Southern Utah University is launching new initiatives to support its growing population of non-traditional students and prospective online learners, including a specialized campus visit program scheduled to begin in mid-August. These efforts aim to bridge the gap between remote study and in-person community for working adults and distance learners.
New Campus Visit Program
The university's Graduate and Online Programs announced July 24, 2026, the launch of Campus Connections, a specialized visit experience designed specifically for prospective online students. The program allows future learners to explore their potential academic home in person before enrolling in degree programs.
According to a university announcement, the inaugural event is scheduled to kick off on August 14. These single-day events are designed for working adult learners and will run from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Each session includes a guided campus tour, meetings with academic program directors and university leaders, and a resource fair featuring financial aid counselors, advisors, and admissions representatives.
To incentivize attendance, the university will offer prizes during the events, including two $500 scholarships. While the program is free to attend, Southern Utah University requires attendees and their guests to register in advance via the university's website.
Connecting Online Learners
The Campus Connections initiative aims to foster a sense of belonging for students who typically study remotely. SUU's Associate Vice President of Graduate and Online Enrollment stated that studying online should not mean studying alone, noting the program is designed to introduce students to the people and services that support their educational journeys.
"We want prospective students to experience the T-Bird spirit firsthand, meet their future mentors, and know that a dedicated support system stands behind them," the university official said in the July 24 announcement.
Beyond academic exploration, the university is encouraging students to pair their visits with Cedar City's local culture. The program highlights opportunities to visit the Utah Shakespeare Festival, attend athletic events, or explore nearby national parks.
Support for Non-Traditional Students
The push for specialized student services follows data showing that non-traditional students now represent approximately 42% of the current enrollment at Southern Utah University. The university defines these students as individuals who are over the age of 25, have children, or have taken at least a three-year break from their formal education.
To assist this demographic, the university operates the Non-Traditional Student Services Center located in the Sharwan Smith Student Center. This center provides tailored resources to help students balance coursework with adult responsibilities such as careers, childcare, and military service.
Services provided by the center include peer mentoring, assistance with navigating financial aid, and connections to childcare resources. The center also provides family passes to SUU athletic games, theater performances, and various campus events to help students integrate their families into the university experience.
A Growing Student Demographic
The growing number of non-traditional students reflects a national trend of adults returning to higher education to upskill or change careers. For the Cedar City community, this demographic represents a vital part of the local fabric, including working parents, veterans, and lifelong learners.
Emily Walters, a peer mentor at the Non-Traditional Student Services Center, noted in a recent SUU News feature that it is rewarding to watch these students achieve their dreams. Walters observed that non-traditional students often face struggles in both school and their personal lives that differ significantly from the experiences of stereotypical college students.
Allisa Thayer, a student at the university, shared how she manages the demands of running a business and caring for her three-year-old son while pursuing a degree. Thayer credited her grandmother as her primary support system, stating, "I navigate work, school and family by having a good support system."
A Legacy of Distance Learning
Southern Utah University's Graduate and Online department continues a legacy of distance education that dates back over 128 years. The department currently offers a wide range of flexible degree options, including 13 master's degrees, 13 bachelor's degrees, two associates degrees, and 10 graduate certificates.
Among these offerings is the Speedway Bachelor of General Studies, which the university identifies as one of the most affordable bachelor's degrees in the nation. The university maintains that its combination of affordability, flexibility, and student success programs provides an education without compromise for students across the globe.
Center Information
The Non-Traditional Student Services Center remains available to all students seeking connection and support. It is located in room ST 172 of the Sharwan Smith Student Center.
