think it’s going to impact the United States.”

Ives Hong, a junior psychology major from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, understands the perspective around noncitizens being unable to vote. However, with plans to become a citizen in the future, Hong said he feels he should be able to vote.

“I’m under the same Constitution as any American walking around, like any of my colleagues or any of my friends,” Hong said. “Come election year, if I’m planning on being here, I should have the right to have some sort of say in America’s vote.”

Hong said this election will affect more than just American citizens, which is something that needs to be reflected upon.

Hong said: “We need to reconsider that America is a big entity around the world, not just within the lands of America. I’m from Vietnam, and America’s decisions affect Vietnam, many other Asian countries or countries everywhere.”

Hong also said he feels the same as many Americans right now because there is a lot at stake during this election. Since he can’t vote, Hong said he is still participating in the election through his freedom of speech of talking about the government and the upcoming election.

Noa Jaguenaud-Tachet, a sophomore exercise science major from France, said one of the main differences from his country, is that people in the U.S. are not afraid to state their opinions. For Jaguenaud-Tachet, he has only been in the U.S. for about a year. Due to this, he said he is not fully involved in the election because he does not know enough information for either side. He also said people need a lot of knowledge about politics from both parties before they vote.

“I feel like sometimes [citizens] can be a little bit blind about all of this,” Jaguenaud-Tachet said. “It’s the same case in every country. People have strong opinions, but what do they really know?”

Linda Kujat, a senior business major from Germany, also said it’s important for voters to be informed on what they are voting on. While she would like to be able to vote, she doesn’t think it’s the right decision since many international students leave within a few years to return to their home country. Despite this, Kujat said she encourages anyone in her home country as well as the U.S. to vote.

“I feel if you don’t vote, then you just leave it up for all the other people,” Kujat said. “Even if you have a small [political] direction, just vote.”

Before taking a stance to cast a vote, make sure time is taken to properly make an informed decision. Part of this is listening to the perspectives of others, including those not able to vote like international students.

“I think the government, the American government, is missing out on the say of a very small but important population living in America currently, which are legal immigrants,” Hong said.

Alyssa Bayles reported and wrote this story as a student with Utah Tech University’s Sun News Daily. Her article is part of U.S. Democracy Day, a nationwide collaborative on Sept. 15, the International Day of Democracy, in which news organizations cover how democracy works and the threats it faces. To learn more, visit usdemocracyday.org.

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How diversity bill is impacting Utah Tech students

by Madisyn BishopPosted on

This story is published as part of U.S. Democracy Day and the Utah College Media Collaborative, a cross-campus project bringing together emerging journalists from Salt Lake Community College, the University of Utah, Utah State University and Utah Tech University.

“With a heavy heart, I bid farewell to the Center for Inclusion & Belonging and the LGBTQ+ Resource Center. A beacon of diversity, equity and unity, the center has been more than just a space on campus; it has been a home where every voice found a listening ear,” Mike Nelson, director of student belonging, said in an Instagram post.

When the Utah State Congress passed H.B. 261 and H.B. 257, students and faculty expressed concerns about the future of Utah Tech University.

H.B. 261, the Diversity Bill or the Equal Opportunities Initiative, prohibits any institution of higher education, the public school system and government employers from discriminatory hiring practices, and promoting and engaging in certain practices of diversity, equity and inclusion.

The other bill implemented July 1 is H.B. 257, or Sex-based Designations for Privacy, Anti-bullying and Women’s Opportunities. This bill restricts the use of gender-based bathrooms for transgender people unless they have gone through reconstructive surgery.

These bills were passed Jan. 30, 2024 and went into effect July 1. Since then, the university has implemented the new regulations the bills brought on.

“We know from survey evidence around the country that students are generally more supportive of DEI initiatives than the general public,” Geoff Allen, assistant professor of political science, said. “As a party with a highly vested interest, it makes sense that they would be concerned.”

During freshman orientation, students were shown a series of videos that explained the changes to the university; however, these videos were not shown to returning students.

Mike Nelson said he had students coming to him for support during the first week of school.

“There have been more concerns raised in the past week… returning students are coming back to offices that aren’t there,” Nelson said. “Even though the bill was passed in January… the change happened during the summer, and not many people knew about it. The returning students, for some of them, were caught off guard.”

