Katie Armstrong

Utah Tech University's Polytechnic Mission combines a rich university experience with career readiness, emphasizing real, active, and applied learning opportunities through industry partnerships. This mission aims to elevate all academic programs, from business and healthcare to STEM, humanities, and arts, by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. The university seeks to address regional workforce gaps, drive economic prosperity, and prepare students for the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, ensuring graduates are equipped for good jobs and contribute to the community's growth.

This document is a handbook detailing Utah Tech University's Master of Science in Sport Management program. It provides an overview of the online graduate degree, its program learning outcomes, and available emphases in Athletic Administration and Sport Performance Management. The handbook also covers course delivery, scheduling, internship and study abroad opportunities, advising, registration, enrollment, degree requirements, financial aid, and policies regarding student expectations, academic standards, and university conduct.

The Academic Council meeting involved several key actions and discussions. The council unanimously approved the minutes from the December 2, 2025 meeting. Several program proposals were addressed: the Whitepaper: BAP in Individualized Studies was approved unanimously; the Masters in AI program proposal was tabled for the February 3, 2026 meeting; and the New Non-Credit Bearing Program: Variant Science Certificate was approved unanimously, with a suggestion to explore options for a Center of Variant Science. Discussions were held regarding revisions to Policy #109 (Institutional Neutrality), which was tabled pending clarification from General Counsel due to concerns about academic freedom and potential conflicts with other policies. Policy #223 (Travel) was approved unanimously. Policy #136 (Private Use of University Property) was denied by a vote of 23 approved, 4 abstention, 4 not present, after discussion about required notification processes, and further comments were requested. Policy #505 (Financial Aid, Scholarships and Waivers) was approved unanimously. Finally, the council unanimously approved a motion to change the University calendar to mirror the WCSD Fall 2026 break schedule (10/15-10/16), and discussed calendar changes for future years.

This 2020-2025 strategic plan, titled 'Trailblazing Distinction,' serves as a roadmap for Dixie State University, guiding institutional growth, elevating offerings, and distinguishing the university as an open, inclusive, comprehensive, and polytechnic institution. The plan is organized around five strategic goals: Academic Distinction, Strategic Enrollment Growth, Institutional Capacity and Performance, Community as University, and Faculty and Staff Life. It aims to deliver unique learning experiences and resources, fostering exceptional student learning and success, and preparing graduates to make a significant global impact through 'Active Learning. Active Life.' opportunities.

Utah Tech University's strategic plan, Trailblazing Distinction 2020-2025, outlines the institution's direction as an open, inclusive, comprehensive, and polytechnic university. The plan focuses on mission fulfillment through core pillars, enhancing student achievement with initiatives for retention and equity, and strengthening programmatic assessment. Key priorities include optimizing institutional capacity (human, financial, facility, and IT capital), fostering an Innovation District, and implementing a robust strategic enrollment plan.