PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS:
A Guide to BlockU and LEAP
IMAGINE
IMAGINE Learning with an engaged group of peers interested in helping you achieve your goals and ensuring that you succeed and progress. Step One: Imagine. Step Two: Do.
Welcome to the University of Utah. Your success is our top priority.
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elping students excel is a core mission of the University of Utah. To help advance this core mission the University has created numerous resources for students to ensure their transition to the U is seamless and their experience is successful. Two of the premier resources for a new student’s transition to the University of Utah are LEAP and BlockU, programs designed to bridge a student’s high school career into a successful University experience. With all these resources at your disposal, which is right for you? This guide will help you answer that question and help you get on the right path to success at the University of Utah.
What Is BlockU?
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he BlockU program is comprised of a set schedule of two-semesters—15 hours each semester—that bundles General Education, support for student success, and integrated learning which are all organized around a specific theme such as Global Citizenship, Sustainability, or Creativity and Community. BlockU students participate in community–based learning, a set of General Education courses organized around a central theme, and have the support of peer mentors, student success advocates, and dedicated librarians. Students participate in applied, integrated learning experiences during the second semester. It is possible to complete all General Education requirements in two consecutive semesters of BlockU. The aim of BlockU is to provide the best support for student success, an integrated course through General Education and the application of new knowledge in real-world learning applications.
What Is LEAP?
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EAP stands for Learning, Engagement, Achievement, and Progress, and is the perfect way to transition from your high school experience to life at the University of Utah. LEAP is a year-long learning community that enables new students to transition more confidently to college and play an active role in their own education. Students work with outstanding faculty in small classes and participate in social and service activities with other students and Peer Advisors. At the heart of LEAP is a year-long seminar in which students stay with the same classmates and faculty member. The seminar is paired both fall and spring with writing classes reserved for LEAP students. In the spring, LEAP students are offered optional LEAP-only add-on classes in library research and major selection. Many LEAP classes carry Community Engaged Learning credit. The year-long seminar fulfills two general education requirements and the University’s diversity requirement. LEAP will prepare you to succeed in your future college work by actively engaging you as an individual and in teams to think analytically, creatively, and practically about issues important to the role of the citizen—nationally and globally.
Comparing BlockU and LEAP BlockU
LEAP
Duration
2 semesters
2 semesters
Courses Per Semester
5
1 required
General Education Requirements Fulfilled
*All
3–5
Seats Available
180
1000
Emphasis Areas
6
14
Scholarships Available
None
Yes after completing LEAP
Required For Graduation
No
For some Engineering majors
Topics Of Study
Arts & Science,
Business, Community Engagement,
Creativity & Community,
Education, Engineering, Exploration,
Entrepreneurship & Society,
Fine Arts, College of Health,
Global Citizenship,
Health Sciences, International Issues,
Medical Humanities,
Living and Learning, Pre-Law,
and Sustainability.
Pre-Nursing, Science, and Urban Ecology.
* In most cases all GE requirements will be fulfilled by completing two consecutive semesters of BlockU as prescribed.
BlockU Topics of Study
Arts & Science
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iscover the crossroads where art and science meet, and how the relationship between these two disciplines has changed over time. Take part in a new movement working to move beyond old ideas and discover how the relationship between these two exciting fields intersects in the world today. If you can imagine yourself as part of a new frontier of cross-disciplinary scholars learning today, this BlockU has your name on it. 17367 UGS 2240 Arts & Science BlockU 11230 GNDR 1100 Gender & Social Change 5821 COMM 3420 Performance & Culture
(M,W 3:00 p.m. - 4:20 p.m.) Torti, S., Hollenberg, S. (T, H 10:45 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.) Gutierrez, R.J. (T, H 2:00 p.m. - 3:20 p.m.) Strine, M.S.
BlockU Topics of Study
Creativity & Community
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xplore the role and use of arts in effective social, political, and environmental advocacy. You will learn how to partner artistic expression with effective grass-roots organization. Begin to channel your creativity and change the collective consciousness. If you can imagine having a positive impact on the institutions, organizations, and communities that affect our society, you will love this BlockU. 17166 BlockU Creativity & Community 7102 FCS 3290-001 Ethnic Minority Families 12597 ART 1015 Response to Materials
(F 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.) Krensky, B., Silverstone, N. (M, W 9:40 a.m. - 11:35 a.m.) Solorzano, A. (F 9:40 a.m. - 12:40 p.m.) Brunvand, S.
