During a recent government meeting, the director of strategic initiatives at Weber State University outlined the institution's ambitious five-year strategic plan aimed at enhancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as improving student retention and completion rates by 2026. The plan emphasizes the importance of personal connections, academic excellence, and community engagement.

A key focus of the discussion was the role of transportation in supporting student access to education. The director highlighted the significance of public transportation options, such as the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) and OGX, in reducing barriers for students, particularly those from out of state who may not have access to a vehicle. Concerns were raised about the potential impact of the expiration of free fare programs on student mobility and retention.

In addition to transportation, the director addressed the broader challenges of affordability in higher education. Weber State aims to maintain its status as one of the lowest-cost institutions in the state while ensuring that graduates achieve a strong return on investment, with the highest earnings among state institutions ten years post-graduation.

The meeting also touched on the university's commitment to sustainability, with the director noting that Weber State has made significant strides in clean energy initiatives, including the use of 100% clean air efficiency electric vehicles. These efforts align with the university's goal to achieve sustainability by 2050 and underscore the importance of partnerships with local communities to foster economic, social, and environmental equity.

The director concluded by inviting collaboration with various organizations to further support the needs of students, faculty, and staff, emphasizing the university's dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment.