Education is a gateway to increased economic stability, improved quality of life, and enhanced civic engagement — but above all, it can be a conduit for pursuing one’s dreams. The Office of Academic Affairs is committed to pathways that allow seekers of education better access to the U. Through partnerships, scholarships and innovative solutions, we aim to bring qualified students of all backgrounds to the state’s flagship institution. We recognize that education often requires sacrifice and we embrace the responsibility of ensuring that students at the U receive the support and resources they need to be successful. We care for students, their futures, and their families. We are invested in student retention, completion, belonging and placement and will relentlessly pursue the success of every student.

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As a member of the Association of American Universities, and one of America’s leading research institutions, the U is committed to building world-class research programs and attracting and retaining the best faculty from across the nation and throughout the world. We are equally committed to delivering outstanding undergraduate, graduate and professional education that prepares students for leadership roles that will impact our community. As we seek to become a top-10 public university, we are driven by a common focus on excellence, efficiency and effectiveness in all we do. We honor operational excellence and look to nimbly adapt and improve in all opportunities, honoring the public trust and resources we are given.

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The Office of Academic Affairs is dedicated to making the University of Utah a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, faculty and staff. We are a campus that welcomes everyone, across geography, ideology and identity. The things that make us different are a source of strength, central to furthering our mission to create new knowledge and prepare students for success. We believe in the power of a place where everyone belongs.

Commitment to campus

During the 2024-2025 academic year, the College of Humanities, College of Science, College of Social and Behavioral Science, and School for Cultural and Social Transformation are participating in a project to improve how we deliver critical support services to faculty, staff, and students. This project is commissioned by the president and provost, with approval from the board of trustees, and executed by the Academic Excellence Taskforce, which is composed of deans and provides recommendations and feedback on strategic initiatives and change management aligned with the University of Utah strategic planning process, Impact 2030.

Elevating the Honors College to a top-tier status will significantly contribute to the University of Utah’s reputation, attract exceptional students and faculty and enhance research and educational outcomes. This project represents a critical step towards achieving these objectives by leveraging comparative insights and stakeholder perspectives to craft a robust strategy for excellence and innovation in the Honors College.

At the direction of U President Taylor Randall, the Wellbeing and Resilience (W+R) Initiative is focused on elevating wellbeing efforts among faculty and staff across Academic Affairs. The purpose of this initiative is to promote a thriving campus culture characterized by care, wellbeing, and academic success. This initiative will build upon the excellent efforts already underway for students through the Center for Campus Wellness and through the Resiliency Center for the Health Sciences, involving other experts across campus.