BlockU Topics of Study
Entrepreneurship & Society
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o you have the next big idea? Learn about entrepreneurship historically and theoretically while you develop the skill set needed to be a successful business owner. Discover the economic, political, artistic, and humanistic forces that influence (and are influenced by) entrepreneurship. If you can imagine yourself as an innovative thinker with a mind for business, this BlockU is right up your alley. 16973 MGT 1010 Entrep. & Soc. BlockU 13137 CHEM 1020 Culinary Chemistry 10929 DES 2615 Intro to Design Thinking
(M,W 10:45 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.) (T 4:35 p.m. - 7:35 p.m.) (M,W 3:05 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
Burns, B. Sebahar, H.L. Tsoutsounakis, E.D.
BlockU Topics of Study
Global Citizenship
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he world we live in is getting smaller and smaller every day. The globalization of our planet affects each one of us. From healthcare, to the environment, to poverty and popular culture—discover ways to define your global footprint. If you can imagine yourself exploring global ideas and solutions, this BlockU is just what you’re looking for.
17167 UGS 2230 Global Citizen BlockU 12078 BIOL 1010 Biology in 21st Century 1104 LING 1200 Intro Study Language
(T, H 3:00 p.m. - 4:20 p.m.) Sun, Y., Jordan, J. (T, H 9:10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.) Vickers, T.M. (M, W 11:50 a.m. - 1:10 p.m.) Hayes-Harb, R.
BlockU Topics of Study
Medical Humanities
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tudy issues surrounding medicine, biomedical research, and public health through the eyes of the humanities. Find solutions to a wide range of questions. For instance: How does culture and society play a role in defining health and disease? How does philosophy or literature help us understand the role of the physician? What are some of the problems surrounding the conversation between doctors, patients, and caretakers when making important decisions at the end of life? If you can imagine yourself as a pre-med student or someone interested in medicine explored through the humanities, this BlockU is waiting for you. For schedule contact Andrea Haag at 801-581-3811.
BlockU Topics of Study
Sustainability
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n what kind of world do you want to live, and how can you go about getting there? Learning how to engage effectively in the dialogue surrounding these two questions requires an intimate understanding of how science, society, and the environment all fit together. If you can imagine yourself shaping our world for future generations, then this is the BlockU for you. 17036 UGS 2210-001 Imagined Landscapes: Visions of Sustainability 1230 BIOL 2400-001 Principals of Wildlife/Ecology Conservation 8466 CMP 2010-001 Urban Ecology
(T, H 12:25 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.)
Barbanell
(M,W 11:50 a.m. - 1:10 p.m.) (T, H 10:45 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.)
Sibul Goldsmith
The Writing Connection
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ll LEAP students are invited to take special LEAP-only versions of the required Writing 1010 and 2010 courses. If you qualify for Writing 1010, take Writing 1011, and if you qualify for Writing 2010, take Writing 2011.
The Writing 1011 course fulfills the same requirements as Writing 1010, and the Writing 2011 course fulfills the same requirements as Writing 2010. In addition, these LEAP writing courses are taught by Writing Program faculty who work with LEAP faculty so that being in one course helps you with the other.
Business LEAP
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he place for success is Business LEAP, a learning community of pre-business students who are curious and motivated. Business LEAP promotes social networking, civic engagement, intellectual and practical skills development, and multicultural awareness for personal and academic achievement.
There are many benefits to participating in the year-long learning community that the Business LEAP program offers, including small class sizes and social and academic connections to the School of Business (advising, events, and clubs). You will find your Business LEAP experience will build friendships, foster teamwork and collaboration, build research skills, involve you in interesting discussions on ethical business issues and practices, and introduce you to business concepts and the global economy. The Business LEAP is a sequence of two courses over two-semesters which fulfill three requirements and 6-7 credit hours (Social/Behavioral Science Exploration [BF], Humanities Exploration [HF], Diversity [DV]) for graduation: Business LEAP - 1101-007, 008, 009 (Fall Semester) Business LEAP - 1100 (Spring Semester)
Community Engagement LEAP
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he Community Engagement LEAP (CEL) is a year-long learning community designed for students interested in service and community engagement. CEL offers a variety of service learning opportunities including: • Mentoring potential first generation • Mentoring adult ESL students college students • Tutoring Title I elementary school students • Mentoring refugee families and students • Volunteering at Crossroads Urban Center
CEL provides students with the ability to make a difference in the world around them in the following ways: • • • •
Volunteering will be 25% of your grade Community Engagement requirements are built into the class Library research course is included as part of both semesters A classroom visit from a University college
• • • •
representative to help plan registration Visit from Bennion Center representative to explain CEL Scholars program LEAP scholarship possibilities LEAP leadership possibilities as a Peer Advisor Team building skills
