Higher Education

Last week, Gov. Spencer Cox outlined regulations on AI with "Utah values." Meanwhile, tech industry lobbyists have pushed for a ban on states being able to regulate the AI industry at all.

On this episode, a conversation with new Utah State University President Brad Mortensen, who is in the first week of his administration.

Mortensen is currently president of Weber State University, a position he has held since 2019. He will start at USU on Nov. 10.

We talk with Sadie Webb, associate director of the College Debates and Discourse Alliance, a program that teaches students and faculty how to honor ideological diversity and foster civil discourse.

The northern Utah school said seven staff and about 80 student or part-time positions have been impacted.

A limited review from the state finds that USU’s board of trustees “may not be providing sufficient oversight", possibly leading to a full audit.

In other news, the University of Utah may soon cut over 80 programs as part of budget cuts from the state legislature. And, a fast-moving fire in Summit County has forced camping evacuations.

After the passing of House Bill 265, universities across Utah have been obligated to cut costs wherever possible. Students at Utah State University are concerned about their administration’s choices.

In other news, Weber State University is freezing tuition and fees for its associate degree students. And, Provo is considering how much to charge its highest water users to encourage reduced use.

In other news, a rural Utah community is celebrating finally getting access to running water. And, graduation celebrations honoring diverse communities are largely absent in Utah this year.