Some faculty and staff are also concerned about students and how they can support them.

With many changes being made to Utah Tech, students look for faculty support to help them navigate the unknown territory that they may find themselves in. Ali Threet, assistant vice president and dean of student affairs, encourages students to contact faculty and staff if they need support.

Threet said: “There have been a lot of faculty and staff concerns that students will still feel welcomed and feel like they belong here. They want to help out in any way they can.”

When this bill was enacted, the Center for Inclusion and Belonging and the LGBTQ+ Resource Center were dissolved and renamed the Student Resource Center. The Browning Learning Center still has a dedicated study space, and is now open for all students to use.

The diversity bill also changed job roles and titles. Dr. Tasha Toy, assistant vice president and compliance officer, was moved from her past role as chief diversity officer.

“Since I was hired here, my role has changed three times,” Toy said. “I will say that it shifted from being a very narrow scope to much wider. It is one of the byproducts of this bill; we expanded and looked in different places.”

Nelson was also moved from his last role as the director of the Center for Inclusion and Belonging. He is now director of student belonging and works with the Utah Tech Student Association over student clubs.

“From a university support standpoint, we want to make sure all resources are open to all students,” Nelson said. “When it comes to official support, for let’s say our LGBT students, we don’t have dedicated services for them.”

Nelson said the Booth Wellness Center is a resource for all students and one they should utilize if they need support.

Students were concerned that clubs promoting diversity would forced to shut down. However, Nelson who is in charge of student belonging clubs on campus, has assured that no clubs would be shut down and encouraged students to join clubs where they feel they can get support from their peers.

A Utah Tech website for guidance on H.B. 261 says, “HB 261 does not alter Utah Tech’s commitment to ensuring all students, faculty and staff have the opportunity and resources to succeed while on campus.”

The bill does not change education on campus. Instead, it prohibits the university from taking a stand on critical race theory and diversity.

This bill also doesn’t change Title IX. Toy said federal law is exempt from the bill, therefore, it isn’t affected.

The changes made to Utah Tech include creating more gender-neutral bathrooms. Interim President Courtney White said in an email sent to faculty and staff that a map would be sent out that shows where these bathrooms would be.

Toy said signs are continuing to be put up now, allowing more inclusive bathrooms in various buildings on campus.

Utah Tech will continue to change and grow from the passing of these bills. Without academic support, students can still attend clubs that are open to all students and receive support from their peers.

Nelson said, “The closure of the CIB and the LGBTQ+ Resource Center marks the end of an era defined by tireless efforts to foster a sense of belonging and to celebrate the vast cultural identities that enrich our university.”

Madisyn Bishop reported and wrote this story as a student with Utah Tech University’s Sun News Daily. Her article is part of U.S. Democracy Day, a nationwide collaborative on Sept. 15, the International Day of Democracy, in which news organizations cover how democracy works and the threats it faces. To learn more, visit usdemocracyday.org.

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Angel Wood Know what it takes to be an editor-in-chief

by Angel WoodPosted on

Question: What does it take to be an editor-in-chief?

Dear Lexy, 

If there is one thing I am almost an expert about, it’s how to be an editor-in-chief of a news organization. I’ve spent a full year watching someone else in the role and then a year learning the role myself. Now as I move on from the EIC position, I know Sun News Daily is in good hands with someone fully capable of fulfilling the responsibilities as the head of our news organization. 

An EIC has many tasks including editing everything that will be published, teaching the staff different media principles, and standing up for the staff when others may want to tear it down. The most important role an EIC has is leading the staff in being “The Voice Of Utah Tech.”

You are a leader and others will look up to you more than you know as you guide the staff throughout the year. When times get tough, sources don’t respond or others turn against Sun News, the staff will look to you for strength, answers and courage to continue on the powerful path of student journalism. 

As EIC, you will need to have courage. The life of an EIC is far from easy, and there will be times when you feel like quitting. You will need to have the courage to not only encourage others to never give up but to stand as an example of perseverance yourself. 

You will also need to be adaptive. Things will not always go your way or the staff’s way. Sources won’t always get back, stories won’t always work out, and people won’t always stay on Sun News. But, there is always another way to do things, so ensure your vision is not blurred by a single option. Somehow, things have a way of working themselves out, so just go with the flow and don’t forget that everything happens for a reason. 