The Community-Engagement LEAP (CEL) satisfies three graduation requirements: CEL LEAP - 1101-001, 002, 003 (Fall Semester): Social and Behavioral Science General Education Requirement (BF) CEL LEAP - 1100 (Spring Semester): Diversity Requirement (DV) and Humanities General Education Requirement (HF)
Education LEAP
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ducation LEAP is a two-semester learning community designed for prospective education majors. Special opportunities for education LEAP students include participating in a small learning community comprised of other education majors, staying with the same professor and students the entire year, learning about majors in the College of Education, and getting to know advisors. Education LEAP students will also study social issues that provide important background for Education majors, learn how to do library research in special classes tailored for the needs of education students, and participate in LEAP program activities including the Fall Picnic and Food Drive. In addition, students will be able to take advantage of scholarship and leadership opportunities reserved for LEAP students. Education LEAP satisfies three graduation requirements: Education LEAP - 1101-004 (Fall Semester): Social and Behavioral Science General Education Requirement (BF) Education LEAP - 1100 (Spring Semester): Diversity Requirement (DV) and Humanities General Education Requirement (HF)
Engineering LEAP
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ngineering LEAP (E-LEAP) courses provide opportunities to be with one professor and the same classmates for an entire year. Fall E-LEAP courses focus on the ethical standards of engineers in national and global settings and in spring semester classes, they focus on how concepts of community have developed and been implemented in the American experience. E-LEAP classes provide team building, presentation skills, and library research strategies. The following majors REQUIRE participation in E-LEAP:
• Civil and Environmental Engineering • Computer Engineering • Electrical Engineering
• Materials Science Engineering • Mining Engineering in the College of Mines
All other engineering majors highly recommend enrolling in E-LEAP. Please check with your advisor in the College of Engineering and College of Mines. E-LEAP satisfies three graduation requirements: E-LEAP - 1501 (Fall Semester): Social and Behavioral Science General Education Requirement (BF) E-LEAP - 1500 (Spring Semester): Diversity Requirement (DV) and Humanities General Education Requirement (HF)
Exploration LEAP
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ll the following are LEAP 1101 courses. They fulfill credit toward one of the two general education requirements in Social and Behavioral Sciences and earn students three credits toward graduation. They also provide academic advising for spring semester classes and guarantee students early spring semester registration. All sections will include a component of exploration for your major. The spring versions of these classes (LEAP 1100) fulfill one humanities requirement and the diversity requirement. LEAP 1101-010/ 011 Social Construction of Race: Past and Present - Professor Belinda Saltiban What is race? How does it affect you? Is race something we just make up, or is there a real difference between people of different races? Do white people have a race? What are the ideas and theories that have influenced popular perceptions about race and have justified racist laws and policies? This class will look at some of the “scientific” theories, legal decisions, media representations, and popular beliefs about race and how they have been used in the past as well as how they play out today in a variety of cultural and socio-political arenas including campus, the state legislature, and community relations. LEAP 1101-012/013 The Environmental Consciousness - Professor Michael White In his groundbreaking 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Aldo Leopold introduced his Land Ethic, in which he sought to enlarge the boundaries of the community to include soils, waters, plants, animals, or collectively “the land.” This course will explore notions of community and diversity through an environmental lens. It will examine the ecological, political, cultural, and ethical dimensions of the often vexed and always complex relationship between human beings and the natural (or non-human) world. Readings will include scholarly articles from a variety of fields, first-person narratives, traditional myths, and an assortment of other textual sources. The course aims to provide the student with both a sense of historical scope and multicultural breadth.
Fine Arts LEAP
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he Fine Arts LEAP is a year-long learning community providing students with opportunities in community engagement and fine arts. The Fine Arts LEAP fulfills three requirements in two semesters, helps earn service-learning credit, and introduces students to fine arts professionals. As part of the Fine Arts LEAP, students create an original musical, exhibit and documentary, receive library research instruction, and learn about grant writing. Fine Arts LEAP participants also receive reduced price tickets to Utah Symphony and Utah Opera performances. Students have access to LEAP scholarships, Peer Advisor positions, and activities. Fine Arts LEAP - 1101-016, 017, 018 (Fall Semester) Fulfills a Social and Behavioral Science and Community Engagement requirement. Fine Arts LEAP - 1100-016, 017, 018 (Spring Semester) Fulfills a humanities and diversity requirement and the option of an additional credit hour (LEAP 1060) for those who complete both semesters of library sessions as part of the course.
College of Health LEAP
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ollege of Health (CoH) LEAP is for students interested in careers in health, medicine, nursing and pharmacy, and is a year-long learning community with small classes called “seminars.”
