Southern Utah University is a hidden gem in the heart of the country, a place of natural beauty, academic excellence, and endless possibilities. Located in Cedar City, Utah, SUU offers a wealth of opportunities for students looking for a unique college experience.
Whether you’re an incoming freshman, a transfer student, or a returning student, this guide will help you explore SUU’s many offerings and get the most out of your college experience. From academics and housing to clubs and activities, you’ll find everything you need to make your time at SUU enjoyable and successful. Get ready to discover the beauty of SUU and all that it has to offer.
Academics at SUU
Southern Utah University offers an impressive range of academic programs, with more than 80 bachelor’s degrees, 12 masters’ degree programs, and two doctoral degrees. Students can also complete certificate programs at SUU, which are designed for people who are working towards a degree but need specialized training in a particular area.
For example, SUU offers a certificate in Native American studies, which covers a range of topics, including culture, language, and history. SUU also has a large online program and distance education options, which can be helpful if you’re a working adult, or you live in a remote area.
SUU’s excellent faculty are committed to providing high-quality education. SUU’s faculty-to-student ratio is 14:1, which is lower than the national average of 16:1. Students also have access to a variety of support services, including academic advising, disability services, career services, counseling services, financial aid services, and more.
In addition, SUU participates in the National Academic Advising Association’s Transfer Pathways program, which helps students connect their coursework and find the best transfer options. Overall, SUU offers a top-notch academic experience, and its wide range of degree programs means that there’s something for everyone.
Student Housing
Like with many other aspects of college, visiting the student housing options on campus will give you a better idea of what you’re looking for than just reading about it online. While many universities provide traditional dorms, SUU’s housing options include both traditional and off-campus housing options.
There are five different residence halls at SUU, including Hailey, Harker, Kline, Perkins, and Taggart. Hailey and Harker are co-ed, while Kline, Perkins, and Taggart are all female-only. All of these residence halls are traditional dorms, with single rooms, shared bathrooms, and meal plans.
Beyond these traditional dorms, students can also rent off-campus housing in Cedar City, which can be a great way to save money and live with other students. However, you’ll want to schedule a visit to the off-campus housing before you apply for admission to make sure it’s a good fit for you.
Student Life and Campus Activities
Southern Utah University offers a variety of extracurricular activities for students to get involved in. There are over 50 student clubs, as well as several intramural sports teams. Students can also join groups related to specific majors, such as the biology club, the chemistry club, and the business club.
Additionally, SUU has a wide variety of student organizations, including the Environmental Club, the Feminist Club, and the Outdoor Club. While SUU has a vibrant and active campus life, you can also experience the outdoors, mountains, and desert landscapes by exploring Cedar City and Southern Utah.
If you like the outdoors, you can explore Red Canyon—a nearby canyon with a slot canyon, a waterfall, and a desert landscape—or hike in State Park. You can also visit Snow Canyon State Park, which is nearby and offers hiking and sightseeing.
Cedar City also has a vibrant arts and culture scene, which you can discover by visiting the Southern Utah University Art Museum, the Houton-Dineen Gallery, or the Jensen-Stevenson Museum. You can also visit the nearby Great Basin National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, or Zion National Park.
Clubs and Organizations
Southern Utah University has over 50 student clubs. Some popular clubs include the Asian Pacific Islander Student Alliance, the Black Student Union, the English Club, the Environment Club, the French Club, the Hispanic Culture Club, the International Club, the Philosophy Club, the Political Science Club, the Psychology Club, the Religious Studies Club, the Rights and Ethics Club, the Sociology Club, the Theatre Guild, and the Women’s Club.
If you enjoy photography, you might be interested in joining the SUU Photo Club. This club meets once a month to discuss photography and plan photo shoots. If you enjoy writing, you might want to join the Creative Writing Club.
This club meets once a week to discuss creative writing, poetry, and fiction. If you enjoy music, you might want to join the SUU Music Club. This club meets once a week to listen to music, discuss music, and learn how to play an instrument. If you enjoy public speaking, you might want to join the Public Speaking Club. This club meets once a week to practice public speaking and improve communication skills.
Student Support Services
If you’re a first-generation college student or if English is not your first language, you might want to explore the resources offered by SUU’s First Generation Initiative.
This program offers special programming and resources designed to help first-generation students succeed, including workshops, special events, and more. SUU also has Disability Services, which offers students with disabilities access to support, services, accommodations, and help to connect with the proper resources.
SUU’s Counseling Services offer personal counseling, group therapy, and mental health services for students experiencing psychological difficulties or emotional crises. Finally, SUU’s Financial Aid Office can help you navigate the financial aid process and learn about available scholarships and other financial aid options.
Admissions Requirements
There are a few specific requirements all applicants to Southern Utah University must meet. First, you need to be enrolled in a high school that is a member of the Utah System of Higher Education, the National Association for Independent Schools, or the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.
Next, you will need a completed high school transcript, a completed official SAT or ACT score report and a completed application for admission. Additionally, you will need an official high school transcript showing completion of the required courses, an official transcript from any colleges or universities you’ve attended, and either a standardized test score report or a letter of intent.
Finally, you will need to submit all required application materials and a completed application for admission. You can learn more about SUU’s admissions process and requirements at southedu.edu/admissions.
Campus Visit Tips
If you’ve done your research, and you’re ready to visit SUU, you’ll want to make sure you have all the necessary materials. First, make sure you have enough time to visit the campus, explore the area, and attend an admissions information session.
You’ll also want to bring along any official transcripts and standardized test score reports you have. Additionally, it’s a good idea to bring along a résumé to help you stay organized and keep track of everything you do while on campus.
You’ll also want to make sure you have the proper attire and supplies for your visit. First, make sure you wear appropriate clothing for exploring a college campus—jeans, shorts, and flip-flops aren’t recommended! You’ll also want to make sure you have a notebook, pen, and any other supplies you might need for attending an admissions information session.
Finally, if you’ll be visiting during inclement weather, be sure to bring an umbrella, rain jacket, or whatever else you might need to stay comfortable and safe.
Conclusion
Southern Utah University has a lot to offer students, from excellent academic programs to vibrant campus life and a friendly environment. Whether you’re an incoming freshman, a transfer student, or a returning student, there’s a place for you at SUU. Visit southedu.edu to learn more about SUU and explore the application process.
Be sure to prepare for your visit by bringing along any official transcripts and standardized test score reports you have, wearing appropriate clothing, and bringing a notebook and a pen. It’s a good idea to also bring a résumé to help you stay organized and keep track of everything you do while on campus.
Daniel Hill is a Catholic educator with over 10 years of experience in the field. He holds a Master’s degree in Catholic theology from Brescia University and has taught at several Catholic schools across the country. John is passionate about promoting Catholic education and helping students develop their faith alongside their academic skills. He has written extensively on Catholic education topics, including curriculum development, faith formation, and the role of Catholic schools in society. His work has been published in numerous academic journals and he is a frequent speaker at Catholic education conferences. In his free time, Daniel enjoys volunteering at his local parish and spending time with his family.
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