Utah Tech University

Student Success Program

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Your Journey Starts Here: The Student Success Program

A Note from Dr. Jamie Kearra, Director of Student Success

“We BELIEVE in our students and their ability to succeed. When you are in our program, you have a team of people who have your back, encouraging you to step out of your comfort zone and build the habits that turn dreams into reality.”

What is the Student Success Program (SSP)?

The SSP is a specially designed first-year experience for Utah Tech students (with a high school GPA of 2.8 or less) to help you build a rock-solid foundation. We don’t just give you a schedule; we give you a personal pathway to your goals and dreams.

Your Success Squad

You aren’t navigating college alone. As a Trailblazer in this program, you are paired with:

  • A Peer Coach: A fellow student who meets with you to set goals, share “insider” college tips, and connect you to campus resources.
  • An Academic Success Advisor: Your go-to expert for balancing your schedule and ensuring you’re on the fastest track to your degree.

Classes That Count

The courses you’ll take aren’t “extra” work—they count toward your General Education credits and help you master the “hidden rules” of college:

  • Trailblazer Connections (SSC 1010): Habits, study hacks, resources, time management, and building your campus community.
  • Active Learning Lab (SSC 1025R): Creating a weekly “game plan” for academic victory.
  • Career Success (SSC 1060): Exploring career paths, designing your career, and developing the “Power Skills” employers crave.

Your “Home Away From Home”

The Student Success Center is your one-stop resource hub on campus. It’s a place to work, relax, and get answers.

  • Tech & Tools: Computers and free printing.
  • The Lounge: Study tables, games, and a cozy place to hang out.
  • Fuel: Snacks to keep you going between classes.
  • The People: Real humans (Advisors and Coaches) ready to answer any question.

Planning Your Future

While you start as a University College student with a General Education major, you can still work toward your dream degree!

Developing a Growth Mindsets

with Carol Dweck

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Benefits

The Student Success Program provides you with the structure, support, and resources to create a foundation for your academic success.  The Student Success Program provides you with the following benefits:

  • PEER COACH –Provides support, resources, financial, career, goal setting, and personal guidance in making your first year of college success.
  • ACADEMIC SUCCESS ADVISOR- Students are required to work with an academic success advisor to ensure that they have a balanced schedule that is aligned with their academic goals. You will meet your Academic Success Advisor at the beginning, middle and end of the semester to support your success.
  • STUDENT SUCCESS COURSES- Required SSC 1010 (Trailblazer Connections), SSC 1025R (Active Learning Lab), SSC 1060 (Career Success).
  • SUCCESS SESSION- As a part of New Student Orientation students will come the Student Success Center to learn more about the resources and support for their academic success.
  • STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER- A place to study, hang out, meet with your peer coach or Success Advisor, and get any of your questions answered about college. As a student in our program, you have access to our computers and can print for free. We have snacks, games, and popcorn for our students.
  • SCHOLARSHIPS- As a student in our program, you are eligible for the Rising Star Scholarship and the GRIT scholarship.

Who Are We

As a part of your admissions at Utah Tech University, you may be admitted into the Student Success Program, a program specifically designed to assist academically at-risk students to succeed at UT.  You have qualified for this program based upon your high school GPA, a combination of your GPA; less than 2.8 enrolls you in the program.  As a student in our program you will have a registration hold placed on your account to ensure that you meet with an advisor prior to registration. This gives you the opportunity to get the best schedule for your success and review degree options and career plans. Additionally, the Student Success classes are only for our students so your enrollment in our class is done with instructor permission, this allows you to receive the full benefits of the program.

Requirements

  • Submit your ACT, SAT or placement test scores to register math and English.
  • Attend Trailblazer pre-semester: W-F before fall semester.
  • Meet with your Peer Coach 2 times during the semester.
  • Complete and pass SSC 1010, SSC 1025R, and SSC 1060.
  • Complete weekly study hall/tutoring hours.
  • Meet with your Academic Success Advisor at midterms and prior to registering for classes.
  • Complete English 1010/1010D, your first math course and a 2.0 GPA.
  • Download the Navigate Student App.

7 Super Tips

from Mel Robbins

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Related Resources

Academic Advisement Math Elab Academic Performance Center Career Services Disability Resources Degree Works Financial Aid Health & Counseling Writing Center Student Support Ask A Question

Contact

Meet Our Team

Jamie Kearra

Director of Student Success

Email: Jamie.Kearra@utahtech.edu

Phone: 435-879-4613

Office: Browning 114