Southern Utah University

Academics

In May 2013, SUU had 8,000 students and 261 full-time faculty members and another 102 adjunct faculty to give a student/faculty ratio of 20:1. SUU admitted 57.3 percent freshmen that applied, making a total of 1,264 new freshmen in September 2012 that boasted an average GPA of 3.5 and an average composite ACT score of 22.95. SUU currently boasts a 53 percent graduation rate.

The University awards associates, bachelor's and master's degrees that are divided into four colleges and two schools. The combined total of 85 bachelor's degrees are offered and eight master's degrees.

Rankings

For the last five years has ranked SUU as a Best Value College and also five years running ranked in the western list of Best Colleges: Region by Region. In July 2012 the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges recognized SUU, one of only 27 universities in the U.S., as a designated public and sciences university. also has placed SUU seven times as one of the best colleges in the western U.S., and it has been listed twice as one of "America's 100 Best College Buys." The University's host town was named in July 2014 as a "50 Great Affordable College Town" by the Council for Community and Economic Research.

Service Learning The J L Sorenson Physical Education Building

A main academic practice by all SUU students is Service Learning. A curricular-based educational experience in which students participate in organized service activities that meet community needs. Curricular projects are assigned to students in the classroom and are designed to generate further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of discipline, and enhanced sense of civic responsibility. Service learning was further integrated into SUU students' curriculum with the founding of the Education Designed to Give Experience (EDGE) program in September 2011.

EDGE has students doing projects that align with one of the five engagement centers located at SUU: Community Engagement Center, Creative Engagement Center, Sargon Heinrich Global Engagement Center, Leadership Engagement Center or the Harry Reid Outdoor Engagement Center. Students work closely with faculty and do projects outside the classroom to better prepare for the 21st century and giving them a competitive edge.

Many students that get involved in the Community Engagement Center do so within the many student-run organizations operated under the philosophy of the concept. Between 50-100 students per academic year spend their Spring and/or Winter Breaks in Mexico or other locations in the U.S. (recently Colorado, Washington state, and New Orleans) providing service to orphanages, schools, and even . Other programs include , , After School Program, and Adopt a Grandparent program. On location in the center is the HOPE Pantry where students can unanimously donate or receive food as needed, the pantry is typically filled through the center's popular Bread and Soup Nite. Students can also participate in the Service-Learning Scholar and AmeriCorps programs through the center.

Performing & visual arts

SUU has a large amount of performing and visual arts opportunities for students and local community. Students perform more than 250 performances each year and vocal students have won countless competitions with the and National Association of Teachers of Singers.

The Department of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and offers SUU students a wide array of musical opportunities. The Department of Theatre Arts and Dance offers two types of degrees and is closely connected with the , which is housed at SUU. It recently created a minor in Shakespeare studies and has had its students performing across the globe, most recently in China.