Weber State University is a four-year institution of higher education located in Ogden, Utah. Its focus is upon providing undergraduate programs of the highest quality. WSU offers over 200 separate degrees/programs (see program listing) -- the largest and most comprehensive undergraduate program in the State of Utah. With a student body of over 18,500 drawn predominantly from Utah, but also including students from 50 states and 37 foreign countries, WSU takes pride in its student-centered environment for learning and believes that quality education is founded upon close associations between faculty and students.
Weber State University provides lifelong learning opportunities for a diverse spectrum of students both on and off the main campus, capitalizing extensively on partnerships with private companies and public agencies in the region. Its 60 buildings on 526 acres house abundant classrooms and laboratories, excellent student computing facilities, outstanding performing arts auditoriums, a spacious library, and a well-equipped health and fitness center. The First Year Experience program helps new students adjust to the university community. An active Honors program challenges the best of students, while a variety of support services aids those with particular needs. Academic studies are complemented by a wide range of cocurricular activities, including student government, intramural and intercollegiate athletics, and award-winning performing arts groups. An area of continued growth is WSU-Davis, which provides instruction to students on a new high-tech campus in Layton. In addition to its Ogden and Davis campuses, WSU offers courses throughout the state and Intermountain West.
Through nearly fifty departments and programs in seven colleges, Weber State University offers associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs in a broad variety of liberal arts, sciences, technical and professional fields. The university's commitment to an outstanding educational experience for its students is achieved through extensive personal contact between and among faculty, staff and students in and out of the classroom. Faculty and students engage in basic and applied research, public service, economic development, and learning-oriented partnerships in an environment that encourages freedom of expression while valuing diversity.
Weber State University was founded in Ogden, Utah, as Weber Stake Academy on January 7, 1889, by the Weber Stake Board of Education of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The 1933 Utah Legislature established Weber College as a state junior college and placed it under the control of the Utah State Board of Education. Following World War II the college outgrew its downtown campus and moved to the present 400-acre site, spectacularly perched on the mountainside overlooking Ogden and the Great Salt Lake.
In 1959 the Utah Legislature authorized the addition of upper division courses, leading to award of the first baccalaureate degrees by Weber State College in 1964. The 1969 Legislature created the Utah System of Higher Education, comprising nine public institutions of higher learning, including Weber State College. The system is governed by a State Board of Regents, and each institution has its own Board of Trustees; members of both boards are appointed by the governor.
In 1990 the state legislature renamed the institution Weber State University, effective New Year's Day 1991, appropriately symbolizing its role as Utah's premier public, undergraduate university.
Weber State University provides learning opportunities appropriate to a comprehensive institution of higher education, welcoming participants from all regions, nations, and cultures. The mission of the university is to meet the educational needs of Utah through roles assigned by the State Board of Regents in the liberal arts and sciences and a variety of vocations and professions. Primarily committed to quality undergraduate education, the university offers degree programs which include advanced professional preparation.
Students are admitted on the basis of demonstrated competence in skills that assure a reasonable chance of success in both college and career. Curricular and co-curricular programs emphasize further development of such skills, together with the acquisition of knowledge and development of character. Eligibility for degrees requires meeting established standards of competence through outcomes assessment.
Instructional programs are designed to prepare students for immediate employment or further study, at the same time equipping them through liberal education for lifelong learning in a changing world. The process of learning is emphasized, as well as accumulation of knowledge. Organized around traditional disciplines, the university also cultivates opportunities for faculty and students to transcend disciplinary boundaries. Extensive personal contact and support among students, faculty, and staff create an enriched learning environment both in and out of the classroom.
Weber State University responds to the changing global environment through innovative and conventional instruction, public service activities, and continuous improvement of its programs. To insure vitality for effective teaching and service, the university engages in scholarship, research, artistic expression, and other professional pursuits. The university serves as a cultural center for its region and seeks to be a leader in addressing the particular needs of its diverse students, improving public education, and stimulating economic development through appropriate, learning-oriented partnerships with the community.
Weber State University combines certificate programs, associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and master's degrees in traditional academic areas as well as applied technology, health professions, and professional programs. The following are distinctive characteristics of Weber State University:
Weber State University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. All applied technical education programs are fully accredited by the Utah State Office of Vocational Education. Teacher education programs are fully accredited by the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification. In addition, specific professional agencies currently accredit or approve the following departments and programs:
The Weber State catalog is published through the Office of Academic Affairs. Although some areas of information are covered in detail, much of the content is presented in a general way. While the program requirements in the printed catalog reflect curricula approved through January 2006, the on-line catalog includes subsequent decisions and corrections (see Errata). Students should refer to the official schedule of classes which is available before and during registration each semester. The catalog is not to be considered a binding contract between Weber State and any student or other institution. Weber State reserves the right to change its regulations or course offerings as conditions require during the period of any student's attendance.
WSU routinely conducts campus-based studies of student attitudes, student achievement, student satisfaction, and personal, professional and career development. These studies are grouped under the heading of student outcomes assessment. Each WSU student is expected to participate in outcomes assessment. While every student is not selected for participation in every activity, it is likely that an individual student will be involved in one or more assessment activities during the college years. It is only through cooperative participation in the assessment process that WSU can better understand itself and better serve its students. For more information on outcomes assessment at WSU, contact the Office of Academic Affairs, MAB 306, 801-626-6006, http://weber.edu/AcademicAffairs/assessment.html.
Weber State University is committed to protecting the personal rights of all responsible students and employees by providing an environment free from harassment and other forms of discrimination based upon race, color, ethnic background, national origin, religion, creed, age, lack of American citizenship, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or preference, or gender, including sexual/gender harassment. Such an environment is a necessary part of a healthy learning and working atmosphere. Unlawful discrimination undermines human dignity and the sense of community WSU seeks to foster.
Discrimination and harassment are illegal and specifically prohibited by the constitutions, statutes, precedents and regulations of the United States and Utah. It is the policy of the University to vigorously enforce these laws among its students and employees.
A grievance procedure is available to enforce this policy. Individuals who believe any of these rights have been violated should review information available at the Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity website (http://departments.weber.edu/aaeeo). Note that persons who participate in this grievance procedure in good faith are protected against retaliation for doing so. Questions may also be directed to the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1961 Stout Street, Room 1185 FOB, Denver, Colorado 80294-3538, Voice Phone 303-844-2024, Fax 303-844-2025, TDD 303-844-3439.
Pivotal to Weber State University's mission is the need to embrace and value the diversity of its members. Acknowledging the uniqueness of each individual, we seek to cultivate an environment that encourages freedom of expression. Because the University is a community where inquiry is nurtured and theories are tested, every individual has the right to feel safe to express ideas that differ from those held by other members of the community. However, all persons who aspire to be part of our campus community must accept the responsibility to demonstrate civility and respect for the dignity of others. Recognizing that the proper balance between freedom of expression and respect for others is not always apparent or easy to achieve, we must continually challenge ourselves and each other in an atmosphere of mutual concern, good will and respect. Therefore, expressions or actions that disparage an individual's or group's ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, age or disability are contrary to the mission of Weber State University.
All students at Weber State University have the right, with appropriate rationale, to request a waiver of University policies or requirements. Help with preparing waiver requests can be obtained from the Registrar's Office, SC 201, 801-626-6046, or from the Assistant Dean of Students, Davis Campus Room 261, 801-395-3460.
Students attending the University are expected to adhere to certain standards as defined in the Weber State University Student Code, a copy of which is available from the Office of the Dean of Students (Shepherd Student Union, Room 250) or on-line at http://weber.edu/ppm/6-22.htm.
Weber State University 2006-2007 Catalog