On top of being positive, hardworking, inclusive and many other things, knowing how to effectively communicate will bring you much success as EIC. Communication is the foundation of everything we do as student journalists, so never silence yourself when it comes to being honest.

Leave those edits even if they may seem harsh. Have those hard conversations even if they may seem pointless. Stand up for yourself to others even when it may seem scary. Saying what you need to say is far better than keeping it to yourself and never seeing change. 

Know that it’s OK to delegate. That’s why you have a staff because as much as we go-getters want to do it all, we can’t. As mentioned before, the role of EIC is not easy and will come with many challenges and bumps in the road, but your staff is here to support you and keep you on the road to success. You don’t have to do everything on your own, so ask for help when you need it. 

Just a heads up but 3 a.m. will be your new bedtime and a planner will become your best friend. The bulk of your life going forward will be related to Sun News, so having and keeping good time management skills will be the best thing you can do for yourself and for Sun News.  

Although being EIC will not be smooth sailing, you will see all the rewards that come from holding this position. Being EIC will teach you more about who you are and who you want to be. It will bless you with some of the strongest relationships you’ll ever have with staff members, professors and other staff and faculty at the university. It will teach you more than you’d ever thought you’d know about being a leader and a student journalist. The blood, sweat and tears will all be worth it at the end of the day.

Lastly, one thing I’ve come to realize is that Sun News does not make you. You make Sun News. Toward the beginning of my leadership in the position, I put too much of my worth on Sun News. The position defined me and the job overcame me. I also found myself comparing myself to others who had come before me, thinking that I was not good enough to be EIC. 

You are what will make Sun News so great and so credible and so rewarding. Although it’s great to learn from those who have come before you as EIC, know that it’s OK to do your own things, make your own rules and lead in the way you feel inspired to. You were chosen for the position because you are Lexy Borgogno, so don’t forget who you are, and you will make Sun News amazing. 

Lexy, you are going to do so many amazing things and leave behind a legacy that won’t ever be forgotten. As EIC, you are not just a leader; you are the guiding light of Sun News Daily, so let that light shine as you continue blazing your trail.

Sincerely, 

Angel Wood

If you are seeking advice on something, message me on Instagram at @angel.utahtech.

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Car Club at Utah Tech aspires to unite community with passion for cars

by Laura McClurePosted on

The roar of engines and the cheers of encouragement from others sound out through the parking lot. 

Once a month in the Karl Brooks Field parking lot at Utah Tech University, the Car Cub meets up to show off cars worth millions of dollars. Southern Utah has a reputation for having a car culture.

Meg Dalley, a sophomore digital design major from St. George and president of the Car Club, said she wanted to bring that culture right to Utah Tech in the hopes of broadening those involved.

Dalley said the inspiration came from her boyfriend’s family and their shop called German Auto & Exotics. Dalley also gets support from Rips Rallies who helps the community grow by showing up to the car shows.

Karson Ray, a senior healthcare administration major from St. George and vice president of the club, said: “We have all kinds of cars, trucks and motorcycles. They range from affordable to exotic. Our first meet had about $1.7 million worth of cars and our second meet had about $2.3 million with several more high-end exotics.”

The shows are not limited to just students. Community members are invited to show up as well. The first show on Feb. 3 had around 60 cars and 120 people. The second show increased to about 80 cars and 150 people. It is not a requirement to bring a car in order to enjoy the show.

Nicholas Fajardo, a senior history education major from St. George, said from the two meets he has been to, there has been a lot of community and alumni that participate, not just students. 

Anyone can show up with any car or vehicle they want to show off. There is a large variety of cars that have been featured, such as:

Ray said: “We have a lot of members that are really, really into tuning and customization, and some that are purists and love the car the way it was engineered. We have a wide variety of cars from American muscle to imports.”

The Car Club hopes to expand things to a larger level in order to do a more formal car show. They have collaborated with Birds Aren’t Real to bring more togetherness and school spirit. So, the hope is to collaborate with the events and promotions office at University Marketing and Communications and to do a car show for the community.

Dalley said: “I’m so happy that people are loving this. It makes me want to take the club to the next level. I would love to have merch and more sophisticated meets or car shows on campus.”

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