Comments on: Utah Valley University: Mormon Studies Events (Announcement)

By: Benjamin Hughes

Benjamin Hughes — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:09:08 +0000

[Edited for violation of Keepa comment policy.]

Karen, a UVU student has replied to your query. If you would like to give permission for me to send him your address for a direct reply, I will do so. Be aware, however, that he tends to be bitter and judgmental, and his comments are not welcome on this blog. — AEP

By: Ardis E. Parshall

Ardis E. Parshall — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 05:59:50 +0000

Karen, UVU is located in the heart of the most Mormon region in the world, with a large proportion of its student body being LDS, so an awareness of all things LDS is inevitable. On the other hand, UVU is state-sponsored, not church-sponsored, and I have a sense that there is an element of pride in the student body and faculty that they are independent, that they are *not* BYU, the Mormon-sponsored institution that is located five miles up the road. The student organization, for example, invites speakers — filmmaker Michael Moore comes to mind — who are too controversial for BYU, and when certain political demonstrations or discussions have been barred from BYU, they often find an audience at UVU. UVU also has a decent-size contingent of international students, especially those who are working on learning English before they gain admittance to some other university, who are at UVU because there were openings and not because they are LDS.

In short, while Mormons and Mormonism would be inescapable at any school in Utah, especially in Utah County, a non-Mormon student could easily find a support system of non-LDS friends and faculty, as well as Mormon friends and faculty who are committed to an independent university education.

I hope someone with direct experience as a student at UVU will see your query and weigh in.

By: Karen Henke

Karen Henke — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 03:55:43 +0000

In regards to Utah Valley University: How much is Mormon religion expected to play in a student’s life there?

Is it looked down on, by the students and/or teachers, if someone is not Mormon?

Is the community/school involvement all about Mormon?

Thank you for your honest opinions and answers.

By: BruceCrow

BruceCrow — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 04:24:36 +0000

Wow! Bagley and Turley in the same room. Even with a moderator, that will be interesting.

By: Jared T.

Jared T. — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:26:17 +0000

Thanks for the notice, Ardis!

By: Kent (MC)

Kent (MC) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 06:32:29 +0000

Ardis, thank you for this service! I really appreciate you creating such a great site for me to link to!