USU-Tooele recently opened the doors to a new Science & Technology building on campus. The building is part of USU's ongoing mission to enhance and increase access to higher education throughout the state. It contains a chemistry lab, biology lab, zoology lab, cadaver lab, physiology lab, three multi-purpose rooms, a conference room, and various Interactive Video Conference classrooms, allowing classes to be taught both in-person and online for additional flexibility. Jennifer Van Cott recently became USU-Tooele's new Executive Director, taking over from Donna Dillingham-Evans.
Delivery
As a Regional Campus within the USU System, there are four options for course delivery:
Online
Students take courses online at their own pace during the traditional semester schedule. Assignments, discussion, and other communication take place online. Classes do not meet on a regular basis. Bachelor's degrees available online include agribusiness, family life studies, and psychology. Master's Degrees available online include English and instructional technology.
Hybrid
Courses are delivered in an online format using online videocommunication software such as Adobe Connect or Wimba. While the courses are delivered online students are usually required to participate in hybrid classes at set times. This allows for streaming video and live chat with other students and the instructor in real-time. Hybrid bachelor's degrees available include Elementary Education and Family, Consumer, & Human Development. Hybrid master's degrees include Engineering and Rehabilitation Counseling.
IVC courses are interactive classes taught in a classroom and broadcast to various locations throughout the state of Utah. Additional classrooms are able to watch video in real-time of the instructor as he or she teaches. Through microphones and camera systems, students in remote sites are able to ask and answer questions and make comments that the instructor is able to answer for all students. Most degrees available through RCDE are taught using IVC.
Face-to-Face
These are in-class, traditional higher education courses. Students attend classes and are taught by instructors in person.