The fall semester CoH LEAP examines literature about diverse cultural groups in the United States for the purpose of developing cultural competence in providing healthcare to these groups. The spring semester CoH LEAP examines bioethical issues through the framework of the humanities in order to situate health care within its essential human context. The seminars connect you to a professor who teaches both fall and spring semesters, classmates you’ll be with for both semesters, and faculty, advisors, and librarians in the College of Health and elsewhere on campus. The seminars help you to develop critical thinking and effective reading strategies, fluency in oral and written expression, the ability to work effectively in teams, library research skills (an extra hour of credit is available for completing library work folded into the seminar), and familiarity with your University campus and the academic, service, and professional opportunities it offers. CoH LEAP satisfies two graduation requirements if you complete both semesters: CoH-LEAP - 1100-002, 003, 004 (Fall Semester): Diversity Requirement (DV) CoH-LEAP - 2004 (Spring Semester): Humanities General Education Requirement (HF)
Health Sciences LEAP (application required)
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he Health Sciences LEAP program (HS LEAP) is part of the LEAP Plus Program and is an application-only program. As part of Health Sciences LEAP, you will be one of 35 freshmen students taking selected courses together during your first year at the University. These courses will fill regular requirements as well as prepare you for and introduce you to careers in the health sciences. You will get to know other students who share similar career and educational goals and a similar background. If accepted into the HS LEAP, you will need to register fall semester for LEAP 1100-005. Someone will be at orientation to give you an individual permission code. Health Sciences LEAP sponsors activities each year and you will have the chance to meet and get to know faculty from the College of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, College of Health, and Physician Assistant Program. HS LEAP visits each of these colleges and works to ensure you know admissions criteria, programs offered, and to whom to ask questions. You will also have a chance to talk with health sciences students currently participating in graduate programs. Health Sciences LEAP is a great way to start your college career and make you a more competitive applicant for health professions programs. Plus, it’s a chance to find your place at the U, meet great people, and enjoy your college education.
LEAP and Honors Connection
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o qualify for the Honors College, LEAP students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.50. LEAP students who enter the Honors College after their freshman year are given credit for two courses if they have completed both LEAP sections. After they are admitted into the Honors College, they will be advised to take the following courses in order to complete the Honors Certificate: 1. One semester of Honors Core in Intellectual Traditions 2. One semester of Honors Writing, either Honors 2211 or 3200 3. One additional Honors course (American Institutions, Honors Calculus, Construction of Knowledge, Honors Core in Intellectual Traditions, Honors Core in Social and Behavioral Science, Honors Core in Physical and Life Science, Honors Core in Fine Arts, or any of the Honors Seminars) The following are special considerations for the LEAP and Honors Connection: 1. Honors students seeking the certificate may not AP out of any of the five required courses. 2. The Honors Calculus is no longer required for a University Honors Degree but instead will be satisfied by the student’s departmental requirement. 3. LEAP students with a 3.50 GPA will not automatically be accepted to Honors but must complete the application procedure. 4. Students must maintain a cumulative 3.50 GPA.
International LEAP
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he International LEAP (I-LEAP) is the only LEAP program to satisfy four graduation requirements over the course of two-semesters. I-LEAP focuses on the growing inter-connectivity of the world and assumes that what we learn in a national arena can be applied to an international arena and vice versa. During fall semester I-LEAP discusses the experience of immigrants and refugees in America and in spring semester discusses ways in which diversity is dealt with in countries including India, Australia, and Rwanda. Spring semester ends with a role-playing game (one of the “Reacting to the Past” games from Barnard College), focusing on the process South Africans went through to move beyond apartheid. I-LEAP satisfies four graduation requirements: I-LEAP - 1100-007 (Fall Semester): University’s Diversity Requirement (DV) and Humanities General Education Requirement (HF) I-LEAP - 1101 (Spring Semester): University’s International Requirement (IR) and Social and Behavioral Science Education Requirement (BF)
Living and Learning LEAP
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iving and Learning LEAP is for first-year students living on campus. Students will live together on a single floor in the residence halls (where a Peer Advisor will also live) and take LEAP classes in the LEAP House, which is conveniently located next door to the Peterson Heritage Center. Qualified Living and Learning LEAP students also can choose to enroll in Writing 2011- Intermediate Writing for LEAP students, held in the Peterson Heritage Center. Students will take one of two LEAP sections, both on Tuesdays and Thursdays; one at 9:10 a.m. (LEAP 1101-014) and the other at 10:45 a.m. (LEAP 1101-15). If you want to take the Writing 2011 class at 9:10 a.m. at Peterson Heritage Center, sign up for the 10:45 a.m. Living and Learning LEAP class. Living and Learning LEAP satisfies three general education requirements: one humanities, one social science, and the only University diversity requirement. As in all LEAP classes, you’ll study and practice community. The classes are small (24 students), and instruction is by discussion and small group work. The class is designed to teach you the general academic skills you’ll need to be successful at the University (close reading, critical thinking, argumentative writing, research skills), as well as introduce you to the fundamental questions governing research in humanities and social sciences. The Living and Learning LEAP also offers social and service opportunities.
Pre-Law LEAP (application required)
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he Pre-Law LEAP is an application-only program and is committed to the recruitment of diverse students, recognizing that a diverse student population enriches and benefits the academic, research, and civic responsibilities of the institution and community. We therefore seek students from varied backgrounds including, but not limited to, racial and ethnic minority students, or those considered economically disadvantaged or socially and educationally underserved. Pre-Law LEAP is a great way to start your college career and make you a more competitive applicant for the legal profession. Pre-Law LEAP will help prepare you for law school, and develop skills in research, critical thinking, writing, and speaking. You will hear attorneys specializing in different areas of law, observe courtroom proceedings, engage in service learning with law-related community partners, prepare for the LSAT, and get help with law school applications. As a Pre-Law LEAP student you will also get priority registration for classes. Pre-Law LEAP is a great chance to find your place at the U, meet people, and enjoy your college education. We are here to make sure you have the support and resources to succeed. Pre-Law LEAP students can also participate in activities of the wider LEAP Program, and interact with LEAP students from other colleges such as Business, Health Sciences, and Engineering. Please visit leap.utah.edu/program-options/pre-law.php to learn more about how to apply for the Pre-Law LEAP.
Pre-Nursing LEAP (application required)
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n the Pre-Nursing LEAP, you will be part of a small cohort of freshmen students taking selected courses together during your first two years at the University. During the first year you will take LEAP courses with other pre-nursing students with a maximum class size of 35. These courses will fill regular requirements as well as prepare you for and introduce you to careers in nursing and other health professions. You will get to know other students who share similar career and educational goals. During the second year you will take an exploration class with your Pre-Nursing LEAP cohort and have the opportunity to participate in experiences such as undergraduate research or community engaged (service) learning. Upon acceptance into the Pre-Nursing LEAP program, you will register for LEAP 1100-001. Someone will be at orientation to give you your individual permission code. In the second semester, you will register for LEAP 2004, a bioethics class. First-year courses fulfill both the University’s humanities and diversity requirements. LEAP program advisors are always available to answer questions and assist you in tailoring your education to meet your needs. The Pre-Nursing LEAP, in partnership with the Health Sciences LEAP, sponsors activities each year, including a reception for students and parents and participation in the Undergraduate Research Symposium. You will have the chance to meet and get to know faculty from the College of Nursing and other departments in the health sciences. Pre-Nursing LEAP advisors work with the College of Nursing to ensure you understand admissions criteria for the nursing program and to whom to ask questions. You will also have a chance to talk with current nursing students.
Science LEAP
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cience LEAP is a two-semester program designed for students from the College of Science and is intended to aid students in placing the study of science within a broader academic context. In this course, students will learn about science as a social process and the role humanities and diversity plays in a well-rounded scientific world view. Through team projects and close student instructor interaction, Science LEAP attempts to help science students form a supportive cohort that will continue to function as they proceed through their major. The course develops a student’s skills in reading, researching, writing, critical thinking, working in teams, and presenting material orally and persuasively. Science LEAP satisfies three graduation requirements: Science LEAP - 1101-006 (Fall Semester): Social and Behavioral Science General Education Requirement (BF) Science LEAP - 1100 (Spring Semester): Diversity Requirement (DV) and Humanities General Education Requirement (HF)
Urban Ecology LEAP
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rban Ecology LEAP classes are designed to give students the option of fulfilling general education requirements while taking classes that focus on city and metropolitan planning, architecture, and environmental studies. The fall class (LEAP 1101-005) fulfills a social and behavioral science requirement, while the spring class (LEAP 1100) fulfills a humanities requirement and the University’s diversity requirement. Both courses consider the way cities shape our social identities. Urban Ecology LEAP should be of interest to anyone planning to study architecture, urban planning, sustainability, or environmental issues.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT LEAP AND BLOCKU, CONTACT: Liz Taylor, Executive Assistant 801-581-8920 l.taylor@leap.utah.edu or visit www.leap.utah.edu
Andrea Haag, Administrative Assistant 801-581-3811 a.haag@ugs.utah.edu or visit ugs.utah.edu/blocku/